Straddled vehicle

Abstract

A saddle riding-type vehicle (1) comprises: a vehicle body frame (2); a seat (5); a pair of left and right footrests (8); a vehicle body cover (9); and a battery pack (10). The pair of left and right footrests (8) are disposed forward of the seat (5) and below the seat (5). The vehicle body cover (9) includes a tunnel (T). The tunnel (T) is formed between the seat (5) and a head pipe (11) in the front-back direction, and between the pair of left and right footrests (8). The battery pack (10) is disposed in the tunnel (T). The battery pack (10) is disposed between a pair of left and right upper frames (14) of the vehicle body frame (2) and between a pair of left and right lower frames (13) of the vehicle body frame (2). The upper end of the battery pack (10) is disposed above the upper edges of the pair of left and right upper frames (14).

Description

Straddle vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a straddle-type vehicle.

[0002] A conventional straddle-type vehicle, for example, an electric two-wheeler, has a vehicle body frame and a battery pack disposed on the vehicle body frame (see Patent Document 1). In a conventional electric two-wheeler, the vehicle body 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 between the pair of lower frames below the pair of upper frames.

[0003] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-66291

[0004] Generally, in recent electric two-wheelers, the battery pack has been enlarged to ensure a sufficient driving range. In a conventional electric two-wheeler, since the battery pack is disposed below the pair of upper frames, when the battery pack is enlarged, the size of the vehicle body frame may increase in the left-right direction and / or the front-rear direction below the pair of upper frames.

[0005] Here, when the size of the vehicle body frame in the left-right direction increases, the distance between the feet on the left and right footrests increases when the driver straddles the straddle-type vehicle. Therefore, the comfort of the driver during driving may decrease. In addition, when the length of the vehicle body frame in the front-rear direction increases, the wheelbase becomes longer. Therefore, the maneuverability during driving may decrease. That is, in a conventional electric two-wheeler, it is difficult to attach a large battery pack to the vehicle body frame without impairing the driving performance.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a straddle-type vehicle capable of mounting a large battery pack without impairing the driving performance.

[0007] A saddle-type vehicle according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a body frame, a seat, a pair of left and right footrests, a body cover, and a battery pack. The body frame has a head pipe, a pair of left and right down frames, a pair of left and right upper frames, and a pair of left and right lower frames. The left and right down frames extend downward from the head pipe. The left and right upper frames are positioned above the left and right down frames. The left and right lower frames are positioned below the left and right upper frames. The left and right lower frames extend separately rearward from the left and right down frames. The seat is positioned behind the head pipe. The left and right footrests are positioned in front of the seat and below the seat.

[0008] The pair of left and right footrests are positioned at least partially outside the body frame in the lateral direction. The body cover covers the body frame. The body cover includes an internal space. The internal space is formed between the head pipe and the seat in the front-rear direction, and between the pair of left and right footrests. The battery pack is located in the internal space. The upper end of the battery pack is positioned above the upper edge of the pair of left and right upper frames. The battery pack is located between the pair of left and right upper frames and between the pair of left and right lower frames.

[0009] In the saddle-type vehicle according to this embodiment, the battery pack is positioned between a pair of left and right upper frames and between a pair of left and right lower frames, with the upper end of the battery pack positioned above the upper edge of the pair of left and right upper frames. Therefore, even if the battery pack is enlarged, the expansion of the vehicle frame in the left-right and / or front-rear directions can be suppressed.

[0010] Therefore, even if the battery pack is enlarged, there is no need to increase the distance between the left and right footrests, thus ensuring optimal driver comfort during driving. Furthermore, since there is no need to increase the length of the vehicle frame in the front-to-rear direction, such as the wheelbase, optimal maneuverability during driving can be ensured. In other words, in this saddle-type vehicle, a large battery pack can be attached to the vehicle frame without compromising drivability.

[0011] This saddle-type vehicle may be configured as follows: Between a pair of left and right down frames and a pair of left and right lower frames, openings are continuously formed along the left and right down frames and the left and right lower frames. When viewed from the front of the vehicle, the maximum width of the openings is greater than the maximum width of the battery pack.

[0012] In this case, compared to the case where the entire vehicle frame is lifted with a jack as shown in Figure 8A, the battery pack can be easily attached to and detached from the front of the saddle-type vehicle by partially lifting the front of the vehicle, for example, the head pipe, with a jack, as shown in Figure 8B.

