Vehicle structure

Abstract

To provide a vehicle structure which contributes to downsizing of a vehicle and to improvement of energy efficiency.SOLUTION: A vehicle structure includes: a rechargeable battery (100) which stores electric power used for operation of a vehicle (1); a seat (15) on which an occupant of the vehicle (1) is seated; a load receiving part (70) which receives a load of the seat (15); and an electric component (9) used for operation of the vehicle (1). The rechargeable battery (100) supports the seat (15) through the load receiving part (70) and the electric component (9) is disposed between the seat (15) and the rechargeable battery (100).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [[ID=****]]The present invention relates to a vehicle structure.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, efforts to realize a low-carbon society or a decarbonized society have been active, and research and development on electrification technologies have been conducted in vehicles in order to reduce CO2 emissions and improve energy efficiency. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a saddle-type electric vehicle including an electric motor that generates driving power, a battery case that houses a battery that supplies power to the electric motor, and a seat on which a driver can sit. In this vehicle, the load of the seat is received by the battery case.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in technologies related to electrification technologies, miniaturization of vehicles is an issue. For example, in the technology of Patent Document 1 above, a control device is inside the battery case, and the battery case is enlarged, so the design freedom is limited. Therefore, it is required to appropriately arrange the control device while arranging the control device outside the battery case.

[0005] The present application aims to achieve miniaturization of electrical components and thus vehicles in order to solve the above problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] As means for solving the above problems, an aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. (1) A vehicle structure according to an aspect of the present invention comprises a storage battery (100) for storing power used for the operation of the vehicle (1), a seat (15) on which the occupants of the vehicle (1) sit, a load-receiving part (70) for receiving the load of the seat (15), and electrical components (9) used for the operation of the vehicle (1), wherein the storage battery (100) supports the seat (15) via the load-receiving part (70), and the electrical components (9) are arranged between the seat (15) and the storage battery (100). In this configuration, the battery supports the seat via a load-bearing section, creating space around the load-bearing section. Therefore, electrical components can be placed between the seat and the battery using this space. This contributes to miniaturization of the vehicle and, consequently, to improved energy efficiency.

[0007] (2) A vehicle structure according to an aspect of the present invention comprises a storage battery (100) for storing electricity used for the operation of the vehicle (1), a seat (15) on which the occupants of the vehicle (1) sit, and a load-receiving part (70) for receiving the load of the seat (15), wherein the storage battery (100) has a longitudinal direction in a side view of the vehicle and comprises a long-shaped part (103) that extends from the lower part of the down frame (21) of the vehicle body frame (5) to just before the pivot axis (PV), and an upright part (104) that rises upward from the rear of the long-shaped part (103), and the load-receiving part (70) is provided on the upper part of the upright part (104). With this configuration, the battery capacity is secured by the elongated section extending front to rear from the lower part of the vehicle frame, and the seat load is supported by the upright section protruding from the rear upper part of the elongated section, thus ensuring high rigidity near the seat and supporting the seat load.

[0008] (3) In the vehicle structure described in (1) or (2) above, the vehicle (1) is equipped with electrical components (9) used for operation, and the electrical components (9) may be supported by the load-receiving portion (70). With this configuration, the electrical components are supported by a load-bearing section with sufficient strength to withstand the seat load, thereby increasing the stability of the electrical components.

[0009] (4) In the vehicle structure described in (3) above, the electrical component (9) is supported on the load-receiving portion (70) via a stay (90), and the stay (90) may be provided with wiring support portions (92, 93) on the opposite side from the load-receiving portion (70) for supporting wiring (106) connected to the electrical component (9). This configuration allows the wiring support section to be placed on the side of the stay that offers greater layout flexibility.

[0010] (5) In the vehicle structure described in (4) above, the main support portion (91) of the stay (90) that supports the electrical component (9) has a recess (91c) that is recessed to avoid the load receiving portion (70). This configuration allows the main support portion and the load-bearing portion of the stay to be brought close together while avoiding interference, and the load of the electrical components can be efficiently supported by the load-bearing portion.

[0011] (6) In the vehicle structure described in (3) above, the load-receiving portion (70) is positioned in front of the electrical component (9), and a gap (75) may be formed in the portion of the load-receiving portion (70) that overlaps with the electrical component (9) when viewed from the front of the vehicle. This configuration allows at least a portion of the airflow passing through the gap from the front of the electrical components to be directed towards the electrical components. Therefore, it contributes to improving the cooling efficiency of the electrical components.

[0012] (7) In the vehicle structure described in (6) above, the gap (75) may overlap with the cooling fins (61) provided on the electrical component (9) when viewed from the front of the vehicle. This configuration allows for more effective directing of cooling air to the parts of the electrical components that need cooling.

[0013] (8) In the vehicle structure described in (3) above, a gap (120) may be formed between the electrical component (9) and the storage battery (100). With this configuration, at least a portion of the cooling air passing through the gap between the electrical components and the battery can be used to cool the electrical components and the battery.

