Straddled vehicle

Abstract

This invention provides a straddle-type vehicle capable of carrying a large battery pack without compromising drivability. The straddle-type vehicle 1 of this invention includes a body frame 2, a seat 5, a pair of left and right footrests 8, a body shell 9, and a battery pack 10. The pair of left and right footrests 8 are positioned further forward and lower than the seat 5. The body shell 9 includes a channel T. The channel T is formed between the head tube 11 in the front-rear direction and the seat 5, and between the pair of left and right footrests 8. The battery pack 10 is disposed within the channel T. The battery pack 10 is disposed between the pair of left and right upper frames 14 and the pair of left and right lower frames 13 of the body frame 2. The upper part of the battery pack 10 is positioned higher than the upper edge of the pair of left and right upper frames 14.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a straddle-type vehicle. Prior Technology

[0002] Previous straddle-type vehicles, such as electric two-wheelers, have a frame and a battery pack disposed within the frame (see Patent Document 1). In the previous electric two-wheeler, the frame has a pair of upper frames and a pair of lower frames disposed below the pair of upper frames. The battery pack is disposed below the pair of upper frames, between the pair of lower frames. [Previous Technical Documents] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-66291 Summary of the Invention

[0004] [The problem the invention aims to solve] Generally speaking, in recent years, electric two-wheelers have been striving to increase the size of the battery pack in order to ensure sufficient driving range. In previous electric two-wheelers, the battery pack was located lower than the pair of upper frames. Therefore, in the pursuit of larger battery packs, the size of the vehicle frame may increase in the left-right and / or front-back directions due to its lower position relative to the pair of upper frames.

[0005] Here, if the lateral dimensions of the vehicle frame increase, the distance between the rider's feet on the footrests will increase when riding a straddle-type vehicle. Therefore, rider comfort during riding may decrease. Furthermore, if the longitudinal length of the vehicle frame increases, the wheelbase will become longer. Therefore, maneuverability during riding may decrease. In other words, in previous electric two-wheelers, it was difficult to mount a large battery pack onto the vehicle frame without compromising maneuverability.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a straddle-type vehicle that can carry a large battery pack without compromising drivability. [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0007] One embodiment of the present invention provides a straddle-type vehicle comprising a body frame, a seat, a pair of left and right footrests, a vehicle shell, and a battery pack. The body frame includes a head tube, a pair of left and right downward frames, a pair of left and right upper frames, and a pair of left and right lower frames. The pair of left and right downward frames extend downward from the head tube. The pair of left and right upper frames are positioned above the pair of left and right downward frames. The pair of left and right lower frames are positioned further downward than the pair of left and right upper frames. The pair of left and right lower frames extend rearward from the pair of left and right downward frames. The seat is positioned behind the head tube. The pair of left and right footrests are positioned further forward and further downward than the seat.

[0008] At least a portion of the left and right footrests is positioned further outward in the left-right direction than the vehicle frame. The vehicle body shell covers the vehicle frame. The vehicle body shell includes an interior space. The interior space is formed between the head tube and the seat in the front-rear direction, and between the left and right footrests. The battery pack is disposed within the interior space. The upper part of the battery pack is positioned higher than the upper edge of the left and right upper frames. The battery pack is disposed between the left and right upper frames and between the left and right lower frames.

[0009] In this straddle-type vehicle, with the battery pack positioned between a pair of upper left and right frames and a pair of lower left and right frames, the upper part of the battery pack is positioned higher than the upper edge of the pair of upper left and right frames. Therefore, even if the battery pack is made larger, the expansion of the vehicle frame in the left-right and / or front-rear directions can be suppressed.

[0010] Therefore, even with a larger battery pack, there is no need to increase the distance between the left and right footrests, thus ensuring better driver comfort during driving. Furthermore, there is no need to extend the length of the vehicle frame in the longitudinal direction, such as the wheelbase, thus ensuring better maneuverability during driving. In other words, in this straddle-type vehicle, a large battery pack can be mounted on the vehicle frame without compromising drivability.

[0011] This straddle-type vehicle can also be configured as follows: An opening is continuously formed between the left and right pairs of downward frames and the left and right pairs of lower frames. Viewed from the front of the vehicle, the maximum width of the opening is greater than the maximum width of the battery pack.

[0012] In this situation, compared to the case shown in Figure 8A where the entire vehicle frame is lifted using a jack, as shown in Figure 8B, the battery pack can be easily installed or removed from the front of the straddle-type vehicle by using a jack to lift the front part, such as the head tube.

[0013] This straddle-type vehicle can also be configured as follows: In the portion where the vehicle frame and battery pack overlap when viewed from the side, the lateral spacing between the left and right upper frames is narrower than the lateral spacing between the left and right lower frames. In this case, the rider's comfort when straddling the vehicle is improved.

[0014] This straddle-type vehicle can also be configured as follows: The body frame further has a pair of left and right reinforcing frames. The pair of left and right reinforcing frames extend rearward from the head tube above the pair of left and right upper frames that extend rearward from the pair of left and right lower frames. The pair of left and right reinforcing frames are respectively connected to the pair of left and right upper frames. In this case, when an impact is applied to the tire, the impact of the tire can be transmitted from the head tube to the pair of left and right upper frames via the pair of left and right reinforcing frames.

[0015] This straddle-type vehicle can also be configured as follows: In a top-down view of the vehicle, at least a portion of the outer edges of the left and right pair of reinforcing frames is positioned further inward than the outer edges of the left and right pair of upper frames. In this configuration, tire impacts can be better transmitted from the head tube to the left and right pair of upper frames via the reinforcing frames.