[0013] This saddle-type vehicle may be configured as follows: In a side view of the vehicle body, where the vehicle frame overlaps with the battery pack, the distance between the left and right pairs of upper frames in the lateral direction is narrower than the distance between the left and right pairs of lower frames in the lateral direction. In this case, the comfort of the driver when straddling the saddle-type vehicle can be improved.

[0014] This saddle-type vehicle may be configured as follows: The body frame further comprises a pair of left and right reinforcing frames. The left and right reinforcing frames extend rearward from the head pipe above a pair of left and right upper frames that extend rearward from a pair of left and right down frames. The left and right reinforcing frames are individually connected to the left and right upper frames. In this case, when an impact acts on the tires, the impact from the tires can be transmitted from the head pipe to the left and right upper frames via the left and right reinforcing frames.

[0015] This saddle-type vehicle may be configured as follows: In a top view of the vehicle, at least a portion of the outer edges of the pair of left and right reinforcing frames is positioned inward from the outer edges of the pair of left and right upper frames. In this case, the impact of the tires can be suitably transmitted from the head pipe to the pair of left and right upper frames via the reinforcing frames.

[0016] This saddle-type vehicle may be configured as follows: In a top view of the vehicle, at least a portion of the outer edges of the pair of left and right reinforcing frames is positioned inward from the outer edges of the pair of left and right down frames. In this case, the impact from the tires can be suitably transmitted from the head pipe through the reinforcing frames to the pair of left and right upper frames and the pair of left and right down frames.

[0017] This saddle-type vehicle may be configured as follows: The battery pack has an upper part of the pack that is positioned above in the vertical direction. The width of the front end of the upper part of the pack is smaller than the width of the central part of the upper part of the pack in the longitudinal direction. The upper part of the pack is positioned between a pair of left and right upper frames.

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

[0019] This saddle-type vehicle may be configured as follows: 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 of the pack is smaller than the width of the central part of the pack. The upper part of the pack is positioned between a pair of left and right upper frames.

[0020] In this case, since the width of the top of the pack is smaller than the width of the center of the pack, the top of the pack can be positioned between the pair of upper frames on the left and right without widening the distance between the pair of upper frames on the left and right. This allows for a larger battery pack while still ensuring adequate driver comfort during driving.

[0021] This saddle-type vehicle may 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 below the pair of left and right upper frames. The pair of left and right lower frames extend separately rearward from the pair of left and right down frames.

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

[0023] In this case, since the width of the lower part of the pack is smaller than the width of the central part of the pack, the gap between the pair of lower frames on the left and right does not need to be widened, and the lower part of the pack can be positioned between the pair of lower frames on the left and right. As a result, even if the battery pack is made larger, driver comfort during driving can be adequately ensured.

[0024] The saddle-type vehicle may be configured as follows: The saddle-type vehicle further comprises a radiator positioned in front of the battery pack. In a front view of the vehicle, the radiator overlaps the top of the pack. In this case, the air that has passed through the radiator can be directed to flow rearward along the left and right sides of the top of the battery pack, thereby effectively cooling the power unit.

[0025] The saddle-type vehicle may be configured as follows: The saddle-type vehicle further comprises a first mounting member for attaching a battery pack to a pair of left and right lower frames. In this case, the battery pack can be stably fixed to the vehicle frame by attaching it to the pair of left and right lower frames via the first mounting member.

[0026] This saddle-type vehicle may be configured as follows: The first mounting member is attached separately to a pair of left and right lower frames. In a front view of the vehicle, the first mounting member extends downward along a pair of straight lines that are in contact with the outer surfaces of the left and right lower frames from the point where the front wheels are mounted.

[0027] In this case, since the first mounting member extends downward along the straight line described above, contact between the first mounting member and the ground can be prevented when the saddle-type vehicle banks.

[0028] The saddle-type vehicle may be configured as follows: The saddle-type vehicle further comprises a second mounting member for attaching a battery pack to a pair of left and right upper frames. In this case, the battery pack can be easily fixed to the vehicle frame by attaching it to the pair of left and right upper frames via the second mounting member. Furthermore, in cooperation with the first mounting member, the battery pack can be stably supported above and below the vehicle frame.

[0029] The saddle-type vehicle may be configured as follows: The saddle-type vehicle further comprises a charger that supplies current to the battery pack. The charger is located at the rear of the battery pack and on top of the battery pack. In this case, by locating the charger at the rear of the battery pack and on top of the battery pack, the charger can be mounted on the saddle-type vehicle without enlarging the vehicle frame.