[0014] (9) In the vehicle structure according to (8) above, the gap (120) is formed between the lower surface of the electrical component (9) and the upper surface of the storage battery (100), and at least a part of each of the lower surface of the electrical component (9) and the upper surface of the storage battery (100) may be arranged parallel to each other when viewed from the side of the vehicle. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the flow of the cooling air from being obstructed. Therefore, it contributes to further improving the cooling efficiency of the electrical component and the storage battery.

[0015] (10) In the vehicle structure according to any one of (3) to (9) above, a box portion (45) that forms a space (46) below the seat (15) is further provided, a notch portion (47) is formed in the box portion (45), and the electrical component (9) may be accommodated in the notch portion (47). According to this configuration, the electrical component can be protected so as to be covered by the box portion.

Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it contributes to downsizing of the vehicle. And, by extension, it contributes to improvement of energy efficiency.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a left side view of a vehicle in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a perspective view of a main part of the vehicle as seen from the left front. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view of a load receiving portion that receives the load of the seat in the vehicle as seen from the left front. [Figure 4] It is a front view of a main part of the vehicle. [Figure 5] It is a left side view of a main part of the vehicle. [Figure 6] It is a left side view including the VI-VI cross section of FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is a left side view for explaining an example of the flow of cooling air in the vehicle.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings. The directions such as front-back, up-down, left-right, etc. in the following description are the same as those in the vehicle described below. Arrows FR indicating the front of the vehicle, LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, UP indicating the upper side of the vehicle, and a line CL indicating the center of the vehicle body are shown at appropriate positions in the drawings used in the following description. In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements such as "parallel", "orthogonal", "center", "coaxial", etc. not only strictly mean such arrangements, but also include states where they are relatively displaced with tolerances and angles or distances that can obtain the same function.

[0019] <Vehicle> FIG. 1 is a left side view of a vehicle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle 1 of the embodiment is a scooter-type electric two-wheeler having a floor portion 14 (low floor portion) on which a passenger (driver) places their feet. The vehicle 1 includes a front wheel 2, a rear wheel 3, a vehicle body frame 5, a vehicle body cover 6, a swing unit 8, a storage battery 100, a seat 15, a load receiving portion 70, and a control device (electrical component) 9.

[0020] The front wheel 2 is supported by a front fork 10. The front wheel 2 is steerable by a bar handle 13. The rear wheel 3 is supported at the rear end portion of the swing unit 8. The rear wheel 3 is drivable by an electric motor 50 provided in the swing unit 8. The front end portion of the swing unit 8 is connected to the vehicle body frame 5.

[0021] The handlebars 13, front forks 10, and front wheel 2 constitute the steering system. The steering system is supported at the front end of the vehicle frame 5 so as to be steerable. The swing unit 8 and rear wheel 3 are supported at the lower part of the vehicle frame 5 so as to be able to swing up and down. The perimeter of the vehicle frame 5 is covered by a vehicle cover 6. In the figure, the symbol PV indicates a pivot axis that connects the front end of the swing unit 8 to the lower part of the vehicle frame 5 so as to be able to swing up and down.

[0022] Vehicle 1 comprises a floor section 14 that forms a footrest surface on which the driver, seated in the seat 15, rests their feet; a front body FB that extends forward of the floor section 14; and a rear body RB that extends behind the floor section 14. Above the floor section 14, a stepping-over space K is formed to make it easier for the occupant to straddle the vehicle.

[0023] A seat 15, on which the occupant sits, is supported on the rear body RB. The front lower end of the seat 15 is connected to the vehicle body via a hinge shaft 16 that runs along the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). The seat 15 rotates up and down around the hinge shaft 16, thereby opening and closing the upper part of the rear body RB.

[0024] The closed state (see Figure 1) is defined as the seat 15 with its seat surface approximately horizontal, thereby closing off the upper part of the rear body RB. When the seat 15 is in the closed state, an occupant can sit on the seat 15, and the storage compartment for items below the seat 15 (space 46 inside the box section 45) is closed. In this state, the seat 15 can be locked.

[0025] The seat 15 rotates around the hinge axis 16, raising the seat surface upwards and opening the upper part of the rear body RB, which is called the open state. When the seat 15 is in the open state, the occupant cannot sit on the seat 15, and the storage compartment for items below the seat 15 (space 46 inside the box section 45) opens, allowing items to be put in and taken out.

[0026] The vehicle frame 5 is formed by joining multiple types of steel materials together by welding or other means. The vehicle frame 5 includes a head pipe 20 located at the front end, a pair of left and right down frames 21 that branch off from the head pipe 20 to the left and right and extend downward before extending to the rear, and a pair of left and right rear frames 22 that extend upward and rearward from the rear of the left and right down frames 21.

