vehicle

Abstract

Provided is a vehicle comprising a rotary electric machine in which a heated cooling medium can easily circulate and which features improved heat dissipation efficiency.　The vehicle includes: a rotary electric machine (13) comprising and a stator (90) and a rotor (91) that rotates about a rotational axis (92) disposed roughly parallel to a vehicle axle (12a); an inner wall (80) that encloses the outer periphery of the rotary electric machine (13); and an outer wall (72) disposed at a prescribed interval from the inner wall (80). The outer wall (72) is provided with at least two openings (72A, 72B), with at least one of the two openings (72A, 72B) being provided above the rotational axis (92).

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, a configuration for cooling an electric motor in a vehicle is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, a flow path for flowing air caused by running the vehicle is formed between a casing of the motor and a housing that covers the casing, and multiple fins are arranged in the flow path to efficiently dissipate heat from the motor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-116062 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that heated air may remain in the flow path when the vehicle is stopped, leaving room for improvement in heat dissipation efficiency. Also, when an electric motor is applied to a saddle-ride type vehicle, a structure that can remove foreign matter such as sand or pebbles that may flow in with the wind while the vehicle is running is desired. The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a vehicle equipped with a rotating electric machine in which a heated cooling medium is easily circulated and heat dissipation efficiency is improved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The vehicle has a rotating electric machine consisting of a rotor that rotates around a rotating axis arranged approximately parallel to the axle and a stator, an inner wall that surrounds the outer periphery of the rotating electric machine, and an outer wall that is arranged at a predetermined distance from the inner wall, and is characterized in that at least two openings are provided in the outer wall, and at least one of the two openings is provided above the rotating axis. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] A vehicle can be provided that includes a rotating electric machine in which the heated cooling medium is easily circulated and heat dissipation efficiency is improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the swing arm as seen from the left rear. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the motor mounting portion. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a left side view of the swing arm showing the periphery of the motor mounting portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[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, in each drawing, the symbol FR indicates the front of the vehicle body, the symbol UP indicates the upper side of the vehicle body, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the vehicle body.

[0009] [Embodiment Mode] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle 10 according to the present embodiment. The saddle-type vehicle 10 is an electric motorcycle that includes a body frame 11, an electric motor 13 that drives a rear wheel 12 that is a drive wheel, a front fork 15 that supports a front wheel 14 so that it can be steered, a swing arm 16 that supports the rear wheel 12, and a seat 17 for a passenger. The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is a vehicle in which a rider sits astride on a seat 17. The saddle-ride type vehicle 10 of this embodiment is an electric scooter having a low floor portion 18.

[0010] 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, a pair of left and right underframes 22 extending rearward from the lower end of the down frame 21, and a pair of left and right side frames 23 extending diagonally upward and rearward from the rear end of the underframe 22. The pair of left and right side frames 23 have rising frame portions 24 extending diagonally upward and rearward from the respective underframes 22, and rear frame portions 25 extending rearward from the rising frame portions 24. The rear ends of the pair of left and right rear frame portions 25 are connected by a tail pipe 26.

[0011] A pair of left and right front forks 15 are steerably attached to the 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.

[0012] A pivot bracket 27 extending rearward is provided between the underframe 22 and the side frame 23. A pivot shaft 28 extending in the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) is supported at the rear end of the pivot bracket 27. A swing arm 16 extending along the front-to-rear direction of the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is journaled on the pivot shaft 28. The swing arm 16 extends from the pivot shaft 28 to the left of the rear wheel 12. The rear end of the swing arm 16 supports the rear wheel 12 via an axle 12a.

[0013] 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. Therefore, the swing arm 16 is configured as a swing-type power unit. A rear cushion 29 is connected between the rear end of the swing arm 16 and the left rear frame portion 25.

[0014] The rear frame portion 25 supports from below the seat 17 on which an occupant sits. A battery 30 is disposed below the seat 17. The battery 30 is supported by a pair of left and right side frames 23 and a pipe 24a that connects the upright frame portions 24 at the front.

[0015] A PCU (power control unit) 31 serving as an electronic component is supported diagonally below and behind the battery 30. The PCU 31 is supported by the left and right upright frame portions 24. The PCU 31 includes an inverter and the like, and, for example, converts DC power supplied from the battery 30 into AC power and supplies the converted AC power to the electric motor 13. Furthermore, when the electric motor 13 is in a regenerative state, the PCU 31 converts AC power generated by the electric motor 13 into DC power and charges the battery 30. Note that the locations of the battery 30 and PCU 31 shown in FIG. 1 are merely examples, and the battery 30 and PCU 31 may be located elsewhere within the saddle-ride type vehicle 10. For example, the battery 30 may be located in the space between a pair of left and right underframes 22.

