Electric vehicles

Abstract

To provide a slimmed-down electric vehicle.SOLUTION: An electric vehicle 10 according to the disclosure includes: a head tube 24 provided with a steering shaft 30; a down frame 42 extending downward from the head tube in an oblique rear direction; an elongated battery 54 provided so as to extend along an extending direction of the down frame; and a motor 52 which is located at a position lower than the battery and operated by using electric power output from the battery. A center line LC of the battery along a longitudinal direction of the battery and a stator 62 or a rotor 63 provided at the motor overlap with each other in a side view.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electric vehicles. [Background technology]

[0002] An electric vehicle is disclosed in Patent Document 1. According to Patent Document 1, a battery may be attached to the front of the electric vehicle.

[0003] In recent years, efforts to realize a low-carbon or carbon-free society have become more active, and research and development into electrification technologies is being conducted in vehicles to reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-178270 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Meanwhile, in the field of electrification technology, slimming down electric vehicles is an issue.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention is an electric vehicle comprising: a head pipe on which a steering shaft is provided; a down frame extending diagonally rearward and downward from the head pipe; a long battery arranged along the extension direction of the down frame; and a motor located below the battery and operated using power output from the battery, wherein the center line of the battery, which is along the longitudinal direction of the battery, and a stator or rotor provided on the motor overlap in a side view. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, the battery and the motor are arranged compactly, thereby providing a slim electric vehicle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of an electric vehicle according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view showing a part of the electric vehicle. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a part of an electric vehicle. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an electric vehicle according to the first modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is undesirable for the battery provided in an electric vehicle to interfere with the legs of the driver of the electric vehicle. In order to prevent this interference, it is conceivable to place the battery in the front of the electric vehicle.

[0011] However, an electric vehicle may be equipped with a motor at the front. When a battery and a motor are disposed at the front of the electric vehicle, a relatively large space is required to accommodate the battery and the motor. This requirement has traditionally made it difficult to slim down electric vehicles.

[0012] Based on the above preliminary explanation, one embodiment will be described below.

[0013] The longitudinal direction DFB used in the following description includes a forward direction DF and a backward direction DB. The forward direction DF indicates the front of the vehicle body of the electric vehicle 10 described below. The backward direction DB is the opposite direction to the forward direction DF.

[0014] The up-down direction DUD used in the following description is a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction DFB. The up-down direction DU indicates the upper side of the vehicle body of the electric vehicle 10 described below. The down-down direction DD is the opposite direction to the up-down direction DU.

[0015] The vehicle width direction DLR used in the following description is a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction DFB and perpendicular to the up-down direction DUD. The vehicle width direction DLR includes the left direction DL and the right direction DR. The left direction DL indicates the left side as seen from the driver facing the above-mentioned forward direction DF. The right direction DR is the opposite direction to the left direction DL.

[0016] (One embodiment) Fig. 1 is a side view of an electric vehicle 10 according to one embodiment. The left side of the electric vehicle 10 is shown in Fig. 1. Although not shown, the right side of the electric vehicle 10 is substantially symmetrical to the left side of the electric vehicle 10. Note that the right side of the electric vehicle 10 and the left side of the electric vehicle 10 may be asymmetrical.

[0017] The electric vehicle 10 is a saddle-ride type vehicle such as a two-wheeled vehicle. As shown in FIG. 1 , the electric vehicle 10 includes a plurality of wheels 12 (121, 122), a body frame 14, a front fork 16, a swing arm 18, a seat 20, and a body cover 22. The plurality of wheels 12 include a front wheel 121 and a rear wheel 122. The body cover 22 includes a unit cowl 221 and a rear cowl 222. The rear cowl 222 is positioned rearward of the unit cowl 221. Note that the elements included in the electric vehicle 10 are not limited to these, but description thereof will be omitted as appropriate in this embodiment.

[0018] The body frame 14 includes a head pipe 24, a front frame 26, and a rear frame 28. The head pipe 24 is provided at the front of the body frame 14. A steering shaft 30 is provided on the head pipe 24. A handlebar 32 is connected to the steering shaft 30. In other words, the handlebar 32 is connected to the head pipe 24 via the steering shaft 30. The front frame 26 extends rearward from the head pipe 24. The rear frame 28 is located rearward of the front frame 26. The rear frame 28 is connected to the swing arm 18.

[0019] The front fork 16 supports the front wheel 121. The front fork 16 is steerably attached to the head pipe 24. The handlebars 32 described above are located above the front fork 16. As shown in FIG. 1 , the electric vehicle 10 may further include a front fender 36. The front fender 36 covers the front wheel 121 from above.

