Saddle-riding vehicles

Abstract

To improve the driving feeling of a saddle-riding type vehicle.SOLUTION: A saddle-riding type vehicle includes: a vehicle body frame; at least one wheel; a drive source that generates power to be transmitted to the wheel; and a battery case that includes a storage space where a battery which stores electric power is stored, and an opening that opens the storage space upwardly so as to allow the battery to be put in and out. The battery case has the opening inclined relative to the vertical direction so as to be directed obliquely, upwardly and backwardly. The lower end of the battery case is placed in the front space of the drive source, and is located below the upper end of the drive source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a saddle-type vehicle having a battery case for housing a battery.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electric saddle-type vehicle in which drive wheels are driven by a motor. A battery case is mounted on the saddle-type vehicle. The battery case houses a battery that supplies power to the motor.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Even in a saddle-type vehicle that supplies power to a motor, improvement in the driving feeling is desired.

[0005] Therefore, in one aspect of the present disclosure, an object is to improve the driving feeling of a saddle-type vehicle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The saddle-type vehicle of the present disclosure includes a vehicle body frame, at least one wheel, a drive source that generates power transmitted to the wheel, a storage space that houses a battery that stores power, an opening that opens upward the storage space for taking in and out the battery, and a battery case including the opening. The battery case is inclined with respect to the vertical direction such that the opening faces obliquely upward and rearward, and a lower end of the battery case is disposed in a front space of the drive source and is located below an upper end of the drive source.

Effects of the Invention

[0007] According to this disclosure, since the lower end of the battery case is located below the upper end of the drive source, the heavy battery can be positioned lower, thereby lowering the vehicle's center of gravity. Furthermore, since the battery case slopes backward as it moves upward from the lower end, it is easier to position the upper part of the battery case closer to the drive source. As a result, in a saddle-type vehicle, by bringing the heavy drive source and battery case closer together, it is easier to position these heavy components closer to the vehicle's center of gravity. In this way, the maneuverability during changes in the vehicle's posture can be improved, and the driving feel can be enhanced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a saddle-type vehicle according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the saddle-mounted vehicle shown in Figure 1 with the cover removed. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view of the battery case of the saddle-type vehicle shown in Figure 1, along the front-to-rear direction. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of the battery case of the saddle-mounted vehicle shown in Figure 1, along the width direction. [Figure 5] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the area around the battery case in the saddle-type vehicle, specifically the surface along the front-to-back direction with the cover closed. [Figure 6] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the area around the battery case in the saddle-type vehicle, with the cover open and the lid removed, showing the surface along the front-to-back direction. [Figure 7] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the area around the battery case in the saddle-type vehicle, with the battery installed in the battery case, the lid attached, and the cover closed, showing the surface along the front-to-back direction. [Figure 8] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of the double-bottom structure at the front of the battery case in the saddle-type vehicle, with the view taken along the front-to-rear direction. [Figure 9]This is an explanatory diagram for illustrating the inclination angle of the battery case in the saddle-mounted vehicle shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following description of a saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment will be made with reference to the attached drawings. In this specification, the front-rear direction, left-right direction (lateral direction), and up-down direction refer to the direction as seen from the rider's perspective when the rider is seated in the vehicle.

[0010] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a side view of the saddle vehicle 1 (vehicle) according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, in this embodiment, the saddle vehicle 1 is an electric motorcycle.

[0011] The saddle vehicle 1 comprises a front wheel 2, a rear wheel 3, and a vehicle frame 4. The vehicle frame 4 is supported by the front wheel 2 and the rear wheel 3. The saddle vehicle 1 has a front fork 5 that connects the front wheel 2 and the vehicle frame 4 and is provided between the front wheel 2 and the vehicle frame 4. The front fork 5 is provided below the steering shaft 7 and is connected to a bracket 8 that is spaced apart in the vertical direction. The front fork 5 extends diagonally upward and rearward. The front fork 5 is provided with a front suspension 6, and the front fork 5 is configured to be able to extend and contract in the longitudinal direction by the elastic deformation of a spring inside the front suspension 6. The front fork 5 mitigates the impact transmitted to the vehicle frame 4 by extending and contracting in the longitudinal direction. The steering shaft 7 connected to the bracket 8 is supported by a head pipe 4a, which is part of the vehicle frame 4, so as to be able to be angularly displaced. The saddle vehicle 1 also has a rear suspension 9 that connects the rear wheel 3 to the rear of the vehicle frame 4. Furthermore, the vehicle frame 4 is supported by a swing arm 10 that extends in the front-rear direction and supports the rear wheel 3, and is capable of angular displacement.

[0012] A handle 11 is provided on the steering shaft 7, which the driver grips with their hands. Behind the handle 11 is an outer cover 53 that covers the battery insertion port, which will be described later. Behind the outer cover 53 is a seat 12 on which the rider sits. The saddle vehicle 1 is equipped with a motor M as a drive source that generates power transmitted to the wheels. The motor M is mounted on the vehicle frame 4 between the front wheel 2 and the rear wheel 3. In this embodiment, the motor M functions as a prime mover that generates rotational driving force transmitted to the rear wheel 3.