[0027] Specifically, the left and right down frames 21 include downward extensions 21a that branch off from the head pipe 20 to the left and right and extend downward, curved portions 21b that curve downward and forward from the lower end of the downward extensions 21a, rearward extensions 21c that extend rearward from the rear end of the curved portions 21b, and left and right extensions 21d that extend in the vehicle width direction to connect the left and right downward extensions 21a. A storage battery 100 is located in the space under the floor surrounded by the lower part of the left and right down frames 21 and the front part of the left and right rear frames 22. A center cross frame 23 extending in the vehicle width direction is provided between the front parts of the left and right rear frames 22.

[0028] The vehicle body cover 6 surrounds the vehicle body frame 5. In the figure, the vehicle body cover 6 is shown by a dashed line. For example, the vehicle body cover 6 may include a handle cover 30 that surrounds the handlebars 13 except for the left and right grip portions 13a, a front cover 31 that covers the front of the vehicle body frame 5 from the front, an inner cover 32 that covers the front of the vehicle body frame 5 from the rear, a floor cover 33 that covers the lower part of the vehicle body frame 5 from above, a rear center cover 34 that covers the rear of the vehicle body frame 5 from the front, a pair of left and right rear side covers 35 that cover the rear of the vehicle body frame 5 from the left and right sides, and a rear end cover 36 that covers the rear of the vehicle body frame 5 from the rear.

[0029] The front cover 31 and inner cover 32 may constitute a front body cover that forms the outer surface of the front body FB. The front body cover may also serve as a leg shield that covers the front of the driver's legs. The upper surface of the floor cover 33 may constitute a floor step. The floor step may form a flat upper surface (footrest surface) that spans the entire width in the vehicle width direction, for example. The floor step may include a center tunnel that rises upward on the inside in the vehicle width direction. The rear center cover 34, left and right rear side covers 35, and rear end cover 36 may constitute a rear body cover that forms the outer surface of the rear body RB. The vehicle body cover 6, except for the steering wheel cover 30, may be fixedly supported by the vehicle body frame 5.

[0030] The swing unit 8 comprises an electric motor 50 that generates driving force for the vehicle 1 to travel, a reduction gear 51 that reduces the output of the electric motor 50, and a unit case 52 that houses the electric motor 50 and the reduction gear 51.

[0031] The electric motor 50 is powered by the battery 100. The electric motor 50 has its drive shaft aligned with the vehicle width. The electric motor 50 comprises a rotor that rotates integrally with the drive shaft and a stator that surrounds the outer circumference of the rotor and is fixed to the unit case 52 (neither of which are shown). The electric motor 50 is driven at a variable speed, for example, by VVVF (variable voltage variable frequency) control. The electric motor 50 may be controlled to change speed as if it had a continuously variable transmission. Alternatively, the electric motor 50 may be controlled to change speed as if it had a stepped transmission.

[0032] The driving force generated by the electric motor 50 is transmitted to the rear wheels 3 supported by the swing unit 8, causing the vehicle 1 to move. The lower end of the rear cushion 41 is connected to the rear end of the swing unit 8. The swing unit 8 and the rear cushion 41 constitute a suspension system (rear suspension) that supports the rear wheels 3.

[0033] The control device 9 includes a Power Control Unit (PCU) 60 that controls the electric motor 50. The PCU 60 includes a Power Drive Unit (PDU), which is a motor driver, and an Electric Control Unit (ECU) that controls the PDU. The PDU includes, for example, an inverter. The inverter converts the current supplied from the battery 100 from direct current to alternating current and then supplies power to the electric motor 50.

[0034] One end of the wiring 65 (for example, a three-phase cable) connected to the electric motor 50 is connected to the PDU of the PCU 60. In addition, the positive and negative battery cables 105 extending from the battery case 102 (specifically, the positive and negative terminals of the battery body 101) that houses the battery body 101 of the storage battery 100 are connected to the PDU. The inverter of the PDU converts the DC current supplied by the storage battery 100 into three-phase AC and supplies it to the electric motor 50.

[0035] <Battery storage> The battery 100 is mounted below the seat 15, between the lower part of the downward extension 21a of the down frame 21 and the front lower part of the rear frame 22. The rear of the battery 100 is positioned so as to overlap with the front of the seat 15 in a plan view. The battery 100 comprises a battery body 101 and a battery case 102 that covers the battery body 101.

[0036] The battery body 101 may comprise, for example, multiple unit batteries 101a. The battery body 101 may comprise, for example, only one unit battery 101a. The unit battery 101a may be composed of, for example, a lithium-ion battery as a rechargeable and dischargeable energy storage.

[0037] Battery cables 105 extend from the positive and negative terminals of the battery body 101, respectively. Each battery cable 105 is connected to a PDU that makes up the PCU 60. Wiring 65 (for example, a three-phase cable) extends from the PDU. Wiring 65 is connected to the electric motor 50.

[0038] The battery 100 is positioned along the rearward extension 21c of the left and right down frames 21 in the longitudinal direction. The battery 100 may be arranged symmetrically on both sides with respect to the center of the vehicle width as the axis of symmetry. This allows the heavy battery 100 to be arranged symmetrically, thereby reducing the impact on the left-right balance of the vehicle's weight.