[0016] This straddle-type vehicle can also be configured as follows: In a top-down view of the vehicle, at least a portion of the outer edges of the left and right pair of reinforcing frames is positioned further inward than the outer edges of the left and right pair of downward frames. In this configuration, tire impacts can be better transmitted from the head tube to the left and right pair of upper frames and the left and right pair of downward frames via the reinforcing frames.

[0017] This straddle-type vehicle can also be configured as follows: The battery pack has an upper section located at the top in the vertical direction. The width of the front end of the upper section is smaller than the width of the central section in the rear-rear direction. The upper section is positioned between a pair of left and right upper frames.

[0018] In this case, the battery pack can be positioned at the front, so there is no need to extend the length of the vehicle frame in the front-to-back direction, such as the wheelbase, thus better ensuring maneuverability during driving.

[0019] This straddle-type vehicle can also be configured as follows: The battery pack has a central section located in the middle of the vertical direction, and an upper section located above the central section in the vertical direction. The width of the upper section is smaller than the width of the central section. The upper section is positioned between a pair of left and right upper frames.

[0020] In this case, the width of the upper part of the assembly is smaller than the width of the central part, so the upper part of the assembly can be positioned between the left and right upper frames without widening the gap between the left and right upper frames. In this way, even if the battery pack is made larger, the driver's comfort during driving can be better ensured.

[0021] This straddle-type vehicle can also be configured as follows: The body frame further comprises a pair of left and right lower frames. The pair of left and right lower frames are positioned lower than the pair of left and right upper frames. The pair of left and right lower frames extend rearward from the pair of left and right lower frames respectively.

[0022] The battery pack further has a lower section located below the center section in the vertical direction. The width of the lower section is smaller than the width of the center section. The lower section is positioned between a pair of lower frames on the left and right sides.

[0023] In this case, the width of the lower part of the battery pack is smaller than the width of the central part, so the lower part of the battery pack can be positioned between the left and right lower frames without widening the gap between them. In this way, even if the battery pack is made larger, the driver's comfort during driving can be better ensured.

[0024] This straddle-type vehicle can also be configured as follows. This straddle-type vehicle further includes a radiator positioned further forward than the battery pack. Viewed from the front of the vehicle, the radiator overlaps with the upper part of the battery pack. In this case, air passing through the radiator can flow rearward along the left and right sides of the upper part of the battery pack, thereby better cooling the power unit.

[0025] This straddle-type vehicle can also be configured as follows. This straddle-type vehicle further includes a first mounting member for mounting the battery pack to a pair of left and right lower frames. In this case, by mounting the battery pack to the pair of left and right lower frames via the first mounting member, the battery pack can be stably fixed to the vehicle frame.

[0026] This straddle-type vehicle can also be configured as follows: The first mounting member is mounted on a pair of left and right lower frames respectively. When viewed from the front of the vehicle, the first mounting member extends downward from the mounting point of the front wheel along a pair of straight lines tangent to the outer surfaces of the pair of left and right lower frames.

[0027] In this case, the first mounting member extends downward along the aforementioned straight line, thus preventing the straddle-type vehicle from contacting the first mounting member and the ground when tilted.

[0028] This straddle-type vehicle can also be configured as follows. This straddle-type vehicle further includes a second mounting member for mounting the battery pack to a pair of left and right upper frames. In this case, by mounting the battery pack to the pair of left and right upper frames via the second mounting member, the battery pack can be easily secured to the vehicle frame. Furthermore, it can cooperate with the first mounting member to stably support the battery pack above and below the vehicle frame.

[0029] This straddle-type vehicle can also be configured as follows: This straddle-type vehicle further includes a charger that supplies current to the battery pack. The charger is located at the rear of the battery pack, positioned above the battery pack. In this case, by positioning the charger at the rear of the battery pack and above the battery pack, the charger can be mounted on the straddle-type vehicle without expanding the vehicle frame.

[0030] This straddle-type vehicle can also be configured as follows: This straddle-type vehicle further includes a cooling unit for cooling the charger. The cooling unit is located at the rear of the battery pack and positioned above the charger. In this case, by positioning the cooling unit at the rear of the battery pack and above the charger, the cooling unit can be mounted on the straddle-type vehicle without expanding the vehicle frame.

[0031] This straddle-type vehicle can also be configured such that air flows from the front of the cooling unit towards the rear. In this configuration, the cooling efficiency of the battery pack can be improved.

[0032] This straddle-type vehicle can also be configured as follows: The upper surface of the front part of the body shell above the battery pack is formed into a concave shape. In this case, by forming the upper surface of the body shell on the head tube side into a concave shape, the driver can easily sit on the seat.

