Saddle-type electric vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle body structure characterized in that the strength of a fixing part is upgraded, the number of components or a machining man-hour is diminished, and safety and productivity are upgraded.SOLUTION: An electric two-wheeled vehicle includes a head pipe that supports a steering handlebar of the electric two-wheeled vehicle, a down frame 19 extending downward from the head pipe, a power unit 8 that drives the electric two-wheeled vehicle, and a battery unit 100 that supplies drive electric power to the power unit 8. The battery unit 100 and power unit 8 are fixed to the down frame 19 via a fixing part 47. The fixing part 47 is shaped like an integral projection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides Saddle-type electric vehicle Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a structure in which a boss with two holes is provided on a down frame to serve as an engine hanger. In general, this structure supports a bracket with the two holes, and the bracket and engine are fastened together with a single bolt. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4853900 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not anticipate fastening (fixing) two parts to one bracket. When fixing two parts, it is desirable to provide a vehicle body structure that increases the strength of the fixing portion while reducing the number of parts and processing man-hours, thereby improving safety and productivity.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present application aims to provide a vehicle body structure that increases the strength of the fixing portion while reducing the number of parts and processing steps, thereby improving safety and productivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] As a means for solving the above problems, the present invention has the following configuration. (1) Aspects of the present invention Saddle-type electric vehicle teeth, Saddle-type electric vehicle A head pipe (16) supporting a steering handle (13) of (1), a down frame (19) extending downward from the head pipe (16), and Saddle-type electric vehicle(1) and a battery unit (100) that supplies driving power to the power unit (8). The power unit (8) includes a drive device (50) and a control device (130) that is at least partially disposed below the drive device (50) and controls the drive device (50). The battery unit (100) has a downward extension portion (103) that extends in the vertical direction and reaches the vicinity of an upper surface of the control device (130). The down frame (19) is formed with a fixing portion (47) that has a protruding shape and is integral with the down frame (19). The fixing portion (47) includes a first support portion (47a) that protrudes rearward and upward from a front portion in a side view, and a second support portion (47b) that protrudes rearward and upward from a portion rearward and below the first support portion (47a). The downward extension portion (103) is supported by the first support portion (47a), and a protruding portion (81a) at a front portion of the control device (130) is supported by the second support portion (47b). . According to this configuration, even when two components, a battery unit and a power unit, are fixed together, the strength of the fixing portion can be increased because the fixing portion has an integral protrusion shape. In addition, compared to fixing the two components to separate brackets, the number of parts and the number of processing steps can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle body structure that increases the strength of the fixing portion while reducing the number of parts and the number of processing steps, thereby improving safety and productivity.

[0008] ( 2 )the above( 1 ) Saddle-type electric vehicle In the present invention, the control device (130) includes a terminal portion (82) for transmitting and receiving signals or power to and from the outside, and at least a portion of the terminal portion (82) may overlap the fixed portion (47) in a side view. According to this configuration, at least a portion of the terminal portion can be protected from the side by the fixing portion.

[0009] ( 3 )the above( 2 ) Saddle-type electric vehicle In this case, the fixing portions (47) are provided in multiple locations spaced apart in the vehicle width direction, and the multiple fixing portions (47) include a first fixing portion (47L) arranged on one side of the terminal portion (82) in the vehicle width direction, and a second fixing portion (47R) arranged on the other side of the terminal portion (82) in the vehicle width direction, and at least a portion of the terminal portion (82) may overlap with the first fixing portion (47L) and the second fixing portion (47R) in a side view. According to this configuration, at least a portion of the terminal portion can be protected from both sides by the fixing portion.

[0010] ( 4 )From (1) above ( 3 ) Saddle-type electric vehicle In the above, the down frame (19) may include a bent portion (19b), and the fixing portion (47) may be provided on the bent portion (19b). According to this configuration, the bent portion of the down frame has greater strength than other portions (for example, straight portions), so the fixing portion can be provided in a portion with greater strength.

[0011] ( 5 )From (1) above ( 4 ) Saddle-type electric vehicle So ,before At least a portion of the first fastening member (48a) for fastening the first support portion (47a) may overlap with the second fastening member (48b) for fastening the second support portion (47b) when viewed from the front-to-rear direction. According to this configuration, the two components, the battery unit and the power unit, can be fastened together by effectively utilizing the limited space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a vehicle body structure that increases the strength of the fixing portion while reducing the number of parts and the number of processing steps, thereby improving safety and productivity. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a left side view of an electric motorcycle (saddle-ride type electric vehicle) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a left side view of a main part of the electric motorcycle. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view (top view) of a main part of the electric motorcycle. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery unit of the electric motorcycle. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a left side view showing the inside of the battery unit. [Figure 6] 4 is a plan view (top view) of the peripheral portion of a fixing portion that fixes the battery unit and the power unit of the electric motorcycle. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the peripheral portion of the fixing portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that directions such as front, rear, up, down, left, and right in the following description are the same as directions in a vehicle described below. That is, the up and down direction coincides with the vertical direction, and the left and right direction coincides with the vehicle width direction. In the vehicle width direction, a direction away from the vehicle width center is referred to as the outward direction in the vehicle width direction, and a direction approaching the vehicle width center is referred to as the inward direction in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, in the drawings used in the following description, the arrow UP indicates upward, the arrow FR indicates forward, and the arrow LH indicates left. In the drawings, the line CL indicates the vehicle width centerline (vehicle width center).