[0013] The saddle vehicle 1 is equipped with a battery 14 and a battery case 13 that houses the battery 14. The battery 13 is configured to store power supplied to electrical components. In this embodiment, the battery 13 also supplies power to the motor M. This drives the motor M, causing the saddle vehicle 1 to move. The battery 13 is connected to the motor M via an electric wire 15. The battery case 13 is attached to the vehicle frame 4.

[0014] The motor M comprises a motor case Ma and a motor drive shaft Mb protruding from the motor case Ma. A sprocket 16 is provided on the motor drive shaft Mb so as to rotate together with the motor drive shaft Mb. Alternatively, a gear or pulley may be used as the rotating member instead of the sprocket 16. A chain 17 is connected to the sprocket 16 on the motor drive shaft Mb. This transmits the driving force output from the motor drive shaft Mb to the rear wheel 3 via the chain 17. Note that the transmission of the driving force output from the motor drive shaft Mb to the rear wheel 3 does not necessarily have to be via a chain; other power transmission members such as a belt may also be used.

[0015] The ECU (Electronic Control Unit) controls the drive of the drive motor M by adjusting the power supplied from the battery 13 to the motor M via the BMU (Battery Management Unit) and inverter. The throttle device 18 is operated by the rider and controls the drive of the motor M according to the rider's operation.

[0016] When a rider drives the saddle riding vehicle 1 and an impact acts on the vehicle body during running due to unevenness of the road surface or the like, the front fork 5 expands and contracts in the longitudinal direction. The front suspension 6 buffers the impact transmitted to the vehicle body frame 4 by expansion and contraction, so that the impact transmitted to the rider can be reduced. Thereby, the riding comfort of the rider can be improved.

[0017] Further, the saddle riding vehicle 1 is provided with an interlocking component that is connected to the front fork 5 and moves up and down together with the front fork 5 as the front fork 5 expands and contracts. In the present embodiment, as the interlocking component, a front fender 19 is provided that protrudes in the front-rear direction from the front fork 5 and is attached to the front fork 5 so as to cover the upper side of the front wheel 2. Since the front fender 19 moves up and down together with the front fork 5, it does not move relative to the front wheel 2 even if the front fork 5 expands and contracts. Therefore, the front fender 19 continues to cover the upper side of the front wheel 2 while maintaining a predetermined distance from the front wheel 2. Therefore, even if foreign matters such as small stones and gravel are lifted up by the rotation of the front wheel 2, the rider and the vehicle body are protected by the front fender 19.

[0018] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the saddle riding vehicle 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the saddle riding vehicle 1 has an insertion port 40 that is opened upward in order to mount the battery 14 in the battery case 13. The insertion port 40 is provided above the opening of the battery case 13 so that an operator can access the opening of the battery case 13 when taking the battery 14 in and out of the battery case 13 at a position between the front fork 5 and the seat 12 in the front-rear direction. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the outer lid 53 covering the insertion port 40 of the saddle riding vehicle 1 is removed. Also, a state in which the battery 14 is not stored inside the storage space of the battery case 13 is shown. Therefore, in FIG. 2, the case-side connector 31 in the battery case 13 described later is shown. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the battery case 13 is configured such that two batteries 14 are arranged side by side in the width direction and stored inside the battery case 13.

[0019] Next, the configuration of the battery case 13 will be described. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the battery case 13 broken along a plane extending in the front-rear direction. FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the battery case 13 broken along a plane extending in the width direction. FIGS. 5 and 6 show cross-sectional views of the region around the battery case broken along a plane extending in the front-rear direction. FIG. 5 shows a state in which the outer lid 53 covering the insertion port 40 of the saddle-riding vehicle 1 for accessing the battery case 13 in the saddle-riding vehicle 1 is closed. FIG. 6 shows a state in which the outer lid 53 covering the insertion port 40 of the saddle-riding vehicle 1 is opened and the lid 42 is removed. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the region around the battery case in a state where the battery 14 is housed inside the battery case 13, broken along a plane extending in the front-rear direction.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 3, the battery case 13 is configured as a housing capable of accommodating the battery 14. The battery case 13 has a storage space 25 for storing the battery 14. Further, the battery case 13 has an inner bottom wall 28 inclined downward as it goes rearward, and a side wall 48 extending upward from the inner bottom wall 28 and surrounding the side of the storage space 25. Further, the battery case 13 has an opening 21 that opens upward the storage space 25 of the battery 14 for taking in and out the battery 14. The battery case 13 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction so that the opening 21 faces obliquely upward and rearward when attached to the saddle-riding vehicle 1. That is, the battery case 13 is attached to the saddle-riding vehicle 1 while being inclined rearward as it progresses upward from the lower end.

