Electric vehicles

Abstract

To provide a battery arrangement structure that reduces impact on passenger comfort while ensuring a storage space of a storage part in an electric vehicle in which a battery is arranged below a seat.SOLUTION: An electric vehicle has a battery (34) and a storage part (33) below a seat (17), and comprises a frame (20) comprising: a down frame (22) extending from a head pipe (21); a center frame (23) extending from the down frame (22); and a rear frame (24) extending from the center frame (23). The storage part (33) is arranged between a pair of left and right rear frames (24). The pair of left and right rear frames (24) has a ramp (50) extending rearward and upward, and a horizontal part (51) extending from the ramp (50). The battery (34) is positioned in the rear of the ramp (50) and below the horizontal part (51), and extends along the ramp (50).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an electric vehicle in which a battery is disposed between a pair of left and right rear frames that support a seat (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In Patent Document 1, the rear frame is composed of an inclined portion that extends rearward and upward from the center frame and a horizontal portion that extends rearward from the top of the inclined portion, and the battery is disposed between the inclined portions, with at least a portion of the battery located above the horizontal portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-129344 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The technology described in Patent Document 1 has a problem in that the battery is positioned to protrude above the rear frame, so the storage space can only be provided behind the battery. Here, in engine vehicles, a large storage space is located below the seat to accommodate a helmet, etc., but in electric vehicles where the battery is located below the seat, the battery's impact on the storage space cannot be denied. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a battery placement structure in an electric vehicle in which the battery is placed under the seat, which ensures storage space for the storage section while minimizing the impact on passenger comfort. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Electric vehicles have a battery and a Luggage boxa frame including a down frame extending downward from a head pipe, a center frame extending rearward from the down frame, and a pair of left and right rear frames extending rearward and upward from the center frame; Luggage box are disposed between the pair of left and right rear frames, the pair of left and right rear frames having an inclined portion extending rearward and upward, and a horizontal portion extending horizontally from an upper end of the inclined portion, The luggage box has a rearward extending portion that extends in the front-rear direction along the horizontal portion of the rear frame, and a downward extending portion that extends downward along the inclined portion in front of the battery, The battery is located behind the inclined portion and below the horizontal portion. and rearward of the downward extension portion of the luggage box and downward of the rearward extension portion. and extending along the inclined portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] In an electric vehicle in which a battery is disposed below a seat, it is possible to provide a battery arrangement structure that ensures storage space for a storage section while minimizing the impact on passenger comfort. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a left side view of an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front part of the electric vehicle as seen from the rear. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of a main portion showing the area below the seat of the electric vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the rear portion of the electric vehicle. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a left side view showing a state in which an under-seat cover, a rear side cover, a floor cover, and the like are removed from the electric vehicle shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a left side view showing a state in which a rear cover and a swing arm cover are removed from the electric vehicle shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view showing the rear frame, the battery, and the surrounding area. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the rear showing the rear frame, the battery, and the surrounding area. [Figure 9] 7 is a view seen in the direction of arrow IX in FIG. 6. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rear part of the electric vehicle taken along the center of the vehicle width. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the periphery of the luggage box. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a state in which the luggage box is removed from FIG. 11. 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 an electric vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electric 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 electric vehicle 10 is a saddle-ride type vehicle in which a rider sits astride a seat 17. The electric vehicle 10 of this embodiment is an electric scooter having a low floor portion 18.

[0010] The body frame 11 has a scooter frame (frame) 20 and a sub-frame 30 attached to the scooter frame 20. The scooter frame 20 has a head pipe 21 at the front end, a down frame 22 extending downward from the head pipe 21, a center frame 23 extending rearward from the down frame 22, and a pair of left and right rear frames 24 extending rearward and upward from the center frame 23. The sub-frame 30 is attached to the scooter frame 20 across the pair of left and right rear frames 24.

[0011] A pair of left and right front forks 15 are steerably attached to the head pipe 21. 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 shaft 31 extending in the left-right direction (vehicle width direction) is supported on the subframe 30. A swing arm 16 extending in the front-rear direction is journaled on the pivot shaft 31. The swing arm 16 extends from the pivot shaft 31 to the side of the rear wheel 12. The rear end of the swing arm 16 supports the rear wheel 12 via an axle 12a.

[0013] An electric motor 13 is supported on the rear wheel 12. In this embodiment, the electric motor 13 is an in-wheel motor. A rear cushion 32 is connected between the rear end of the swing arm 16 and the rear frame 24.

[0014] A seat 17 on which an occupant sits is disposed above the rear frame 24. A luggage box (storage section) 33 is disposed below the seat 17. A battery 34 is disposed below the luggage box 33.

[0015] A PCU (Power Control Unit) 35, which serves as an electrical component, is supported in front of the battery 34. The PCU 35 includes an inverter and the like, and, for example, converts DC power supplied from the battery 34 into AC power and supplies the converted AC power to the electric motor 13. Furthermore, when the electric motor 13 is in a regenerative mode, the PCU 35 converts AC power generated by the electric motor 13 into DC power and charges the battery 34.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the front part of the electric vehicle 10 as seen from behind. Fig. 3 is a front view of the main part showing the area below the seat 17 of the electric vehicle 10. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the body frame 11, the luggage box 33, the battery 34, etc. are covered by a body cover 40. The vehicle body cover 40 includes a front cover 41, a leg shield 42 behind the front cover 41, a floor cover 43 below the leg shield 42, a pair of left and right floor side covers 44 provided on the left and right sides of the floor cover 43, an under cover 45 below the floor side covers 44, an under-seat cover 46 behind the floor cover 43, a pair of left and right rear side covers 47 located behind the under-seat cover 46, and a rear cover 48 located behind the rear side cover 47.