[0016] The body frame 11 is covered by a body cover 40 . The 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, a rear side cover 46, and the like.

[0017] 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 located above the front cover 41 and covers the left-right central portion 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.

[0018] The floor side covers 44 are connected to the leg shield 43 and the under-seat cover 45, and cover the pair of left and right underframes 22 from both the left and right sides. The rear side covers 46 are connected to the rear edge of the under-seat cover 45, and cover the PCU 31 and other components from both the left and right sides.

[0019] A front fender 47 that covers the front wheel 14 from above is attached to the front fork 15. A rear fender 48 that covers the rear wheel 12 from above is attached to the rear frame portion 25. Furthermore, a hugger fender 49 that directly covers the rear wheel 12 from above between the rear fender 48 and the rear wheel 12 and that can swing together with the swing arm 16 is attached to the swing arm 16.

[0020] A main stand 50 is disposed on the side of the swing arm 16. A side stand 51 is provided near the left-side stand frame portion 24.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the swing arm 16 as seen from the left rear. The swing arm 16 has a swing arm body 60 and a swing arm cover 61 attached to the swing arm body 60.

[0022] 1, the swing arm body 60 has a front end 60A extending in the vehicle width direction near the pivot shaft 28, a connecting portion 60B extending rearward from the left side of the front end 60A, a motor mounting portion 60C provided at the rear of the connecting portion 60B and positioned to the left of the rear wheel 12, and a rear end 60D provided rearward of the motor mounting portion 60C.

[0023] A front end portion 60A of the swing arm body 60 is supported by the pivot shaft 28 via a bearing (not shown). The connecting portion 60B has a shape that gradually widens from the front to the rear in a side view. The motor mounting portion 60C is formed in a substantially circular shape in a side view, and is formed so as to be recessed to the right (inward in the vehicle width direction). The rear end 60D is connected to the rear cushion 29.

[0024] In the swing arm main body 60, the rear of the connecting portion 60B and the motor mounting portion 60C are open to the left (outside in the vehicle width direction). This opening is covered from the left by a swing arm cover 61. The swing arm cover 61 is attached to the swing arm main body 60 with a plurality of bolts 62.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the motor mounting portion 60C. The motor mounting section 60C accommodates an electric motor (rotating electric machine) 13. The electric motor 13 is a three-phase AC motor. The electric motor 13 includes a stator 90 and a rotor 91.

[0026] The stator 90 has a cylindrical stator core 90A made of laminated steel plates. The stator core 90A has a plurality of slots 90B formed in the circumferential direction of the electric motor 13. The plurality of slots 90B are formed in the circumferential direction at a predetermined angular interval. Conductive wires are inserted into the slots 90B and wound around the stator core 90A. As a result, a coil 90C is provided in the stator core 90A. Insertion holes 90D and 90E are formed in the outer periphery (radial exterior) of the stator core 90A, penetrating in the axial direction (left-right direction, vehicle width direction) of the motor shaft 92. In this embodiment, the insertion holes 90D and 90E have the same hole shape. The entire insertion holes 90D and 90E are formed in the circumferential direction at a predetermined angular interval. The insertion holes 90D and 90E are formed at positions corresponding to the coils 90C. Of these, a bolt 121 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) is inserted into the insertion hole 90E. The bolt 121 in the insertion hole 90E fixes the disk-shaped case plates 94 and 95 to both axial sides of the stator 90. The case plates 94 and 95 are formed in a circular shape with the same diameter as the stator 90 when viewed in the axial direction.

[0027] A rotor 91 is disposed radially inside the stator 90. The rotor 91 has a cylindrical rotor core 91A made of laminated steel plates. A plurality of slots 91B are formed in the rotor core 91A in the circumferential direction of the electric motor 13. The plurality of slots 91B are formed in the circumferential direction at predetermined angular intervals. Magnets 91C are disposed in the slots 91B. A motor shaft (rotating shaft) 92 extending in the vehicle width direction is disposed in the radial center of the rotor core 91A.

[0028] Motor shaft 92 penetrates rotor core 91A and is fixed to rotor core 91A. Motor shaft 92 is rotatably supported by left and right case plates 94 and 95 via bearings 93A and 93B. Thus, rotor 91 is rotatably supported by case plates 94 and 95 together with motor shaft 92. That is, rotor 91 rotates about motor shaft 92, which is disposed substantially parallel to axle 12a of rear wheel 12 (see FIG. 1). Note that in the description of this embodiment, "substantially parallel" is used to mean that parallel also includes cases where the two are not parallel due to mechanical tolerances or the like.