[0030] The saddle-type vehicle may be configured as follows: The saddle-type vehicle further comprises a cooling unit for cooling the charger. The cooling unit is located at the rear of the battery pack, above the charger. In this case, by locating the cooling unit at the rear of the battery pack, above the charger, the cooling unit can be mounted on the saddle-type vehicle without enlarging the vehicle frame.

[0031] This saddle-type vehicle may be configured as follows: The cooling unit is configured so that air passes from the front to the rear of the cooling unit. In this case, the cooling efficiency of the battery pack can be improved.

[0032] This saddle-type vehicle may be configured as follows: The upper surface of the front of the vehicle body cover located above the battery pack is formed in a concave shape that is recessed downwards. In this case, by forming the upper surface of the vehicle body cover on the head pipe side in a concave shape downwards, the driver can easily sit in the seat.

[0033] This saddle-type vehicle may be configured as follows: The upper surface of the rear of the vehicle body cover on the seat side, located above the battery pack, is formed to be substantially the same height as the upper surface of the front of the seat. In this case, the upper surface of the vehicle body cover and the upper surface of the seat are formed continuously, which can improve the appearance of the saddle-type vehicle.

[0034] According to the present invention, a large battery pack can be installed in a saddle-type vehicle without impairing its drivability.

[0035] This is a side view of a saddle-type electric vehicle. This is a perspective view of the vehicle frame and its vicinity from the left front. This is a perspective view of the vehicle frame and its vicinity from the left rear. This is a top view of the vehicle frame and its vicinity from above. This is a top view of a saddle-type electric vehicle. This is a schematic cross-sectional view along the cutting line A in Figure 1. This is a front view of the vehicle frame and its vicinity from the front. This is a left side view showing the vehicle frame and the power system near the vehicle frame of a saddle-type vehicle. This is a side view showing how the battery pack is removed from the vehicle frame in the prior art. This is a side view showing how the battery pack is removed from the vehicle frame in the present invention.

[0036] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a saddle-type electric vehicle will be described with reference to the drawings. The saddle-type vehicle 1 according to this embodiment is a scooter-type electric vehicle.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the saddle-type vehicle 1 comprises 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 cover 9, and a battery pack 10. In the following description, the front, rear, left, and right directions correspond to the directions as seen from the driver's perspective when the driver is seated on the seat 5.

[0038] As shown in Figures 1, 2A, and 2B, the vehicle frame 2 includes a head pipe 11, a pair of left and right down 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 includes a pair of left and right reinforcing frames 17.

[0039] The head pipe 11 is located in the center of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). The head pipe 11 extends forward and downward. More specifically, the head pipe 11 is inclined downwards at the front when viewed from the side of the vehicle.

[0040] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the left and right pair of down frames 12 extend downward from the head pipe 11. More specifically, the left and right pair of down frames 12 extend downward and outward in the vehicle width direction from the head pipe 11. The left and right pair of down frames 12 include a left down frame 12a and a right down frame 12b. The left down frame 12a extends to the left and downward from the head pipe 11. The right down frame 12b extends to the right and downward from the head pipe 11.

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

[0042] Between the left and right pair of down frames 12 and the left and right pair of lower frames 13, an opening N is continuously formed along the left and right pair of down frames 12 and the left and right pair of lower frames 13. When viewed from the front of the vehicle, 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] Specifically, the opening N is an opening formed between the left down frame 12a and the right down frame 12b and between the left lower frame 13a and the right lower frame 13b. The opening N is continuously formed along the left down frame 12a and the left lower frame 13a and along the right down frame 12b and the right lower frame 13b.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the pair of left and right upper frames 14 are disposed above the pair of left and right lower frames 13. The pair of left and right upper frames 14 are disposed above the pair of left and right down frames 12. In the present embodiment, the pair of left and right upper frames 14 extend separately rearward from the upper portions of the pair of left and right down frames 12. The pair of left and right upper frames 14 may be provided on the vehicle body frame 2 above the pair of left and right down frames 12. The pair of left and right upper frames 14 are disposed closer to the vehicle width direction inner side than the pair of left and right lower frames 13.