[0021] The storage space 25 of the battery case 13 is configured such that the area of ​​the cross-section perpendicular to the battery insertion direction D1 decreases as it goes downwards. In this embodiment, steps 22 are provided on the front and rear surfaces of the upper part of the inner surface of the battery case 13. In addition, below the portion of the inner surface of the battery case 13 where the steps 22 are provided, the front and rear surfaces of the inner surface of the battery case 13 are configured to taper downwards, becoming closer to each other as they go downwards. The inner surface of the battery case 13 is configured such that as it goes downwards, the inner surface becomes more inward due to the upper portion with the steps 23 and the lower portion 24 which is configured to be tapered. The side wall 48 of the battery case 13 has drainage holes 26 for draining water that has entered the storage space 25. The drainage holes 26 open in the lower and rear corners of the storage space 25 in the battery case 13. With the battery case 13 attached to the saddle vehicle 1, the drain hole 26 extends outward from the battery case 13 in a direction having at least a downward component. The drain hole 26 is located at the rear end 13d of the battery case 13, close to the inner bottom wall 28 in the vertical direction of the side wall 48. Furthermore, in the storage space 25 of the battery case 13, the drain hole 26 is configured to connect the storage space 25 to the outside.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the battery case 13 is configured to accommodate two batteries 14 in the width direction. In this embodiment, a partition portion 41 is provided that protrudes from the inner bottom wall 28 of the battery case 13 toward the inside of the storage space 25, so as to divide the storage space for the two batteries 14 arranged side by side in the width direction. The partition portion 41 divides the space for each of the two batteries 14, allowing each battery 14 to be placed in an appropriate position.

[0023] The saddle vehicle 1 is equipped with a lid 42 positioned above the battery case 13. As shown in Figure 5, the battery case 13 is fitted with a lid 42 that closes the opening 21. The lid 42 covers the top of the battery 14 after it has been placed in the battery case 13, protecting the battery 14. In this embodiment, the lid 42 is fixed to the battery case 13 by screws.

[0024] The passenger vehicle 1 is equipped with an outer cover member 51 located in front of the seat 12 and above the lid 42. As shown in Figure 5, the outer cover member 51 constitutes a part of the outer surface of the passenger vehicle 1 above the lid 42 and is configured to allow the outer cover 53 to be opened and closed above the battery case 13. When the battery 14 is housed inside the battery case 13 mounted on the passenger vehicle 1, it is protected by the battery case 13, the lid 42, and the outer cover member 51. In this embodiment, the outer cover member 51 is attached to the upper end 48a of the side wall 48 of the battery case 13. Also in this embodiment, the outer cover member 51 is partially embedded in the cowl 50 of the passenger vehicle 1 in front of the seat 12, and the portion protruding from the cowl 50 constitutes the outer surface of the passenger vehicle 1.

[0025] The outer cover member 51 is positioned between the rider's legs when the rider straddles the seat 12, and the upper end 51a of the outer cover member 51 protrudes upward above the seat 12. The outer cover member 51 has a base 52 having an opening 52a, an outer cover 53 provided to open and close the opening 52a of the base 52, and a hinge portion 54 that rotatably connects the outer cover 53 to the base 52. The outer cover 53 opens and closes relative to the base 52 by rotating the outer cover 53 around the hinge portion 54. The hinge portion 54 is provided at the rear of the base 52 so that the outer cover 53 opens backward. When the outer cover 53 is closed, the hinge portion 54 is positioned lower than the front end of the outer cover 53.

[0026] When the outer cover 53 is opened, as shown in Figure 6, an insertion opening 40 is provided inside the base 52, which serves as a space for the battery 14 to pass through when inserting or removing the battery 14 from the battery case 13. The insertion opening 40 is located above the battery case 13, along the insertion direction in which the battery is inserted into the battery case 13. As shown in Figure 6, the insertion opening 40 is provided in the outer cover member 51.

[0027] As shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7, in this embodiment, the battery case 13 is mounted on the saddle vehicle 1 adjacent to the front of the motor M. The battery case 13 is positioned between the front fork 5 and the motor M in the front-rear direction of the saddle vehicle 1. In this embodiment, as will be described later, the battery case 13 is positioned at an angle, and the front surface of the battery case 13 extends in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the front fork 5.

[0028] As shown in Figure 7, the lid 42 is configured to contact the upper end 43 of the battery 14 when the battery 14 is housed inside the battery case 13. Since the battery 14 contacts the lid 42 when housed inside the battery case 13, the battery 14 is held down inside the battery case 13. Even while the passenger vehicle 1 is in motion, the lid 42 holds down the battery 14, so even if a vertical force acts on the passenger vehicle 1 while it is in motion, it is possible to prevent the battery 14 from moving vertically as a result.

[0029] As shown in Figures 3 to 7, the bottom of the battery case 13 is configured to have a double bottom structure 35. The double bottom structure 35 of the bottom of the battery case 13 has an inner bottom wall 28, an outer bottom wall 29 that covers the inner bottom wall 28 from below, and a peripheral wall 30 that connects the outer bottom wall 29 to the inner bottom wall 28. The inner bottom wall 28 and the outer bottom wall 29 together are referred to as the bottom wall 56. The bottom wall 56 is inclined downwards towards the rear as the battery case 13 is inclined. The inner bottom wall 28 of the battery case 13 is provided with a case-side connector 31 that protrudes inward into the storage space 25. The battery 14 is provided with a battery-side connector 32 that connects to the case-side connector 31 when the battery 14 is stored in the storage space of the battery case 13.