[0033] This straddle-type vehicle can also be configured as follows: The upper surface of the rear part of the vehicle body shell on the seat side, located above the battery pack, is formed to be substantially the same height as the upper surface of the front part of the seat. In this case, the upper surface of the vehicle body shell and the upper surface of the seat are formed continuously, thus improving the appearance of the straddle-type vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] According to the present invention, a large battery pack can be mounted in a straddle-type vehicle without compromising drivability. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0035] Figure 1 is a side view of a straddle-type electric vehicle. Figure 2A is a perspective view of the vehicle frame and the surrounding area as seen from the left front. Figure 2B is a perspective view of the vehicle frame and the surrounding area as seen from the left rear. Figure 3 is a top view of the vehicle frame and its surroundings, as seen from above. Figure 4 is a top view of a straddle-type electric vehicle. Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the cut line A in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a front view of the vehicle frame and the surrounding area as seen from the front. Figure 7 is a left-side view showing the structure of the body frame and the electrical system near the body frame of a straddle-type vehicle. Figure 8A shows a side view of the configuration in the prior art where the battery pack is removed from the vehicle frame. Figure 8B is a side view showing the configuration of removing the battery pack from the vehicle frame in this invention. Implementation

[0036] The straddle-type electric vehicle of this embodiment will now be described with reference to the drawings. The straddle-type vehicle 1 of this embodiment is a scooter-type electric vehicle.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the straddle-type vehicle 1 has a body frame 2, a steering device 3, front wheels 4, a seat 5, an electric power unit 6, rear wheels 7, a pair of left and right footrests 8, a body shell 9, and a battery pack 10. Furthermore, in the following description, the front-back, left-right, and right directions correspond to the front-back, left-right, and right directions when viewed from the driver's perspective while the driver is seated in the seat 5.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1, 2A, and 2B, the vehicle frame 2 has a head tube 11, a pair of left and right downward frames 12, a pair of left and right upper frames 14, a pair of left and right lower frames 13, a pair of left and right seat frames 15, and a pair of left and right rear frames 16. The vehicle frame 2 further has a pair of left and right reinforcing frames 17.

[0039] The head tube 11 is positioned in the center of the vehicle in the width direction (left-right direction). The head tube 11 extends forward and downward. In detail, the head tube 11 is tilted forward and downward when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, a pair of downward-facing frames 12 extend downward from the head tube 11. Specifically, the pair of downward-facing frames 12 extend downward from the head tube 11 and outward in the vehicle width direction. The pair of downward-facing frames 12 includes a left downward-facing frame 12a and a right downward-facing frame 12b. The left downward-facing frame 12a extends downward to the left from the head tube 11. The right downward-facing frame 12b extends downward to the right from the head tube 11.

[0041] A pair of lower frames 13 extend rearward from a pair of lower frames 12. The pair of lower frames 13 are positioned below a pair of footrests 8. Each pair of lower frames 13 includes a lower left frame 13a and a lower right frame 13b. The lower left frame 13a extends rearward from the lower end of the lower left frame 12a. The lower right frame 13b extends rearward from the lower end of the lower right frame 12b.

[0042] An opening N is continuously formed between the left and right pairs of downward-facing frames 12 and the left and right pairs of lower frames 13. In a forward-viewing position, the maximum width of the opening N is greater than the maximum width of the battery pack 10. Here, the maximum width of the opening N is the maximum width of the opening N in the vehicle width direction.

[0043] In detail, the opening N is formed between the left lower frame 12a and the right lower frame 12b, and between the left lower frame 13a and the right lower frame 13b. The opening N is continuously formed along the left lower frame 12a and the left lower frame 13a, and the right lower frame 12b and the right lower frame 13b.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1, 2A, and 2B, the left and right upper frames 14 are positioned higher than the left and right lower frames 13. The left and right upper frames 14 are positioned above the left and right lower frames 12. In this embodiment, the left and right upper frames 14 extend rearward from the upper part of the left and right lower frames 12. The left and right upper frames 14 can be positioned higher than the left and right lower frames 12 on the vehicle body frame 2. The left and right upper frames 14 are positioned further inward in the vehicle width direction than the left and right lower frames 13.

[0045] The maximum width of the opening N, viewed from the front of the vehicle body, is located at the lower part of the vehicle body frame 2. More specifically, the maximum width of the opening N, viewed from the front of the vehicle body, is located at the lower part of the pair of left and right downward frames 12. More specifically, the maximum width of the opening N, viewed from the front of the vehicle body, is located at the connection between the pair of left and right lower frames 13 and the pair of left and right downward frames 12.

[0046] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the left and right upper frames 14 comprise a left upper frame 14a and a right upper frame 14b. The left upper frame 14a extends rearward from the left lower frame 12a. The left upper frame 14a is positioned further inside the vehicle width direction than the left lower frame 13a. The right upper frame 14b extends rearward from the right lower frame 12b. The right upper frame 14b is positioned further inside the vehicle width direction than the right lower frame 13b.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, in the portion where the vehicle body frame 2 overlaps with the battery pack 10 when viewed from the side, the lateral spacing between the upper left frame 14a and the upper right frame 14b is narrower than the lateral spacing between the lower left frame 13a and the lower right frame 13b. Specifically, in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), the lateral spacing between the outer sides of the upper left frame 14a and the upper right frame 14b is narrower than the lateral spacing between the outer sides of the lower left frame 13a and the lower right frame 13b.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1, 2A, and 2B, a pair of left and right reinforcing frames 17 extend from the head tube 11 backwards above a pair of left and right upper frames 14. The pair of left and right reinforcing frames 17 are respectively connected to the pair of left and right upper frames 14.

[0049] As shown in Figures 2B and 3, the pair of reinforcing frames 17 includes a left reinforcing frame 17a and a right reinforcing frame 17b. The left reinforcing frame 17a and the right reinforcing frame 17b extend rearward from the head tube 11. The left reinforcing frame 17a is connected to the upper left frame 14a. The right reinforcing frame 17b is connected to the upper right frame 14b.

[0050] From a top-down view of the vehicle, at least a portion of the outer edges of the left and right pair of reinforcing frames 17 are positioned further inward than the outer edges of the left and right pair of upper frames 14. In this embodiment, in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), the outer edge of the left reinforcing frame 17a is positioned further inward than the outer edge of the left upper frame 14a. In the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), the outer edge of the right reinforcing frame 17b is positioned further inward than the outer edge of the right upper frame 14b.

