electric tricycle

Abstract

To secure battery capacity while improving stability during operation.SOLUTION: An electric tricycle (1) includes a pair of front wheels (11), left and right, and a single rear wheel (12). The electric tricycle is provided with an electric motor (51) that drives the rear wheel, a battery (52) that supplies electric power to the electric motor, and a seat (41) disposed between the front wheels and the rear wheel. The battery is disposed further backward in the vehicle than the seat and further upward in the vehicle than the seat, and the electric motor is disposed further backward in the vehicle than the seat and further downward in the vehicle than the battery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Compact electric tricycles with a battery located below the seat are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The electric tricycle described in Patent Document 1 has a single front wheel and a pair of rear wheels. A swing arm is swingably connected to the rear of the floor frame of the electric tricycle, and a power unit that supports the pair of rear wheels is attached to the rear of the swing arm. The battery and power unit are connected by a harness, and electricity is supplied from the battery to the power unit, which drives the pair of rear wheels by an electric motor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-66219 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, because small electric tricycles only have seats wide enough for one person, the space below the seat is limited, making it difficult to secure battery capacity. While increasing the seat height can secure battery capacity, it also raises the electric tricycle's center of gravity, reducing stability across the vehicle's width.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and has as its object to provide an electric tricycle that can ensure battery capacity while improving driving stability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electric tricycle according to one aspect of the present invention is an electric tricycle equipped with a pair of front wheels and a single rear wheel, the electric tricycle including an electric motor that drives the rear wheels, a battery that supplies power to the electric motor, a seat disposed between the front wheels and the rear wheels, and a base frame that forms the framework of the lower side of the vehicle body; and a pair of left and right side frames that form the framework of the sides of the vehicle body. the battery is disposed rearward of the seat and above the seat, and the electric motor is disposed rearward of the seat and below the battery. When viewed from the side of the vehicle, the upper ends of the side frames are located at approximately the same height as the upper surface of the battery and further rearward than the rear surface of the battery. This solves the above problem. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In an electric tricycle according to one aspect of the present invention, the battery is located behind the seat, where space is less restricted, making it easier to ensure sufficient battery capacity. By locating the electric motor, which is a heavy object, below the battery, the center of gravity of the electric tricycle can be lowered, improving stability during operation, even if the battery is located above the seat. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an electric tricycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a left side view of the electric tricycle of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the rear portion of the vehicle according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a top view of an electric tricycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An electric tricycle according to one aspect of the present invention includes a pair of front wheels and a single rear wheel. Power is supplied to an electric motor from the electric tricycle's battery, which drives the rear wheels. A seat is located between the front and rear wheels, with a battery located rearward and above the seat, and an electric motor located rearward and below the seat. By locating the battery behind the seat, where there are fewer space constraints, it is easier to ensure sufficient battery capacity. By locating the electric motor, which is a heavy object, lower than the battery, the center of gravity of the electric tricycle can be lowered, improving stability when driving the vehicle, even if the battery is located above the seat. [Example]

[0010] This embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the electric tricycle of this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a left side view of the electric tricycle of this embodiment. In the following figures, arrow FR indicates the front of the vehicle, arrow RE indicates the rear of the vehicle, arrow L indicates the left side of the vehicle, and arrow R indicates the right side of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the outer diameters of the front and rear wheels are the same.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electric tricycle 1 is a two-wheel vehicle with a pair of left and right front wheels 11 and a single rear wheel 12. The body frame 13 of the electric tricycle 1 has a base frame 15 on the underside of the body, a front frame 21 on the front side of the body, and a pair of left and right side frames 31 on the sides of the body. The base frame 15 forms the skeleton of the underside of the body, the front frame 21 forms the skeleton of the front side of the body, and the pair of left and right side frames 31 form the skeleton of the lateral side of the body. Exterior parts such as cowls and covers (not shown) are attached to the base frame 15, front frame 21, and pair of left and right side frames 31.

[0012] The base frame 15 is formed in a ladder shape by a pair of left and right main rails 16 extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle and a plurality of cross pipes (not shown) connecting the pair of left and right main rails 16. The front frame 21 is formed in a box shape by pipe material, plate material, etc. A pair of left and right suspension arms 22 are supported by the front frame 21 so as to be able to swing. Each suspension arm 22 extends outward in the vehicle width direction, and a front wheel 11 is rotatably supported at the tip of each suspension arm 22. The suspension arms 22 are connected to the front frame 21 via a front suspension 24.