[0015] FIG. 1 is a left side view of an electric motorcycle (saddle-ride type electric vehicle) 1 according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the electric motorcycle 1 of this embodiment is an off-road, saddle-ride type electric vehicle. The electric motorcycle 1 has a large vertical stroke for the wheels, a large ground clearance for the body, a small and lightweight body, and a concentrated mass for the body. The electric motorcycle 1 includes a front wheel 2, a rear wheel 3, a front wheel suspension system 4, a body frame 5, a body cover 6, a rear wheel suspension system 7, a power unit 8, and a battery unit 100.

[0016] The front wheel suspension system 4 includes a pair of left and right front forks 10 that pivotally support the front wheel 2 at their lower ends, a top bridge 11 and a bottom bridge 12 that are provided between the upper parts of the pair of front forks 10, and a stem pipe (not shown) that is provided between the top bridge 11 and the bottom bridge 12 and inserted into a head pipe 16. The front wheel 2 is steerably supported on the head pipe 16 of the body frame 5 via the front wheel suspension system 4. A steering handlebar 13 is supported on the top bridge 11. In the embodiment, a telescopic front fork 10 is used as the front suspension of the electric motorcycle 1, but the configuration is not limited to this. For example, the front suspension may be of another type, such as a link type that uses a swing arm.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the main parts of the electric motorcycle 1, and FIG. 3 is a plan view (top view) of the main parts of the electric motorcycle 1. 1 to 3, the body frame 5 includes a head pipe 16, a pair of left and right main frames 17, a pair of left and right pivot frames 18, a single down frame 19, a pair of left and right lower frames 20, gusset pipes 21 connecting the left and right main frames 17 and the down frames 19, cross members 22, and lower cross members 23, which are joined together by welding or the like. Hereinafter, the assembly of these frame members that are inseparably integrated will be referred to as the "frame main body."

[0018] The head pipe 16 is located at the vehicle width center CL and is provided singly at the front end of the body frame 5. The head pipe 16 supports the stem pipe so that the stem pipe is inserted therethrough and is rotatable. The pair of main frames 17 branch out to the left and right from the upper part of the head pipe 16 and extend rearward and downward. The pair of main frames 17 are joined to each other at their front ends. In a plan view seen from above, the front portions of the pair of main frames 17 extend while curving so as to bulge outward in the vehicle width direction behind the head pipe 16. In a plan view seen from above, the rear portions of the pair of main frames 17 extend linearly along the fore-and-aft direction.

[0019] The pair of pivot frames 18 each extend rearward and downward from the rear end of the corresponding left and right main frames 17. The pair of pivot frames 18 extend in a curved manner so as to form a convex arc shape that protrudes rearward in a side view. A pivot shaft 33 extending in the vehicle width direction is installed between middle portions of the pair of pivot frames 18 that are closer to the bottom in the up-down direction. Note that the term "middle" used in the embodiment means not only the center between both ends of an object but also the range inside between both ends of an object.

[0020] The down frame 19 extends rearward and downward from a lower portion of the head pipe 16. In a side view, the down frame 19 extends rearward and downward at a steeper incline than the main frame 17. A radiator 91 for cooling the power unit 8 is attached to at least one of the right and left side portions of the down frame 19 (the left side portion in this embodiment). The pair of lower frames 20 branch out to the left and right and extend rearward from the lower end of the down frame 19. The rear ends of the pair of lower frames 20 are connected to the lower ends of the pivot frames 18 on the same left and right sides, respectively.

[0021] The left and right side portions of the gusset pipe 21 connect the main frame 17 and down frame 19 on the same left and right side. The gusset pipe 21 branches off to the left and right from a middle portion near the top in the vertical direction of the down frame 19 and extends rearward. The rear end portions of the gusset pipes 21 are connected to middle portions in the front-to-rear direction of the main frame 17 on the same left and right side.

[0022] The cross member 22 extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the rear portions of the pair of main frames 17 (or the upper portions of the pair of pivot frames 18). A cushion support bracket 22a extending rearward and upward is fixed to the inside of the cross member 22 in the vehicle width direction. The upper end of the rear cushion 32 and the battery unit 100 are connected to the cushion support bracket 22a.

[0023] The lower cross member 23 extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the lower parts of the pair of pivot frames 18 below the pivot shaft 33. A link support bracket 23a extending rearward is fixed to the inside of the lower cross member 23 in the vehicle width direction. A front end of a link arm 34 is connected to the link support bracket 23a.