[0030] In the wiring space 33 between the outer bottom wall 29 and the inner bottom wall 28 of the double bottom structure 35 of the battery case 13, an electric wire 34 connected to the case-side connector 31 is arranged. In this embodiment, the electric wire 34 extends from the case-side connector 31, through the inside of the inner bottom wall 28 of the battery case 13 toward the wiring space 33, passes through the inside of the wiring space 33 toward the rear, and extends to the outside of the battery case 13. The battery case 13 is composed of the double bottom structure 35, the case-side connector 31, and the electric wire 34. In this embodiment, the outer bottom wall 29 and the peripheral wall 30 are constructed separately from the inner bottom wall 28. The outer bottom wall 29 and the peripheral wall 30 also constitute a one-piece bottom cover 36.

[0031] Figure 8 shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of the double bottom structure 35 at the front of the battery case 13. A sealing member 37 is interposed at the mating surface of the inner bottom wall 28 and the bottom cover 36 of the battery case 13. In addition, as shown in Figures 5 to 7, drainage holes 38 are provided in the peripheral wall 30. The drainage holes 38 are located at the rear end 13d of the battery case 13, close to the outer bottom wall 29. The drainage holes 38 are configured to connect the wiring space 33 to the outside.

[0032] In this embodiment, the outer bottom wall 29 is inclined to extend downward as it approaches the rear, so even if water enters the wiring space 33 of the battery case 13, the water flows along the outer bottom wall 29. The water that enters the wiring space 33 moves towards the rear of the wiring space 33. In this embodiment, a drain hole 38 is provided on the inner surface of the battery case 13 at the rear and close to the outer bottom wall 29, so the water that enters moves towards the drain hole 38, and as a result the water is discharged from the drain hole 38. In this embodiment, drain holes 26 and 38 are provided in both the storage space 25 and the wiring space 33 to discharge water that has entered the space.

[0033] The saddle-riding vehicle 1 is further equipped with electrical components positioned in front of the battery case 13, such that at least a portion of them overlaps the battery case 13 in the vertical direction. Figures 5, 6, and 7 show the electrical component placement space 39 in front of the battery case 13 where the electrical components are located. The electrical components used in the saddle-riding vehicle 1 are located in the electrical component placement space 39.

[0034] In this embodiment, as described above, the battery case 13 is attached to the vehicle frame 4 with a rearward inclination as it moves upward from the lower end. Therefore, a space is created in front of the battery case 13 where objects can be placed. Thus, in this embodiment, by placing electrical components in the space created in front of the battery case 13, there is no need to create a new space for placing electrical components. Therefore, the space inside the passenger vehicle 1 can be used efficiently. Thus, the passenger vehicle 1 can be made smaller. In particular, in this embodiment, the ECU is included in the electrical components placed in the electrical component placement space 39 created in front of the battery case 13. By placing electrical components including the ECU in the electrical component placement space 39 in front of the battery case 13, the ECU can be placed in a space that directly receives the airflow while driving. Therefore, the ECU can be efficiently cooled by the airflow while driving. In particular, since the ECU tends to generate heat as the passenger vehicle 1 is driven, cooling the ECU with the airflow while driving allows the temperature of the ECU to be kept at an appropriate temperature even while the passenger vehicle 1 is driving.

[0035] When storing the battery 14 in the battery case 13, the outer cover 53 covering the insertion opening 40 is opened, as shown in Figure 6. When the outer cover 53 is opened, the upper cover 42 of the battery case 13 is removed. With the outer cover 53 open and the cover 42 removed, the inside of the storage space 25 of the battery case 13 can be accessed from the outside. The battery 14 passes through the insertion opening 40 on the front-to-back inner side of the base 52, through the opening 21 of the battery case 13, and is placed in the storage space 25 of the battery case 13. Then, with the battery 14 stored in the storage space 25 of the battery case 13, the cover 42 is attached to the top of the battery case 13, and the insertion opening 40 is closed with the outer cover 53, completing the storage of the battery 14 in the battery case 13.

[0036] Referring to Figure 9, the inclination of the battery case 13 will be explained. Since the battery case 13 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction such that the opening 21 of the battery case 13 faces upward and backward at an angle, the line L1 connecting the center of the opening 21 at the upper end of the battery case 13 and the center of the inner bottom wall 28 is inclined. When inserting the battery 14 into the battery case 13, the battery 14 is inserted into the battery case 13 along the center line L1. The direction in which the battery 14 is inserted into the battery case 13 along this line L1 will be called the battery insertion direction D2 of the battery case 13, and the angle inclined along this line L1 with respect to the vertically extending line L5 will be called the insertion angle θ1. Since the battery case 13 is positioned on the saddle vehicle 1 at an inclination of insertion angle θ1, the front surface 13a of the outer wall of the battery case 13 is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Furthermore, the line along the longitudinal direction D4 of the front fork 5 is defined as line L2, and the angle at which line L2 is inclined with respect to line L5 extending in the vertical direction is defined as the inclination angle θ2. In this embodiment, the saddle vehicle 1 is configured such that the insertion angle θ1 of the battery 14 in the battery case 13 and the inclination angle θ2 of the longitudinal direction D4 of the front fork 5 with respect to the vertical direction are the same angle. As a result, when the battery 14 is stored in the battery case 13, the insertion direction D2 of the battery 14 into the opening 21 of the battery case 13 is in the same direction as the longitudinal direction D4 of the front fork 5.