[0039] The battery 100 comprises a long, rectangular portion 103 having a longitudinal direction when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and an upright portion 104 rising from the rear upper part of the long, rectangular portion 103. The long, rectangular portion 103 is arranged to extend in the front-rear direction along the rear extension portion 21c. The front lower part of the long, rectangular portion 103 is arranged to overlap with the curved portion 21b when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The upright portion 104 is located on the rear upper side of the long, rectangular portion 103, towards the center in the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

[0040] In this embodiment, the elongated portion 103 and the upright portion 104 are rectangular in shape when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The battery 100 is L-shaped when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The battery 100 is positioned so that the upright portion 104 protrudes upward toward the front of the seat 15 when viewed from the side of the vehicle, and the elongated portion 103 is aligned with the rearward extension portion 21c (extending in the front-rear direction of the vehicle). The elongated portion 103 extends from the lower part of the downward extension portion 21a of the down frame 21 to just before the pivot axis PV when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0041] The storage battery 100 includes a first mounting portion 111 that protrudes forward and upward from the front upper end of the battery case 102 (specifically, the elongated portion 103), a second mounting portion 112 that protrudes forward and downward from the front lower end of the battery case 102 (specifically, the elongated portion 103), a third mounting portion 113 that protrudes rearward from the rear upper end of the battery case 102 (specifically, the upright portion 104), and a fourth mounting portion 114 that protrudes rearward and downward from the rear lower end of the battery case 102 (specifically, the elongated portion 103).

[0042] The battery 100 is rigidly mounted to the vehicle body. The front upper end of the battery 100 is supported (bolted) by a first mounting part 111, etc., on the left and right extending portions 21d of the down frame 21 (specifically, hanger brackets 24 provided in the center of the left and right extending portions 21d in the vehicle width direction). The front lower end of the battery 100 is supported (bolted) by a second mounting part 112, etc., on the front lower part of the left and right down frames 21 (for example, a bracket not shown provided on the curved portion 21b). The rear upper end of the battery 100 is supported (bolted) by a third mounting part 113, etc., on the left and right hanger brackets 25 provided on the center cross frame 23. The rear lower end of the battery 100 is supported (bolted) by a fourth mounting part 114, etc., on hanger brackets 26 provided on the front lower part of the left and right rear frames 22.

[0043] The battery 100 may be rechargeable using an external charger, for example, when it is removed from the vehicle. The battery 100 may also be used independently, for example, as a mobile battery to power external devices.

[0044] The vehicle further includes a box section 45 that forms a space 46 below the seat 15. The box section 45 functions as an article storage section into which articles can be loaded and unloaded from the space 46 below the seat 15. A notch 47 is formed in the box section 45. The notch 47 is formed in the front lower part of the box section 45. The notch 47 is formed to open forward and downward directly below the front of the seat 15. The control device 9 is housed in the notch 47.

[0045] <Load-bearing section> Figure 2 is a perspective view of the main part of vehicle 1, seen from the front left. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the load-receiving section 70 of vehicle 1, which receives the load of seat 15, seen from slightly above and to the front left. Figure 4 is a front view of the main part of vehicle 1. Figure 5 is a left side view of the main part of vehicle 1. Figure 6 is a left side view including the VI-VI section of Figure 4. Referring to Figures 1 to 6, the battery 100 supports the sheet 15 via the load-bearing section 70. The control device 9 is positioned between the sheet 15 and the battery 100. The control device 9 is supported by the load-bearing section 70. The load-bearing section 70 is positioned in front of the control device 9.

[0046] The load-bearing portion 70 is formed in a U-shape (inverted U-shape) that opens downward when viewed from the front-rear direction. A hinge bracket 80 that rotatably supports the hinge shaft 16 of the seat 15 is attached to the load-bearing portion 70. The load-bearing portion 70 is configured to receive the load of the seat 15 via the hinge bracket 80.

[0047] The hinge bracket 80 comprises a pair of left and right rotating support plates 81 that rotatably support the hinge shaft 16 and are formed in a plate shape with thickness in the vehicle width direction, and a connecting plate 82 that connects the left and right rotating support plates 81 and is U-shaped (inverted U-shaped) when viewed from the front and rear directions. The lower end edges of the left and right rotating support plates 81 may be joined to the upper surface of the connecting plate 82 by, for example, metal welding or integral molding of resin.

[0048] The load-receiving section 70 comprises a front wall section 71 that is U-shaped (inverted U-shaped) and opens downward when viewed from the front and rear directions, an upper wall section 72 that connects to the upper center of the front wall section 71 in the vehicle width direction and extends in the vehicle width direction, left and right side wall sections 73 that extend outward and downward in the vehicle width direction from both left and right ends of the upper wall section 72, and a lower wall section 74 that extends from the lower ends of the left and right side wall sections 73 so as to follow the upper surface of the battery 100 (so as to be in contact with a part of the upper surface of the battery 100).