[0024] The body frame 5 further includes a pair of left and right seat rails 24 and a pair of left and right support rails 25. The front end of each of the left and right seat rails 24 is connected to the upper end of the pivot frame 18 on the same side. Each of the left and right seat rails 24 extends rearward and upward from the front end. A seat 9 is disposed above the left and right seat rails 24. The front and rear intermediate portions of the left and right seat rails 24 are connected to each other via a seat support bracket 28 that supports the load from the seat 9.

[0025] The left and right support rails 25 are located below the left and right seat rails 24. The front end of each of the left and right support rails 25 is connected to the vertical middle portion of the pivot frame 18 on the same side. Each of the left and right support rails 25 extends rearward and upward from the front end. The rear end of each of the left and right support rails 25 is connected from below to the rear portion of the seat rail 24 on the same side.

[0026] The rear portions of the left and right seat rails 24 are connected by a cross rail 26 that extends in the vehicle width direction. The pair of left and right seat rails 24, the pair of left and right support rails 25, and the cross rail 26 are joined together by welding or the like. Hereinafter, the assembly in which these frame members are inseparably integrated is referred to as a subframe that is detachable from the frame main body. The subframe corresponds to a seat frame that supports the seat 9 from below.

[0027] The body frame 5 is of a semi-double cradle type. The body frame 5 mounts a power unit 8 including a motor 50 below the rear of left and right main frames 17 behind a head pipe 16 and in front of left and right pivot frames 18. The body frame 5 surrounds the power unit 8 from the front and below with a single down frame 19 and left and right lower frames 20.

[0028] A power unit 8 for running the vehicle is mounted inside the body frame 5, and a battery unit 100 for storing electricity to be supplied to the power unit 8 is also mounted inside the body frame 5. The battery unit 100 can be inserted and removed from above through an opening between the left and right main frames 17. The front portions of the left and right main frames 17 and the gusset pipe 21 have a large curvature outward in the vehicle width direction to ensure clearance with the front portion of the battery unit 100.

[0029] The body cover 6 covers the body frame 5 and the like. The body cover 6 includes a pair of left and right front side cowls 41 and a pair of left and right rear side cowls 42. The pair of front side cowls 41 are disposed from positions below the left and right sides of the front of the seat 9 to positions overlapping with the upper parts of the down frames 19 in a side view seen from the vehicle width direction. Each front side cowl 41 extends from below the front of the seat 9 toward the front, widening in a side view. Each front side cowl 41 extends so as to straddle the outward side of the main frame 17 on the same side in the vehicle width direction. At least one of the front side cowls 41 functions as an air guide plate (radiator shroud) for the radiator 91 supported on the side of the down frame 19.

[0030] The pair of rear side cowls 42 are disposed below the left and right sides of the rear of the seat 9 in a side view. Each rear side cowl 42 is disposed so as to cover the seat rail 24 and the support rail 25 on the same left and right side from the outside in the vehicle width direction. A rear fender 43r extends rearward behind the seat 9. The rear fender 43r is disposed above the rear wheel 3 at a distance. In the drawing, reference numeral 43f denotes a front fender that is disposed above the front wheel 2 at a distance and supported by the bottom bridge 12. A top cover 44 is disposed in front of the seat 9 between the upper ends of the front-rear intermediate portions of the pair of front side cowls 41. The top cover 44 covers the upward protrusion 110 (see FIG. 2) of the battery unit 100 from above.

[0031] The rear wheel suspension system 7 includes a swing arm 30 that supports the rear wheel 3 at its rear end, a link mechanism 31 that connects the front of the swing arm 30 to the lower cross member 23, and a rear cushion 32 that spans between the link mechanism 31 and the cross member 22. The swing arm 30 is disposed below the rear of the vehicle body and extends in the front-to-rear direction. The front end of the swing arm 30 is supported by a pair of pivot frames 18 via pivot shafts 33 so as to be able to swing up and down.

[0032] The link mechanism 31 includes a pair of left and right link arms 34 and a link member 35. The pair of link arms 34 are disposed below the front portion of the swing arm 30 in a side view and extend in the front-to-rear direction. The front end of the link arm 34 is rotatably connected to the link support bracket 23a of the lower cross member 23 via a shaft extending along the vehicle width direction. The rear end of the link arm 34 is rotatably connected to the link member 35 via a shaft extending along the vehicle width direction.