[0045] The maximum width of the opening N is provided at the lower portion of the vehicle body frame 2 when viewed from the front of the vehicle body. Specifically, the maximum width of the opening N is provided at the lower portions of the pair of left and right down frames 12 when viewed from the front of the vehicle body. More specifically, the maximum width of the opening N is provided at the portion where the pair of left and right lower frames 13 are connected to the pair of left and right down frames 12 when viewed from the front of the vehicle body.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the pair of left and right upper frames 14 includes a left upper frame 14a and a right upper frame 14b. The left upper frame 14a extends rearward from the left down frame 12a. The left upper frame 14a is disposed closer to the vehicle width direction inner side than the left lower frame 13a. The right upper frame 14b extends rearward from the right down frame 12b. The right upper frame 14b is disposed closer to the vehicle width direction inner side than the right lower frame 13b.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, at the portion where the vehicle body frame 2 overlaps the battery pack 10 in a side view of the vehicle body, the lateral distance between the left upper frame 14a and the right upper frame 14b is narrower than the lateral distance between the left lower frame 13a and the right lower frame 13b. Specifically, in the vehicle width direction (lateral direction), the lateral distance between the outer surfaces of the left upper frame 14a and the right upper frame 14b is narrower than the lateral distance between the outer surfaces of the left lower frame 13a and the right lower frame 13b.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B, the pair of left and right reinforcing frames 17 extend rearward from the head pipe 11 above the pair of left and right upper frames 14. The pair of left and right reinforcing frames 17 are separately connected to the pair of left and right upper frames 14.

[0049] As shown in FIGS. 2B and 3, the pair of left and right 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 pipe 11. The left reinforcing frame 17a is connected to the left upper frame 14a. The right reinforcing frame 17b is connected to the right upper frame 14b.

[0050] In a top view of the vehicle, at least a part of the outer edges of the pair of left and right reinforcing frames 17 is disposed more inward than the outer edges of the pair of left and right upper frames 14. In the present embodiment, in the vehicle width direction (lateral direction), the outer edge of the left reinforcing frame 17a is disposed more inward than the outer edge of the left upper frame 14a. In the vehicle width direction (lateral direction), the outer edge of the right reinforcing frame 17b is disposed more inward than the outer edge of the right upper frame 14b.

[0051] In a top view of the vehicle, at least a portion of the outer edges of the pair of left and right reinforcing frames 17 is positioned inward from the outer edges of the pair of left and right down frames 12. In this embodiment, in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), the outer edge of the left reinforcing frame 17a is positioned inward from the outer edge of the left down frame 12a. In the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), the outer edge of the right reinforcing frame 17b is positioned inward from the outer edge of the right down 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 pair of 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 left upper frame 14a. The right seat frame 15b extends rearward and upward from the right upper frame 14b.

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

[0055] As shown in Figure 2B, the pair of 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 left lower frame 13a and the rear end of the left upper 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 is connected to the lower end of the left rear frame 16a. The rear end of the right lower frame 13b and the rear end of the right upper frame 14b are connected to the right rear frame 16b.

[0057] As shown in Figure 1, the steering device 3 is supported on the vehicle frame 2 so as to be able to rotate left and right. The steering device 3 includes a front fork 21 and a handle member 22. The front fork 21 is rotatably supported on the head pipe 11. The handle member 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 located behind the head pipe 11. The seat 5 is located above the pair of left and right seat frames 15.

[0059] The electric power unit 6 is located beneath the seat 5. The electric power unit 6 is located 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 driven by the drive motor.

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

[0061] The pair of left and right footrests 8 are positioned between the leg shield 33 and the seat 5 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The pair of left and right footrests 8 are positioned above the pair of left and right lower frames 13, and cover the pair of left and right lower frames 13 from above.

[0062] In this embodiment, a pair of left and right footrests 8 are provided on the vehicle body cover 9. The pair of left and right footrests 8 extend in the front-rear 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 where the driver's feet rest.

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

[0064] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the vehicle body cover 9 covers the vehicle body frame 2. The vehicle body cover 9 includes a front cover 31, a pair of front side covers 32 (left and right), a pair of leg shields 33 (left and right), a pair of rear side covers 34 (left and right), an upper cover 35, and a bottom cover 36. The vehicle body cover 9 includes a tunnel T.

[0065] The front cover 31 is fixed to the vehicle frame 2. The front cover 31 is positioned in front of the head pipe 11 and the pair of left and right down frames 12. The front cover 31, the pair of left and right front side covers 32, and the pair of left and right leg shields 33 cover the area around the head pipe 11 and the pair of left and right down frames 12.

[0066] The left and right pair of front side covers 32 are positioned to the sides of the head pipe 11 and the left and right pair of down frames 12. The left and right pair of leg shields 33 are positioned behind the head pipe 11 and the left and right pair of down frames 12.