[0029] A left end (one axial end) 92A of the motor shaft 92 protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction (to the left) from the left case plate 94. A recess 94A recessed inward in the vehicle width direction is formed in the left case plate 94 to correspond to the position of the motor shaft 92. The left end 92A and recess 94A of the motor shaft 92 are covered from the left by a cover member 96.

[0030] A resolver (rotation angle detection unit) 100 is disposed in the recess 94A and detects the rotation angle of the motor shaft 92. The resolver 100 has a resolver rotor 100A attached to the motor shaft 92 and a resolver stator 100B facing the resolver rotor 100A. The resolver stator 100B is fixed to the left case plate 94.

[0031] A right end (the other axial end) 92B of the motor shaft 92 protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction (to the right) from the right case plate 95. A right end 96B of the motor shaft 92 protrudes into a speed reducer housing 98 provided on the right side of the swing arm body 60. A speed reduction mechanism 99 is disposed in the speed reducer housing 98, and the right end 92B of the motor shaft 92 is connected to the speed reduction mechanism 99 via a gear. The driving force generated by the rotation of the rotor 91 is transmitted to the axle 12a of the rear wheel 12 by the speed reduction mechanism 99.

[0032] Between the right case plate 95 and the motor shaft 92, an oil seal 97A and an O-ring 97B are provided to prevent leakage of lubricating oil from the reducer housing portion 98 to the case plate 95.

[0033] In this embodiment, the stator 90, rotor 91, motor shaft 92, bearings 93A and 93B, etc. are arranged between case plates 94 and 95, and the case plates 94 and 95 are fixed to the stator 90 with bolts 121. In this way, the stator 90, rotor 91, motor shaft 92, bearings 93A and 93B, and case plates 94 and 95 are integrated to form the electric motor 13 of this embodiment.

[0034] The electric motor 13 is mounted to the motor mounting portion 60C. By mounting the electric motor 13 to the motor mounting portion 60C, a right end portion 96B of the motor shaft 92 protrudes into the reducer accommodating portion 98. The electric motor 13 is fixed to the swing arm main body 60 by a bolt 120 inserted through a hole in the case plate 94, an insertion hole 90D of the stator 90, and a hole in the case plate 95. The bolt 120 in the insertion hole 90D is longer than the bolt 121 in the insertion hole 90E.

[0035] The number and positions of the insertion holes 90E, 90D, and the type and number of bolts 120, 121 (see FIG. 4) that are screwed into the insertion holes 90E, 90D are arbitrary and can be changed depending on the specifications of the swing arm 16 and the electric motor 13, etc.

[0036] 3, the motor mounting portion 60C of the swing arm main body 60 has an annular base portion 70. The electric motor 13 is fixed to the base portion 70 with bolts 120. An extension portion 71 that extends radially outward from the base portion 70 is formed on the outer periphery (radially outer portion) of the base portion 70. The extension portion 71 has an annular shape when viewed in the axial direction of the motor shaft 92.

[0037] A cylindrical outer peripheral wall (outer wall) 72 that covers the outer periphery of the electric motor 13 is formed on the outer periphery of the extension portion 71. The outer peripheral wall 72 is formed with a predetermined distance from the outer peripheral surface of the electric motor 13. The outer peripheral wall 72 extends from the extension portion 71 to one side in the vehicle width direction. The base portion 70, the extension portion 71, and the outer peripheral wall 72 constitute the motor mounting portion 60C of this embodiment.

[0038] A cylindrical inner peripheral wall (inner wall) 80 is disposed radially inward of the outer peripheral wall 72. A predetermined gap is formed between the inner peripheral wall 80 and the outer peripheral wall 72. The inner peripheral wall 80 is made of metal. In this embodiment, the inner peripheral wall 80 is press-fitted onto the outer peripheral portion of the electric motor 13. The inner peripheral wall 80 is in pressurized contact with the outer peripheral portion of the stator core 90A of the electric motor 13. The cooling flow path S of this embodiment is formed by a space surrounded by the extension portion 71, the outer peripheral wall 72, the inner peripheral wall 80, and the swing arm cover 61. The cooling flow path S of this embodiment has an annular shape.