[0033] The link member 35 is formed in a roughly triangular shape in a side view. An upper apex of the link member 35 is rotatably connected to a link connecting portion at the midpoint between the front and rear of the swing arm 30 via a shaft extending in the vehicle width direction. A lower apex of the link member 35 is rotatably connected to the rear end of the link arm 34 via a shaft extending in the vehicle width direction. A front apex of the link member 35 is rotatably connected to the lower end of the rear cushion 32 via a shaft extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0034] The rear cushion 32 is provided on the inner side of the rear portion of the vehicle body in the vehicle width direction (for example, on the vehicle width center CL). The rear cushion 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a compression coil spring disposed on the outer periphery of a damper cylinder, and is disposed with its axial direction tilted forward with respect to the vertical direction. An upper end of the rear cushion 32 is rotatably connected to the cushion support bracket 22a of the cross member 22 via a shaft extending along the vehicle width direction. A lower end of the rear cushion 32 is rotatably connected to the front top of the link member 35 via a shaft extending along the vehicle width direction. In the embodiment, a configuration in which a single rear cushion 32 is provided on the inner side in the vehicle width direction is illustrated, but this configuration is not limited to this. For example, other configurations are also possible, such as a configuration in which a pair of left and right rear cushions 32 are provided between the rear portion of the swing arm 30 and the seat frame.

[0035] The power unit 8 includes a motor 50 for driving the vehicle, a reducer (not shown) that reduces the output of the motor 50, an output shaft 70 that outputs the power of the motor 50 reduced by the reducer, a PCU (Power Control Unit) 130 that controls the motor 50, and a housing 80 that accommodates the driving parts such as the motor 50 and the reducer, as well as the PCU 130.

[0036] The power unit 8 is configured as an integrated unit including the motor 50, the reducer, the output shaft 70, the PCU 130, and the housing 80. The PCU 130 is disposed below the motor 50. The housing 80 forms the outer shape of the power unit 8. The power unit 8 can be cooled by a water-cooling system including a radiator 91.

[0037] The motor 50 is disposed with its rotational axis aligned with the vehicle width direction. The motor 50 is housed in a motor case 54 formed in the upper part of the housing 80. A gear-type reducer is disposed on one of the left and right sides of the motor 50. The output shaft 70 is disposed at the rear lower part of the motor case 54. The output shaft 70 extends in the vehicle width direction, with its left end protruding outside the housing 80. The left end of the output shaft 70 and the rear wheel 3 are linked via a chain transmission mechanism 77. This allows the output of the motor 50 to be transmitted to the rear wheel 3.

[0038] The PCU 130 is a control device that includes a PDU (Power Drive Unit) that is a motor driver, an ECU (Electric Control Unit) that controls the PDU, etc. The PDU includes an inverter, and converts the current supplied from the battery unit 100 from direct current to alternating current, and then supplies the current to the motor 50. The PCU 130 is accommodated in a PCU case 81 of the housing 80.

[0039] In addition to the motor case 54, the housing 80 includes a PCU case 81 that houses the PCU 130. The PCU case 81 is disposed below the motor case 54. The PCU case 81 houses the PCU 130 inside. The front portion of the PCU case 81 protrudes forward beyond the front end portion of the motor case 54.

[0040] The power unit 8 (housing 80) is supported on the body frame 5 via multiple fixing portions (including rubber mounts). The power unit 8 is disposed in front of (on the inner periphery of) the pivot frame 18, which is curved in a convex arc shape that protrudes rearward in side view. The power unit 8 is disposed above the lower frame 20. The power unit 8 is disposed below the lower rear end of the main frame 17 in side view. The power unit 8 has an upper portion (motor case 54) disposed at a distance behind the down frame 19, and a lower portion (PCU case 81) extending to the vicinity of the lower end of the down frame 19. The lower portion of the PCU case 81 is covered by an undercover 27 attached to the lower frame 20.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the battery unit 100, and FIG. 5 is a left side view showing the inside of the battery unit 100. As shown in FIG. 1 to 5, the battery unit 100 is formed in a roughly L-shape in a side view, and is disposed over the power unit 8 from the front to the top. The battery unit 100 has a constant overall left-right width, and is disposed so as to fit between the inner surfaces of the left and right main frames 17 in the vehicle width direction in a plan view. The battery unit 100 has a roughly square shape in a side view and includes a central portion 101 disposed at a position overlapping the main frames 17, a rearward extending portion 102 extending rearward from the rear end of the central portion 101, and a downward extending portion 103 extending downward from the bottom end of the central portion 101.

[0042] The central portion 101 is disposed so that its upper rear portion protrudes above the main frame 17 and its lower front portion protrudes below the main frame 17 in a side view. The portion of the central portion 101 that protrudes above the main frame 17 is covered from the outside in the vehicle width direction by the rear portion of the front side cowl 41. The main frame 17 is disposed so as to diagonally cross the outside of the central portion 101 in the vehicle width direction. The front end portion of the central portion 101 is supported by the vertical middle portion of the down frame 19 via a first mount bracket 45. In the drawing, reference numeral 101a denotes a first mount portion provided at the front end portion of the central portion 101.