[0067] The left and right pair of rear side covers 34 are positioned to the sides of the left and right pair of upper frames 14 and the left and right pair of seat frames 15. The left and right pair of rear side covers 34 are positioned below the seat 5. The left and right pair of rear side covers 34 are positioned above the left and right pair of lower frames 13. The left and right pair of rear side covers 34 cover the left and right pair of lower frames 13 from above. The left and right pair of rear side covers 34 include the left and right pair of footrests 8.

[0068] The pair of rear side covers 34 include a left rear side cover 34a and a right rear side cover 34b. The left rear side cover 34a covers the left upper frame 14a and the left seat frame 15a from the left. The left rear side cover 34a covers the left lower frame 13a from above. The right rear side cover 34b covers the right upper frame 14b and the right seat frame 15b from the right. The right rear side cover 34b covers the right lower frame 13b from above.

[0069] The upper cover 35 is positioned between the head pipe 11 and the seat 5 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle. The upper cover 35 is positioned above the battery pack 10. The upper cover 35 is positioned between the left and right pair of rear side covers 34 in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction).

[0070] As shown in Figure 1, the upper surface of the upper cover 35 is formed in a concave shape that is recessed downwards. More specifically, the upper surface 35a of the upper cover 35 located above the battery pack 10 on the head pipe 11 side is formed in a concave shape that is recessed downwards. The upper surface 35b of the upper cover 35 on the seat 5 side is formed to be substantially the same height as the upper surface 5a of the front part of the seat 5.

[0071] The bottom cover 36 is located below the left and right pair of lower frames 13. The bottom cover 36 covers the left and right pair of lower frames 13 from below. The bottom cover 36 is located below the left and right pair of rear side covers 34. The bottom cover 36 is located below the left and right pair of footrests 8.

[0072] As shown in Figure 1, the tunnel T is an internal space enclosed by the vehicle body cover 9 in a side view, located in front of the front end of the seat 5 and behind the front end of the footrest 8.

[0073] The tunnel T is formed along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. In the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the tunnel T is formed between the head pipe 11 and the seat 5. The tunnel T is formed from the left down frame 12a and the right down frame 12b towards the rear. In the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), the tunnel T is formed between the left and right pair of footrests 8. The tunnel T is formed between the left and right pair of leg shields 33 and the seat 5.

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

[0075] As shown in Figure 5, the left lower frame 13a is positioned further outward in the vehicle width direction than the left upper frame 14a, and the right lower frame 13b is positioned further outward in the vehicle width direction than the right upper frame 14b. Therefore, the tunnel T is wider at the bottom than at the top. In Figure 5, the charger 42, cooling unit 43, and battery pack 10 are shown in a simplified manner for clarity.

[0076] As shown in Figure 5, tunnel T is the region enclosed by the left rear side cover 34a and the right rear side cover 34b, the upper cover 35, the left footrest 8a and the right footrest 8b, and the bottom cover 36. In other words, tunnel T covers the left and right pair of lower frames 13 and the left and right pair of upper frames 14 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. Tunnel T covers the left and right pair of upper frames 14 from above. Tunnel T covers the left and right pair of lower frames 13 from below.

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

[0078] The battery pack 10 is positioned between a pair of left and right upper frames 14. The upper end of the battery pack 10, for example, the top surface of the battery pack 10, is positioned above the upper edges of the pair of left and right upper frames 14. The battery pack 10 is positioned between a pair of left and right lower frames 13. The lower end of the battery pack 10, for example, the bottom surface of the battery pack 10, is positioned below the lower edges of the pair of left and right lower frames 13.

[0079] As shown in Figure 7, the front of the battery pack 10 is positioned behind the pair of left and right down frames 12. The rear of the battery pack 10 is positioned in front of the pair of left and right rear 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 part 10a of the pack is located in the center of the battery pack 10 in the vertical direction. The central part 10a of the pack forms the central part of the battery pack 10 in the vertical direction. The central part 10a of the pack is positioned between a pair of left and right upper frames 14 and a pair of left and right lower frames 13 in the vertical direction.