[0051] From a top-down view of the vehicle, at least a portion of the outer edges of the left and right pair of reinforcing frames 17 are positioned further inward than the outer edges of the left and right pair of downward frames 12. In this embodiment, in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), the outer edge of the left reinforcing frame 17a is positioned further inward than the outer edge of the left downward frame 12a. In the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), the outer edge of the right reinforcing frame 17b is positioned further inward than the outer edge of the right downward frame 12b.

[0052] As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, and 3, a pair of left and right seat frames 15 are connected to a pair of left and right upper frames 14. The pair of left and right seat frames 15 extend rearward and upward from the pair of left and right upper frames 14.

[0053] The left and right seat frames 15 include a left seat frame 15a and a right seat frame 15b. The left seat frame 15a extends rearward and upward from the upper left frame 14a. The right seat frame 15b extends rearward and upward from the upper right frame 14b.

[0054] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the left and right rear frames 16 are connected to the left and right lower frames 13, the left and right upper frames 14, and the left and right seat frames 15. The lower ends of the left and right rear frames 16 are positioned lower than the left and right lower frames 13.

[0055] As shown in Figure 2B, the left and right rear frames 16 include a left rear frame 16a and a right rear frame 16b. The left rear frame 16a extends downward and forward from the left seat frame 15a. The lower end of the left rear frame 16a extends inward in the vehicle width direction. The rear end of the lower left frame 13a and the rear end of the upper left frame 14a are connected to the left rear frame 16a.

[0056] The right rear frame 16b extends downward and forward from the right seat frame 15b. The lower end of the right rear frame 16b extends inward in the vehicle width direction. The lower end of the right rear frame 16b connects to the lower end of the left rear frame 16a. The rear end of the lower right frame 13b and the rear end of the upper right frame 14b connect to the right rear frame 16b.

[0057] As shown in Figure 1, the steering mechanism 3 is rotatably supported on the vehicle frame 2. The steering mechanism 3 includes a front fork 21 and a handlebar assembly 22. The front fork 21 is rotatably supported on the head tube 11. The handlebar assembly 22 is connected to the upper end of the front fork 21. The front wheel 4 is rotatably supported on the front fork 21.

[0058] The seat 5 is positioned behind the head tube 11. The seat 5 is positioned above a pair of left and right seat frames 15.

[0059] The electric power unit 6 is located below the seat 5. The electric power unit 6 is positioned behind the battery pack 10. The electric power unit 6 is supported by a pair of left and right rear frames 16. The electric power unit 6 is powered by the battery pack 10. The electric power unit 6 includes a drive motor. The rear wheels 7 are rotatably supported by the electric power unit 6 and are driven by the drive motor.

[0060] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the pair of left and right footrests 8 are positioned further forward and lower than the seat 5. At least a portion of the pair of left and right footrests is positioned further outward than the vehicle body frame 2 in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the outer portion of the pair of left and right footrests is positioned further outward than the vehicle body frame 2 in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction).

[0061] A pair of footrests 8 are positioned between the shin guards 33 and the seat 5 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The pair of footrests 8 are positioned above the pair of lower frames 13 and cover the pair of lower frames 13 from above.

[0062] In this embodiment, a pair of left and right footrests 8 are provided on the vehicle body shell 9. The pair of left and right footrests 8 extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The pair of left and right footrests 8 have a flat shape. The pair of left and right footrests 8 are places for the driver to place his feet.

[0063] As shown in Figure 4, the pair of footrests 8 include a left footrest 8a and a right footrest 8b. The left footrest 8a covers the lower left frame 13a from above. The right footrest 8b covers the lower right frame 13b from above.

[0064] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the vehicle body shell 9 covers the vehicle body frame 2. The vehicle body shell 9 includes a front shell 31, a pair of left and right front shells 32, a pair of left and right leg guards 33, a pair of left and right rear shells 34, an upper shell 35, and a bottom shell 36. The vehicle body shell 9 includes a passage T.

[0065] The front outer shell 31 is fixed to the vehicle frame 2. The front outer shell 31 is positioned in front of the head tube 11 and the left and right pairs of downward frames 12. The front outer shell 31, the left and right pairs of front outer shells 32, and the left and right pairs of leg guards 33 cover the area around the head tube 11 and the left and right pairs of downward frames 12.

[0066] A pair of front outer shells 32 are positioned to the sides of the head tube 11 and the pair of downward-facing frames 12. A pair of leg guards 33 are positioned to the rear of the head tube 11 and the pair of downward-facing frames 12.

[0067] A pair of left and right rear outer shells 34 are disposed on the sides of a pair of left and right upper frames 14 and a pair of left and right seat frames 15. The pair of left and right rear outer shells 34 are disposed below the seat 5. The pair of left and right rear outer shells 34 are disposed above the pair of left and right lower frames 13. The pair of left and right rear outer shells 34 cover the pair of left and right lower frames 13 from above. The pair of left and right rear outer shells 34 include a pair of left and right footrests 8.

[0068] The left and right rear outer shells 34 comprise a left rear outer shell 34a and a right rear outer shell 34b. The left rear outer shell 34a covers the upper left frame 14a and the left seat frame 15a from the left. The left rear outer shell 34a also covers the lower left frame 13a from above. The right rear outer shell 34b covers the upper right frame 14b and the right seat frame 15b from the right. The right rear outer shell 34b also covers the lower right frame 13b from above.