[0049] A hinge bracket 80 is attached to the front wall portion 71. The hinge bracket 80 (the rear end edge of the connecting plate 82) may be joined to the front wall portion 71 by, for example, metal welding or integral molding of resin. The box portion 45 has a front flange portion 48 that protrudes forward toward the front of the control device 9 between the control device 9 and the hinge shaft 16 of the seat 15. The front flange portion 48 of the box portion 45 is fixed to the upper wall portion 72. The front flange portion 48 of the box portion 45 may also be fixed to the upper wall portion 72 from above the vehicle by, for example, a pair of bolts on the left and right. The upper part of the battery 100 is fixed to the left and right lower wall portions 74. The left and right lower wall portions 74 may also be fixed to the upper part of the battery 100 (specifically, the protruding portion that extends upward from the front upper part of the upright portion 104) by, for example, a pair of bolts at the front and rear.

[0050] A gap 75 is formed in the load-bearing section 70 in the portion that overlaps with the control device 9 when viewed from the front of the vehicle. The gap 75 corresponds to the portion of the load-bearing section 70 that opens downward when viewed from the front or rear direction. The gap 75 is formed so that it is demarcated by the inner edge of the load-bearing section 70 and the upper surface of the battery 100 when viewed from the front of the vehicle.

[0051] Cooling fins 61 are provided on the underside of the control device 9. The underside of the control device 9 extends in the longitudinal direction (specifically, slightly downward sloping towards the front relative to the longitudinal direction) when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The cooling fins 61 are formed in a rectangular shape with a longitudinal side that follows the control device 9 (slightly downward sloping towards the front) when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The cooling fins 61 extend from the front end to the rear end of the underside of the control device 9 in the longitudinal direction (specifically, slightly downward sloping towards the front relative to the longitudinal direction) when viewed from the side of the vehicle. Multiple cooling fins 61 are provided at intervals in the vehicle width direction.

[0052] The gap 75 overlaps with the cooling fins 61 provided on the control device 9 when viewed from the front of the vehicle. The gap 75 overlaps with a number of cooling fins 61 (eight in the example of Figure 4) located towards the center in the vehicle width direction among the multiple cooling fins 61 when viewed from the front of the vehicle. The space outside the load-receiving portion 70 in the vehicle width direction overlaps with a number of cooling fins 61 (four on each side in the example of Figure 4) located on the outer edges in the vehicle width direction among the multiple cooling fins 61 when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Note that the installation configuration of the cooling fins 61 (such as installation location and number) is not limited to the above and can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0053] <Stay> The control device 9 is supported on the load-receiving section 70 via a stay 90. On the side opposite to the load-receiving section 70, the stay 90 includes wiring support sections 92 and 93 that support the wiring 65 connected to the control device 9. Specifically, the stay 90 comprises a main body support section 91 that supports the control device 9, and wiring support sections 92 and 93 that support the wiring.

[0054] The main support portion 91 is positioned parallel to the lower surface of the control device 9. The main support portion 91 extends in the front-rear direction (specifically, slightly downward sloping relative to the front-rear direction) when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The main support portion 91 may have a through hole 91h that opens in the vertical direction so as to communicate with the gap 75 formed in the load-receiving portion 70.

[0055] The front of the main support portion 91 has a recess 91c that is recessed to avoid the side wall portion 73 of the load-receiving portion 70. The front of the main support portion 91 (the portion facing the recess 91c) has an overlapping portion 91a that overlaps with the lower wall portion 74 (the rear portion of the lower wall portion 74) of the load-receiving portion 70 when viewed from above. The overlapping portion 91a of the main support portion 91, together with the rear portions of the left and right lower wall portions 74, is fixed to the upper part of the battery 100. The overlapping portion 91a of the main support portion 91 may be fixed to the upper part of the battery 100 (specifically, the front upper part of the upright portion 104) from above the vehicle, for example, by fastening together with the left and right lower wall portions 74 using bolts or the like.

[0056] The main support portion 91 has an outer shape that overlaps with the control device 9 when viewed from above. The control device 9 has cylindrical boss portions 62 at the corners of the rectangular portion when viewed from above. Bolts with bottom heads are attached to the main support portion 91 at the portions that overlap with each boss portion 62 when viewed from above (each corner portion 91b). Each corner portion 91b of the main support portion 91 may be fixed with nuts from above the vehicle, for example, to the male threads of the bolts that protrude upward from each boss portion 62 of the control device 9.

[0057] Multiple wiring support sections 92 and 93 are provided on the rear side of the main support section 91. The multiple wiring support sections 92 and 93 include an upper wiring support section 92 that connects to the rear edge of the main support section 91 on the outer end side in the vehicle width direction and extends while curving upward and forward upward, and a lower wiring support section 93 that connects to the rear edge of the main support section 91 on the center side in the vehicle width direction and extends while curving forward downward. Wiring 65 is supported by each wiring support section 92 and 93 via retaining members 95 and 96 such as grommets.