[0020] The swing arm 18 supports the rear wheel 122. As described above, the swing arm 18 is connected to the rear frame 28. The swing arm 18 is capable of swinging up and down. As shown in FIG. 1 , the electric vehicle 10 may further include a rear fender 38. The rear fender 38 covers the rear wheel 122 from above.

[0021] The seat 20 is disposed above the rear frame 28. A driver who drives the electric vehicle 10 may sit in the seat 20. The seat 20 is supported by the vehicle body frame 14. More specifically, the seat 20 is supported by the rear frame 28. At least a portion of the seat 20 may be supported by the front frame 26.

[0022] The front frame 26 includes a main frame 40 and a down frame 42. The main frame 40 extends downward and obliquely rearward from the head pipe 24. The main frame 40 has a main frame front portion 401 and a main frame rear portion 402. The main frame front portion 401 is connected to the head pipe 24. The main frame rear portion 402 is located rearward of the main frame front portion 401 and extends downward and obliquely rearward. The main frame rear portion 402 is inclined more steeply than the main frame front portion 401. The main frame rear portion 402 is connected to the rear frame 28.

[0023] The down frame 42 extends diagonally rearward and downward from the head pipe 24. A down frame connection portion 44, which is the connection portion between the down frame 42 and the head pipe 24, is located lower than a main frame connection portion 46, which is the connection portion between the main frame 40 and the head pipe 24. The down frame 42 extends rearward and downward at a steeper incline than the main frame front portion 401. For example, the down frame 42 extends parallel to the main frame rear portion 402 described above, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 1 , the electric vehicle 10 may further be provided with a reinforcing frame 43. The reinforcing frame 43 is a member included in the body frame 14. The reinforcing frame 43 connects the head pipe 24, the main frame 40 (main frame front portion 401), and the down frame 42.

[0024] The electric vehicle 10 further includes a battery support portion 48, a terminal portion 50, a motor 52, a battery 54, and a motor control device 56. The terminal portion 50 and the motor 52 are connected via the motor control device 56. In a side view of the electric vehicle 10, the motor 52, the motor control device 56, and the battery 54 (battery cells 70) are disposed between the main frame 40 and the down frame 42 described above. The electric vehicle 10 may be provided with a plurality of terminal portions 50 (see also FIG. 3). The electric vehicle 10 may also be provided with a plurality of batteries 54 corresponding to the plurality of terminal portions 50 (see also FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0025] The battery support portion 48 supports the battery 54. The battery support portion 48 includes a lower support portion 58 that can support a lower portion 54b of the battery 54, and a rear support portion 60 that can support a rear portion of the battery 54.

[0026] The lower support portion 58 extends obliquely upward and rearward from the down frame 42. When the battery 54 is supported by the lower support portion 58, a lower portion 54b (lower surface) of the battery 54 extends along the extending direction of the lower support portion 58. In other words, when the battery 54 is supported by the lower support portion 58, the extending direction of the lower support portion 58 extends along the lower portion 54b (lower surface) of the battery 54. The extending direction of the lower support portion 58 in a side view of the electric vehicle 10 intersects with the extending direction of the down frame 42 in the side view. For example, the lower support portion 58 extends perpendicular to the down frame 42, but this is not a limitation. The terminal portion 50 is fixed to the lower support portion 58 (battery support portion 48). The terminal portion 50 can be fixed to the lower support portion 58 by, for example, screws, but this is not a limitation.

[0027] The rear support part 60 extends diagonally rearward and downward from the main frame front part 401. The rear support part 60 is connected to the lower support part 58. In other words, one end of the rear support part 60 is connected to the lower support part 58, and the other end of the rear support part 60 is connected to the main frame 40 (main frame front part 401). The rear support part 60 extends, for example, in parallel with the main frame rear part 402 or the down frame 42 described above, but is not limited to this. The rear support part 60 includes, for example, one or more pillar-shaped members (see also FIG. 4), but is not limited to this.

[0028] The motor 52 operates using power output from the battery 54 via the terminal unit 50. As described above, the electric vehicle 10 may be provided with a plurality of batteries 54. The motor 52 may be supplied with power from the plurality of batteries 54. The motor 52 includes a stator 62, a rotor 63, and a rotating shaft (main shaft) 64. A reducer 66 is connected to the rotating shaft 64. The reducer 66 includes an output shaft 68. The output shaft 68 drives the wheels 12 in response to the operation of the motor 52.

[0029] The motor 52 is positioned below the battery support portion 48. In a side view of the electric vehicle 10, the motor 52 overlaps with the terminal portion 50. In addition, in a top view of the electric vehicle 10, the motor 52 overlaps with the lower support portion 58 of the battery support portion 48 described above.