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

[0083] The lower part 10c of the pack is located below the battery pack 10 in the vertical direction. The lower part 10c of the pack is located below the central part 10a of the pack in the vertical direction. The lower part 10c of the pack forms the lower part of the battery pack 10 in the vertical direction. The lower part 10c of the pack is positioned between a pair of left and right lower frames 13. The lower surface of the lower part 10c of the pack is positioned below 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 of the pack is smaller than the width of the central part 10a of the pack. The width of the front end 10b1 of the upper part 10b of the pack is smaller than the width of the central part 10b2 in the front-rear direction of the upper part 10b of the pack. 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 of the pack is smaller than the width of the central part 10a of the pack. More specifically, the width of the portion of the lower part 10c of the pack that is located below the pair of left and right lower frames 13 is smaller than the width of the central part 10a of the pack. This allows the bank angle of the saddle-type vehicle 1 to be increased even if the size of the battery pack 10 is increased.

[0086] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the saddle-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 attach the battery pack 10 to a pair of left and right upper frames 14.

[0087] The pair of left and right first brackets 37 include a first left bracket 37a and a first right bracket 37b. The first left bracket 37a is attached to the left upper frame 14a and the left side of the battery pack 10. The first right bracket 37b is attached to the right upper frame 14b and the right side of the battery pack 10.

[0088] The first right bracket 37b is positioned symmetrically with respect to the vehicle centerline in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) with respect to the first left bracket 37a. For this reason, in Figure 2A, the reference numeral 37b of the first right bracket is shown within the parentheses of the reference numeral 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 includes a plurality of second brackets 38. The plurality of second brackets 38 are used to attach the battery pack 10 to a pair of left and right lower frames 13.

[0090] Multiple second brackets 38, for example, two second brackets 38, are individually attached to a pair of left and right lower frames 13. Two second brackets 38 are individually attached to the underside of the battery pack 10. As a result, 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 in a front view of the vehicle, along a pair of straight lines L1 and L2 that are in contact with the outer surfaces of the left and right lower frames 13 from the mounting point of the front wheel 4. Each of the two second brackets 38 extends in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction) along the lower surface of the battery pack 10. This configuration prevents the two second brackets 38 from coming into contact with the ground when the saddle-type vehicle 1 is banked.

[0092] As shown in Figures 2B and 6, the saddle-type vehicle 1 further includes an external power connection unit 41, a charger 42, a cooling unit 43, a voltage converter 44, and a radiator 45. The external power connection unit 41 is connected to an external power source for charging. The charger 42 supplies current to the battery pack 10. In detail, the charger 42 converts the alternating current supplied from the external power connection unit 41 into a 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 located on top of the battery pack 10. More specifically, the charger 42 is located on the upper surface of the battery pack 10 at the rear of the battery pack 10. The charger 42 is located above the pair of left and right upper frames 14. As shown in Figure 5, in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction), the charger 42 is located between the left upper frame 14a and the right upper frame 14b.

[0094] As shown in Figure 6, in a front view of the vehicle, the charger 42 is positioned so that at least a portion of it overlaps with the head pipe 11.

[0095] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the charger 42 is covered from above by an upper cover 35. As shown in Figure 6, the saddle-type vehicle 1 further has a storage box 50 below the seat 5. The charger 42 is located 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. In the cooling unit 43, air F is configured to pass 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, on top of the battery pack 10. More specifically, the cooling unit 43 is located on the top surface of the charger 42.

[0097] In the cooling unit 43, first, air F is drawn in from the front of the housing of the cooling unit 43 by a cooling fan. Next, this air F exchanges heat with the charger 42 via cooling fins connected to the charger 42. This cools the charger 42. After that, this air F is discharged outside the housing from the rear of the housing of the cooling unit 43. Note that the cooling unit 43 may cool the charger 42 using only cooling fins without a cooling fan.

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

[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 using the coolant cooled by the radiator 45. The radiator 45 is positioned in front of the battery pack 10. As shown in Figures 2A and 6, in a front view of the vehicle, the radiator 45 overlaps with the battery pack 10. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2A, in a front view of the vehicle, the radiator 45 overlaps with the upper part 10b of the battery pack 10.

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

[0101] Therefore, even if the battery pack 10 is enlarged, there is no need to increase the distance between the left and right footrests 8, thus ensuring optimal driver comfort during driving. Furthermore, since there is no need to increase the length of the vehicle frame 2 in the front-rear direction, such as the wheelbase, optimal maneuverability during driving can be ensured. In other words, in this saddle-type vehicle 1, a large battery pack 10 can be attached to the vehicle frame 2 without compromising drivability.