[0017] The front cover 41 covers the front end of the body frame 11, such as the head pipe 21, from the front. The leg shield 42 is connected to the rear of the front cover 41 and covers the head pipe 21 and down frame 22 from the rear. The floor cover 43 is connected to the lower end of the leg shield 42 and covers the center frame 23 from above. The floor cover 43 constitutes the floor portion 18. The floor side covers 44 are arranged on the left and right of the floor cover 43 and cover the center frame 23 from the left and right sides. The under cover 45 is connected to the lower ends of the left and right floor side covers 44 and covers the center frame 23 from below.

[0018] The under-seat cover 46 is disposed below the front of the seat 17 and is connected to the rear end of the floor cover 43. The rear side covers 47 extend rearward from the sides of the under-seat cover 46 and cover the rear frame 24 from the outside, left and right. Therefore, the rear side covers 47 cover the luggage box 33 from the outside, left and right. The rear cover 48 is disposed between the left and right rear side covers 47 and covers the battery 34 from behind.

[0019] Here, a pocket 42a capable of storing items is provided on the left side of the leg shield 42 (see FIG. 2). A terminal port 36 is provided above the pocket 42a. The terminal port 36 is closed by a lid 36a that can be opened and closed. The terminal port 36 is, for example, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port. Power supplied from the terminal port 36 can be used to charge devices such as terminals. A power supply port 37 for supplying power to the battery 34 is provided on the left side of the under-seat cover 46. The power supply port 37 is closed by a power supply lid 37a which can be opened and closed.

[0020] 1, a front fender 38 that covers the front wheel from above is attached to the front fork 15. Also, a rear fender 39 that covers the rear wheel from above is attached to the rear frame 24. A main stand 28 is supported on the swing arm 16. A side stand 29 is supported on the lower end of the left rear frame 24.

[0021] Fig. 4 is a left side view of the rear of electric vehicle 10. Fig. 5 is a left side view showing a state in which under-seat cover 46, rear side cover 47, floor cover 43, etc. have been removed from electric vehicle 10 shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a left side view showing a state in which rear cover 48 and swing arm cover 16b have been removed from electric vehicle 10 shown in Fig. 5. Each of the pair of left and right rear frames 24 has an inclined portion 50 that extends obliquely rearward and upward, and a horizontal portion 51 that extends horizontally from the upper end of the inclined portion 50. The battery 34 is located rearward of the inclined portion 50 and below the horizontal portion 51, and extends along the inclined portion 50. Therefore, in a side view of the vehicle, the drive battery 34 is not disposed in front of or above the rear frame 24. Therefore, in the electric vehicle 10 of this embodiment, space can be secured in front of and above the rear frame 24 for disposing parts and members other than the battery 34. In other words, in the electric vehicle 10 of this embodiment, the front and upper sides of the rear frame 24 can be made compact because the battery 34 is not disposed therein. The location of the battery 34 in this embodiment can reduce the impact on the passenger space, such as the floor portion 18 in front of the seat 17.

[0022] Fig. 7 is a perspective view from the front showing the periphery of the rear frame 24 and the battery 34. Fig. 8 is a perspective view from the rear showing the periphery of the rear frame 24 and the battery 34. Fig. 9 is a view seen in the direction of arrow IX in Fig. 6. The vehicle body frame 11 around the battery 34 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to Figs. 6 to 9 and the like.

[0023] In this embodiment, the center frame 23 (see FIG. 7) of the body frame 11 is a single frame extending rearward. A cross frame (cross member) 25 extending in the vehicle width direction is connected to the rear end of the center frame 23. Rear frames 24 are connected to both outer ends of the cross frame 25 in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] A pair of left and right step frames 26 are disposed on both the left and right sides of the center frame 23 and extend in the front-to-rear direction above the center frame 23 (see FIGS. 1 and 7). The left and right step frames 26 extend in the front-to-rear direction. The rear ends of the step frames 26 are connected to the lower end of the rear frame 24 and the upper surface of the cross frame 25 (see FIG. 7).

[0025] The rear frame 24 has an inclined portion 50, a horizontal portion 51, and a rear cross frame 52 (see Figures 8 and 9) that connects the rear end of the horizontal portion 51 in the vehicle width direction. The lower end of the inclined portion 50 is connected to the outer end of the cross frame 25 in the vehicle width direction. The inclined portion 50 widens from the cross frame 25 in the vehicle width direction (see Figure 9) and then extends rearward. The horizontal portion 51 extends rearward, and at its rear end, bends inward in the vehicle width direction as it extends rearward (see Figures 7 and 9). The rear cross frame 52 is supported on the rear end of the horizontal portion 51.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 7, an arch-shaped front stay portion 53 is supported on the front surface of the inclined portion 50 of the rear frame 24. The front stay portion 53 is supported across the left and right rear frames 24. In a side view of the vehicle, the front stay portion 53 inclines forward as it extends upward (see FIG. 6). A pair of left and right front luggage stays 54 is formed in the center of the front stay portion 53 in the vehicle width direction. A fastening boss portion 54a that protrudes upward is formed on the upper surface of the front luggage stay 54. The fastening boss portion 54a is cylindrical. A thread groove is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fastening boss portion 54a. A frame-plate-shaped electrical component stay portion 55 is supported on the front luggage stay 54. The electrical component stay portion 55 extends in the vertical direction (see FIG. 6).