[0030] As described above, the battery 54 is supported by the battery support portion 48. The battery 54 has an elongated shape. The battery 54 also includes a battery cell 70 and a battery case 72. The battery cell 70 is stored in the battery case 72. A plurality of battery cells 70 can be stored in the battery case 72. In a side view of the electric vehicle 10, the position of the battery cell 70 is preferably below the main frame 40. More specifically, in a side view of the electric vehicle 10, the position of the battery cell 70 is preferably below the main frame front portion 401 described above. Note that, in a side view of the electric vehicle 10, a portion of the battery case 72 may overlap with the main frame 40.

[0031] The battery 54, when supported by the battery support portion 48, tilts forward along the extension direction of the down frame 42. That is, a center line LC of the elongated battery 54 is shown in FIG. 1. The center line LC is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the battery 54. The center line LC is also perpendicular to the short-side direction of the battery 54 in a side view of the electric vehicle 10. The center line LC passes through the center of the battery 54 in the short-side direction. That is, the width dimension of the battery 54 in the short-side direction can be divided into two equal parts by the center line LC. As described above, the battery 54 tilts forward along the extension direction of the down frame 42. Therefore, the center line LC extends along the down frame 42. In this state, the center line LC and the stator 62 provided in the motor 52 overlap in a side view of the electric vehicle 10. The center line LC and the rotor 63 provided in the motor 52 may also overlap in a side view of the electric vehicle 10.

[0032] The battery 54 has a battery rear end 54t. The battery rear end 54t is the rear end in the fore-and-aft direction DFB of the electric vehicle 10. More specifically, the battery rear end 54t is the rear end of a lower portion 54b of the battery 54 that is provided on the electric vehicle 10 in a forward-leaning state. Also shown in FIG. 1 is a battery lower center point (first intersection point) PC. The battery lower center point PC indicates the center position of the lower portion 54b of the battery 54. In other words, the battery lower center point PC is the intersection point of the lower portion 54b of the battery 54 and the center line LC of the battery 54 described above.

[0033] In a side view of the electric vehicle 10, the position of the rotation shaft 64 of the motor 52 is between the battery rear end portion 54t and the battery lower center point PC. That is, in a side view of the electric vehicle 10, the battery lower center point PC is located forward of the rotation shaft 64 of the motor 52. In addition, in a side view of the electric vehicle 10, the battery rear end portion 54t is located rearward of the rotation shaft 64 of the motor 52.

[0034] As described above, the reducer 66 is connected to the motor 52. The reducer 66 is provided with an output shaft 68. FIG. 1 shows a first line L1 that passes through the rotation shaft 64 of the motor 52 and the output shaft 68 of the reducer 66. The first line L1 and the center line LC of the battery 54 form an obtuse angle α in a side view of the electric vehicle 10. More specifically, FIG. 1 shows a second intersection point PB that is an intersection point between the first line L1 and the center line LC of the battery 54. The first line L1 includes a half line (first half line) that extends from the second intersection point PB toward the output shaft 68. In contrast, the center line LC of the battery 54 includes a half line (second half line) that extends from the second intersection point PB toward the battery 54. When the first half ray is taken as the reference (starting line) in a left side view of the electric vehicle 10 (FIG. 1), the positive angle formed by the first half ray and the second half ray is the obtuse angle α described above.

[0035] The motor control device 56 is a device that controls the motor 52. The motor control device 56 includes, for example, an inverter. The terminal unit 50 and the motor 52 are connected via the motor control device 56. Therefore, the battery 54 attached to the terminal unit 50 and the motor 52 are connected via the motor control device 56.

[0036] The motor control device 56 converts the power output from the battery 54 via the terminal unit 50 and supplies it to the motor 52. The motor control device 56 is disposed rearward of the battery 54. More specifically, the motor control device 56 is disposed along the battery rear surface 54s via a rear support unit 60 provided on the battery support unit 48. The battery rear surface 54s is the surface of the battery 54 that faces rearward. A control device rear end 56t, which is the rear end of the motor control device 56, is located forward of the motor rear end 52t. The motor rear end 52t is the rear end of the motor 52 in the front-to-rear direction DFB. More specifically, the motor rear end 52t is the rear end, in the front-to-rear direction DFB, of a region of the motor 52 where the stator 62 and the rotor 63 are located.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a top view showing a portion of the electric vehicle 10. As shown in FIG.

[0038] As described above, the electric vehicle 10 is provided with the handle 32. The handle 32 is connected to the steering shaft 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the battery 54 (plurality of batteries 54) overlaps with the handle 32 in a top view of the electric vehicle 10. Furthermore, in a top view of the electric vehicle 10, the battery 54 is located between both ends of the handle 32 in the vehicle width direction DLR of the electric vehicle 10. That is, FIG. 2 shows a first handle end 321 that is one end of the handle 32 in the vehicle width direction DLR, and a second handle end 322 that is the other end of the handle 32 in the vehicle width direction DLR. The position of the battery 54 in a top view of the electric vehicle 10 is between the first handle end 321 and the second handle end 322.