[0039] Fig. 4 is a left side view of the swing arm 16 showing the periphery of the motor mounting portion 60C. The left case plate 94 and cover member 96 are not shown in Fig. 4. The swing arm cover 61 is indicated by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 4. Furthermore, the outer peripheral wall 72 and the inner peripheral wall 80 are shaded. The outer peripheral wall 72 is formed with a front opening 72A, an upper opening 72B, and a lower opening 72C that are open in the thickness direction. The front opening 72A, the upper opening 72B, and the lower opening 72C are spaced apart from one another in the circumferential direction. The front opening 72A, the upper opening 72B, and the lower opening 72C connect the cooling flow passage S to the outside. As a result, air (cooling medium) A flows into the cooling flow passage S from the outside, circulates within the cooling flow passage S, and then flows out.

[0040] Front opening (the other opening) 72A is formed forward and below motor shaft 92. Because front opening 72A is provided forward and below motor shaft 92, air A from traveling wind W or the like can easily be introduced into cooling flow path S through front opening 72A. Air A flowing in from front opening 72A is separated by inner circumferential wall 80 into air A flowing upward and air A flowing downward.

[0041] The upper opening (one of the openings) 72B is formed above the motor shaft 92. The upper opening 72B is formed corresponding to the uppermost part of the cylindrical outer wall 72. Specifically, the upper opening 72B is formed so as to straddle a vertical line L that passes through the center of the motor shaft 92. Therefore, the cooling passage S is composed of a first passage S1 that connects the front opening 72A and the upper opening 72B on the front side of the motor shaft 92, and a second passage S2 that is longer in the circumferential direction than the first passage S1.

[0042] Here, when a traveling wind W is obtained, air A that flows into the cooling flow path S from the front opening 72A moves through the cooling flow path S and flows out from the upper opening 72B. Thus, the electric motor 13 is cooled by the air A in the cooling flow path S. At this time, the air A is heated by heat from the electric motor 13 and tends to rise. Therefore, even when the traveling wind W is not obtained, such as when the saddle-ride type vehicle 10 is stopped, the upper opening 72B makes it easy for the heated air A to flow out of the cooling flow path S. Therefore, in this embodiment, the air A is less likely to stagnate between the inner circumferential wall 80 and the outer circumferential wall 72, and the air is more likely to circulate within the cooling flow path S. This improves the heat dissipation efficiency of the electric motor 13.

[0043] A lower opening (third opening) 72C is formed in the outer peripheral wall 72 corresponding to the second flow path S2. The lower opening 72C is located rearward and below the front opening 72A. In this embodiment, the lower opening 72C is formed corresponding to the lowest part of the cooling flow path S. Specifically, the lower opening 72C is formed across a vertical line L passing through the motor shaft 92. Between the front opening 72A and the lower opening 72C, the cooling flow path S slopes downward as it moves rearward. Here, when air A flows in through the front opening 72A due to wind W or the like, foreign matter such as sand or water may also flow in. In the cooling flow path S, foreign matter such as sand tends to move due to its own weight to the second flow path S2 and toward the lower opening 72C. Therefore, foreign matter that flows into the cooling flow path S can be discharged from the lowermost lower opening 72C, which prevents the foreign matter from clogging between the outer peripheral wall 72 and the inner peripheral wall 80. Furthermore, foreign matter remaining in the cooling flow path S can prevent the foreign matter from contacting the wall surface and generating abnormal noise.

[0044] In accordance with the position where the front opening 72A is formed, the outer peripheral wall 72 is provided with an introduction wall portion (vane) 72D. The introduction wall portion 72D extends forward from a lower edge 72A1 of the front opening 72A. The introduction wall portion 72D has an introduction surface 72D1 that slopes downward as it extends forward. The introduction surface 72D1 extends forward beyond an upper edge 72A2 of the front opening 72A. The introduction wall portion 72D makes it easier for traveling wind W flowing in the fore-and-aft direction to be taken into the front opening 72A.

[0045] An upward extension portion 72E is provided on the outer peripheral wall 72 in accordance with the position where the upper opening 72B is formed. The upward extension portion 72E covers the upper opening 72B from above. The upward extension portion 72E is shaped like a canopy that extends upward and rearward. Specifically, the upward extension portion 72E extends from a front edge 72B1 of the upper opening 72B in a tangential direction of the outer peripheral wall 72. The upward extension portion 72E extends rearward beyond a rear edge 72B2 of the upper opening 72B. The upward extension portion 72E makes it easier to prevent rainwater, mud, and the like from entering the cooling flow path S through the upper opening 72B.

[0046] A downward extension portion (second blade) 72F is provided on the outer peripheral wall 72 in accordance with the position where the lower opening 72C is formed. The downward extension portion 72F is plate-shaped and extends downward toward the front. Specifically, the downward extension portion 72F extends from the rear edge 72C1 of the lower opening 72C in the tangential direction of the outer peripheral wall 72. The downward extension portion 72F extends forward of the vertical line L. The downward extension portion 72F makes it easier for the traveling wind W to flow into the lower opening 72C, through which foreign objects are discharged.