[0013] An arch-shaped steering frame 23 is provided on the front frame 21, and a steering shaft 25 is steerably supported on the steering frame 23. A handle 26 is joined to the upper end of the steering shaft 25, and a steering device 27 is connected to the lower end of the steering shaft 25. A pair of left and right front wheels 11 are connected to the steering device 27, and the operating force of the handle 26 is transmitted to each front wheel 11 via the steering device 27. When the handle 26 is operated left or right, each front wheel 11 is steered left or right by the steering device 27, and a turning force is generated in the vehicle body while each front wheel 11 is maintained approximately perpendicular to the road surface.

[0014] The side frames 31 are formed in a triangular shape with the main rails 16 as the base, and are made up of a main pipe 32 extending diagonally upward from the front end of the main rails 16 toward the rear of the vehicle, and a rear pipe 33 extending diagonally upward from the rear end of the main rails 16 toward the rear end of the main pipe 32. The main rails 16 and main pipes 32 are connected by a plurality of reinforcing frames 34a-34c so that the side frames 31 have a truss structure. A plate-shaped seat 41 is disposed inside the pair of left and right side frames 31. An arch-shaped back frame 36 is provided at the rear of the main pipe 32, and a backrest (not shown) is attached to the back frame 36.

[0015] In this way, the driver's seat is formed inside the pair of left and right side frames 31. The driver's seat extends from the seat 41 to near the front wheels 11, allowing the driver to stretch their legs and assume a low riding position. The width of the base frame 15 is approximately that of a single driver, but the distance between the pair of left and right main pipes 32 is wider than the width of the base frame 15 and is formed largest on the sides of the seat 41 where the driver sits. The pair of left and right main pipes 32 protrude outward in the vehicle width direction on the sides of the seat 41 to form buffer materials against side collisions. Two front and rear footboards 45a, 45b are arranged in front of the driver's seat 41. The front footboard 45a is attached to the bottom surface of the base frame 15, and the rear footboard 45b is attached to the top surface of the base frame 15.

[0016] A swing arm 29 is swingably supported at the rear end of the base frame 15. The swing arm 29 extends rearward from the base frame 15. The rear wheel 12 is rotatably supported at the tip end (rear end) of the swing arm 29, and an electric motor 51 is attached to the base end (front end) of the swing arm 29. The rear wheel 12 is connected to the electric motor 51 via a chain (not shown), and the rear wheel 12 is driven by the electric motor 51 via the chain. By attaching the electric motor 51 to the swing arm 29, the overall length of the base frame 15 can be shortened, allowing the vehicle to be made compact.

[0017] The rear ends of the pair of left and right side frames 31 are connected via a bridge pipe 37. The upper ends of a pair of left and right rear suspensions 47 are connected to the bridge pipe 37, and the rear end of the swing arm 29 is connected to the lower ends of the pair of left and right rear suspensions 47. The swing arm 29 swings around the rear end of the base frame 15 as a fulcrum, and shocks from the road surface and the like are transmitted from the swing arm 29 to the rear suspension 47. As the swing arm 29 swings, the rear suspension 47 expands and contracts, absorbing unevenness in the road surface and suppressing vibrations while also improving the contact between the road surface and the rear wheel 12.

[0018] A battery 52 is disposed above the electric motor 51 between a pair of left and right side frames 31. A battery module formed by stacking multiple battery cells is housed in a battery case of the battery 52. ​​The battery module is charged with power for driving, and power is supplied from the battery 52 to the electric motor 51. A DC / DC converter 53 and an on-board controller 54 are disposed side by side below the battery 52. ​​The DC / DC converter 53 transforms the voltage of the direct current power output from the battery 52, and the on-board controller 54 controls various parts of the vehicle.

[0019] An inverter 55 is disposed below the seat 41, and a battery management unit (BMU) 56 is disposed below the footboard 45b. The inverter 55 converts DC power from the battery 52 into AC power and supplies it to the electric motor 51. The battery management unit 56 monitors abnormal conditions of the battery 52. ​​The electric motor 51, battery 52, DC / DC converter 53, on-board controller 54, inverter 55, and battery management unit 56 are connected by various cables and the like, and the various cables are arranged along pipes and the like of the body frame 13.