[0039] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electric vehicle 10. A portion of the cross section taken along line III-III in Fig. 2 is shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a portion of the electric vehicle 10. A lower support portion 58 of the electric vehicle 10 is mainly shown in Fig. 4.

[0040] The lower support portion 58 includes a plurality of partial support portions 74. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the plurality of partial support portions 74 are arranged at intervals along the vehicle width direction DLR. The battery 54 is supported by the plurality of partial support portions 74. The plurality of partial support portions 74 include, for example, columnar members extending in the front-rear direction DFB. The columnar members forming the partial support portions 74 may have a hollow portion 74h. In other words, the columnar members forming the partial support portions 74 may be cylindrical members.

[0041] The plurality of partial support portions 74 include a first partial support portion 741 and a second partial support portion 742 that are arranged on either side of the terminal portion 50. The terminal portion 50 is provided so as to extend downward from between the first partial support portion 741 and the second partial support portion 742.

[0042] Further, the lower support portion 58 has a first portion 58a and a second portion 58b. The first portion 58a is a portion of the lower support portion 58 that overlaps with the motor 52 in a top view of the electric vehicle 10. A more detailed description of the motor 52 will be given later. The second portion 58b is a portion of the lower support portion 58 that does not overlap with the motor 52 in a top view of the electric vehicle 10. It is preferable that the position of the upper end portion of the first portion 58a in the vertical direction DUD coincides with the position of the upper end portion of the second portion 58b in the vertical direction DUD.

[0043] The first dimension D58a and the second dimension D58b are shown in FIG. 3. The first dimension D58a is the dimension of the cross section of the first portion 58a in the vertical direction DUD. The second dimension D58b is the dimension of the cross section of the second portion 58b in the vertical direction DUD. The first dimension D58a is shorter than the second dimension D58b (D58a < D58b). In other words, the thickness of the first portion 58a is thinner than the thickness of the second portion 58b.

[0044] The lower support portion 58 may further include a convex reinforcing portion 75 and a terminal support portion 77. The convex reinforcing portion 75 is arranged at the central portion in the vehicle width direction DLR of the electric vehicle 10. The convex reinforcing portion 75 is connected to a partial support portion 74 located on one side in the vehicle width direction DLR with respect to the convex reinforcing portion 75 and a partial support portion 74 located on the other side in the vehicle width direction DLR with respect to the convex reinforcing portion 75. The convex reinforcing portion 75 has a convex shape protruding upward. The terminal support portion 77 is located between the above-described first partial support portion 741 and the second partial support portion 742 and is connected to the first partial support portion 741 and the second partial support portion 742. The terminal support portion 77 is, for example, a flat plate-like member, but is not limited thereto. An insertion hole 77h is formed in advance in the terminal support portion 77. The insertion hole 77h is a through hole through which the terminal portion 50 is inserted. The electric vehicle 10 may be provided with a plurality of terminal support portions 77 corresponding to the number of the terminal portions 50.

[0045] The terminal portion 50 can be screwed to the terminal support portion 77 while being inserted into the insertion hole 77h. A battery 54 is detachably connected to the terminal portion 50. As described above, the electric vehicle 10 can be provided with a plurality of terminal portions 50. The plurality of terminal portions 50 are arranged so as to be aligned along the vehicle width direction DLR, with the partial support portion 74 interposed therebetween. In this case, the plurality of batteries 54 are also arranged so as to be aligned along the vehicle width direction DLR. The plurality of terminal portions 50 (501, 502) have a first terminal portion 501 and a second terminal portion 502, which will be described next.

[0046] The first terminal 501 is a terminal 50 arranged on one side in the vehicle width direction DLR. In this embodiment, the terminal 50 arranged on the rightmost side of the multiple terminals 50 is the first terminal 501. The first terminal 501 is attached to a portion of the first battery lower part 541b on the outer side (right side) in the vehicle width direction. The first battery lower part 541b is a lower part 54b of the first battery 541. The first battery 541 is a battery 54 arranged on one side in the vehicle width direction DLR of the multiple batteries 54 (541, 542). In this embodiment, the battery 54 arranged on the rightmost side of the multiple batteries 54 is the first battery 541.

[0047] The second terminal 502 is the terminal 50 arranged on the other side in the vehicle width direction DLR. In this embodiment, the terminal 50 arranged on the leftmost side of the multiple terminals 50 is the second terminal 502. The second terminal 502 is attached to a portion of the second battery lower part 542b that is on the outer side (left side) in the vehicle width direction. The second battery lower part 542b is the lower part 54b of the second battery 542. The second battery 542 is the battery 54 of the multiple batteries 54 that is arranged on the other side in the vehicle width direction DLR. In this embodiment, the battery 54 arranged on the leftmost side of the multiple batteries 54 is the second battery 542.