[0047] A protrusion 80A that protrudes toward the upper opening 72B is formed on the inner circumferential wall 80 in accordance with the position where the upper opening 72B is formed. The protrusion 80A has a generally right-angled triangular shape in a side view. The protrusion 80A has a front surface 80B that slopes upward toward the rear, and a rear surface 80C that extends from the rear end of the front surface 80B toward the radial center. The front surface 80B can guide air A from the first flow path S1 to the upper opening 72B. The rear surface 80C can guide air A from the second flow path S2 to the upper opening 72B.

[0048] A heat conduction pipe (heat conduction member) 81 extending along the cooling flow path S is arranged in the cooling flow path S. The heat conduction pipe 81 is made of metal. The heat conduction pipe 81 in this embodiment has a honeycomb structure (see FIG. 3). The heat conduction pipe 81 is attached by press-fitting between the inner circumferential wall 80 and the outer circumferential wall 72. The heat conduction pipe 81 increases the contact area with the air A, thereby increasing the cooling efficiency.

[0049] The heat conduction pipes 81 include a first heat conduction pipe 81A disposed between the front opening 72A and the upper opening 72B, and a second heat conduction pipe 81B disposed between the lower opening 72C and the upper opening 72B. Therefore, the heat conduction pipes 81 are not disposed between the front opening 72A and the lower opening 72C. This increases the cooling efficiency of the heat conduction pipes 81, while providing a large space for the cooling flow path S portion where foreign matter may be mixed in. In other words, it is possible to prevent the gaps in the heat conduction pipes 81 from being filled with foreign matter.

[0050] The first heat conduction pipe 81A is arranged at a predetermined distance from the front opening 72A toward the upper opening 72B. The second heat conduction pipe 81B is arranged at a predetermined distance from the lower opening 72C toward the upper opening 72B. This prevents the air A flowing in from the front opening 72A or the lower opening 72C from bending too much within the cooling flow path S, and prevents the resistance of the heat conduction pipe 81 from making it difficult for the air A to enter from the front opening 72A or the lower opening 72C.

[0051] The motor mounting portion 60C is covered with a swing arm cover 61. Opening-shaped cutouts 61A, 61B, and 61C (see FIGS. 2 and 4) are formed in the swing arm cover 61 according to the positions of the front opening 72A, the upper opening 72B, and the lower opening 72C, respectively. The cutouts 61A, 61B, and 61C allow the front opening 72A, the upper opening 72B, and the lower opening 72C to communicate with the outside of the swing arm cover 61. The cutouts 61A, 61B, and 61C also prevent the introduction wall portion 72D, the upward extending portion 72E, and the downward extending portion 72F from coming into contact with the swing arm cover 61. The upward extending portion 72E and the downward extending portion 72F extend to the outside of the swing arm cover 61 (see FIG. 1).

[0052] As shown in FIG. 4, a harness 101 extending from the PCU 31 (see FIG. 1) is connected to the electric motor 13. The harness 101 is electrically connected to the electric motor 13 via a connector (connecting portion) 105. The connector 105 is connected to a connector (not shown) of the electric motor 13 through an opening (not shown) formed in the extension portion 71 of the motor mounting portion 60C. The connector 105 is disposed in front of the motor shaft 92. The connector 105 is disposed above the front opening 72A. Because the connector 105 is disposed above the front opening 72A, even if water enters the cooling passage S from the front opening 72A, it is possible to prevent water from splashing on the connector 105.

[0053] The harness 101 is routed through the opening 60B1 of the swing arm body 60 on the right side of the swing arm body 60 and connected to the PCU 31. In this embodiment, the harness 101 is made up of a power supply line 102 and communication lines 103 and 104.

[0054] The power supply line 102 is connected to be able to supply power to the coils 90C of the U phase, V phase, and W phase. The power supply line 102 supplies AC power to the electric motor 13.

[0055] The first communication line 103 is electrically connected to the resolver 100. The detection results of the rotation angles of the rotor 91 and the motor shaft 92 by the resolver 100 are transmitted to and received from the PCU 31 via the first communication line 103.

[0056] The second communication line 104 is an electric cable electrically connected to temperature sensors (temperature detection devices) 111, 112, 113 corresponding to the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase. The temperature sensors 111, 112, 113 are disposed on the stator core 90A in the coil 90C portions corresponding to the U-phase, V-phase, and W-phase.