[0043] The rearward extending portion 102 extends rearward between the upper end of the rear cushion 32 and the underside of the seat 9 in the vertical direction. The rearward extending portion 102 extends rearward to a position where it overlaps with the front-to-rear middle portion of the seat rail 24 in a side view. The seat support bracket 28 is formed in a U-shape so as to straddle the rearward extending portion 102 from above to the left and right. The lower end of the rearward extending portion 102 is supported by the cross member 22 via a second mounting bracket 46. The second mounting bracket 46 is formed integrally with, for example, the cushion support bracket 22a. In the drawing, reference numeral 102a denotes a second mounting portion provided at the lower end of the rearward extending portion 102. A 12V battery 29 for accessories is disposed further rearward of the rear extension 102. The 12V battery 29 is supported on the rear portion of the seat frame. Reference numeral 43i in the drawing denotes a rear inner fender that is supported by the support rail 25 and prevents the rear wheel 3 from being lifted up.

[0044] The downward extending portion 103 extends downward in the front-rear direction between the lower portion of the down frame 19 and the motor case 54 of the power unit 8. The downward extending portion 103 extends to the vicinity of the upper surface of the PCU case 81. The lower end portions of the downward extending portion 103 are supported on the front end portions of the left and right lower frames 20 via third mount brackets 47. In the drawing, reference numeral 103a denotes a third mount portion provided at the lower end portion of the downward extending portion 103.

[0045] The battery unit 100 includes a center plate 105 located on the vehicle width center CL, a pair of left and right battery assemblies 106 located on both the left and right sides of the center plate 105, and a pair of left and right battery covers 107 that cover the left and right battery assemblies 106. The battery unit 100 is provided symmetrically overall with the vehicle width center CL as the axis of symmetry. By providing the battery units 100, which are heavy objects, symmetrically, the impact of the vehicle weight on the left and right balance is reduced.

[0046] Each battery assembly 106 is formed by combining multiple battery modules 108. Each battery module 108 has a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in one direction, and is arranged with its length aligned along the front-to-rear direction or the up-to-down direction. Each battery module 108 is formed by arranging multiple battery cells 109 vertically and horizontally. The battery cells 109, and therefore the battery modules 108, are arranged with their positions aligned in the vehicle width direction.

[0047] Each battery module 108 has a slender outer shape that is long in one direction, making it easy to arrange even in a small space. The battery unit 100 can easily be shaped to fit the available space in the vehicle body by rearranging the multiple battery modules 108 to change the overall outer shape. Increasing the freedom of shape of the heavy battery unit 100 and increasing the freedom of arrangement in the available space in the vehicle body reduces the impact on the center of gravity of the vehicle.

[0048] The central portion 101, which is square in side view, is formed by, for example, arranging three battery modules 108 with their length directions facing up and down, and arranging these three battery modules 108 side by side in the front-to-back direction. The rearward extending portion 102, which is rectangular in side view, is formed by arranging one battery module 108 with its length direction facing up and down. The downward extending portion 103, which is rectangular in side view, is formed by arranging one battery module 108 with its length direction facing up and down.

[0049] The upper end of the battery unit 100 is provided with an upward protrusion 110 that houses electrical components such as contactors. The upward protrusion 110 protrudes higher than the main frame 17 in a side view and is covered from above by the top cover 44. The upward protrusion 110 is provided with a plate extension 111 that extends the upper end of the center plate 105 higher than the upper end of the battery assembly 106. Electrical components such as contactors are attached to both the left and right sides of the plate extension 111. The upper ends of the left and right battery covers 107 are provided with cover extensions 112 that extend higher than the upper end of the battery assembly 106 to match the plate extension 111. The left and right cover extensions 112 cover the plate extensions 111 from the left and right outer sides, preventing the electrical components such as contactors from being exposed to the outside of the vehicle.

[0050] The rear portions of the plate extension 111 and the left and right cover extensions 112 are located below the front portion of the seat 9, which is inclined upward toward the front. The upper rear portions of the plate extension 111 and the left and right cover extensions 112 are formed with an inclined shape that is inclined upward toward the front in a side view, in accordance with the inclination of the front portion of the seat 9. The outer portions of the left and right cover extensions 112 in the vehicle width direction are formed with an inclined chamfered shape that is positioned lower as they move outward in the vehicle width direction. This reduces the bulkiness of the upward protrusion 110, and gives the top cover 44 a rounded, compact shape.

[0051] The front end of the battery unit 100 is provided with an upward protrusion 110 and a cable connection part 114 that protrudes forward from the front end above the central part 101. One end of a high-voltage cable (positive cable and negative cable) extending from the PCU is connected to the cable connection part 114, and one end of a low-voltage cable extending from the 12V battery 29 is also connected to the cable connection part 114. A driving current is supplied from the battery unit 100 to the PCU 130 via the high-voltage cable, and a driving current is supplied from the 12V battery 29 to electrical components such as contactors via the low-voltage cable.

[0052] Fig. 6 is a plan view (top view) of the peripheral portion of the fixing portion 47 that fastens the battery unit 100 and the power unit 8. Fig. 6 shows the state in which the power unit 8 and the like have been removed. Fig. 7 is a left side view of the peripheral portion of the fixing portion 47. 6 and 7, the battery unit 100 and the power unit 8 are fastened to the down frame 19 via a fixing portion 47 (corresponding to a third mounting bracket). The fixing portion 47 has an integral protrusion shape.