[0027] An inner protruding frame 56 that protrudes inward in the vehicle width direction is supported on the front end of the horizontal portion 51 of the rear frame 24. The inner protruding frame 56 is cylindrical. A rear luggage stay 57 that extends upward is formed on the upper surface of the inner protruding frame 56. A fastening boss portion 57a ​​that protrudes upward is formed on the upper end of the rear luggage stay 57. The fastening boss portion 57a ​​is cylindrical. A thread groove is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the fastening boss portion 57a.

[0028] A cushion stay portion 58 extending rearward and downward is formed on the rear lower surface of the inward protruding frame 56. The cushion stay portion 58 is a bent plate having a generally U-shape. In detail, as shown in FIG. 9, the cushion stay portion 58 has an upper base portion 58a and a pair of left and right side portions 58b, 58c extending downward from both ends of the upper base portion 58a. The side portions 58b, 58c face each other with a gap between them. The upper end portion of the rear cushion 32 is inserted into and connected to the cushion stay portion 58 (see FIG. 6).

[0029] As shown in Figure 7, a plurality of grab rail stay portions 59 are formed behind the inward protruding frame 56. A grab rail 71 (see Figure 5) is fixed to the grab rail stay portions 59. A lamp stay portion 60 is formed on the rear end cross frame 52. A rear lamp unit 72 (see Figure 5) is fixed to the lamp stay portion 60. A lock stay portion 61 is formed in front of the lamp stay portion 60. A seat lock 73 (see Figure 10) is fixed to the lock stay portion 61.

[0030] A step stay portion 62 is provided on the rear surface of the inclined portion 50 of the rear frame 24. The step stay portion 62 has a pipe-shaped first frame 62a extending rearward and downward from the rear portion of the rear frame 24, and a pipe-shaped second frame 62b extending forward from the front surface of the first frame 62a and connected to the rear surface of the rear frame 24. A bent-plate-shaped bracket portion 62c is fixed to the tip of the first frame 62a. The bracket portion 62c has a generally U-shaped cross section. A step 74 (see FIG. 5) is rotatably supported by the bracket portion 62c.

[0031] A second step stay portion 63 is formed on the horizontal portion 51 of the left rear frame 24. As shown in FIG. 5, a support frame 75 is connected to the second step stay portion 63. The support frame 75 extends downward. A step plate 76 is supported on the lower end of the support frame 75 so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in the front-rear direction.

[0032] As shown in Figures 6, 8, and 9, a sub-frame 30 is integrally provided on the inclined portion 50 of the rear frame 24. The sub-frame 30 has a pair of left and right base portions 80. In this embodiment, the base portions 80 are pipe-shaped. The base portions 80 have a sub-horizontal portion 81 extending in the front-rear direction and a sub-inclined portion 82 extending rearward and upward from the rear end of the sub-horizontal portion 81. The sub-horizontal portion 81 is connected to the cross frame 25 at its front end. In detail, the sub-horizontal portions 81 are each connected to the cross frame 25 at a position between the center frame 23 and the rear frame 24 in the vehicle width direction. The sub-inclined portion 82 extends along the inclined portion 50 of the rear frame 24.

[0033] A forward extending portion 83 is formed at a longitudinal midpoint of the sub-inclined portion 82 in a side view, extending forward so as to be perpendicular to the sub-inclined portion 82. The forward extending portion 83 is generally L-shaped (in a plan view). That is, the forward extending portion 83 extends outward in the vehicle width direction and then extends linearly upward and forward. The forward extending portion 83 is connected to the rear surface of the inclined portion 50 of the rear frame 24. A cover fixing portion 83a (see Figures 6 and 8) is formed on the forward extending portion 83.

[0034] Below the forward extending portion 83, a central connecting portion 84 is formed, connecting the left and right base portions 80. The central connecting portion 84 is a pipe material that extends linearly. The central connecting portion 84 and the forward extending portions 83 are connected to the base portions 80 alternately. In other words, the forward extending portion 83 does not exist in the extension direction of the central connecting portion 84, and the central connecting portion 84 and the forward extending portions 83 are not on a straight line.

[0035] As shown in Figure 9, the sub-horizontal portion 81 is formed with a lower battery fixing portion 85. A pair of lower battery fixing portions 85 are formed on the left and right sides of the vehicle width center. The lower battery fixing portions 85 have fixing surfaces 85a (see Figure 10) that follow the inclination of the sub-inclined portion 82. The fixing surfaces 85a face forward and upward.