[0057] The temperature sensors 111-113 are disposed above the front opening 72A. In this embodiment, twelve coils 90C are provided. The first temperature sensor 111 is disposed on the stator core 90A in a portion of the coil 90C that is horizontal to the motor shaft 92 and forward of the motor shaft 92. The second temperature sensor 112 and the third temperature sensor 113 are disposed above the first temperature sensor 111. Specifically, the second temperature sensor 112 and the third temperature sensor 113 are disposed for every other coil 90C in the clockwise direction relative to the first temperature sensor 111. The temperature sensors 111-113 are disposed above a horizontal plane that passes through the motor shaft 92. Because the temperature sensors 111-113 are disposed above the front opening 72A, splashing of water onto the temperature sensors 111-113 can be prevented even if water enters the cooling flow path S from the front opening 72A.

[0058] As described above, according to this embodiment to which the present invention is applied, there is provided a saddle-type vehicle 10 having an electric motor 13 consisting of a rotor 91 that rotates around a motor shaft 92 arranged approximately parallel to the axle 12a and a stator 90, an inner wall 80 that surrounds the outer periphery of the electric motor 13, and an outer wall 72 arranged at a predetermined distance from the inner wall 80, wherein at least two openings 72A, 72B are provided in the outer wall 72, and at least one of the two openings 72A, 72B is provided above the motor shaft 92. With this configuration, air A that flows between the inner circumferential wall 80 and the outer circumferential wall 72 is heated and tends to move upward, so the opening at the top makes it easier to circulate the air A. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to provide a saddle-ride type vehicle 10 in which heated air A is easily circulated and heat dissipation efficiency is improved.

[0059] In this embodiment, the other of the two openings 72A, 72B is provided forward and below the motor shaft 92. With this configuration, the front opening 72A makes it easy to take in the wind W from traveling between the inner wall 80 and the outer wall 72, and a flow of air A can be created from below to above the electric motor 13 between the inner wall 80 and the outer wall 72.

[0060] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral wall 72 further has a lower opening 72C, which is provided rearward and below the front opening 72A. According to this configuration, if foreign matter such as sand or water is contained in the air A flowing in from the front opening 72A, the foreign matter can be dropped from the lower opening 72C. This prevents the foreign matter from getting stuck between the outer peripheral wall 72 and the inner peripheral wall 80, and prevents the remaining foreign matter from coming into contact with the outer peripheral wall 72 and the inner peripheral wall 80, which would cause abnormal noise.

[0061] In this embodiment, the heat conduction pipe 81 is disposed between the inner circumferential wall 80 and the outer circumferential wall 72, and the heat conduction pipe 81 is not disposed between the front opening 72A and the lower opening 72C. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the heat conduction pipe 81 from interfering with the movement of foreign matter from the front opening 72A to the lower opening 72C.

[0062] In this embodiment, the electric motor 13 is connected to a power supply line 102 and communication lines 103 and 104 via a connector 105, and the front opening 72A is provided below the connector 105. According to this configuration, even if water gets between the outer peripheral wall 72 and the inner peripheral wall 80, the water can be prevented from splashing onto the connector 105.

[0063] In this embodiment, temperature sensors 111-113 for detecting the temperature of stator 90 are attached to stator 90, and front opening 72A is provided below temperature sensors 111-113. According to this configuration, even if water gets between the outer peripheral wall 72 and the inner peripheral wall 80, the water can be prevented from splashing on the temperature sensors 111 to 113.

[0064] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral wall 72 is provided with an introduction wall portion 72D that promotes the inflow of wind into the front opening 72A. This configuration makes it easier for the traveling wind W to flow in through the front opening 72A, thereby improving cooling performance.

[0065] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral wall 72 is provided with a downward extension 72F that promotes the inflow of air into the lower opening 72C. According to this configuration, the wind W can be easily introduced from the lower opening 72C through which foreign matter is discharged.

[0066] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral wall 72 is provided with an upward extension 72E that covers the upper opening 72B from above. This configuration can prevent rainwater, mud, and the like from entering through the upper opening 72B.

[0067] In this embodiment, the heat conduction pipe 81 is spaced a predetermined distance from the openings 72A and 72C. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the resistance of the heat conduction pipe 81 from making it difficult for the traveling wind W to enter through the openings 72A and 72C.

[0068] [Other embodiments] The above-described embodiment merely shows one aspect of the present invention, and any modifications and applications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0069] In the above embodiment, a configuration is exemplified in which three openings, namely, a front opening 72A, an upper opening 72B, and a lower opening 72C, are formed in the outer wall 72 to connect the cooling flow path S to the outside, but it is sufficient if at least two openings are formed.