[0058] The wiring 65 extends upward and rearward from the center of the upper surface of the control device 9 in the front-rear direction when viewed from the side of the vehicle, then curves and extends downward and rearward, and is supported by the upper wiring support part 92 via a retaining member 95. Subsequently, the wiring 65 extends downward and rearward, then curves and extends downward and front, and is supported by the lower wiring support part 93 via a retaining member 96. Finally, the wiring 65 extends downward and front, then curves and extends downward and rearward, and is connected to the swing unit 8 (specifically, the electric motor 50).

[0059] The battery cable 105 extends forward and downward from the front upper part of the control device 9 when viewed from the side of the vehicle, then curves downward (slightly downward towards the rear), and is connected to the upper part of the storage battery 100 (specifically, the front part of the upright section 104). The left and right battery cables 105 extend inward and downward in the vehicle width direction from the front lower edge of the seat 15 when viewed from the front of the vehicle, and are connected to the part of the front of the upright section 104 that is closer to the center in the vehicle width direction. The left and right battery cables 105 are positioned to avoid the gap 75 of the load-receiving section 70 when viewed from the front of the vehicle (in other words, to overlap with the outer part of the front wall section 71 in the vehicle width direction).

[0060] <Connection and support of control devices> The control device 9 connects the battery 100 and the vehicle frame 5. The control device 9 is connected across two components: the battery 100 and the vehicle frame 5. The vehicle frame 5 includes a center cross frame 23 that supports the battery 100. The control device 9 is supported by the center cross frame 23.

[0061] The center cross frame 23 is formed to protrude upward and forward from the front of the left and right rear frames 22 when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The center cross frame 23 is formed to have a U-shape (inverted U-shape) that opens downward when viewed from the front and rear directions.

[0062] The center cross frame 23 is provided with a pair of left and right hanger brackets 25. The left and right hanger brackets 25 extend downward and forward from the front of the center cross frame 23 when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The battery 100 is supported by the center cross frame 23 via the left and right hanger brackets 25. The rear upper end of the battery 100 (specifically, the upright portion 104) is fastened to the left and right hanger brackets 25 from the outside on both sides with bolts via a third mounting portion 113, etc.

[0063] The center cross frame 23 is provided with a pair of left and right support brackets 27. The left and right support brackets 27 extend rearward from the rear of the center cross frame 23 when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The left and right support brackets 27 are formed in a U-shape (inverted U-shape) that opens downward when viewed from the front and rear directions. The control device 9 is supported by the center cross frame 23 via a stay 90 and the left and right support brackets 27. The rear lower surface of the stay 90 abuts against the upper surfaces of the left and right support brackets 27.

[0064] <Cooling air passage> Figure 7 is a left side view illustrating an example of the cooling airflow in vehicle 1. In Figure 7, the vehicle's side view shape of the battery 100 and other components is shown in a simplified manner. Referring to Figures 1 to 7, in this embodiment, the load-bearing portion 70 is positioned in front of the control device 9. A gap 75 is formed in the portion of the load-bearing portion 70 that overlaps with the control device 9 when viewed from the front of the vehicle. A cooling air passage (gap) 120 is formed between the control device 9 and the battery 100 through which cooling air passes. The cooling air passage 120 is formed between the lower surface of the control device 9 and the upper surface of the battery 100. At least a portion of the lower surface of the control device 9 and the upper surface of the battery 100 are arranged parallel to each other when viewed from the side of the vehicle. In Figure 7, the upper surface of the battery 100 (upright portion 104) extends linearly in the front-rear direction (specifically, slightly downward sloping forward relative to the front-rear direction) when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The cooling fins 61 protrude downward from the lower surface of the control device 9 so as to partition the cooling air passage 120 in the vehicle width direction.

[0065] The cooling air passage 120 extends from near the front upper end of the upright portion 104 to the rear (specifically, slightly upward at the rear) in a side view of the vehicle, along the lower surface of the control device 9 and the upper surface of the storage battery 100, respectively. Part of the cooling air passage 120 is divided vertically by the stay 90. In addition, the cowl portion below the seat 15 (for example, the rear center cover 34) and / or the cowl portion behind the front wheel 2 (for example, the front cover 31) may have openings that allow cooling air (outside air) to be introduced towards the gap 75 of the load-receiving portion 70.

[0066] As a result, at least a portion of the air passing through the gap 75 from the front of the control device 9 flows along the direction of arrow W1 in the figure and is guided along the cooling fins 61 provided on the control device 9. Also, at least a portion of the air passing through the gap 75 flows along the direction of arrow W2 in the figure and is guided along the upper surface of the upright portion 104 that constitutes the battery 100. Furthermore, at least a portion of the air passing through the gap 75 flows along the direction of arrow W3 in the figure through the through hole 91h formed in the stay 90 and is guided towards the rear of the upright portion 104.