[0036] A frame support portion 82a is formed at the upper end of the base portion 80, i.e., at the upper end of the sub-inclined portion 82. A battery support frame 86 is supported on the frame support portion 82a. The battery support frame 86 is a pipe material bent into a substantially U-shape. The battery support frame 86 has an asymmetrical structure (see FIG. 9). Specifically, the battery support frame 86 has a pair of left and right extension portions 86a, 86e fixed to the frame support portion 82a. The upper ends of the extension portions 86a, 86e are formed with inclined portions 86b, 86d that extend rearward and upward at steeper inclinations than the extension portions 86a, 86e. The inclined portions 86b, 86d incline inward in the vehicle width direction as they extend rearward and upward. Left and right connection portions 86c that extend in the vehicle width direction are formed at the upper ends of the inclined portions 86b, 86d.

[0037] Here, between the left inclined portion 86b and the right inclined portion 86d, the left inclined portion 86b is inclined more inward in the vehicle width direction relative to the respective extending portions 86a, 86e than the right inclined portion 86d. Therefore, the left-right connecting portion 86c is biased to the right with respect to the center of the vehicle width. An upper battery fixing portion 87 is formed on the left-right connecting portion 86c. The upper battery fixing portion 87 is biased to the right with respect to the center of the vehicle width. The upper battery fixing portion 87 has a fixing surface 87a (see FIG. 10) that follows the slope of the sub-inclined portion 82. The fixing surface 87a faces upward and forward.

[0038] A plate-shaped pivot stay portion (pivot portion) 88 is provided at the connection portion between the sub-horizontal portion 81 and the sub-inclined portion 82 (see FIG. 8). A shaft member 89 extending in the vehicle width direction is fixed to the pivot stay portion 88. A pivot shaft hole 88a is formed at the rear upper part of the shaft member 89. The pivot shaft hole 88a passes through the pivot stay portion 88 in the vehicle width direction.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the rear part of the electric vehicle 10 taken along the center of the vehicle width. A battery 34 is supported on the subframe 30. The battery 34 has a rectangular parallelepiped appearance. The battery 34 extends from a lower front to an upper rear. The battery 34 has a thickness in the direction from an upper front to a lower rear. The battery 34 is disposed below the rear frame 24, between the inclined portion 50 of the rear frame 24 and the sub-inclined portion 82 of the subframe 30. The battery 34 is supported in a state aligned with the inclined portion 50 of the rear frame 24 and the sub-inclined portion 82 of the subframe 30.

[0040] In detail, the battery 34 is supported on the sub-frame 30 via a battery case 90 . As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the battery case 90 is box-shaped and open at the front and top. The battery case 90 has a bottom surface portion 91 that extends along the inclined portion 50 and side surfaces 92 formed on the left and right sides of the bottom surface portion 91. A pair of left and right lower fixing portions 93 (see Figure 9) are formed at the lower end of the bottom surface portion 91 of the battery case 90. The lower fixing portions 93 are recessed upward. The lower battery fixing portion 85 of the subframe 30 is housed in the lower fixing portions 93 from below. The lower fixing portions 93 have fixing holes (not shown) that penetrate in a direction perpendicular to the inclined portion 50.

[0041] Furthermore, a support frame accommodating portion 91a recessed in a groove shape toward the front and upper side is formed in the upper part of the bottom surface portion 91. The battery support frame 86 of the subframe 30 is accommodated in the support frame accommodating portion 91a. An upper fixing portion 94 is formed in the support frame accommodating portion 91a in correspondence with the position of the upper battery fixing portion 87. A fixing hole (not shown) is formed in the upper fixing portion 94, penetrating in the thickness direction.

[0042] The lower battery fixing portions 85 of the subframe 30 are housed in the lower fixing portions 93 of the battery case 90, and the left and right connecting portions 86c of the battery support frame 86 are housed in the support frame housing portions 91a. In this manner, the battery case 90 is temporarily placed on the subframe 30. In this state, the battery 34 is placed on the upper surface of the battery case 90. Then, the battery 34 is covered from above and fixed in place by the battery bracket 100 (see FIGS. 7 and 10).

[0043] 10, the battery bracket 100 has a plate-shaped upper surface portion 101 that extends along the upper surface of the battery 34. In this embodiment, a pair of upper surface portions 101 are provided on the left and right (see FIG. 7). A bent plate-shaped lower connection portion 102 that connects the left and right upper surface portions 101 is formed at the lower end of the upper surface portion 101. The front side of the lower connection portion 102 is bent downward. A fixing portion 102a that is fixed to the lower battery fixing portion 85 of the subframe 30 is formed at the lower end of the lower connection portion 102. The fixing portion 102a is formed above (forward of) the halfway position P1 in the thickness direction of the battery 34 in a side view of the vehicle. The fixing portion 102a is disposed on the lower fixing portion 93 of the battery case 90.