[0037] Since the insertion angle θ1 of the battery 14 in the battery case 13 and the inclination angle θ2 in the longitudinal direction D4 of the front fork 5 are inclined at the same angle, even if the front fork 5 extends and retracts, and the front fender 19 moves accordingly, the length g1 of the gap between the rear end 19a of the front fender 19 and the front surface 13a of the battery case 13 in the orthogonal direction D3 perpendicular to the insertion direction D2 is maintained as the front fender 19 moves. Therefore, in the orthogonal direction D3, movement of the front fender 19 toward the front surface 13a of the battery case 13 is suppressed. In Figure 9, line L3 is the line along the direction in which the front surface 13a of the battery case 13 extends, and line L4 is the line along the direction in which the movement trajectory of the front end 19a of the front fender 19 that is linked to the extension and retraction of the front fork 5 extends.

[0038] As the front fender 19 moves, the length g1 of the gap between the rear end 19a of the front fender 19 and the front surface 13a of the battery case 13 is maintained in the orthogonal direction D3. Therefore, no matter how large the amount of movement of the front fender 19, interference between the front fender 19 and the battery case 13 is suppressed. Since the battery case 13 and the front fork 5 are tilted at the same angle, and the front surface 13a of the battery case 13 is located behind the front fork 5, the front surface 13a of the battery case 13 is positioned behind the movement trajectory of the front end 19a of the front fender 19, which is linked to the extension and retraction of the front fork 5. As a result, the positioning of the battery case 13 is not restricted by interference with the front fender 19, and the design freedom of the saddle vehicle 1 is improved.

[0039] In particular, even if the battery case 13 is positioned low in the saddle-mounted vehicle 1, interference between the front fender 19 and the battery case 13 can be minimized, allowing the battery case 13 to be positioned lower. Generally, in the saddle-mounted vehicle 1, the battery 14 housed inside the battery case 13 is heavy. Since the heavy battery 14 can be positioned low, the center of gravity of the saddle-mounted vehicle 1 can be lowered.

[0040] Since the battery case 13 can be positioned at a low position, in this embodiment, the battery case 13 is positioned such that its lower end 13b is below the upper end Mc of the motor M. The lower end 13b of the battery case 13 is positioned between the front fork 5 and the motor M in the front-rear direction of the saddle vehicle 1. Also, in this embodiment, since the upper part of the battery case 13 is positioned behind the lower part of the battery case 13, the upper part of the battery case 13 can be positioned closer to the motor M. Specifically, the rear end of the upper part of the battery case is positioned behind the front end of the motor. That is, in a top view, a part of the battery case and a part of the motor overlap in the vertical direction. As a result, the center of gravity G1 of the battery 14 can be positioned closer to the center of gravity G2 (in other words, the roll axis) of the saddle vehicle 1 compared to when the battery case is positioned vertically. When the driver turns using the saddle vehicle 1, the driver shifts their weight to angularly displace the vehicle body around the roll axis. In this case, because the battery's center of gravity G1 is close to the vehicle's center of gravity G2, the rotational moment required to turn the vehicle around the roll axis can be reduced. This improves the maneuverability when changing the vehicle's attitude. Furthermore, by bringing the battery's center of gravity G1 closer not only to the roll axis but also to the vehicle's center of gravity G2, the inertia when the vehicle changes its attitude around the vehicle's center of gravity G2 (around the pitch, yaw, and roll axes) can be reduced. In this way, the vehicle's attitude changes based on forces applied by the driver or the vehicle can be accelerated, improving the dynamic performance of the saddle vehicle 1. Thus, by lowering the center of gravity of the saddle vehicle 1 and positioning the battery 14 so that its center of gravity G1 is close to the center of gravity G2 of the saddle vehicle 1, the maneuverability of the saddle vehicle 1 can be improved, as can the driving feel of the saddle vehicle 1.

[0041] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the battery case 13 is positioned on the saddled vehicle 1 such that its lower end 13b is above the lower end Md of the motor case Ma of the drive motor M. Since the lower end 13b of the battery case 13 is positioned above the lower end Md of the motor case Ma, there is a high probability that the motor case Ma will come into contact with an obstacle below the vehicle body before the battery case 13. Therefore, contact between the battery case 13 and obstacles can be suppressed, and the battery 14 inside the battery case 13 can be protected more reliably.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the battery case 13 is positioned at a low position on the saddle vehicle 1, the upper end position 14a of the battery housed inside the battery case 13 is located below the lower end 12a of the seat 12. Also, in this embodiment, the upper rear end 13c of the battery case 13 is positioned behind the front end Me of the motor case Ma of the drive motor M. Also, in this embodiment, the upper rear end 13c of the battery case 13 is positioned in front of the front end 12b of the seat.