[0048] According to this embodiment, the electric vehicle 10 exhibits the following advantageous effects, for example.

[0049] As described above, in a side view of the electric vehicle 10, the terminal portion 50 and the motor 52 overlap. As a result, the position of the battery 54 can be shifted in the direction toward the motor 52 by the amount by which the terminal portion 50 and the motor 52 overlap. In other words, the motor 52 and the battery 54 can be arranged compactly. As a result, a slim electric vehicle 10 is realized.

[0050] As described above, the electric vehicle 10 is provided with a battery support portion 48. The battery support portion 48 includes a lower support portion 58 that supports the lower portion 54b of the battery 54. Thereby, the position of the battery 54 is stabilized. Moreover, the battery support portion 48 has a first partial support portion 741 and a second partial support portion 742 that are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction DLR. The terminal portion 50 is provided between the first partial support portion 741 and the second partial support portion 742. Therefore, the battery support portion 48 supports the lower portion 54b of the battery 54 and does not prevent the connection between the battery 54 and the terminal portion 50

[0051] Also, as described above, the extending direction of the lower support portion 58 in the side view of the electric vehicle 10 intersects the extending direction of the down frame 42 in the side view. Thereby, the battery 54 is likely to be arranged along the down frame 42. Therefore, the position of the battery 54 can be shifted forward in the front-rear direction DFB of the electric vehicle 10. As a result, it is possible to suppress interference between the legs of the driver on the electric vehicle 10 and the battery 54.

[0052] Also, as described above, the battery support portion 48 has a first portion 58a and a second portion 58b. A first dimension D58a, which is the dimension in the vertical direction DUD of at least a part of the first portion 58a, is shorter than a second dimension D58b, which is the dimension in the vertical direction DUD of the second portion 58b (D58a < D58b). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper part of the motor 52 and the battery support portion 48 can be overlapped in the side view of the electric vehicle 10 (see also FIG. 3). That is, the battery 54 and the motor 52 can be arranged closer to each other.

[0053] The multiple terminal units 50 have a first terminal unit 501 arranged on one side in the vehicle width direction DLR. The first terminal unit 501 is attached to the outer side in the vehicle width direction of a first battery lower part 541b, which is a lower part 54b of the first battery 541. This makes it easier for a user (driver) of the electric vehicle 10 to visually recognize the connection portion between the first terminal unit 501 and the first battery 541 in a side view of the electric vehicle 10. For example, the first terminal unit 501 is the terminal unit 50 located at the rightmost position among the multiple terminal units 50. In this case, the first terminal unit 501 is attached to a right portion of the first battery lower part 541b. This makes it easier for the user to visually recognize the connection portion between the first terminal unit 501 and the first battery 541 in a right side view of the electric vehicle 10. As a result, the user can easily attach the first battery 541 to the first terminal unit 501. The multiple terminals 50 also include a second terminal 502 disposed on the other side in the vehicle width direction DLR. The second terminal 502 is attached to the outer side in the vehicle width direction of a second battery lower portion 542b, which is a lower portion 54b of the second battery 542. This allows the user to easily see the connection portion between the second terminal 502 and the second battery 542 in a side view of the electric vehicle 10. For example, the second terminal 502 is the leftmost terminal 50 of the multiple terminals 50. In this case, the second terminal 502 is attached to the left side of the second battery lower portion 542b. This allows the user to easily see the connection portion between the second terminal 502 and the second battery 542 in a left side view of the electric vehicle 10. As a result, the user can easily attach the second battery 542 to the second terminal 502.

[0054] The elongated battery 54 is provided in the electric vehicle 10 so as to extend along the extension direction of the down frame 42. More specifically, the center line LC of the elongated battery 54 and the stator 62 provided in the motor 52 overlap in a side view of the electric vehicle 10. The center line LC and the rotor 63 provided in the motor 52 may also overlap in a side view of the electric vehicle 10. This allows the elongated battery 54 to be tilted forward while being brought closer to the down frame 42. As a result, the possibility of interference between the legs of a driver seated in the seat 20 and the battery 54 is reduced.

[0055] In addition, the rotation shaft 64 provided on the motor 52 is positioned forward of the rear end portion 54t of the battery, thereby reducing the possibility of interference between the motor 52 and the legs of the driver seated in the seat 20.

[0056] Furthermore, the above-described battery lower center point PC is located forward of the rotation shaft 64 provided on the motor 52. In this way, the battery 54 is disposed relatively forward of the motor 52. As a result, the possibility of interference between the legs of the driver seated in the seat 20 and the battery 54 is further reduced.