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

[0103] As a result, compared to the case where the entire vehicle frame is lifted with a jack or the like as shown in Figure 8A, the battery pack 10 can be easily attached to and detached from the front of the saddle-type vehicle 1 by partially lifting the front of the saddle-type vehicle 1, for example, the head pipe 11, with a jack, as shown in Figure 8B.

[0104] In this saddle-type vehicle 1, in a side view of the vehicle body, the distance between the left and right pairs of upper frames 14 in the left and right direction at the point where the vehicle body frame overlaps with the battery pack is narrower than the distance between the left and right pairs of down frames 12 in the left and right direction, thus improving the comfort of the driver when straddling the saddle-type vehicle 1.

[0105] In this saddle-type vehicle 1, by providing a pair of reinforcing frames 17 on the left and right sides, when an impact is applied to the tires, the impact from the tires can be transmitted from the head pipe 11 to the pair of upper frames 14 on the left and right sides via the reinforcing frames 17.

[0106] In this saddle-type vehicle 1, when viewed from above, at least a portion of the outer edges of the pair of left and right reinforcing frames 17 is positioned inward from the outer edges of the pair of left and right upper frames 14. Therefore, the impact of the tires can be suitably transmitted from the head pipe 11 to the pair of left and right upper frames 14 via the pair of left and right reinforcing frames 17.

[0107] In this saddle-type vehicle 1, when viewed from above, at least a portion of the outer edges of the pair of left and right reinforcing frames 17 is positioned inward from the outer edges of the pair of left and right down frames 12. This allows the impact from the tires to be suitably transmitted from the head pipe 11 to the pair of left and right upper frames 14 and the pair of left and right down frames 12 via the reinforcing frames 17.

[0108] In this saddle-type vehicle 1, the width of the front end of the upper part 10b of the pack is smaller than the width of the central part of the upper part 10b in the longitudinal direction, so the battery pack 10 can be positioned forward. As a result, there is no need to extend the longitudinal length of the vehicle frame 2, for example, the wheelbase length, so that maneuverability during driving can be more favorably ensured.

[0109] In this saddle-type vehicle 1, the width of the upper part 10b of the pack is smaller than the width of the central part of the pack, so the upper part 10b of the pack can be positioned between the pair of upper frames 14 on the left and right without widening the distance between the pair of upper frames 14 on the left and right. As a result, even if the battery pack 10 is made larger, the comfort of the driver during driving can be suitably ensured.

[0110] In this saddle-type vehicle 1, the width of the lower part 10c of the pack is smaller than the width of the central part of the pack, so the distance between the pair of left and right lower frames 13 does not need to be increased, and the lower part 10c of the pack can be positioned between the pair of left and right lower frames 13. As a result, even if the battery pack 10 is made larger, the comfort of the driver during driving can be suitably ensured.

[0111] In this saddle-type vehicle 1, the radiator 45 overlaps the upper part 10b of the battery pack when viewed from the front of the vehicle. This allows the air that has passed through the radiator 45 to flow backward along the left and right sides of the upper part 10b of the battery pack 10, thereby effectively cooling the electric power unit 6.

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

[0113] In this saddle-type vehicle 1, the second bracket 38 extends downward along the angle described above, so that when the saddle-type vehicle 1 is banked, contact between the second bracket 38 and the ground can be prevented.

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

[0115] In this saddle-type vehicle 1, the charger 42 is positioned on top of the battery pack 10 at the rear of the battery pack 10, allowing the charger 42 to be mounted on the saddle-type vehicle 1 without enlarging the vehicle frame 2.

[0116] In this saddle-type vehicle 1, the cooling unit 43 is positioned at the rear of the battery pack 10 and above the charger 42, allowing the cooling unit 43 to be mounted on the saddle-type vehicle 1 without enlarging the vehicle frame 2.

[0117] In this saddle-type vehicle 1, the cooling section 43 is configured so that air passes from the front of the cooling section 43 to the rear of the cooling section 43, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the charger 42.

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

[0119] In this saddle-type vehicle 1, the upper surface of the rear of the vehicle body cover 9 located above the battery pack and the upper surface of the seat 5 are formed in a continuous manner, thereby improving the appearance of the saddle-type vehicle 1.

[0120] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the tunnel T is formed so that its width increases as it goes downwards, but it is not limited to this, and its width may be the same in the vertical direction.

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

[0123] In the above embodiment, the charger 42 is positioned on the upper surface of the battery pack 10, but the charger 42 does not have to be positioned directly on the upper surface of the battery pack 10, and may be positioned between the charger 42 and the upper surface of the battery pack 10 via a separate member.