[0020] The electric tricycle 1 turns by tilting the rear wheel 12 along with the vehicle body in conjunction with the operation of the steering device 27, and a low center of gravity is required for the vehicle body to improve stability in the vehicle's width direction and turning ability. The electric tricycle 1 also needs to have a sufficient battery capacity. The seat 41 is located between the front wheel 11 and the rear wheel 12, and the center of gravity of the electric tricycle 1 is located around the waist of the rider sitting on this seat 41. While it is possible to lower the center of gravity of the electric tricycle 1 by lowering the seat height, placing the battery 52 below the seat 41 makes it difficult to ensure sufficient battery capacity.

[0021] Therefore, in the electric tricycle 1 of this embodiment, the battery 52 is located in the space behind the rider. Whether a fixed or replaceable battery 52 is used, ease of access to the battery 52 is important when considering workability. In the electric tricycle 1 of this embodiment, the battery 52 is located above the space behind the rider, improving access to the battery 52. ​​The center of gravity of the vehicle body becomes higher by the amount that the battery 52 is located higher, but the electric motor 51, which is a heavy object, is located below the battery 52, so the electric tricycle 1 maintains a low center of gravity.

[0022] The battery layout will be described with reference to Figures 3 and 4. Figure 3 is a side view of the rear of the vehicle of this embodiment, and Figure 4 is a top view of the electric tricycle of this embodiment.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, a pair of left and right seat pipes 35 extend forward from the rear pipes 33 of the pair of left and right side frames 31. The front ends of each seat pipe 35 are connected to a cross pipe 38 that connects each reinforcing frame 34b. The seat pipes 35 support both side edges of the seat 41 in the vehicle width direction from below, and the seat 41 is positioned approximately in the center of the vehicle when viewed from above. When viewed from the side of the vehicle, the seat surface 42 of the seat 41 is positioned below the upper ends of the rear wheels 12, thereby lowering the center of gravity of the vehicle body. Footboards 45a, 45b are arranged in front of the seat 41 to provide space for feet.

[0024] A space is provided behind the seat 41 to accommodate the battery 52 and electric motor 51. The battery 52 is disposed rearward of and higher than the seat 41, while the electric motor 51 is disposed rearward of and lower than the seat 41. Brackets 39 that are triangular in side view are fixed to the rear ends of the main pipes 32 of the pair of left and right side frames 31, and the pair of left and right brackets 39 are connected via a pair of front and rear cross pipes 40a, 40b. The battery 52 is supported from below by the pair of front and rear cross pipes 40a, 40b, and the battery 52 is positioned inside the back frame 36.

[0025] The battery case of the battery 52 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The battery 52 is placed horizontally on the cross pipes 40a, 40b with the wide surfaces of the battery case facing up and down. Placing the battery 52 horizontally improves the stability of the battery 52 and lowers the center of gravity of the battery 52. ​​In a side view of the vehicle, the bridge pipe 37, i.e., the upper end of the main pipe 32, is located rearward of the rear surface of the battery 52, and the battery 52 is covered from the side by the main pipe 32 and the bracket 39. As a result, the battery 52 is protected by the main pipe 32 and the bracket 39.

[0026] In a side view of the vehicle, the battery 52 is located higher than the upper ends of the rear wheels 12 and lower than the handlebars 26. More specifically, the upper surface of the battery 52 is located at approximately the same height as the upper ends of the main pipes 32, and the lower surface of the battery 52 is located at approximately the same height as the upper ends of the rear wheels 12. This makes it easier to access the battery 52 behind the seat 41, improving the ease of working on the battery 52. ​​For example, if a fixed battery 52 is used, the ease of charging is improved, and if a replaceable battery 52 is used, the ease of replacement is improved because there is no need to lift the battery 52 high.

[0027] An electric motor 51 is disposed below the battery 52. ​​The electric motor 51 is attached to the upper surface of the swing arm 29, in front of the rear wheel 12. When viewed from the front of the vehicle, the electric motor 51 overlaps the seat surface 42 of the seat 41 (not shown), and is positioned lower on the vehicle than the upper end of the rear wheel 12. More specifically, the electric motor 51 is disposed in a triangular space in a side view that is surrounded by the rear pipe 33 of the side frame 31, the swing arm 29, and the rear suspension 47. Disposing the electric motor 51 low lowers the center of gravity of the electric tricycle 1, and the space for disposing the battery 52 above the electric motor 51 is expanded, ensuring sufficient battery capacity.