[0057] A line passing through the rotation shaft 64 of the motor 52 and the output shaft 68 of the reducer 66 connected to the motor 52 forms an obtuse angle α with the center line LC in a side view of the electric vehicle 10. More specifically, when the above-mentioned first half ray is taken as a reference (starting line), the positive angle formed by the first half ray and the above-mentioned second half ray in a left side view of the electric vehicle 10 is greater than 90 degrees. The position of the motor 52 in this case is higher than the position of the motor 52 in a case where the angle formed by the first half ray and the second half ray in a left side view of the electric vehicle 10 is an acute angle (less than 90 degrees). This prevents the center of gravity of the electric vehicle 10 from lowering.

[0058] The battery cells 70 provided in the battery 54 are located below the main frame 40 in a side view of the electric vehicle 10. More specifically, the battery cells 70 are located below the main frame front portion 401 in a side view of the electric vehicle 10. This allows space to be secured in the upper part of the electric vehicle 10.

[0059] As described above, the motor control device 56 is provided behind the battery 54. The control device rear end 56t, which is the rear end of the motor control device 56, is located forward of the motor rear end 52t. In this manner, the battery 54, the motor 52, and the motor control device 56 are arranged compactly. For example, the battery 54, the motor 52, and the motor control device 56 are accommodated between the down frame 42 and the main frame 40 in a side view of the electric vehicle 10. This allows for a slim electric vehicle 10 to be realized. Note that, as described above, the motor rear end 52t is the rear end, in the fore-and-aft direction DFB, of the portion (area) of the motor 52 where the stator 62 and the rotor 63 are located.

[0060] The battery support portion 48 described above includes not only the lower support portion 58 but also a rear support portion 60. This allows the rear support portion 60 to support the rear portion of the battery 54. As a result, the position of the battery 54 becomes even more stable.

[0061] One end of the rear support part 60 is connected to the lower support part 58. The other end of the rear support part 60 is connected to the main frame 40. This stabilizes the position of the rear support part 60.

[0062] The battery 54 is located between the first handle end 321 and the second handle end 322 in the vehicle width direction DLR of the electric vehicle 10. As a result, when an object approaches the electric vehicle 10 from the side of the electric vehicle 10, the handle 32 can prevent the object from colliding with the battery 54. In other words, the handle 32 can protect the battery 54 from the object.

[0063] Furthermore, in a top view of the electric vehicle 10, the battery 54 and the handlebars 32 overlap. As a result, when an object approaches the electric vehicle 10 from above, the handlebars 32 can prevent the object from colliding with the battery 54. In other words, the handlebars 32 can protect the battery 54 from the object.

[0064] The electric vehicle 10 includes a reinforcing frame 43 that connects the head pipe 24, the main frame 40 (main frame front portion 401), and the down frame 42. This improves the rigidity of the electric vehicle 10 (body frame 14).

[0065] The lower support portion 58 includes a convex reinforcement portion 75. The convex reinforcement portion 75 has a convex shape that protrudes upward. The convex reinforcement portion 75 is located between the first battery 541 and the second battery 542. This contributes to the positioning of the first battery 541 and the second battery 542, and prevents interference between the first battery 541 and the second battery 542. In addition, the convex reinforcement portion 75 is located between two adjacent partial support portions 74, and is connected to the two partial support portions 74. This improves the rigidity of the electric vehicle 10 (lower support portion 58).

[0066] The lower support portion 58 includes a terminal support portion 77. An insertion hole 77h is formed in the terminal support portion 77. By inserting the terminal portion 50 into the insertion hole 77h, the positioning of the terminal portion 50 in the front-to-rear direction DFB or the vehicle width direction DLR can be easily achieved. The terminal support portion 77 is also connected to the first partial support portion 741 and the second partial support portion 742. This improves the rigidity of the electric vehicle 10 (lower support portion 58).

[0067] One embodiment may be modified as follows. In the following modifications, descriptions that overlap with the embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. In addition, in the drawings used in the following modifications, the same reference numerals are used for the same components as those described in the embodiment.

[0068] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an electric vehicle 10 (101) according to the first modification.

[0069] FIG. 5 shows a lower support portion 58 (lower support portion 581) provided on the electric vehicle 101. The lower support portion 581 is a plate-shaped member. An insertion hole 77h is formed in advance in the lower support portion 581. A portion of the lower support portion 581 on one side of the insertion hole 77h in the vehicle width direction DLR is a first partial support portion 741. In contrast, a portion of the lower support portion 581 on the other side of the insertion hole 77h in the vehicle width direction DLR is a second partial support portion 742. In this case, the first partial support portion 741 and the second partial support portion 742 may be integral with each other. Similar to the lower support portion 58 described in the embodiment, the lower support portion 581 can support a lower portion 54b of the battery 54 without interfering with the connection between the battery 54 and the connection portion.