[0124] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the cooling unit 43 is connected to the charger 42, but the cooling unit 43 may also be configured to be included in the charger 42.

[0125] 1: Saddle-type electric vehicle, 2: Body frame, 5: Seat, 6: Electric power unit, 8: Pair of left and right footrests, 9: Body cover, 10: Battery pack, 10a: Center of pack, 10b: Top of pack, 10c: Bottom of pack, 11: Head pipe, 12: Pair of left and right down frames, 13: Pair of left and right lower frames, 14: Pair of left and right upper frames, 17: Reinforcement frame, 37: First bracket, 38: Second bracket, 42: Charger, 43: Cooling unit, 45: Radiator, N: Opening, T: Tunnel

Claims

1. A saddle-type vehicle comprising: a body frame having a head pipe; a pair of left and right down frames extending downward from the head pipe; a pair of left and right upper frames positioned above the pair of left and right down frames; a pair of left and right lower frames positioned below the pair of left and right upper frames and extending separately rearward from the pair of left and right down frames; a seat positioned behind the head pipe; a pair of left and right footrests positioned in front of and below the seat, with at least a portion of which is positioned outside the body frame in the left-right direction; a body cover covering the body frame, including an internal space formed between the head pipe and the seat in the front-rear direction, and between the pair of left and right footrests in the left-right direction; and a battery pack positioned in the internal space, with its upper end positioned above the upper edge of the pair of left and right upper frames, and positioned between the pair of left and right upper frames and between the pair of left and right lower frames.

2. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein an opening is formed between the left and right pair of down frames and the left and right pair of lower frames, along the left and right pair of down frames and the left and right pair of lower frames, and in a view of the vehicle body forward, the maximum width of the opening is greater than the maximum width of the battery pack.

3. In a side view of the vehicle body, in the portion where the vehicle body frame overlaps with the battery pack, the distance between the left and right pair of upper frames in the left and right direction is narrower than the distance between the left and right pair of lower frames in the left and right direction, as described in claim 1.

4. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle body frame further comprises a pair of left and right reinforcing frames that extend rearward from the head pipe above the pair of left and right upper frames that extend rearward from the pair of left and right down frames, and are individually connected to the pair of left and right upper frames.

5. In a top view of the vehicle, at least a portion of the outer edges of the pair of left and right reinforcing frames is positioned inward from the outer edges of the pair of left and right upper frames, as described in claim 4.

6. In a top view of the vehicle, at least a portion of the outer edges of the pair of left and right reinforcing frames is positioned inward from the outer edges of the pair of left and right down frames, as described in claim 4.

7. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack has a pack upper part located above in the vertical direction, the width of the front end of the pack upper part is smaller than the width of the central part in the front-rear direction of the pack upper part, and the pack upper part is positioned between the left and right pair of upper frames.

8. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein 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 of the pack is smaller than the width of the central part of the pack, and the upper part of the pack is positioned between the left and right pair of upper frames.

9. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 8, wherein the battery pack further comprises a lower part of the pack located below the central part of the pack in the vertical direction, the width of the lower part of the pack being smaller than the width of the central part of the pack, and the lower part of the pack being positioned between the left and right pair of lower frames.

10. A saddle-type vehicle according to claim 8, further comprising a radiator positioned in front of the battery pack, wherein, in a front view of the vehicle, the radiator overlaps the top of the pack.

11. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a first mounting member for attaching the battery pack to the left and right pair of lower frames.

12. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the first mounting member is separately attached to the left and right pair of lower frames and extends downward in a front view of the vehicle along a pair of straight lines that are in contact with the outer surfaces of the left and right pair of lower frames from the mounting point of the front wheels.

13. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 12, further comprising: a second mounting member for attaching the battery pack to the left and right pair of upper frames.

14. A saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a charger that supplies current to the battery pack, wherein the charger is positioned at the rear of the battery pack and on top of the battery pack.

15. A saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a cooling unit for cooling the charger, wherein the cooling unit is located at the rear of the battery pack and above the charger.

16. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 15, wherein the cooling unit is configured such that air passes from the front of the cooling unit toward the rear of the cooling unit.

17. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the front part of the vehicle body cover located above the battery pack is formed in a concave shape so as to be recessed downwards.

18. The saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the rear of the vehicle body cover located above the battery pack is formed to be substantially the same height as the upper surface of the front of the seat.

Images