[0043] In this embodiment, the front fender 19 moves in conjunction with the extension and contraction of the front fork 5. In this embodiment, the saddle vehicle 1 is described in which the battery case 13 is tilted to prevent interference between the battery case 13 and the front fender 19. In this embodiment, the part that moves up and down in conjunction with the extension and contraction of the front fork 5 (the interlocking part) may be something other than the front fender 19. For example, an aerodynamic part, which is a part for obtaining downforce, may be the interlocking part. In this case, it can be suitably applied when it is attached to a part that moves up and down in conjunction with the extension and contraction of the front fork 5, and the rear end of the aerodynamic part is in close proximity to the battery case 13.

[0044] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the insertion direction D2 of the battery 14 into the battery case 13 when storing the battery 14 in the battery case 13 is the same direction as the longitudinal direction D4 of the front fork 5. This makes it possible to prevent parts provided on the upper part of the front fork 5 from interfering with the operation of inserting and removing the battery 14 into and out of the battery case 13. In this embodiment, a steering shaft 7 is provided above the front fork 5, and a handle 11 is attached to the steering shaft 7. Generally, the steering shaft 7 extends along the direction D4 in which the front fork 5 extends, and the direction D4 in which the front fork 5 extends and the direction in which the steering shaft 7 extends are the same. When the insertion direction D2 of the battery 14 is the same as the direction D4 in which the front fork 5 extends, the insertion direction D2 of the battery 14 and the direction in which the steering shaft 7 extends are approximately the same direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent interference between the battery 14 and the steering shaft 7 when storing the battery 14 in the battery case 13. This prevents the steering shaft 7 from interfering with the battery storage process.

[0045] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the battery case 13 is configured such that its inner surface is inward as it approaches the bottom. As a result, the opening 21 of the battery case 13 is made large, making it easy to insert the battery 14 into the battery case 13. In addition, in this embodiment, steps 22 are provided at the top of the front and rear surfaces of the storage space 25 inside the battery case 13, so that the insertion position of the battery 14 can be positioned within a certain range when inserting the battery 14 into the storage space 25 of the battery case 13. In addition, in this embodiment, the front and rear surfaces below the steps 22 inside the storage space 25 inside the battery case 13 are tapered, so that they approach each other as they approach the bottom. As a result, the inner surface of the battery case 13 functions as a guide surface when inserting the battery 14. Therefore, by inserting the battery 14 along the inner surface of the battery case 13, the battery 14 can be positioned in the correct location inside the battery case 13.

[0046] In this embodiment, a case-side connector 31 is provided on the inner bottom wall 28 of the battery case 13, protruding toward the storage space 25. Furthermore, a battery-side connector 32 is provided at the lower end of the battery 14, protruding toward the inner bottom wall 28 of the battery case 13 when the battery 14 is stored in the battery case 13. The configuration ensures that the case-side connector 31 and the battery-side connector 32 are properly connected when the battery 14 is placed in the correct position within the battery case 13. In this embodiment, if the battery 14 is not placed in the correct position within the battery case 13, the case-side connector 31 and the battery-side connector 32 will not be properly connected.

[0047] According to this embodiment, when inserting the battery 14 into the storage space of the battery case 13, the step 22 positions the battery 14 at the insertion point, and the tapered surface 24 guides the battery 14. Therefore, during the battery insertion process, the battery 14 can be guided to the installation position in the battery case 13, and the battery 14 can be placed in the correct installation position. Consequently, the case-side connector 31 and the battery-side connector 32 can be connected more reliably and appropriately. In addition, the operator inserting the battery 14 can simplify the work of aligning the battery 14 with the battery case 13.

[0048] In this embodiment, the outer bottom wall 29 and the peripheral wall 30 are configured as a one-piece bottom cover 36. A sealing member 37 is interposed at the mating surface between the inner bottom wall 28 and the bottom cover 36 of the battery case 13. This prevents water from entering the wiring space 33 through the space between the inner bottom wall 28 and the bottom cover 36. In addition, the battery case 13 is positioned at an angle, and a drain hole 38 is provided at the rear of the inner surface of the wiring space 33. Even if water enters the wiring space 33, the water will be discharged through the drain hole 38. Therefore, the inside of the wiring space 33 is protected by a high level of waterproofing.

[0049] According to this embodiment, even if water enters the storage space 25, the water that enters will be discharged through the drainage hole 26. Therefore, the inside of the storage space 25 is protected by a high level of waterproofing.

[0050] In this embodiment, the bottom of the battery case 13 is configured to have a double bottom structure 35, thereby improving the strength of the bottom 55 of the battery case 13. In this embodiment, the battery case 13 is positioned at an angle, so that the bottom 55 of the battery case 13 is positioned relatively facing forward of the riding vehicle 1. Therefore, the bottom 55 of the battery case 13 is positioned in a location that is easily subjected to wind pressure from the airflow while riding. In this embodiment, the strength of the bottom 55 of the battery case 13 is improved by the double bottom structure 35, so the durability of the battery case 13 is ensured even if the bottom 55 is subjected to strong wind pressure. Furthermore, even if a load is applied to the battery case 13 due to the extension and retraction of the front fork 5, the insertion direction D2 of the battery 14 in the battery case 13 and the direction in which the front fork extends are in the same direction, so the bottom can withstand the load applied to the battery case 13 with its surface. Therefore, the load applied per unit area at the bottom of the battery case 13 can be reduced, and the durability of the battery case 13 can be improved.