[0044] At the upper end of the top surface portion 101, a connecting portion 103 is provided that connects the left and right top surface portions 101 together. A bent plate-shaped upper connection portion 104 is fixed to the left-right center of the coupling portion 103. The upper connection portion 104 has a base portion 104a extending rearward, an extension portion 104b extending rearward and downward from the base portion 104a, and a fixing portion 104c formed at the lower end of the extension portion 104b. The base portion 104a extends along the rear portion 114 of the bottom wall of the luggage box 33. The extension portion 104b extends downward (rearward) from a position P1 that is halfway in the thickness direction of the battery 34 in a side view of the vehicle. The fixing portion 104c is formed downward (rearward) from a position P1 that is halfway in the thickness direction of the battery 34 in a side view of the vehicle. Therefore, the fixing portion 104c is formed on the opposite side of the fixing portion 102a across the center position 34c of the battery 34 in a side view of the vehicle. The fixing portion 104c and the fixing portion 102a are formed substantially point-symmetrically with respect to the center position 34c in a side view of the vehicle. The fixing portion 104c is disposed on the upper fixing portion 94 of the battery case 90.

[0045] The fixing portions 102a, 104c of the battery bracket 100 are fixed to the lower battery fixing portion 85 and the upper battery fixing portion 87 of the subframe 30 by fasteners 108. As a result, the battery case 90 is fastened together with the lower battery fixing portion 85 and the upper battery fixing portion 87 of the subframe 30. The fasteners 108 are, for example, bolts.

[0046] Here, a support pin 105 is provided on the upper surface portion 101, penetrating in the thickness direction. A rubber 106 (see FIG. 10) is supported on the lower end of the support pin 105. The rubber 106 is disposed on the lower surface of the upper surface portion 101. The battery bracket 100 faces the battery 34 via the rubber 106. The battery 34 is fixed to the subframe 30 while being sandwiched between the battery case 90 and the battery bracket 100.

[0047] Fig. 11 is a plan view showing the periphery of the luggage box 33. Fig. 12 is a plan view showing a state in which the luggage box 33 has been removed from Fig. 11. A luggage box 33 is disposed above the battery 34. The luggage box 33 is a container that is concave downward. In a plan view, the luggage box 33 has an oval shape that extends in the front-to-rear direction. The luggage box 33 is supported by the rear frame 24. In this embodiment, the luggage box 33 is fixed to a front luggage stay 54 (see FIG. 12) and a rear luggage stay 57 (see FIG. 12) of the rear frame 24 by fastening members. The luggage box 33 is supported by the pair of left and right rear frames 24 while straddling the pair of left and right rear frames 24.

[0048] 10 to 12, the luggage box 33 includes a bottom wall portion 110 and a surrounding wall portion 120 extending upward from the outer periphery of the bottom wall portion 110. The bottom wall portion 110 has, at the vehicle width center, a bottom wall front end portion 111 extending rearward and downward from the front end side of the surrounding wall portion 120, a bottom wall bottom portion 112 extending rearward and downward from the lower end of the bottom wall front end portion 111 at a gentler slope than the bottom wall front end portion 111, a bottom wall intermediate portion 113 extending rearward and upward from the lower end of the bottom wall bottom portion 112, and a bottom wall rear portion 114 extending rearward from the upper end of the bottom wall intermediate portion 113. A surrounding wall front portion 121, which is the front portion of the surrounding wall portion 120, extends upward from around the bottom wall front end portion 111, the bottom wall bottom portion 112, and the bottom wall intermediate portion 113. A surrounding wall rear portion 122, which is the rear portion of the surrounding wall portion 120, extends upward from around the bottom wall rear portion 114. The bottom wall front end portion 111, the bottom wall bottom portion 112, the bottom wall middle portion 113, and the surrounding wall front portion 121 form a downward extending portion 33a, which is the front portion of the luggage box 33 of this embodiment. The bottom wall rear portion 114 and the surrounding wall rear portion 122 form a rear extending portion 33b, which is the rear portion of the luggage box 33 of this embodiment.

[0049] The downward extension 33a is located below the horizontal portion 51 of the rear frame 24, and its vertical range overlaps with the battery 34. The lower end 33a1 of the downward extension 33a, in other words, the connection between the bottom wall bottom portion 112 and the bottom wall intermediate portion 113, is located below the upper end 34a of the battery 34. In particular, in this embodiment, the lower end 33a1 of the downward extension 33a is located below the center position 34c, which is halfway between the upper end 34a and the lower end 34b of the battery 34. The downward extension 33a is deep enough to be located below the center position 34c. A full-face helmet 140 can be stored in the luggage box 33 using the downward extension 33a. Specifically, the helmet 140 can be stored in the luggage box 33 with the opening for inserting the head tilted.

[0050] A portion of the downward extending portion 33a is located between the inclined portions 50 of the left and right rear frames 24. A bottom wall intermediate portion 113 of the downward extending portion 33a extends along the inclined portions 50 of the rear frame 24. In the present embodiment, the bottom wall intermediate portion 113 protrudes slightly downward (rearward) from the inclined portions 50 of the rear frame 24 in a side view of the vehicle (see FIG. 5). A bottom wall front end portion 111 of the downward extending portion 33a extends upward along the front stay portion 53 of the rear frame 24. A hinge portion 115 that protrudes forward is provided at the front end of a surrounding wall front portion 121 of the downward extending portion 33a. In a plan view, the hinge portion 115 overlaps with the PCU 35 supported by the front stay portion 53 (see FIGS. 10 and 11). The seat 17 is rotatably supported by the hinge portion 115. Thus, in this embodiment, the seat 17 is supported by the rear frame 24 via the luggage box 33.