[0053] The fixing portion 47 has a shape in which, in a side view, an upper edge is bifurcated and protrudes upward, and a lower edge extends at an inclination downward and rearward so as to fit along the down frame 19. The fixing portion 47 is formed in a plate shape having a thickness in the vehicle width direction. The fixing portion 47 includes a front protrusion 47a (an example of a first support portion) that protrudes rearward and upward from a front portion in a side view, and a rear protrusion 47b (an example of a second support portion) that protrudes rearward and upward from a portion rearward and lower than the front protrusion 47a. The protrusion height (upper end position) of the front protrusion 47a is higher than the protrusion height (upper end position) of the rear protrusion 47b.

[0054] The battery unit 100 has a downward extension 103 that extends downward between the lower part of the down frame 19 and the motor case 54. The downward extension 103 extends to near the upper surface of the front part of the PCU case 81. A third mount 103a is provided at the front lower end of the downward extension 103. The third mount 103a is fastened to the front protrusion 47a of the fixing part 47.

[0055] The power unit 8 includes a motor 50 (an example of a drive device) and a PCU 130 (an example of a control device), at least a portion of which is arranged below the motor 50. A portion of the PCU 130 arranged below the motor 50 is fastened to the fixing portion 47. A PCU case 81 arranged below the motor case 54 is fastened to the fixing portion 47. A front portion of the PCU case 81 protrudes forward beyond the front end portion of the motor case 54. A front portion (protrusion 81a) of the PCU case 81 is fastened to a rear projection 47b of the fixing portion 47.

[0056] The PCU 130 includes a terminal unit 82 that transmits and receives signals or power to and from the outside. At least a portion of the terminal unit 82 overlaps with the fixing unit 47 in a side view. For example, the terminal unit 82 is a cable provided to drive a water pump (not shown). The terminal unit 82 includes a plug 82a disposed on the PCU 130 side and a cable main body 82b extending from the plug 82a.

[0057] In a side view, the plug 82a extends from the front of the PCU 130, passing below the bolts 48a, 48b, and toward the front and upper side. In a side view, the rear end of the plug 82a overlaps with the front of the PCU case 81. In a side view, the front end of the plug 82a overlaps with the vicinity of the lower end of the down frame 19 (the portion between the fixing portion 47 and the lower frame 20 in the up-down direction).

[0058] The plug 82a is inclined so that its rear end is located at the vehicle width center CL and its front end is located to the left of the vehicle width center CL in a top view. The cable main body 82b curves and extends from the front end of the plug 82a toward the front left in a top view. In this embodiment, a portion of the plug 82a in the terminal portion 82 (a portion near the front-to-rear center) overlaps with the rear lower portion of the fixing portion 47 (a portion below the bolt 48b inserted through the rear protrusion 47b) in a side view.

[0059] A plurality of fixing portions 47 are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction. The plurality of fixing portions 47 include a first fixing portion 47L arranged on one side of terminal portion 82 in the vehicle width direction and a second fixing portion 47R arranged on the other side of terminal portion 82 in the vehicle width direction. At least a portion of terminal portion 82 overlaps with first fixing portion 47L and second fixing portion 47R in a side view.

[0060] The lower portion of the down frame 19 is provided with an extending portion 19c that branches to the left and right and extends rearward and downward so as to connect to the pair of lower frames 20. The first fixing portion 47L corresponds to a left-side third mount bracket provided on the left-side extending portion 19c of the lower portion of the down frame 19. The second fixing portion 47R corresponds to a right-side third mount bracket provided on the right-side extending portion 19c of the lower portion of the down frame 19. The first fixing portion 47L and the second fixing portion 47R have outer edge shapes that overlap each other in a side view.

[0061] In the embodiment, a portion of the plug 82a in the terminal portion 82 (a portion toward the center in the front-to-rear direction) is positioned between the first fixing portion 47L on the left side and the second fixing portion 47R on the right side, and overlaps with the rear lower portion of each of the first fixing portion 47L and the second fixing portion 47R (the lower portion of the bolt 48b inserted into the rear protrusion portion 47b) in a side view.

[0062] The down frame 19 has a bent portion 19b. The fixing portion 47 is provided at the bent portion 19b. The down frame 19 has an L-shape in side view with the bent portion 19b at its front lower portion. The down frame 19 has a pair of extension portions 19c extending rearward and downward from the bent portion 19b in side view.

[0063] The fixing portion 47 is provided so that its front portion is located near the bent portion 19b and its rear portion is located on the lower end side of the extending portion 19c (near the front end of the lower frame 20). The fixing portion 47 is integrally joined to a portion of the down frame 19 near the bent portion 19b. For example, the fixing portion 47 may be formed integrally with the portion of the down frame 19 near the bent portion 19b using the same member.