[0051] Furthermore, the saddle vehicle 1 is equipped with a storage 45 positioned above the battery case 13, which can store items. In this embodiment, as described above, the battery case 13 is attached to the vehicle frame 4 at an angle, thereby allowing the battery case 13 to be positioned at a low position in the saddle vehicle 1. Because the battery case 13 is positioned at a relatively low position inside the saddle vehicle 1, space is created above the battery case 13 in the saddle vehicle 1. Therefore, this space can be used as a storage 45 that can store items. In this embodiment, the storage 45 is provided inside the outer cover 53 of the outer cover member 51. This makes it possible to provide a storage space 45 in the saddle vehicle 1 without increasing the height of the saddle vehicle 1. Therefore, it is possible to make the saddle vehicle 1 easy to use while keeping the size of the saddle vehicle 1 down. In this embodiment, by opening the outer cover 53, the space of the storage 45 can be accessed, and items can be stored in and taken out of the storage 45. When storing items in the storage 45, the lid 42 is attached to the battery case 13, and the items are then stored inside the storage 45.

[0052] In this embodiment, the front surface 13a of the battery case 13 is described as extending in the same direction as the front fork 5, but it is not limited to this. The front surface 13a of the battery case 13 may extend in a direction that moves away from the front fork 5 as it goes upward. This makes it possible to prevent interference between the battery case 13 and the front fender 19 even if the front fender 19 moves up and down together with the front fork 5.

[0053] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which the saddle vehicle 1 is a motorcycle, it is not limited to this. The saddle vehicle 1 may have one wheel, or it may have three or more wheels. The saddle vehicle 1 only needs to have at least one wheel.

[0054] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which the angle θ1 of the insertion direction D2 of the battery 14 into the battery case 13 with respect to the vertical direction is the same as the angle θ2 of the direction in which the front fork 5 extends with respect to the vertical direction. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. The angle θ1 of the insertion direction D2 of the battery 14 into the battery case 13 with respect to the vertical direction may be more inclined than the angle θ2 of the front fork 5. As a result, the front surface 13a of the battery case 13 extends in a direction away from the front fork 5 as it moves upward, and the battery case 13 is positioned so that it moves away from the front fork 5 as it moves upward. Therefore, even if the front fender 19 moves in conjunction with the extension and retraction of the front fork 5, interference between the battery case 13 and the front fender 19 can be suppressed.

[0055] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a configuration was described in which steps 22 are provided on the upper part of the front and rear surfaces of the inner surface of the battery case 13, and the front and rear surfaces below the steps 22 are tapered and move closer to each other as they go downwards. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. Steps 22 may be provided on both sides of the inner surface of the battery case 13 in addition to the front and rear surfaces of the inner surface of the battery case 13, and in addition to the front and rear surfaces below the steps 22, both sides below the steps 22 may be tapered and move closer to each other as they go downwards. Alternatively, steps 22 may not be provided on the front and rear surfaces of the inner surface of the battery case 13, but only on both sides. Alternatively, the front and rear surfaces of the inner surface of the battery case 13 may not be tapered, but only on both sides. Furthermore, the battery case 13 may have a configuration in which a step is provided on the upper part of the inner surface of the battery case 13, or a configuration in which the inner surface of the battery case 13 is tapered. Furthermore, the battery case 13 may have a step on the upper part of either the front and rear or both sides of the inner surface of the battery case 13, and the other of the front and rear or both sides of the inner surface of the battery case may be tapered. In other words, the surface on the inner surface of the battery case 13 where the step 22 is provided and the tapered surface 24 may be different surfaces.

[0056] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the drain hole 26 is formed at the rear end 13d of the battery case 13, penetrating the side wall 48 in a direction perpendicular to the battery insertion direction D1, but is not limited to this. The drain hole 26 may have other configurations as long as water that has entered the storage space 25 can be discharged to the outside. For example, the drain hole 26 may be formed to penetrate the inner bottom wall 28 along the battery insertion direction D1, so as to be able to discharge water that has entered the storage space 25 to the outside. In that case, the drain hole 26 is required to be formed at a position outside the bottom cover 36 so as not to interfere with the bottom cover 36.

[0057] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the drain hole 38 is formed at the rear end 13d of the battery case 13, penetrating the peripheral wall 30 in a direction perpendicular to the battery insertion direction D1, but is not limited to this. The drain hole 38 may have other configurations as long as water that has entered the wiring space 33 can be discharged to the outside. For example, the drain hole 38 may be formed so as to penetrate the outer bottom wall 29 along the battery insertion direction D1, and configured to discharge water that has entered the wiring space 33 to the outside.

[0058] Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a configuration in which the saddle vehicle 1 is equipped with a motor M as a drive source that generates power transmitted to the wheels, it is not limited to this configuration. The saddle vehicle 1 may be equipped with something other than a motor as a drive source. For example, the saddle vehicle 1 may be equipped with an engine as a drive source. Also, the drive source does not have to be a single source; the saddle vehicle 1 may be driven by using the driving force generated by multiple drive sources. In addition, if the saddle vehicle 1 is not equipped with a motor M as a drive source, the power stored in the battery 14 may be supplied to electrical components other than the drive source and used there.