[0069] The upper outer shell 35 is positioned between the head tube 11 and the seat 5 in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The upper outer shell 35 is positioned above the battery pack 10. In the width direction (left-right direction), the upper outer shell 35 is positioned between a pair of left and right rear outer shells 34.

[0070] As shown in Figure 1, the upper surface of the upper outer casing 35 is concave in a downward recessed manner. Specifically, the upper surface 35a of the upper outer casing 35 on the head tube 11 side, located above the battery pack 10, is concave in a downward recessed manner. The upper surface 35b of the upper outer casing 35 on the seat 5 side is formed to have substantially the same height as the upper surface 5a of the front part of the seat 5.

[0071] The bottom outer shell 36 is positioned below the pair of left and right lower frames 13. The bottom outer shell 36 covers the pair of left and right lower frames 13 from below. The bottom outer shell 36 is positioned below the pair of left and right rear outer shells 34. The bottom outer shell 36 is positioned below the pair of left and right footrests 8.

[0072] As shown in Figure 1, the passage T is an interior space surrounded by the vehicle body shell 9, located further forward than the front end of the seat 5 and further backward than the front end of the footrest 8 when viewed from the side.

[0073] The passage T is formed along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In the longitudinal direction, the passage T is formed between the head tube 11 and the seat 5. The passage T is formed rearward from the left lower frame 12a and the right lower frame 12b. In the width direction (left-right direction), the passage T is formed between the left and right footrests 8. The passage T is formed between the left and right leg guards 33 and the seat 5.

[0074] As shown in Figure 5, the channel T is positioned in the center of the vehicle in the width direction (left-right direction). The channel T is formed in the width direction between the lower left frame 13a and the lower right frame 13b, and between the upper left frame 14a and the upper right frame 14b.

[0075] As shown in Figure 5, the lower left frame 13a is positioned further outward than the upper left frame 14a in the vehicle width direction, and the lower right frame 13b is positioned further outward than the upper right frame 14b in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, the width below the channel T is wider than the width above it. Figure 5 simply shows the charger 42, cooling unit 43, and battery pack 10 for easy understanding.

[0076] As shown in Figure 5, the passage T is the area surrounded by the left rear outer shell 34a, the right rear outer shell 34b, the upper outer shell 35, the left footrest 8a, the right footrest 8b, and the bottom outer shell 36. That is, the passage T covers the left and right lower frames 13 and the left and right upper frames 14 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The passage T covers the left and right upper frames 14 from above. The passage T covers the left and right lower frames 13 from below.

[0077] The battery pack 10 is disposed in the passageway T. The battery pack 10 is housed in the passageway T. The battery pack 10 is disposed in front of and below the seat 5. The battery pack 10 is disposed in the center of the vehicle in the width direction (left-right direction). The battery pack 10 is disposed between the left and right footrests 8.

[0078] The battery pack 10 is disposed between a pair of left and right upper frames 14. The upper part of the battery pack 10, for example, the upper surface of the battery pack 10, is disposed above the upper edge of the pair of left and right upper frames 14. The battery pack 10 is disposed between a pair of left and right lower frames 13. The lower part of the battery pack 10, for example, the lower surface of the battery pack 10, is disposed below the lower edge of the pair of left and right lower frames 13.

[0079] As shown in Figure 7, the front surface of the battery pack 10 is positioned further rearward than the pair of downward-facing left and right frames 12. The rear surface of the battery pack 10 is positioned further forward than the pair of rear left and right frames 16.

[0080] As shown in Figures 2A, 2B and 5, the battery pack 10 includes a central part 10a, an upper part 10b and a lower part 10c.

[0081] The central portion 10a is located in the center of the battery pack 10 in the vertical direction. The central portion 10a forms the central portion of the battery pack 10 in the vertical direction. The central portion 10a is disposed between a pair of upper left and right frames 14 and a pair of lower left and right frames 13 in the vertical direction.

[0082] The upper part 10b is located above the battery pack 10 in the vertical direction. The upper part 10b is located higher than the central part 10a in the vertical direction. The upper part 10b forms the upper part of the battery pack 10 in the vertical direction. The upper part 10b is disposed between a pair of left and right upper frames 14.

[0083] The lower part 10c is located below the battery pack 10 in the vertical direction. The lower part 10c is positioned lower than the central part 10a in the vertical direction. The lower part 10c forms the lower portion of the battery pack 10 in the vertical direction. The lower part 10c is positioned between a pair of left and right lower frames 13. The lower surface of the lower part 10c is positioned lower than the pair of left and right lower frames 13.

[0084] As shown in Figure 3, in the battery pack 10, the width of the upper part 10b is smaller than the width of the central part 10a. The width of the front end 10b1 of the upper part 10b is smaller than the width of the central part 10b2 in the front-rear direction of the upper part 10b. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the term "width" refers to the width in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction).

[0085] As shown in Figure 5, the width of the lower part 10c is smaller than the width of the central part 10a. Specifically, the width of the portion of the lower part 10c located below the left and right lower frames 13 is smaller than the width of the central part 10a. Therefore, even if the size of the battery pack 10 increases, the tilt angle of the straddle-type vehicle 1 can still be achieved.

[0086] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the straddle-type vehicle 1 further includes a first bracket 37 (an example of a second mounting member) and a second bracket 38 (an example of a first mounting member). The first bracket 37 supports the battery pack 10, for example, the central portion 10a of the pack. The first bracket 37 includes a pair of left and right first brackets 37. The pair of left and right first brackets 37 are used to mount the battery pack 10 to a pair of left and right upper frames 14.