[0064] Bolts 48a, 48b extending in the vehicle width direction are fastened to the first fixing portion 47L and the second fixing portion 47R. In this embodiment, the battery unit 100 and the power unit 8 are fastened to the down frame 19 via the fixing portions 47 by the two bolts 48a, 48b. At least a portion of the bolt 48a (an example of a first fastening member) for fastening the front protrusion 47a overlaps with the bolt 48b (an example of a second fastening member) for fastening the rear protrusion 47b when viewed from the front-rear direction.

[0065] For example, a bolt 48a is inserted from the left into the through-hole of the front protrusion 47a of the first fixing portion 47L, and the bolt 48a is made to protrude through the through-hole of the third mounting portion 103a of the downward extending portion 103 of the battery unit 100 and the through-hole of the front protrusion 47a of the second fixing portion 47R, and is then screwed into the nut 49. In this way, the third mounting portion 103a of the battery unit 100 can be fastened to the down frame 19 via the front protrusions 47a of both fixing portions 47L, 47R with one bolt 48a.

[0066] For example, bolt 48b is inserted from the left into the through-hole of rear protrusion 47b of first fixing portion 47L, and is made to protrude through a through-hole in the front part (protrusion 81a) of PCU case 81 of power unit 8 and the through-hole in rear protrusion 47b of second fixing portion 47R, and is screwed into nut 49. In this way, with one bolt 48b, protrusion 81a of power unit 8 can be fastened to down frame 19 via the rear protrusions 47b of both fixing portions 47L, 47R.

[0067] The battery unit 100 and the power unit 8 may be fastened together with three or more bolts, not limited to the above. For example, the manner in which the battery unit 100 and the power unit 8 are fastened together (the number and locations of bolts and nuts) is not limited to the above, and can be changed according to design specifications.

[0068] As described above, the electric motorcycle 1 in the above embodiment includes the head pipe 16 that supports the steering handlebars 13 of the electric motorcycle 1, the down frame 19 that extends downward from the head pipe 16, the power unit 8 that drives the electric motorcycle 1, and the battery unit 100 that supplies driving power to the power unit 8. The battery unit 100 and the power unit 8 are fixed to the down frame 19 via fixing parts 47. The fixing parts 47 are integral protrusions. According to this configuration, even when two components, the battery unit 100 and the power unit 8, are fixed together, the strength of the fixing portion 47 can be increased because the fixing portion 47 has an integral protrusion shape. In addition, the number of components can be reduced compared to when the two components are fixed to separate brackets. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle body structure that increases the strength of the fixing portion 47 while reducing the number of components and processing man-hours, thereby improving safety and productivity.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the power unit 8 includes the motor 50 and the PCU 130, at least a portion of which is disposed below the motor 50. A portion 81 of the PCU 130 that is disposed below the motor 50 is fixed to the fixing portion 47. According to this configuration, by fixing a portion 81 of the PCU 130 located below the motor 50 to the highly rigid fixing portion 47, vibrations of the motor 50 can be suppressed as much as possible, and the transmission of vibrations to the PCU 130 can be prevented.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the PCU 130 includes the terminal portion 82 for transmitting and receiving signals or power to and from the outside. At least a portion of the terminal portion 82 overlaps with the fixing portion 47 in a side view. According to this configuration, at least a part of the terminal portion 82 can be protected from the side by the fixing portion 47.

[0071] In the above embodiment, a plurality of fixing portions 47 are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction. The plurality of fixing portions 47 include a first fixing portion 47L arranged on one side of terminal portion 82 in the vehicle width direction and a second fixing portion 47R arranged on the other side of terminal portion 82 in the vehicle width direction. At least a portion of terminal portion 82 overlaps with first fixing portion 47L and second fixing portion 47R in a side view. According to this configuration, at least a portion of the terminal portion 82 can be protected by the fixing portion 47 from both sides.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the down frame 19 includes the bent portion 19b. The fixing portion 47 is provided on the bent portion 19b. According to this configuration, the bent portion 19b of the down frame 19 has higher strength than other portions (for example, straight portions), and therefore the fixing portion 47 can be provided in a portion with higher strength.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the fixing portion 47 includes a first support portion 47a that supports a front lower portion of the battery unit 100, and a second support portion 47b that supports a front lower portion of the power unit 8. At least a portion of the first fastening member 48a for fastening the first support portion 47a overlaps with the second fastening member 48b for fastening the second support portion 47b when viewed from the front-rear direction. According to this configuration, the two components, the battery unit 100 and the power unit 8, can be fastened together by effectively utilizing the limited space.

