Straddle-type electric vehicle
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure JP2025004410_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Electric saddle-riding type vehicle
[0001] The present invention relates to an electric saddle-riding type vehicle.
[0002] Conventionally, a technique related to the routing of brake pipes in a saddle-riding type vehicle is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 describes a saddle-riding type vehicle equipped with an engine, a front-wheel braking device supported by a front fork, and an ABS modulator supported by a vehicle body frame. Patent Document 1 describes a technique of connecting between a front-wheel master cylinder and an ABS modulator with a resin pipe and a metal pipe, and connecting between the ABS modulator and the front-wheel braking device with a resin pipe and a metal pipe. In Patent Document 1, the metal pipe is routed in the front-rear direction along the main frame.
[0003] International Publication No. 2018 / 123091
[0004] Generally, saddle-riding type vehicles often have an internal combustion engine and an exhaust pipe that become hot. In order to avoid the internal combustion engine and the exhaust pipe, it is common technical knowledge of those skilled in the art to route the brake pipe along a vehicle body frame such as a main frame. That is, in a saddle-riding type vehicle, there is a common technical knowledge that the routing of the brake pipe is likely to be restricted. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide an electric saddle-riding type vehicle with improved freedom in routing the brake pipe.
[0005] An electric saddle-riding type vehicle includes a front fork that rotatably supports a front wheel, a swing arm that rotatably supports a rear wheel, a head pipe that supports the front fork so as to be steerable, and a pivot shaft that supports the swing arm so as to be swingable. In the electric saddle-riding type vehicle, a battery disposed between the head pipe and the pivot shaft, an electric power unit disposed behind the battery in a side view of the vehicle body, and a brake pipe routed along one side surface of the battery are provided.
[0006] An electric saddle-riding type vehicle with improved freedom in routing the brake pipe can be provided.
[0007] Figure 1 is a right side view of an electric motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a right side view showing the area around the battery. Figure 3 is a front view showing the area around the battery. Figure 4 is a rear view of the battery and electric power unit showing the cooling path. Figure 5 is a right side view of the area around the electric power unit showing the brake piping system. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the area around the electric power unit showing the brake piping system, viewed from the right rear. Figure 7 is a rear view of the battery and electric power unit showing the brake piping system. Figure 8 is an exploded right side view of the input brake pipe and output brake pipe.
[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the description, directions such as front, back, left, right, and up and down refer to directions relative to the vehicle body unless otherwise specified. In each figure, the symbol FR indicates the front of the vehicle body, the symbol UP indicates the top of the vehicle body, and the symbol LH indicates the left side of the vehicle body.
[0009] [Embodiment] Figure 1 is a right side view of an electric motorcycle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electric motorcycle (electric saddle-type vehicle) 10 is a saddle-type vehicle in which a battery-driven electric power unit 12 is supported on a vehicle frame 11, a front fork 15 supporting a front wheel 13 is supported at the front end of the vehicle frame 11 in a steerable manner, a swing arm 17 supporting a rear wheel 16 is supported at the rear of the vehicle frame 11 in a swingable manner, and a seat 18 on which a rider sits straddling the vehicle is supported above the rear of the vehicle frame 11.
[0010] The vehicle body frame 11 comprises a front frame 21 having a head pipe 20 provided at its front end, a pair of left and right rear frames 22 located behind the front frame 21, and a pair of left and right rear end frames 23 extending rearward from the rear frame 22.
[0011] The front fork 15 is mounted to the head pipe 20 in a steerable manner. A steering handle 25 is attached to the upper part of the front fork 15. The front wheel 13 is supported at the lower end of the front fork 15 via a front axle (axle) 13a.
[0012] The swingarm 17 is supported by a pivot shaft 26 which is supported by the rear frame 22. The pivot shaft 26 is an axis that extends horizontally in the vehicle width direction. The swingarm 17 swings up and down around the pivot shaft 26. A rear cushion 28 is connected to the swingarm 17. The rear end of the swingarm 17 supports the rear wheel 16 via a rear axle (axle) 16a.
[0013] The seat 18 is positioned above the rear end frame 23. The seat 18 is supported by the rear end frame 23. The seat 18 comprises a front rider seat 18a and a passenger seat 18b located behind the rider seat 18a and above the rider seat 18a.