[0051] An opening 112a penetrating in the vertical direction is formed in the bottom wall bottom portion 112 of the downward extending portion 33a. The opening 112a is closed by a lid (not shown) that can be opened and closed. The lower part of the front stay portion 53 is accessible through the opening 112a. In this embodiment, a fuse box 135, which is an example of an electrical component, is accessible through the opening 112a.

[0052] The rearward extending portion 33b of the luggage box 33 overlaps with the horizontal portion 51 of the rear frame 24 in a side view of the vehicle (see FIG. 5). A rear portion 114 of the bottom wall of the rearward extending portion 33b is positioned lower than the rear frame 24. A rear portion 122 of the surrounding wall of the rearward extending portion 33b is formed with cushion avoidance portions 122a, 122b that bulge inward in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 11). The cushion avoidance portions 122a, 122b allow the luggage box 33 to be positioned between the rear frames 24, avoiding the rear cushion 32. A charger 141 used for charging can be accommodated in the luggage box 33 by using the rearward extending portion 33b.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 12, a connector 130 is connected to the upper left side of the battery 34. A cable 131 extends from the connector 130. The cable 131 is connected to an electrical component 132 fixed to the upper part of the battery case 90. A cable 133 extends from the electrical component 132 toward the right rear frame 24. The cable 133 is gathered together with other cables and extends forward along the right rear frame 24. The cable 134 extending along the right rear frame 24 is connected to the PCU 35 (see FIG. 10) fixed to the electrical component stay portion 55. The PCU 35 is substantially plate-shaped. The PCU 35 is supported in a state aligned in the up-down direction. Cables extend from the PCU 35 to the electric motor 13 and the like. A fuse box 135 is disposed below the front stay portion 53.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 6 , a pivot shaft 31 is inserted into a pivot shaft hole 88a of a pivot stay portion 88 of the subframe 30. A swing arm 16 is swingably supported on the pivot shaft 31. The swing arm 16 in this embodiment has a pair of left and right swing arm bodies 16a each shaped like a plate extending in the front-to-rear direction, and a pair of left and right swing arm covers 16b that cover each of the swing arm bodies 16a from the outer sides in the vehicle width direction. The rear wheel 12 is supported while being sandwiched between the pair of left and right swing arm bodies 16a. A lower end of a rear cushion 32 is connected to a rear portion of the swing arm body 16a. An upper end of the rear cushion 32 is connected to a cushion stay portion 58 of the rear frame 24. The rear cushion 32 is disposed more inward in the vehicle width direction than the rear frame 24.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 5, a rear cover 48 is disposed behind the battery case 90. The rear cover 48 is fixed to the cover fixing portion 83a of the forward extending portion 83 of the subframe 30, for example. The rear cover 48 covers the battery case 90 from behind. As shown in FIG. 4, a rear side cover 47 is disposed on the outer side of the rear cover 48 in the vehicle width direction. The rear side cover 47 covers the rear frame 24 and the luggage box 33 from the outer side in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 4). An under-seat cover 46 is disposed in front of the luggage box 33. As shown in FIG. 10, the PCU 35, the power feed port 37 (see FIG. 3), and the like are disposed between the under-seat cover 46 and the luggage box 33, on the front side of the rear frame 24. The power feed port 37 is supported by the under-seat cover 46. The power feed port 37 is provided on the left side of the center of the vehicle width. A cable (not shown) extending from a charger 141 is connected to the power feed port 37. The charger 141 is connected to a power source via a cable (not shown), thereby charging the battery 34.

[0056] As described above, according to this embodiment to which the present invention is applied, in an electric vehicle 10 having a scooter frame 20 which has a battery 34 and a luggage box 33 below the seat 17, and which is equipped with a down frame 22 extending downward from the head pipe 21, a center frame 23 extending rearward from the down frame 22, and a pair of left and right rear frames 24 extending rearward and upward from the center frame 23, and in which the luggage box 33 is disposed between the pair of left and right rear frames 24, the pair of left and right rear frames 24 have inclined portions 50 which extend rearward and upward, and horizontal portions 51 which extend horizontally from the upper ends of the inclined portions 50, and the battery 34 is located rearward of the inclined portions 50 and below the horizontal portions 51, and extends along the inclined portions 50. According to this configuration, by positioning the battery 34 rearward of the inclined portion 50 and below the horizontal portion 51, a space in front of the inclined portion 50 of the rear frame 24 or above the horizontal portion 51 where the battery 34 is not to be disposed can be provided. Therefore, in an electric vehicle 10 in which the battery 34 is disposed below the seat 17, a battery 34 disposition structure can be provided that ensures storage space for the luggage box 33 while minimizing impact on passenger comfort (the space around the floor portion 18 in front of the seat 17). Additionally, for example, if the battery were disposed on the floor rather than below the seat 17, a large luggage box could be provided without affecting the space under the seat 17, but this could potentially affect passenger comfort (floor height and width). If the battery were disposed without changing the floor shape, a large-capacity battery could not be accommodated, which would affect the vehicle's cruising range. This embodiment is configured to accommodate a large-capacity battery 34 required for driving the electric vehicle 10 while taking into consideration the impact on storage space and passenger comfort.

[0057] In this embodiment, the luggage box 33 is provided between a pair of left and right inclined portions 50 . According to this configuration, the space between the inclined portions 50 can also be used as a space for arranging the luggage box 33, making it easier to increase the storage space for the luggage box 33.