[0087] The first bracket 37 consists of a first left bracket 37a and a first right bracket 37b. The first left bracket 37a is installed on the left side of the upper left frame 14a and the battery pack 10. The first right bracket 37b is installed on the right side of the upper right frame 14b and the battery pack 10.

[0088] The first right bracket 37b is configured symmetrically with respect to the vehicle centerline in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) to the first left bracket 37a. Therefore, in Figure 2A, the symbol 37b of the first right bracket is shown in parentheses within the symbol 37a of the first left bracket.

[0089] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the second bracket 38 supports the battery pack 10, for example, the lower part 10c of the pack. The second bracket 38 comprises a plurality of second brackets 38. The plurality of second brackets 38 are used to mount the battery pack 10 to a pair of left and right lower frames 13.

[0090] A plurality of second brackets 38, for example two second brackets 38, are respectively mounted on a pair of left and right lower frames 13. The two second brackets 38 are respectively mounted on the lower surface of the battery pack 10. In this way, the battery pack 10 is suspended from the pair of left and right lower frames 13 via the two second brackets 38.

[0091] As shown in Figure 5, each of the two second brackets 38 extends downward from the mounting point of the front wheel 4 along a pair of straight lines L1 and L2 tangent to the outer surfaces of the left and right lower frames 13, when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Each of the two second brackets 38 extends along the lower surface of the battery pack 10 in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). This configuration prevents the straddle-type vehicle 1 from contacting the two second brackets 38 and the ground when tilted.

[0092] As shown in Figures 2B and 6, the straddle-type vehicle 1 further includes an external power connection 41, a charger 42, a cooling unit 43, a voltage converter 44, and a radiator 45. The external power connection 41 is connected to an external power source for charging. The charger 42 supplies current to the battery pack 10. Specifically, the charger 42 converts the alternating current supplied from the external power connection 41 into direct current and supplies the direct current to the battery pack 10. The voltage converter 44 reduces the voltage input from the battery pack 10.

[0093] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the charger 42 is disposed on the upper part of the battery pack 10. Specifically, the charger 42 is located at the rear of the battery pack 10, on the upper surface of the battery pack 10. The charger 42 is disposed higher than the pair of upper left and right frames 14. As shown in Figure 5, in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), the charger 42 is disposed between the upper left frame 14a and the upper right frame 14b.

[0094] As shown in Figure 6, when viewed from the front of the vehicle, the charger 42 is configured such that at least a portion overlaps with the head tube 11.

[0095] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the charger 42 is covered from above by the upper housing 35. As shown in Figure 6, the straddle-type vehicle 1 has a storage box 50 below the seat 5. The charger 42 is positioned in front of the storage box 50.

[0096] As shown in Figure 7, the cooling unit 43 cools the charger 42. The cooling unit 43 is an air-cooled cooler. The cooling unit 43 is connected to the charger 42. The cooling unit 43 is configured such that air F passes from the front of the cooling unit 43 to the rear of the cooling unit 43. The cooling unit 43 is located at the rear of the battery pack 10, above the battery pack 10. More specifically, the cooling unit 43 is disposed on the upper surface of the charger 42.

[0097] In the cooling section 43, firstly, air F is drawn in from the front of the housing of the cooling section 43 by a cooling fan. Then, the air F exchanges heat with the charger 42 via cooling fins connected to the charger 42. In this way, the charger 42 is cooled. Afterward, the air F is discharged from the rear of the housing of the cooling section 43 to the outside of the housing. Alternatively, the cooling section 43 may not be equipped with a cooling fan, and the charger 42 may be cooled solely by cooling fins.

[0098] As shown in Figure 2B, the voltage converter 44 is positioned further rearward than the battery pack 10. The voltage converter 44 is located on the upper surface side of the battery pack 10. Below the voltage converter 44, the electric power unit 6 is positioned.

[0099] The radiator 45 shown in Figures 2A, 3, and 6 is used to cool the electric power unit 6. The electric power unit 6 is cooled by cooling water passed through the radiator 45. The radiator 45 is positioned further forward than the battery pack 10. As shown in Figures 2A and 6, in a frontal view of the vehicle, the radiator 45 overlaps with the battery pack 10. Specifically, as shown in Figure 2A, in a frontal view of the vehicle, the radiator 45 overlaps with the upper portion 10b of the battery pack 10.

[0100] In the straddle-type vehicle 1 described above, with the battery pack positioned between a pair of upper left and right frames and a pair of lower left and right frames, the upper end of the battery pack 10 is positioned higher than the upper edge of the pair of upper left and right frames 14. Therefore, even if the battery pack 10 is enlarged, the expansion of the vehicle frame 2 in the left-right and / or front-rear directions can be suppressed.

[0101] Therefore, even with a larger battery pack 10, there is no need to increase the spacing between the left and right footrests 8, thus ensuring better driver comfort during driving. Furthermore, there is no need to extend the length of the vehicle frame 2 in the longitudinal direction, such as the wheelbase, thus ensuring better maneuverability during driving. In other words, in this straddle-type vehicle 1, a large battery pack 10 can be mounted on the vehicle frame 2 without compromising drivability.

[0102] In this straddle-type vehicle 1, an opening N is formed between the left and right pairs of downward frames 12 and the left and right pairs of lower frames 13, along the left and right pairs of downward frames 12 and the left and right pairs of lower frames 13. When viewed from the front of the vehicle body, the maximum width of the opening is greater than the maximum width of the battery pack.