[0028] In a side view of the vehicle, a portion of the electric motor 51 overlaps the rear pipe 33, and a plate-shaped bracket 58 is fixed to the front of the pair of left and right rear pipes 33 via a support base 57. The pair of left and right rear pipes 33 are connected by the bracket 58, and the bracket 58 is positioned on the front side of the rear pipes 33 by the support base 57 so as to avoid the electric motor 51. A DC / DC converter 53 and an on-board controller 54 (see FIG. 1) are arranged side by side in front of the bracket 58. The DC / DC converter 53 and on-board controller 54 are positioned behind the seat 41 and below the battery 52.

[0029] Like the electric motor 51, the DC / DC converter 53 and on-board controller 54 are positioned below the vehicle below the upper end of the rear wheel 12. Positioning the DC / DC converter 53 and on-board controller 54 low lowers the center of gravity of the electric tricycle 1, increasing the space for arranging the battery 52 above the DC / DC converter 53 and on-board controller 54 and ensuring sufficient battery capacity. Additionally, the support base 57 sufficiently separates the DC / DC converter 53 and on-board controller 54 from the electric motor 51, preventing the electric motor 51 from colliding with the DC / DC converter 53 and on-board controller 54 even when the swing arm 29 swings.

[0030] An inverter 55 is located in front of the electric motor 51 and below the seat 41. The inverter 55 is positioned inside the pair of left and right main rails 16, and is protected from side impacts by the main rails 16. The inverter 55 is thinner than the battery 52 and electric motor 51, so even if the inverter 55 is located below the seat 41, the seat height does not increase. The battery 52, electric motor 51, and inverter 55 are located in a compact manner, shortening cables and the like. Furthermore, by locating the inverter 55 below the seat 41, the center of gravity of the electric tricycle 1 is lowered.

[0031] A battery management unit 56 is disposed in front of the inverter 55 and below the footboard 45b. The battery management unit 56 is positioned inside the pair of left and right main rails 16, and is protected from side impacts by the main rails 16. The battery management unit 56 is covered from above by the footboard 45b, and is protected from above by the footboard 45b. Furthermore, by disposing the battery management unit 56 below the footboard 45b, the center of gravity of the electric tricycle 1 is lowered.

[0032] As described above, according to this embodiment, battery capacity can be easily secured by locating battery 52 behind seat 41, where there are fewer space constraints. By locating electric motor 51, which is a heavy object, lower on the vehicle than battery 52, the center of gravity of electric tricycle 1 can be lowered, improving stability when driving the vehicle, even if battery 52 is located higher on the vehicle than seat 41.

[0033] In this embodiment, the front and rear wheels have substantially the same outer diameter, but the front and rear wheels may have different outer diameters. If the front and rear wheels have different outer diameters, the seat surface may be positioned below the upper end of at least one of the front and rear wheels.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the seat is fixed to the body frame, but the seat may be attached to the body frame so that the height of the seat is adjustable.

[0035] In addition, in this embodiment, the driver's seat is formed so that the driver's legs are stretched forward, but the driver's seat may be formed as a saddle type.

[0036] In addition, in this embodiment, the battery is located above the upper end of the rear wheels and below the handlebars, but the battery may be located rearward of the seat and above the seat.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electric motor is disposed on the base end side of the swing arm, but the electric motor may also be disposed on the base frame.

[0038] In this embodiment, the inverter is disposed below the seat, the battery management unit is disposed below the footboard, and the DC / DC converter and on-board controller are disposed below the battery. As long as the electric motor is disposed below the battery, the positions of the inverter, battery management unit, DC / DC converter, and on-board controller are not particularly limited.

[0039] In this embodiment, the upper ends of the side frames are located at approximately the same height as the upper surface of the battery and further rearward than the rear surface of the battery in a side view of the vehicle. The relative positions of the side frames and the battery are not particularly limited as long as the battery is located rearward of the seat and higher than the seat.

[0040] In addition, in this embodiment, the sheet is formed in a plate shape, but the shape of the sheet is not particularly limited.

[0041] As described above, the electric tricycle (1) of this embodiment is an electric tricycle equipped with a pair of front wheels (11) and a single rear wheel (12). It also includes an electric motor (51) that drives the rear wheels, a battery (52) that supplies power to the electric motor, and a seat (41) located between the front and rear wheels. The battery is located rearward of the seat and above the seat, and the electric motor is located rearward of the seat and below the battery. This configuration makes it easier to ensure sufficient battery capacity by locating the battery behind the seat, where space is less limited. By locating the heavy electric motor lower than the battery, the center of gravity of the electric tricycle can be lowered, improving stability during vehicle operation, even if the battery is located above the seat.