[0070] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which introduction wall portion 72D, upward extension portion 72E, and downward extension portion 72F are provided. Although it is desirable to provide introduction wall portion 72D, upward extension portion 72E, and downward extension portion 72F, introduction wall portion 72D, upward extension portion 72E, and downward extension portion 72F may be omitted as appropriate.

[0071] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the outer peripheral wall 72 corresponding to the outer wall is formed on the swing arm main body 60, and the inner peripheral wall 80 corresponding to the inner wall is formed as a single component separate from the swing arm main body 60. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the outer peripheral wall 72 and the inner peripheral wall 80 may be formed integrally. For example, the inner peripheral wall 80 and the outer peripheral wall 72 may be formed integrally with the swing arm main body 60. Furthermore, for example, the inner peripheral wall 80 and the outer peripheral wall 72 may be formed integrally with the swing arm cover 61. In these cases, the heat conductive member may also be formed integrally with the outer peripheral wall 72 and the inner peripheral wall 80.

[0072] In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the inner circumferential wall 80 is press-fitted into the outer periphery of the stator is desirable from the standpoint of heat conduction, but a space may be provided between the inner circumferential wall 80 and the stator core 90A. This makes it easier to assemble the inner circumferential wall 80 than when the inner circumferential wall 80 is press-fitted. In this case, it is desirable to fill the space between the inner circumferential wall 80 and the stator core 90A with a heat conduction promoter such as thermal grease.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the heat conduction member is the heat conduction pipe 81 having a honeycomb structure, but the heat conduction member is not limited to this. The heat conduction member may be a fin-shaped member disposed in the cooling flow path S.

[0074] In the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which the inner peripheral wall 80 is in direct contact with the stator core 90A. However, a metal tube may be fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the stator core 90A, for example, by shrink fitting, and the inner peripheral wall 80 may be arranged around this metal tube.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the downward extension 72F extending downward toward the front is provided in accordance with the position of the lower opening 72C. However, in another embodiment, the downward extension 72F may be provided so as to open rearward. For example, a downward extension extending downward toward the rear may be provided from the front side of the lower opening 72C. This makes it easier to expel foreign matter that has entered through the front opening 72A rearward.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the electric motor 13 is supported by the swing arm 16, but the electric motor 13 may be supported by the body frame 11.

[0077] In the above embodiment, the configuration of an electric scooter has been described as the saddle-ride type vehicle 10, but the present invention is applicable to various electric saddle-ride type vehicles that are driven by an electric motor 13.

[0078] In the above embodiment, a saddle-ride type vehicle 10 having a front wheel 14 and a rear wheel 12 has been described as an example of a vehicle, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be applied to vehicles with three wheels or four or more wheels.

[0079] [Configuration supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

[0080] (Configuration 1) A vehicle having a rotating electric machine consisting of a rotor that rotates around a rotating axis arranged approximately parallel to the axle, and a stator, an inner wall that surrounds the outer periphery of the rotating electric machine, and an outer wall that is arranged at a predetermined distance from the inner wall, wherein at least two openings are provided in the outer wall, and at least one of the two openings is provided above the rotating axis. With this configuration, the cooling medium that flows between the inner and outer walls is heated and tends to move upward, so the opening at the top makes it easier to circulate the cooling medium. Therefore, with this configuration, it is possible to provide a vehicle equipped with a rotating electric machine that facilitates circulation of the heated cooling medium and improves heat dissipation efficiency.

[0081] (Configuration 2) The vehicle according to configuration 1, wherein the other of the two openings is provided forward and below the rotation shaft. With this configuration, the other opening makes it easy to take in the wind from running between the inner wall and the outer wall, and also makes it possible to create a flow of cooling medium from below to above the rotating electrical machine between the inner wall and the outer wall.

[0082] (Configuration 3) The vehicle according to configuration 2, wherein the outer wall further has a third opening, the third opening being provided rearward and below the other opening. With this configuration, if the cooling medium flowing in through the other opening contains foreign matter such as sand or water, the foreign matter can be dropped through the third opening, thereby preventing the foreign matter from getting stuck between the outer wall and the inner wall, or preventing the remaining foreign matter from coming into contact with the outer wall and the inner wall and generating abnormal noise.

[0083] (Configuration 4) A vehicle as described in Configuration 3, characterized in that a heat conduction member is arranged between the inner wall and the outer wall, and the heat conduction member is not arranged between the other opening and the third opening. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the heat conduction member from interfering with the movement of foreign matter from the other opening to the third opening.