[0103] Therefore, compared with the case shown in Figure 8A where the entire vehicle frame is lifted using a jack, as shown in Figure 8B, by using a jack to partially lift the front part of the straddle-type vehicle 1, such as the head tube 11, the battery pack 10 can be easily installed and removed from the front part of the straddle-type vehicle 1.

[0104] In this straddle-type vehicle 1, in the part where the vehicle frame and the battery pack overlap when viewed from the side, the left-right spacing of the pair of upper frames 14 is narrower than the left-right spacing of the pair of lower frames 12, thus improving the comfort of the rider when straddling the straddle-type vehicle 1.

[0105] In this straddle-type vehicle 1, by providing a pair of left and right reinforcing frames 17, when an impact is applied to the tire, the impact of the tire can be transmitted from the head tube 11 to the pair of left and right upper frames 14 through the reinforcing frames 17.

[0106] In this straddle-type vehicle 1, when viewed from above, at least a portion of the outer edge of the left and right pair of reinforcing frames 17 is positioned further inward than the outer edge of the left and right pair of upper frames 14, thus enabling better transmission of tire impact from the head tube 11 to the left and right pair of upper frames 14 via the left and right pair of reinforcing frames 17.

[0107] In this straddle-type vehicle 1, when viewed from above, at least a portion of the outer edge of the left and right pair of reinforcing frames 17 is positioned further inward than the outer edge of the left and right pair of downward frames 12, thus enabling better transmission of tire impact from the head tube 11 to the left and right pair of upper frames 14 and the left and right pair of downward frames 12 via the reinforcing frames 17.

[0108] In this straddle-type vehicle 1, the width of the front end of the upper part 10b is smaller than the width of the central part of the upper part 10b in the rear-rear direction, so the battery pack 10 can be positioned at the front. As a result, there is no need to extend the length of the vehicle frame 2 in the rear-rear direction, such as the wheelbase, thus better ensuring maneuverability during driving.

[0109] In this straddle-type vehicle 1, the width of the upper part 10b is smaller than the width of the central part, so the upper part 10b can be positioned between the left and right upper frames 14 without widening the gap between them. In this way, even if the battery pack 10 is made larger, the driver's comfort during driving can be better ensured.

[0110] In this straddle-type vehicle 1, the width of the lower part 10c is smaller than the width of the central part, so the lower part 10c can be positioned between the left and right lower frames 13 without widening the gap between them. In this way, even if the battery pack 10 is made larger, the driver's comfort during driving can be better ensured.

[0111] In this straddle-type vehicle 1, the radiator 45 overlaps with the upper part 10b of the battery pack when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Therefore, the air passing through the radiator 45 can flow rearward along the left and right sides of the upper part 10b of the battery pack 10, thereby better cooling the electric power unit 6.

[0112] In this straddle-type vehicle 1, the battery pack 10 can be stably fixed to the vehicle frame 2 by mounting the battery pack 10 to a pair of lower frames 13 on the left and right sides via the second bracket 38.

[0113] In this straddle-type vehicle 1, the second bracket 38 extends downward along the aforementioned angle, thus preventing the straddle-type vehicle 1 from contacting the second bracket 38 and the ground when tilted.

[0114] In this straddle-type vehicle 1, the battery pack 10 can be easily fixed to the vehicle frame 2 by mounting the battery pack 10 to a pair of upper frames 14 on the left and right sides via the first bracket 37.

[0115] In this straddle-type vehicle 1, by placing the charger 42 on top of the battery pack 10 at the rear of the battery pack 10, the charger 42 can be mounted on the straddle-type vehicle 1 without expanding the vehicle frame 2.

[0116] In this straddle-type vehicle 1, by placing the cooling unit 43 above the charger 42 at the rear of the battery pack 10, the cooling unit 43 can be mounted on the straddle-type vehicle 1 without expanding the vehicle frame 2.

[0117] In this straddle-type vehicle 1, the cooling section 43 is configured to allow air to pass from the front of the cooling section 43 toward the rear of the cooling section 43, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the charger 42.

[0118] In this straddle-type vehicle 1, by forming the upper surface of the front part of the vehicle body shell located above the battery pack into a downward concave shape, the driver can easily sit on the seat 5.

[0119] In this straddle-type vehicle 1, the upper surface of the rear part of the vehicle body shell 9 located above the battery pack and the upper surface of the seat part 5 are continuously formed, thereby improving the appearance of the straddle-type vehicle 1.

[0120] The above describes one embodiment of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0121] In the above embodiments, the channel T is formed such that its width increases as it faces downwards, but it is not limited to this and may also have the same width in the vertical direction.

[0122] In the above embodiment, the external power connection part 41 is disposed on the left side of the head tube 11, but it is not limited to this and may also be disposed on the right side.

[0123] In the above embodiments, the charger 42 is disposed on the upper surface of the battery pack 10. However, the charger 42 may not be directly disposed on the upper surface of the battery pack 10, or it may be disposed with other components between it and the upper surface of the battery pack 10.

[0124] In the above embodiments, an example is shown in which the cooling section 43 is connected to the charger 42, but it is also possible to configure the cooling section 43 to be included in the charger 42.