[0067] <Effects and Effects> As described above, the vehicle structure in the above embodiment includes a battery 100 for storing power used to operate the vehicle 1, a seat 15 on which the occupants of the vehicle 1 sit, a load-receiving section 70 that receives the load of the seat 15, and a control device 9 for controlling the operation of the vehicle 1. The battery 100 supports the seat 15 via the load-receiving section 70. The control device 9 is positioned between the seat 15 and the battery 100. In this configuration, the battery 100 supports the seat 15 via the load-bearing portion 70, creating a space around the load-bearing portion 70. Therefore, the control device 9 can be placed between the seat 15 and the battery 100 by utilizing the space around the load-bearing portion 70. This contributes to miniaturization of the vehicle 1, and consequently to improved energy efficiency.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the control device 9 is supported by the load receiving section 70. With this configuration, the control device 9 is supported by a load-bearing section 70 with sufficient strength to receive the sheet load, thereby increasing the stability of the control device 9.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the control device 9 is supported on the load-receiving portion 70 via a stay 90. On the side opposite to the load-receiving portion 70, the stay 90 includes wiring support portions 92 and 93 that support the wiring 65 connected to the control device 9. With this configuration, wiring support sections 92 and 93 can be provided on the side of the stay 90 that offers greater layout flexibility.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the load-receiving portion 70 is positioned in front of the control device 9. A gap 75 is formed in the portion of the load-receiving portion 70 that overlaps with the control device 9 when viewed from the front of the vehicle. This configuration allows at least a portion of the airflow passing through the gap 75 from the front of the control device 9 to be directed towards the control device 9. This contributes to improving the cooling efficiency of the control device 9.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the gap 75 overlaps with the cooling fins 61 provided on the control device 9 when viewed from the front of the vehicle. This configuration allows the control device 9 to more effectively direct cooling air towards the part that needs to be cooled.

[0072] In the above embodiment, a cooling air passage 120 through which cooling air passes is formed between the control device 9 and the storage battery 100. With this configuration, at least a portion of the cooling air passing through the cooling air passage 120 can be used to cool the control device 9 and the storage battery 100.

[0073] In the above embodiment, the cooling air passage 120 is formed between the lower surface of the control device 9 and the upper surface of the storage battery 100. At least a portion of each of the lower surface of the control device 9 and the upper surface of the storage battery 100 are arranged parallel to each other when viewed from the side of the vehicle. This configuration helps to suppress obstruction of the cooling airflow. Therefore, it contributes to further improving the cooling efficiency of the control device 9 and the battery 100.

[0074] In the above embodiment, a box portion 45 is further provided below the sheet 15, forming a space 46. A notch 47 is formed in the box portion 45. The control device 9 is housed in the notch 47. With this configuration, the control device 9 can be protected by covering it with the box portion 45.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the vehicle structure includes a battery 100 for storing power used to operate the vehicle 1, a vehicle body frame 5 of the vehicle 1, and a control device 9 for controlling the operation of the vehicle 1. The control device 9 connects the battery 100 and the vehicle body frame 5. This configuration allows the control device 9 to be connected across two components: the battery 100 and the vehicle frame 5. In other words, the control device 9 can be used as a connection point between the battery 100 and the vehicle frame 5. Therefore, the degree of layout flexibility can be improved.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the vehicle frame 5 includes a center cross frame 23 that supports the battery 100. The control device 9 is supported by the center cross frame 23. In this configuration, the control device 9 is supported by a robust center cross frame 23 that supports the weight of the battery 100, thereby improving the stability of the control device 9.