[0084] (Configuration 5) A vehicle according to any one of configurations 2 to 4, characterized in that a power supply line and a communication line are connected to the rotating electric machine via a connection portion, and the other opening is provided below the connection portion. With this configuration, if water gets in between the outer wall and the inner wall, it is possible to prevent the water from getting on the connection portion.

[0085] (Configuration 6) A vehicle according to any one of configurations 2 to 5, characterized in that a temperature detection device that detects the temperature of the stator is attached to the stator, and the other opening is provided below the temperature detection device. With this configuration, even if water gets in between the outer wall and the inner wall, it is possible to prevent the water from splashing on the temperature detection device.

[0086] (Configuration 7) The vehicle according to any one of configurations 2 to 6, wherein the outer wall is provided with a vane that promotes the inflow of air into the other opening. With this configuration, it becomes easier for the wind generated by running to flow in through the other opening, thereby improving cooling performance.

[0087] (Configuration 8) The vehicle according to configuration 3, wherein the outer wall is provided with a second blade that promotes the inflow of wind into the third opening. According to this configuration, it is possible to easily allow the wind from traveling to flow in through the third opening through which foreign matter is discharged.

[0088] (Configuration 9) The vehicle according to any one of configurations 1 to 8, wherein the outer wall is provided with an upward extension that covers the one opening from above. This configuration can prevent rainwater, mud, etc. from entering through one of the openings.

[0089] (Configuration 10) The vehicle according to configuration 4, wherein the heat conduction member is spaced a predetermined distance from the opening. This configuration can prevent the resistance of the heat conduction member from making it difficult for the wind to enter through the opening. [Explanation of symbols]

[0090] 10 Saddle-type vehicle (vehicle) 12a axle 13 Electric motor (rotating electric machine) 72 Peripheral wall (outer wall) 72A Front opening (opening, other opening) 72B Upper opening (opening, one opening) 72C Lower opening (opening, third opening) 72D Introduction wall (vane) 72E Upper extension 72F Downward extension (second blade) 80 Inner peripheral wall (inner wall) 81 Heat conduction pipe (heat conduction material) 90 Stator 91 Rotor 92 Motor shaft (rotating shaft) 111 First temperature sensor (temperature detection device) 112 Second temperature sensor (temperature detection device) 113 Third temperature sensor (temperature detection device) A Air (cooling medium) 102 Power line 104 Second communication line (communication line) 105 Connector

Claims

1. A vehicle having a rotating electric machine (13) including a rotor (91) that rotates around a rotation axis (92) that is disposed approximately parallel to an axle (12a) and a stator (90), an inner wall (80) that surrounds the outer periphery of the rotating electric machine (13), and an outer wall (72) that is disposed at a predetermined interval from the inner wall (80), The outer wall (72) is provided with two openings (72A, 72B) and a third opening (72C), One of the two openings (72A, 72B) is provided above the rotation shaft (92), The other of the two openings (72A, 72B) is provided forward and below the rotation shaft (92), The third opening (72C) is provided rearward and below the other opening (72A), an upward extending portion (72E) extending upward from a front edge (72B1) of the one opening (72B) so as to cover the one opening (72B) from above; a downward extension portion (72F) extending downward from a rear edge (72C1) of the third opening (72C) so as to cover the third opening (72C) from below, A vehicle characterized by:

2. A heat-conducting member (81) is disposed between the inner wall (80) and the outer wall (72), The heat conduction member (81) is not disposed between the other opening (72A) and the third opening (72C).

2. The vehicle according to claim 1 .

3. The heat conduction member (81) has a honeycomb structure and is mounted between the inner wall (80) and the outer wall (72).

3. The vehicle according to claim 2.

4. A power supply line (102) and a communication line (104) are connected to the rotating electric machine (13) via a connection portion (105), and the other opening (72A) is provided below the connection portion (105).

4. A vehicle according to claim 1.

5. The stator (90) is provided with a temperature detection device (111, 112, 113) for detecting the temperature of the stator (90), The other opening (72A) is provided below the temperature detection device (111, 112, 113).

5. A vehicle according to claim 1.

6. The outer wall (72) is provided with a vane (72D) that promotes the inflow of air into the other opening (72A).

6. A vehicle according to claim 1.

7. The outer wall (72) is provided with the downward extension (72F) that promotes the inflow of air into the third opening (72C).

7. A vehicle according to claim 1.

8. The heat conduction member (81) is spaced a predetermined distance from the openings (72A, 72C).

4. A vehicle according to claim 2 or 3.

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