[0125] 1: Straddle-type electric vehicles 2: Vehicle body frame 3: Steering system 4: Front wheel 5: Seat 5a: Upper surface of the front part of the seat 6: Electric power unit 7: Rear wheel 8: A pair of footrests on the left and right 8a: Left footrest 8b: Right footrest 9: Vehicle body shell 10: Battery Pack 10a: Central Division 10b: Upper part of group 10b1: Frontend 10b2: Central Department 10c: Lower part of group 11: Head tube 12: A pair of downward-facing frames on the left and right 12a: Left-downward frame 12b: Right Downward Frame 13: A pair of lower frames on the left and right 13a: Bottom left frame 13b: Bottom right frame 14: A pair of top frames on the left and right 14a: Top left frame 14b: Top right frame 15: A pair of left and right seat frames 15a: Left seat frame 15b: Right seat frame 16: Back Frame 16a: Left rear frame 16b: Right rear frame 17: Reinforce the framework 17a: Left reinforcement frame 17b: Right reinforcement frame 21: Front fork 22: Handle component 31: Front shell 32: A pair of front shells on the left and right sides 33: A pair of shin guards on the left and right sides 34: A pair of rear shells on the left and right sides 34a: Left rear shell 34b: Right rear shell 35: Upper outer shell 35a: Upper surface 35b: Upper surface 36: Bottom shell 37: First bracket 37a: First left bracket 37b: Right bracket number 1 38: Second bracket 41: External power supply connection section 42: Charger 43: Cooling section 44: Voltage Converter 45: Radiator 50: Storage box F: Air L1, L2: Straight lines N: Opening T: Channel

Claims

1. A straddle-type vehicle comprising a body frame, a seat, a pair of left and right footrests, a body shell, and a battery pack, wherein the body frame comprises: a head tube; a pair of left and right downward frames extending downward from the head tube; a pair of left and right upper frames disposed above the pair of left and right downward frames; and a pair of left and right lower frames disposed below the pair of left and right upper frames and extending rearward from the pair of left and right downward frames respectively; the seat is disposed behind the head tube; the pair of left and right footrests are disposed forward and below the seat, at least a portion of which is disposed laterally outside the body frame; the body shell includes an interior space and covers the body frame, the interior space being formed between the head tube and the seat in the longitudinal direction and between the pair of left and right footrests in the lateral direction. The battery pack is disposed in the aforementioned internal space, with its upper end positioned above the upper edge of the aforementioned pair of left and right upper frames, and the battery pack is disposed between the aforementioned pair of left and right upper frames and between the aforementioned pair of left and right lower frames; the battery pack has a central part located in the center in the vertical direction and an upper part located above the central part in the vertical direction, the width of the upper part being smaller than the width of the central part, and the upper part being disposed between the aforementioned pair of left and right upper frames.

2. As in claim 1, a straddle-type vehicle, wherein an opening is formed between the aforementioned pair of left and right downward frames and the aforementioned pair of left and right lower frames, and the maximum width of the opening is greater than the maximum width of the battery pack when viewed from the front of the vehicle.

3. As in claim 1, for a straddle-type vehicle, wherein, in a side view of the vehicle body, the left-right spacing of the pair of upper frames is narrower than the left-right spacing of the pair of lower frames.

4. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle frame further has a pair of left and right reinforcing frames, the pair of left and right reinforcing frames extending rearward from the pair of left and right upper frames above the pair of left and right lower frames and respectively connecting to the pair of left and right upper frames.

5. As in claim 4, for a straddle-type vehicle, wherein, in a top-down view of the vehicle, at least a portion of the outer edges of the aforementioned pair of left and right reinforcing frames are positioned further inward than the outer edges of the aforementioned pair of left and right upper frames.

6. As in claim 4, for a straddle-type vehicle, wherein, in a top-down view of the vehicle, at least a portion of the outer edges of the aforementioned pair of left and right reinforcing frames is positioned further inward than the outer edges of the aforementioned pair of left and right downward frames.

7. The straddle-type vehicle of claim 1, wherein the battery pack has an upper part located above in the vertical direction, the width of the front end of the upper part is smaller than the width of the central part in the front-rear direction of the upper part, and the upper part is disposed between the left and right pairs of upper frames.

8. The straddle-type vehicle of claim 1, wherein the battery pack further has a lower part located below the central part of the pack in the vertical direction, the width of the lower part of the pack is smaller than the width of the central part of the pack, and the lower part of the pack is disposed between the left and right lower frames.

9. The straddle-type vehicle of claim 1 further includes a radiator disposed further forward than the aforementioned battery pack, wherein, when viewed from the front of the vehicle, the radiator overlaps with the upper part of the aforementioned battery pack.

10. The straddle-type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first mounting member for mounting the battery pack to the aforementioned left and right lower frames.

11. The straddle-type vehicle of claim 10, wherein the first mounting member is respectively mounted on the left and right lower frames and extends downward from the mounting point of the front wheel in a manner along a pair of straight lines tangent to the outer surfaces of the left and right lower frames when viewed from the front of the vehicle.

12. The straddle-type vehicle of claim 11 further includes a second mounting member for mounting the battery pack to the left and right upper frames.

13. The straddle-type vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a charger for supplying current to the battery pack, the charger being located at the rear of the battery pack and disposed above the battery pack.

14. The straddle-type vehicle of claim 13 further includes a cooling unit for cooling the charger, the cooling unit being located at the rear of the battery pack and disposed above the charger.

15. The straddle-type vehicle of claim 14, wherein the cooling unit is configured to allow air to pass from the front of the cooling unit toward the rear of the cooling unit.

16. The straddle-type vehicle of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the front portion of the vehicle body shell located above the battery pack is formed in a concave shape in a downward recessed manner.

17. The straddle-type vehicle of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the rear portion of the vehicle body shell located above the battery pack is formed to be substantially the same height as the upper surface of the front portion of the seat.

Images