[0059] As described above, the embodiments have been explained as examples of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted as appropriate. It is also possible to combine the components described in the embodiments to create new embodiments. For example, some components or methods in one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, and some components in an embodiment can be separated from other components in that embodiment and extracted as appropriate. Furthermore, the components described in the attached drawings and detailed description include not only components essential for solving the problem, but also components that are not essential for solving the problem, in order to illustrate the technology.

[0060] Each of the following items is a disclosure of a preferred embodiment.

[0061] [Item 1] The vehicle frame and At least one wheel, A drive source that generates power transmitted to the aforementioned wheels, The battery case includes a storage space for housing a battery that stores power, and an opening that opens upward to allow the storage space to be opened for inserting or removing the battery. The battery case is inclined with respect to the vertical direction such that the opening is angled upward and backward. A saddle vehicle in which the lower end of the battery case is located in the space in front of the drive source and is positioned below the upper end of the drive source.

[0062] [Item 2] The aforementioned at least one wheel includes a front wheel and a rear wheel, The aforementioned saddle-type vehicle further comprises a front fork that connects the vehicle frame and the front wheel, extending diagonally upward and rearward, and which mitigates the impact transmitted to the vehicle frame by extending and contracting in the longitudinal direction. The lower end of the battery case is positioned between the front fork and the drive source in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The saddle vehicle according to item 1, wherein the front of the battery case extends in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the front fork or in a direction that moves away from the front fork as it extends upward.

[0063] [Item 3] The aforementioned at least one wheel includes a front wheel and a rear wheel, The aforementioned saddle-type vehicle further comprises a front fork that connects the vehicle frame and the front wheel, extending diagonally upward and rearward, and which mitigates the impact transmitted to the vehicle frame by extending and contracting in the longitudinal direction. The system further includes an interlocking component connected to the front fork, which moves up and down together with the front fork as the front fork extends and retracts. The saddle vehicle according to item 1 or 2, wherein the front of the battery case is positioned behind the movement trajectory of the interlocking component that is linked to the extension and retraction of the front fork.

[0064] [Item 4] The aforementioned at least one wheel includes a front wheel and a rear wheel, The aforementioned saddle-type vehicle further comprises a front fork that connects the vehicle frame and the front wheel, extending diagonally upward and rearward, and which mitigates the impact transmitted to the vehicle frame by extending and contracting in the longitudinal direction. The saddle vehicle according to any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the insertion direction of the battery is in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the front fork or in a direction that moves away from the front fork as it moves upward.

[0065] [Item 5] The saddle vehicle according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the storage space of the battery case has a decreasing area of ​​the cross-section perpendicular to the direction in which the battery is inserted into the battery case as it extends downward.

[0066] [Item 6] The battery case includes a bottom wall that supports the battery, The battery case is inclined such that the bottom wall slopes downward as it approaches the rear. The saddle vehicle according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the battery case has drainage holes formed in the lower and rear corners of the storage space.

[0067] [Item 7] A saddle vehicle according to any one of items 1 to 6, further comprising an electrical component positioned in front of the battery case such that at least a portion of it overlaps the battery case in the vertical direction. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] 1. Saddle-riding vehicle 2 Front wheels (driven wheels) 3. Rear wheels (drive wheels) 4. Vehicle frame (vehicle body) 5 Front Fork 13 Battery Case 14 batteries 19. Front fender (connecting part) 25 Storage space 33 Wiring space 45 storage 26, 38 drainage holes M Motor (drive source)

Claims

1. The vehicle frame and At least one wheel, A drive source that generates power transmitted to the aforementioned wheels, The seat on which the rider sits, The battery case includes a storage space for housing a battery that stores power, and an opening that opens upward to allow the storage space to be opened for inserting or removing the battery. The battery case is inclined with respect to the vertical direction such that the opening is angled upward and backward. The upper rear end of the battery case is positioned in front of the front end of the seat and below the lower end of the seat. A saddle vehicle in which the lower end of the battery case is located in the space in front of the drive source and is positioned below the upper end of the drive source.

2. The aforementioned at least one wheel includes a front wheel and a rear wheel, The aforementioned saddle-type vehicle is A front fork connecting the vehicle frame and the front wheel, extending diagonally upward and rearward, which expands and contracts in the longitudinal direction to mitigate the impact transmitted to the vehicle frame, The system further comprises a front fender, which is an interlocking component connected to the front fork and moves up and down together with the front fork as the front fork extends and retracts, The lower end of the battery case is positioned between the front fork and the drive source in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The front of the battery case is positioned behind the movement trajectory of the interlocking component that is linked to the extension and retraction of the front fork, and extends in the same direction as the longitudinal direction of the front fork or in a direction away from the front fork as it moves upward, according to claim 1.

3. The battery case further includes an insertion opening for mounting the aforementioned battery, The opening of the battery case is positioned facing upwards. The saddle vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the insertion port is located above the opening of the battery case.

4. The saddle vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a storage compartment located above the battery case and capable of storing objects.

5. The saddle vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the opening of the battery case is arranged to open the storage space upward independently of the seat.

6. The saddle vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an electrical component positioned in front of the battery case such that at least a portion of it overlaps the battery case in the vertical direction.

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