[0042] In the electric tricycle of this embodiment, the seat cushion (42) is located lower than the upper ends of the front or rear wheels in a side view of the vehicle, and the battery is located higher than the upper ends of the front or rear wheels and lower than the handlebars (26). This configuration allows for easier access to the battery behind the seat, improving workability with the battery. For example, in the case of a fixed battery, this improves workability when charging, and in the case of a replaceable battery, this improves workability when replacing the battery, as there is no need to lift it up high. Furthermore, while the seat height can be lowered, space can be secured to install the electric motor behind the seat and below the battery. This further lowers the center of gravity of the electric tricycle.

[0043] The electric tricycle of this embodiment comprises a base frame (15) that forms the framework of the lower side of the vehicle body, and a pair of left and right side frames (31) that form the framework of the lateral sides of the vehicle body. In a side view of the vehicle, the upper ends of the side frames are located at approximately the same height as the upper surface of the battery and further rearward than the rear surface of the battery. With this configuration, the battery can be protected by the side frames. The battery is positioned near the upper ends of the side frames, making it easy to access.

[0044] In the electric tricycle of this embodiment, the electric motor overlaps the seat surface when viewed from the front of the vehicle, and is positioned lower than the top of the rear wheel. This configuration allows the electric motor to be positioned low, lowering the center of gravity of the electric tricycle. Furthermore, since the electric motor is positioned low, more space is available above the electric motor for the battery, ensuring sufficient battery capacity.

[0045] The electric tricycle of this embodiment is equipped with a swing arm (29) that is swingably supported at the rear of the vehicle, with the rear wheel rotatably supported at the tip of the swing arm and an electric motor attached to the base end of the swing arm. With this configuration, by attaching the electric motor to the swing arm, the overall length of the vehicle can be shortened, making it possible to form a compact vehicle.

[0046] The electric tricycle of this embodiment is equipped with an inverter (55) that converts DC power from the battery into AC power, and the inverter is located in front of the electric motor and below the seat. With this configuration, the inverter is located below the seat, allowing the battery, electric motor, and inverter to be positioned compactly. Furthermore, by locating the inverter below the seat, the center of gravity of the motor tricycle can be lowered.

[0047] Although the present embodiment has been described, other embodiments may be made by combining the above-described embodiments and modifications in whole or in part.

[0048] Furthermore, the technology of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the technical idea. Furthermore, if the technical idea can be realized in a different way due to technological advances or other derived technologies, it may be implemented using that method. Therefore, the claims cover all embodiments that may fall within the scope of the technical idea. [Explanation of symbols]

[0049] 1: Electric tricycle 11: Front wheel 12: Rear wheel 15: Base frame 26: Handle 29: Swing arm 31: Side frame 41: Sheet 42: Seat 51: Electric motor 52: Battery 55: Inverter

Claims

1. An electric tricycle equipped with a pair of left and right front wheels and a single rear wheel, an electric motor that drives the rear wheels; a battery that supplies power to the electric motor; a seat disposed between the front wheels and the rear wheels; A base frame that forms the skeleton of the lower side of the vehicle body; a pair of left and right side frames that form the framework of the vehicle body sides; the battery is disposed rearward of the seat and above the seat; the electric motor is disposed rearward of the seat and below the battery; An electric tricycle, wherein, in a side view of the vehicle, the upper ends of the side frames are located at approximately the same height as an upper surface of the battery and further rearward than a rear surface of the battery.

2. a seat surface of the seat is located below an upper end of the front wheel or the rear wheel in a side view of the vehicle, 2. The electric tricycle according to claim 1, wherein the battery is located above the upper end of the front wheel or the rear wheel and below the handlebars.

3. the electric motor overlaps the seat surface of the seat in a front view of the vehicle, 3. The electric tricycle according to claim 1, wherein the electric motor is positioned below the upper end of the rear wheel.

4. A swing arm is provided at the rear of the vehicle so as to be swingable.

4. The electric tricycle according to claim 1, wherein the rear wheel is rotatably supported at a tip end of the swing arm, and the electric motor is attached to a base end of the swing arm.

5. an inverter that converts DC power from the battery into AC power; 5. The electric tricycle according to claim 1, wherein the inverter is disposed in front of the electric motor and below the seat.

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