[0070] Similar to the lower support portion 58 described in the embodiment, the lower support portion 581 has a first portion 58a and a second portion 58b. The first portion 58a may be formed as a relatively thin portion (a downwardly concave portion) of the plate-shaped lower support portion 581. In contrast, the second portion 58b may be formed as a relatively thick portion (a downwardly convex portion) of the plate-shaped lower support portion 581. This allows the lower support portion 581 to place the battery 54 and the motor 52 close to each other, similar to the lower support portion 58 described in the embodiment. Although not shown in FIG. 5, the lower support portion 581 may further include a convex reinforcing portion 75 (FIGS. 3 and 4).

[0071] According to the above embodiment and modified examples, the battery 54 and the motor 52 provided in the electric vehicle 10 are arranged in a compact manner. As a result, a slim electric vehicle 10 is provided.

[0072] The following additional notes are further disclosed regarding the above embodiment.

[0073] (Appendix 1) The electric vehicle (10) according to the present disclosure includes a head pipe (24) on which a steering shaft (30) is provided, a down frame (42) extending diagonally rearward and downward from the head pipe, a long battery (54) provided along the extension direction of the down frame, and a motor (52) positioned below the battery and operated using electric power output from the battery, wherein a center line (LC) of the battery along the longitudinal direction of the battery overlaps with a stator (62) or a rotor (63) provided on the motor in a side view. This allows the battery and motor to be arranged compactly, thereby providing a slim electric vehicle.

[0074] (Appendix 2) In the electric vehicle described in Supplementary Note 1, the rotation shaft (64) of the motor may be located forward of a rear end portion (54t) of the battery, which is a rear end portion of the battery in a fore-aft direction (DFB) of the electric vehicle. This reduces the possibility of interference between the legs of a driver seated in the seat and the motor.

[0075] (Appendix 3) The electric vehicle according to Supplementary Note 1 may be an electric vehicle in which an intersection (PC) between a lower part (54b) of the battery and the center line is located forward of a rotation shaft (64) of the motor, thereby reducing the possibility of interference between the legs of a driver seated in the seat and the motor.

[0076] (Appendix 4) The electric vehicle according to Supplementary Note 1 may be an electric vehicle in which a straight line (L1) passing through a rotation shaft (64) of the motor and an output shaft (68) of a reducer (66) connected to the motor forms an obtuse angle (α) with the center line in the side view, thereby preventing the center of gravity of the electric vehicle from lowering.

[0077] (Appendix 5) The electric vehicle according to Supplementary Note 1 may include a main frame (40) extending rearward from the head pipe, a main frame connection (46) that connects the head pipe and the main frame is located higher than a down frame connection (44) that connects the head pipe and the down frame, and a battery cell (70) provided in the battery is located lower than the main frame in the side view. This allows space to be secured in the upper part of the electric vehicle.

[0078] (Appendix 6) The electric vehicle according to Supplementary Note 1 may include a motor control device (56) arranged along a battery back surface (54s) that is a surface of the battery facing rearward, and a control device rear end (56t) that is a rear end of the motor control device in a fore-aft direction (DFB) of the electric vehicle is located forward of a motor rear end (52t) that is a rear end in the fore-aft direction of a portion of the motor where the stator and the rotor are located. This allows a slim electric vehicle to be realized.

[0079] (Appendix 7) The electric vehicle according to Supplementary Note 6 may include a main frame (40) extending rearward from the head pipe, the main frame being positioned higher than the down frame, and the battery, the motor, and the motor control device being disposed between the down frame and the main frame in the side view. This allows for a slim electric vehicle to be realized.

[0080] (Appendix 8) The electric vehicle described in Supplementary Note 1 may be an electric vehicle including a lower support part (58) that supports a lower part (54b) of the battery, thereby stabilizing the position of the battery.

[0081] (Appendix 9) The electric vehicle described in Supplementary Note 8 may be an electric vehicle in which the lower support portion extends along a lower surface of the battery, and the extending direction of the lower support portion in the side view intersects with the extending direction of the down frame in the side view. This makes it easier to arrange the battery along the down frame. Therefore, the position of the battery can be closer to the front of the vehicle. As a result, interference between the driver's legs and the battery can be suppressed.

[0082] (Appendix 10) The electric vehicle described in Supplementary Note 8 may be an electric vehicle that includes a rear support portion (60) that can support the rear portion of the battery, thereby further stabilizing the position of the battery.