[0074] <Modification> In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the power unit includes a drive unit and a control unit at least a portion of which is disposed below the drive unit, and a portion of the control unit disposed below the drive unit is fixed to the fixing portion. However, this is not limiting. For example, the drive unit may be fixed to the fixing portion. For example, the manner in which the power unit is fixed to the fixing portion can be changed according to design specifications.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the control device includes a terminal portion for transmitting and receiving signals or power to and from the outside, and at least a portion of the terminal portion overlaps with the fixed portion in a side view. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the entire terminal portion does not need to overlap with the fixed portion in a side view. For example, the manner in which the terminal portion overlaps with the fixed portion in a side view can be changed depending on the design specifications.

[0076] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which a plurality of fixing portions are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction, the plurality of fixing portions including a first fixing portion disposed on one side of the terminal portion in the vehicle width direction and a second fixing portion disposed on the other side of the terminal portion in the vehicle width direction, and at least a portion of the terminal portion overlaps with the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion in a side view, but this is not limited to this. For example, one fixing portion may be provided in the vehicle width direction. For example, at least a portion of the terminal portion may overlap with one fixing portion in a side view. For example, the configuration of the fixing portions (such as the number and location) can be changed according to design specifications.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the down frame has a bent portion, and the fixing portion is provided at the bent portion. However, this is not limiting. For example, the fixing portion may be provided at a portion other than the bent portion (for example, a straight portion). For example, the installation mode of the fixing portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the fixing portion includes a first support portion that supports a front lower portion of the battery unit and a second support portion that supports a front lower portion of the power unit, and at least a portion of the first fastening member for fastening the first support portion overlaps with the second fastening member for fastening the second support portion when viewed from the front-rear direction. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the entire first fastening member does not need to overlap with the second fastening member when viewed from the front-rear direction. For example, the manner in which the first fastening member overlaps with the second fastening member when viewed from the front-rear direction can be changed depending on the design specifications.

[0079] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the power unit includes a motor (an example of a drive device) for driving the vehicle and a PCU (an example of a control device) that controls the motor, but this is not limiting. For example, the power unit may include an engine (an example of a drive device) and an ECU (an example of a control device) that controls the engine. For example, the configuration of the power unit (the configuration of the drive device and the control device) can be changed according to design specifications.

[0080] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the configurations of the embodiments may be applied not only to off-road motorcycles but also to various saddle-ride vehicles. Saddle-ride vehicles include all vehicles on which a rider straddles the body, and include not only motorcycles (including motorized bicycles and scooter-type vehicles), but also three-wheeled vehicles (including vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels, as well as vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel) or four-wheeled vehicles (such as four-wheeled buggies). The configurations in the above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiments with well-known components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 1 Electric two-wheeled vehicle (vehicle) 8 Power Unit 13 Steering handle 16 Head pipe 19 Down Frame 19b Bend part 47 Third mounting bracket (fixed part) 47a Front protrusion (first support part) 47b Rear protrusion (second support part) 47L Left side third mounting bracket (first fixed part) 47R Right side third mounting bracket (second fixing part) 48a Bolt (first fastening member) 48b Bolt (second fastening member) 50 Motor (drive unit) 81 PCU case (the part of the control device located below the drive unit) 82 Terminal section 100 Battery Unit 130 PCU (control unit)

Claims

1. A head pipe (16) that supports a steering handle (13) of a saddle-type electric vehicle (1), a down frame (19) extending downward from the head pipe (16); a power unit (8) that drives the saddle-ride type electric vehicle (1); a battery unit (100) that supplies driving power to the power unit (8), The power unit (8) includes a drive device (50) and a control device (130) that is at least partially disposed below the drive device (50) and controls the drive device (50), The battery unit (100) has a downward extension (103) extending in the vertical direction and extending to the vicinity of the upper surface of the control device (130), The down frame (19) is formed with a protruding fixing portion (47) that is integral with the down frame (19), The fixing portion (47) includes a first support portion (47a) that protrudes rearward and upward from a front portion in a side view, and a second support portion (47b) that protrudes rearward and upward from a portion rearward and lower than the first support portion (47a), The downward extending portion (103) is supported by the first supporting portion (47a), a protrusion (81 a) at the front of the control device (130) is supported by the second support portion (47 b); Saddle-type electric vehicle.

2. The control device (130) includes a terminal unit (82) for transmitting and receiving signals or power to and from the outside, At least a portion of the terminal portion (82) overlaps with the fixing portion (47) in a side view. The saddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 1 .

3. The fixing portion (47) is provided in plurality at intervals in the vehicle width direction, The plurality of fixing portions (47) include a first fixing portion (47L) arranged on one side of the terminal portion (82) in the vehicle width direction and a second fixing portion (47R) arranged on the other side of the terminal portion (82) in the vehicle width direction, At least a portion of the terminal portion (82) overlaps with the first fixing portion (47L) and the second fixing portion (47R) in a side view. The saddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 2.

4. The down frame (19) has a bending portion (19b), The fixing portion (47) is provided on the bending portion (19b). The saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. At least a portion of a first fastening member (48a) for fastening the first support portion (47a) overlaps with a second fastening member (48b) for fastening the second support portion (47b) when viewed from the front-to-rear direction. The saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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