[0077] <Variation> In the above embodiment, the control device was described as being supported by a load-bearing portion, but it is not limited to this. For example, the control device may be supported by a member other than the load-bearing portion. For example, the control device may not be supported by the load-bearing portion at all. The support configuration of the control device can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the control device is supported by a load-bearing portion via a stay, and the stay is provided with a wiring support portion on the opposite side of the load-bearing portion to support wiring connected to the control device. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the stay may have a wiring support portion on the same side as the load-bearing portion. For example, the wiring support portion may be provided on a separate member from the stay. For example, the stay may not have a wiring support portion at all. The installation method of the wiring support portion can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0079] In the above embodiment, the load-bearing portion is positioned in front of the control device, and an example was given in which a gap is formed in the portion of the load-bearing portion that overlaps with the control device when viewed from the front of the vehicle. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the load-bearing portion may be positioned on the left or right side of the control device. For example, no gap may be formed in the load-bearing portion. The arrangement of the load-bearing portion and / or the formation of the gap can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0080] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the gap overlaps with the cooling fins provided on the control device when viewed from the front of the vehicle, but this is not limited to this. For example, the gap may overlap with the main body of the control device (parts other than the cooling fins) when viewed from the front of the vehicle. For example, the control device may not be provided with cooling fins. The arrangement of the gap and / or the installation of the cooling fins can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0081] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a cooling air passage for cooling air is formed between the control device and the storage battery, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the control device may be in direct contact with the storage battery. For example, a cooling air passage may not be formed between the control device and the storage battery. The manner in which the cooling air passage is formed can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the cooling air passage is formed between the lower surface of the control device and the upper surface of the battery, and at least a portion of each of the lower surface of the control device and the upper surface of the battery is described as being arranged parallel to each other in a vehicle side view, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, each of the lower surface of the control device and the upper surface of the battery may be arranged non-parallel to each other in a vehicle side view. For example, the lower surface of the control device and / or the upper surface of the battery may have uneven surfaces that form irregularities in a vehicle side view. The configuration of the lower surface of the control device and / or the upper surface of the battery can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0083] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a box portion forming a space below the seat is further provided, a notch is formed in the box portion, and the control device is housed in the notch, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the box portion does not have to have a notch. For example, the control device may be positioned so as to face a part of the box portion other than the notch. For example, a member other than the box portion may be provided below the seat. For example, the vehicle does not have to have a box portion. The manner in which the box portion is installed, the manner in which the notch is formed, and / or the manner in which the control device is arranged can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the control device was described as connecting the battery and the vehicle frame, but it is not limited to this. For example, the control device may connect components other than the battery and the vehicle frame. For example, the control device does not need to connect the battery and the vehicle frame. The connection configuration of the control device can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0085] In the above embodiment, the vehicle frame was described as having a center cross frame that supports the battery, and the control device was supported by the center cross frame, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the control device may be supported by a part of the vehicle frame other than the center cross frame. The support configuration of the control device can be changed according to the design specifications.

[0086] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in the embodiments, the electrical component placed between the sheet and the battery is a control unit (PCU), but it may be a converter, a charger, or other electrical component. The load-bearing portion is fixed to the upper part of the battery (upper part of the upright portion) and the front part of the sheet bottom plate with bolts, for example. However, the load-bearing portion is not limited to a configuration that is completely independent of the sheet and the battery. At least a part of the load-bearing portion may be integrally formed with the sheet or the battery. The configuration of this embodiment is not limited to application to scooter-type motorcycles, but may also be applied to various saddle-type vehicles. Saddle-type vehicles include all vehicles on which the driver straddles the vehicle body, and include not only motorcycles (including mopeds and scooter-type vehicles), but also three-wheeled vehicles (including vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels, as well as vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel) or four-wheeled vehicles (such as four-wheeled buggies). Furthermore, the configuration in the above embodiment is just one example of the present invention, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiment with well-known components. [Explanation of symbols]

[0087] 1 vehicle 9. Control devices (electrical components) 15 sheets 45 Hakobe 46 Space 47 Notch 61 cooling fins 65 Wiring 70 Load-bearing section 75 void 90 Stay 92,93 Wiring support part 100 Battery 120 Cooling air passage (gap)

Claims

1. A vehicle body frame (5) comprising a head pipe (20), a down frame (21) extending downward from the head pipe (20) and then extending rearward, and a pair of left and right rear frames (22) extending upward and rearward from the rear of the down frame (21), A seat (15) in which the occupants sit, A storage battery (100) is located in the space under the floor surrounded by the lower part of the down frame (21) and the front part of the rear frame (22) and drives the electric motor (50), In a vehicle structure having a control device (9) for controlling the electric motor (50), The storage battery (100) supports the sheet (15) via the load-receiving portion (70), The control device (9) is supported by the load receiving portion (70) and is positioned between the sheet (15) and the storage battery (100) in a side view. The battery cable (105) extending from the storage battery (100) and the three-phase cable (65) extending from the electric motor (50) are routed on the upper surface of the control device (9). Vehicle structure.

2. The control device (9) is supported by the load-receiving portion (70) via a stay (90), and the stay (90) has wiring support portions (92, 93) on the opposite side from the load-receiving portion (70) that support a three-phase cable (65) connected to the control device (9). The vehicle structure according to claim 1.

3. The vehicle structure according to claim 2, wherein the main support portion (91) of the stay (90) that supports the control device (9) has a recess (91c) that is recessed to avoid the load receiving portion (70).

4. The load-receiving portion (70) is positioned in front of the control device (9), In the load-receiving portion (70), a gap (75) is formed in the portion that overlaps with the control device (9) when viewed from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle structure according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned gap (75) overlaps with the cooling fins (61) provided on the control device (9) when viewed from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle structure according to claim 4.

6. A gap (120) is formed between the control device (9) and the storage battery (100). The vehicle structure according to claim 1.

7. The gap (120) is formed between the lower surface of the control device (9) and the upper surface of the storage battery (100). At least a portion of the lower surface of the control device (9) and the upper surface of the storage battery (100) are arranged parallel to each other when viewed from the side of the vehicle. The vehicle structure according to claim 6.

8. The sheet (15) is further provided with a box portion (45) that forms a space (46) below it. A notch (47) is formed in the box portion (45). The control device (9) is housed in the notch (47), The vehicle structure according to claim 1.

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