[0083] (Appendix 11) The electric vehicle described in Supplementary Note 10 may be an electric vehicle including a main frame (40) extending rearward from the head pipe, the main frame being positioned higher than the down frame, one end of the rear support portion being connected to the lower support portion, and the other end of the rear support portion being connected to the main frame, thereby stabilizing the position of the rear support portion.

[0084] (Appendix 12) The electric vehicle according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 11 may include a steering wheel (32) connected to the steering shaft, the battery being located between both ends of the steering wheel in a vehicle width direction (DLR) of the electric vehicle, and the battery and the steering wheel overlapping each other in a top view of the electric vehicle. This makes it possible to protect the battery when an object collides with the electric vehicle from the side or above.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10...Electric vehicles 24…Head pipe 30...Steering shaft 32...Handle 40...Mainframe 42...Down frame 44...Down frame connection 46...Mainframe connection part 52...Motor 52t...rear end of motor 54...Battery 54b...lower part 54s…Back of battery 54t...Rear end of battery 56...Motor control device 56t...rear end of control device 58…Lower support part 60...Rear support part 62...Stator 63...Rotor 64...Rotation axis 66…Reducer 68...Output shaft 70...Battery cell L1…First straight line (straight line) LC…Center line α…obtuse angle

Claims

1. a head pipe (24) on which a steering shaft (30) is provided; a down frame (42) extending downward and obliquely rearward from the head pipe (24); an elongated battery (54) provided along the extending direction of the down frame (42); a motor (52) located below the battery (54) and operated using power output from the battery (54); a lower support portion (58) that supports a lower portion (54b) of the battery (54); Equipped with a center line (LC) of the battery (54) along the longitudinal direction of the battery (54) and a stator (62) or a rotor (63) provided in the motor (52) overlap in a side view; The electric vehicle (10) includes a portion of the lower support portion (58) that overlaps with the motor (52) in a top view.

2. 2. An electric vehicle (10) according to claim 1, The electric vehicle (10) has a rotating shaft (64) of the motor (52) located forward of a battery rear end (54t), which is the rear end of the battery (54) in the fore-and-aft direction (DFB) of the electric vehicle (10).

3. 2. An electric vehicle (10) according to claim 1, The electric vehicle (10) is configured such that an intersection of a lower portion (54b) of the battery (54) and the center line (LC) is located forward of a rotation shaft (64) of the motor (52).

4. 2. An electric vehicle (10) according to claim 1, The electric vehicle (10) has a center line (LC) and a straight line (L1) passing through a rotation shaft (64) of the motor (52) and an output shaft (68) provided in a reducer (66) connected to the motor (52), the straight line (L1) forming an obtuse angle (α) in the side view.

5. 2. An electric vehicle (10) according to claim 1, a main frame (40) extending rearward from the head pipe (24); a main frame connection portion (46) which is a connection portion between the head pipe (24) and the main frame (40) is located higher than a down frame connection portion (44) which is a connection portion between the head pipe (24) and the down frame (42); The electric vehicle (10) is configured such that a battery cell (70) provided in the battery (54) is located below the main frame (40) in the side view.

6. 2. An electric vehicle (10) according to claim 1, The lower support portion (58) extends along the lower surface of the battery (54); An electric vehicle (10), wherein an extension direction of the lower support portion (58) in the side view intersects with an extension direction of the down frame (42) in the side view.

7. 2. An electric vehicle (10) according to claim 1, The electric vehicle (10) includes a rear support (60) capable of supporting a rear portion of the battery (54).

8. 8. An electric vehicle (10) according to claim 7, a main frame (40) extending rearward from the head pipe (24); The main frame (40) is located above the down frame (42), One end of the rear support portion (60) is connected to the lower support portion (58), and the other end of the rear support portion (60) is connected to the main frame (40).

9. An electric vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, A steering wheel (32) connected to the steering shaft (30), The battery (54) is located between both ends of the handle (32) in the vehicle width direction (DLR) of the electric vehicle (10), The electric vehicle (10) has a battery (54) and a handle (32) that overlap each other when viewed from above.

10. 2. An electric vehicle (10) according to claim 1, The lower support portion (58) has a first portion (58a) that is a portion that overlaps with the motor (52) in the top view, and a second portion (58b) that is a portion that does not overlap with the motor (52) in the top view, An electric vehicle (10) in which a first dimension (D58a), which is the dimension of at least a portion of the first portion (58a) in the up-down direction (DUD) of the electric vehicle (10), is shorter than a second dimension (D58b), which is the dimension of the second portion (58b) in the up-down direction (DUD).

11. 2. An electric vehicle (10) according to claim 1, a motor control device (56) arranged along a battery back surface (54s) that is a rear surface of the battery (54), The electric vehicle (10) has a longitudinal direction of the motor control device (56) aligned with a longitudinal direction of the battery (54).

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