[0058] In this embodiment, the luggage box 33 has a downward extension 33a that extends downward along the inclined portion 50 in front of the battery . According to this configuration, the luggage box 33 can be placed close to the front of the battery 34, and the luggage box 33 can be placed between the inclined portions 50 in front of the battery 34, making it easier to secure storage space for the luggage box 33.

[0059] In this embodiment, the lower end 33a1 of the downward extension 33a is located below the upper end 34a of the battery 34. According to this configuration, the storage space for the luggage box 33 can be made large.

[0060] In this embodiment, the luggage box 33 has a rearward extending portion 33b extending rearward of the vehicle body between the pair of left and right horizontal portions 51. According to this configuration, the space between the horizontal portions 51 above the battery 34 can also be used as the luggage box 33.

[0061] In addition, in this embodiment, an under-seat cover 46, which is a body cover 40 that covers the front of the luggage box 33, is provided below the seat 17, and a PCU 35, which is an example of a functional component of an electric vehicle, is arranged between the under-seat cover 46 and the luggage box 33. According to this configuration, the space between the under-seat cover 46 and the luggage box 33 can be effectively used as a space for arranging functional parts of the electric vehicle.

[0062] In this embodiment, the battery 34 is supported by the subframe 30 provided at least on the inclined portion 50 . According to this configuration, the battery 34 disposed behind the rear frame 24 can be supported with sufficient rigidity.

[0063] In addition, in this embodiment, the subframe 30 has a pair of left and right base portions 80 that extend up and down behind the battery 34 along the slope of the battery 34, and the base portions 80 are connected to the scooter frame 20. According to this configuration, the sub-frame 30 can be made compact, and yet can support the battery 34 with sufficient strength.

[0064] In addition, in this embodiment, the scooter frame 20 is provided with a cross frame 25 connecting the lower ends of a pair of left and right rear frames 24, and the subframe 30 is provided with a pair of left and right forward extension portions 83 that extend forward from the midpoint of the longitudinal direction of each of the pair of left and right base portions 80, passing along the side of the battery 34, and the lower ends of the pair of left and right base portions 80 are connected to the cross frame 25, and the front ends of the pair of left and right forward extension portions 83 are connected to the inclined portion 50. According to this configuration, the battery 34 can be supported by the subframe 30 surrounding the bottom and sides of the battery 34, so that the battery 34 can be supported with greater strength.

[0065] In this embodiment, the subframe 30 is provided with a pivot stay portion 88 of the swing arm 16 that supports the rear wheel 12. According to this configuration, by supporting the swing arm 16 on the subframe 30 that supports the battery 34, the arrangement of the subframe 30 and the swing arm 16 can be made compact.

[0066] [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.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the vehicle body frame 11 has a single center frame 23 extending in the front-rear direction, and the pair of left and right rear frames 24 are connected to the center frame 23 via the cross frame 25, thereby causing the pair of left and right rear frames 24 to extend rearward and upward from the center frame 23. However, the configuration in which the pair of left and right rear frames 24 extend rearward and upward from the center frame 23 is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which a pair of left and right center frames extend rearward and upward from the lower end of the down frame, and a pair of left and right rear frames extend rearward and upward from the rear ends of each of the center frames, may also be used.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the PCU 35 is given as an example of a functional component of the electric vehicle supported by the front stay portion 53, but instead of the PCU 35, a functional component that is not required for an internal combustion engine vehicle but is specific to the electric vehicle 10, such as an on-board charger for charging the battery, may be supported. Also, while the PCU 35 is given as an example of a functional component of the electric vehicle, a control member that controls the electric motor 13, such as a PDU or ECU, may be supported instead of the PCU 35.

[0069] In the above embodiment, a motorcycle having a front wheel 14 and a rear wheel 12 has been used as an example of electric vehicle 10, but the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a three-wheeled saddle-ride vehicle having two front or two rear wheels, or a saddle-ride vehicle having four or more wheels.

[0070] [Configuration supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configurations.

[0071] (Configuration 1) An electric vehicle comprising a frame having a battery and a storage section below the seat, the frame comprising: a down frame extending downward from a head pipe, a center frame extending rearward from the down frame, and a pair of left and right rear frames extending rearward and upward from the center frame, the storage section being disposed between the pair of left and right rear frames, wherein the pair of left and right rear frames have an inclined portion extending rearward and upward, and a horizontal portion extending horizontally from an upper end of the inclined portion, the battery being located rearward of the inclined portion and below the horizontal portion, and extending along the inclined portion. With this configuration, by positioning the battery behind the inclined portion and below the horizontal portion, it is possible to provide a space in front of the inclined portion of the rear frame or above the horizontal portion where the battery is not to be placed. Therefore, in an electric vehicle in which the battery is placed below the seat, it is possible to provide a battery placement structure that ensures storage space for the storage portion while minimizing impact on passenger comfort.

[0072] (Configuration 2) The electric vehicle according to configuration 1, wherein the storage section is provided between a pair of left and right inclined sections. According to this configuration, the space between the inclined portions can also be used as a space for arranging the storage portion, making it easier to increase the storage space for the storage portion.

[0073] (Configuration 3) The electric vehicle according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the storage section has a downward extension section that extends downward along the inclined section in front of the battery. According to this configuration, the storage section can be provided between the inclined portions in front of the battery while being located close to the front of the battery, making it easier to ensure storage space for the storage section.

[0074] (Configuration 4) The electric vehicle according to configuration 3, wherein a lower end of the downward extension portion is located lower than an upper end of the battery. This configuration allows the storage space of the storage section to be large.

[0075] (Configuration 5) The electric vehicle according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the storage section has a rearward extending section that extends rearward of the vehicle body between the pair of left and right horizontal sections. With this configuration, the space between the horizontal portions above the battery can also be used as a storage portion.

[0076] (Configuration 6) An electric vehicle according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, further comprising a body cover that covers the front of the storage section below the seat, and functional components of the electric vehicle are arranged between the body cover and the storage section. According to this configuration, the space between the body cover and the housing portion can be effectively used as a space for arranging functional components of the electric vehicle.

[0077] (Configuration 7) The electric vehicle according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the battery is supported by at least a subframe provided on the inclined portion. According to this configuration, the battery disposed behind the rear frame can be supported with sufficient rigidity.

[0078] (Configuration 8) The electric vehicle described in Configuration 7, wherein the subframe has a pair of left and right base portions extending up and down behind the battery along the inclination of the battery, and the base portions are connected to the frame. According to this configuration, the subframe can have a compact configuration, while still being able to support the battery with sufficient strength.

[0079] (Configuration 9) An electric vehicle as described in Configuration 8, characterized in that the frame includes a cross member connecting the lower ends of the pair of left and right rear frames, the subframe includes a pair of left and right forward extending portions extending forward from the midpoint of each of the pair of left and right base portions in the longitudinal direction, passing along the sides of the battery, the lower ends of the pair of left and right base portions being connected to the cross member, and the front ends of the pair of left and right forward extending portions being connected to the inclined portion. According to this configuration, the subframe can support the battery by surrounding it from below and on the sides, so that the battery can be supported with greater strength.

[0080] (Configuration 10) The electric vehicle according to any one of configurations 7 to 9, wherein the subframe is provided with a pivot portion of a swing arm that supports a rear wheel. According to this configuration, by supporting the swing arm on the subframe that supports the battery, the arrangement of the subframe and the swing arm can be made compact. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 12 rear wheels 16 Swingarm 17 sheets 20 Scooter frame (frame) 21 Head pipe 22 Down Frame 23 Center Frame 24 Rear frame 25 Cross frame (cross member) 30 subframes 33 Luggage box (storage area) 33a Downward extension 33a1 bottom end 33b Rear extension 34 Battery 34a top end 35 PCU (functional component of electric vehicles) 46 Under-seat cover (body cover) 50 Slope 51 Horizontal part 80 Base 83 Front extension 88 Pivot stay part (pivot part)

Claims

1. An electric vehicle having a battery (34) and a luggage box (33) below a seat (17), the electric vehicle comprising a frame (20) including a down frame (22) extending downward from a head pipe (21), a center frame (23) extending rearward from the down frame (22), and a pair of left and right rear frames (24) extending rearward and upward from the center frame (23), the luggage box (33) being disposed between the pair of left and right rear frames (24), The pair of left and right rear frames (24) each have an inclined portion (50) that extends obliquely rearward and upward, and a horizontal portion (51) that extends horizontally from an upper end of the inclined portion (50), The luggage box (33) has a rearward extending portion (33b) extending in the front-rear direction along the horizontal portion (51) of the rear frame (24), and a downward extending portion (33a) extending downward along the inclined portion (50) in front of the battery (34), The battery (34) is located rearward of the inclined portion (50) and below the horizontal portion (51), rearward of the downward extension portion (33a) of the luggage box (33) and below the rear extension portion (33b), and extends along the inclined portion (50). An electric vehicle characterized by:

2. The luggage box (33) is provided between the pair of left and right inclined portions (50).

2. The electric vehicle according to claim 1 .

3. The lower end (33a1) of the downward extension (33a) is located below the upper end (34a) of the battery (34).

2. The electric vehicle according to claim 1 .

4. a vehicle body cover (46) that covers the front of the luggage box (33) below the seat (17); A functional part (35) of the electric vehicle is disposed between the body cover (46) and the luggage box (33).

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

5. The battery (34) is supported by at least a subframe (30) provided on the inclined portion (50).

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

6. The subframe (30) includes a pair of left and right base portions (80) extending vertically behind the battery (34) along the inclination of the battery (34), The base portion (80) is connected to the frame (20).

6. The electric vehicle according to claim 5.

7. The frame (20) includes a cross member (25) that connects the lower ends of the pair of left and right rear frames (24), The subframe (30) includes a pair of left and right forward extension portions (83) extending forward from longitudinal midpoints of the pair of left and right base portions (80) passing beside the battery (34), The lower ends of the pair of left and right base portions (80) are connected to the cross member (25), The front ends of the pair of left and right forward extending portions (83) are connected to the inclined portion (50).

7. The electric vehicle according to claim 6.

8. The subframe (30) is provided with a pivot portion (88) of a swing arm (16) that supports a rear wheel (12).

6. The electric vehicle according to claim 5.

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