[0014] The vehicle frame 11 supports the battery 30. An electric power unit 12 is supported below and rear of the battery 30. The electric power unit 12 integrally includes an electric motor 31 (see Figure 2) and a PDU (Power Drive Unit) 32 (see Figure 2). The PDU 32 is the motor driver for the electric motor 31. The PDU 32 is controlled by an ECU (Electric Control Unit) or the like (not shown) in response to the operation of the electric motorcycle 10.
[0015] A reduction gear unit 33 (see Figure 2) is positioned to the right of the electric motor 31 (one side in the vehicle width direction). The reduction gear unit 33 is fixed to the electric power unit 12. Inside the reduction gear unit 33, input gears, output gears, etc., are rotatably arranged. The driving force of the electric motor 31 is reduced via the reduction gear unit 33 and transmitted to the rear wheels 16 via the power transmission mechanism.
[0016] A power converter 35 is located behind the battery 30. The power converter 35 includes an onboard charger and a DC-DC converter. The power converter 35 converts an AC voltage supplied from, for example, a charging station, into a DC voltage and supplies the converted power to the battery. The power converter 35 is supported by a pair of left and right rear end frames 23. The power converter 35 extends in the front-rear direction.
[0017] The steering handle 25 is equipped with a brake lever 37 and a lever master cylinder 38 that is linked to the brake lever 37. Around the right rear frame 22, there is a brake pedal 47 (see Figure 2) and a pedal master cylinder 48 (see Figure 2) that is linked to the brake pedal 47.
[0018] The front wheel 13 is braked by the front wheel braking device 39. In this embodiment, the front wheel braking device 39 is a double-disc type. The front wheel braking device 39 comprises a pair of left and right brake discs 39a fixed coaxially with the front wheel 13, and a pair of left and right brake calipers 39b supported at the lower end of the front fork 15 and each clamping the brake discs 39a.
[0019] The rear wheel 16 is braked by a rear wheel braking device 49. In this embodiment, the rear wheel braking device 49 is a single-disc type and is mounted on the rear wheel 16. The rear wheel braking device 49 comprises a brake disc 49a fixed coaxially with the rear wheel 16, and a brake caliper 49b supported by the swing arm 17 and clamping the brake disc 49a.
[0020] The electric motorcycle 10 is equipped with a body cover 40. The body cover 40 in this embodiment includes a unit cowl 41 positioned above the front frame 21, a side cowl 42 positioned below the unit cowl 41, and a radiator shroud 43 supported at the front end of the side cowl 42.
[0021] The unit cowl 41 is a bowl-shaped cover with an upward recess. The unit cowl 41 is positioned between the steering handle 25 and the seat 18. The unit cowl 41 covers the upper front of the electric motorcycle 10.
[0022] The side cowl 42 is connected to the lower end of the unit cowl 41 and covers the side of the vehicle body. The radiator shroud 43 covers the radiator 66 from the outside.
[0023] A front fender 44, which covers the front wheel 13 from above, is supported by the front fork 15. A rear fender 45, which covers the rear wheel 16 from above, is supported by the rear end frame 23.
[0024] Figure 2 is a right side view showing the peripheral area of the battery 30. The battery 30 includes a battery case 50 as an outer casing. The battery case 50 is made of, for example, aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The battery case 50 is a hollow box shape. The battery case 50 in this embodiment has a split structure on the left and right (see Figure 3). The battery cases 50 are assembled by overlapping them in the left-right direction. For example, the battery case 50 is fastened with bolts that extend in the left-right direction on the outer periphery. Inside the battery case 50 is the battery body (not shown), which is the part that stores electricity. Therefore, the battery 30 and the battery case 50 are similar in appearance. Thus, the battery case 50 may also be referred to as the battery.
[0025] The battery case 50 is roughly L-shaped when viewed from the side of the vehicle. More specifically, the battery case 50 has an upper part 51 that extends in the front-rear direction and a front lower part 52 that extends downward from the front of the upper part 51. Below the upper part 51 and behind the front lower part 52, a unit placement space S1 is formed that is recessed upward and forward when viewed from the side of the vehicle. In other words, the unit placement space S1 is formed by the space between the rear lower surface 51a of the upper part 51 and the rear surface 52a of the front lower part 52.
[0026] A main frame connection portion 55 is formed on the front upper surface of the battery case 50, with a through hole extending in the vehicle width direction. The main frame connection portion 55 is formed in the left and right center of the battery case 50. A down frame connection portion 56 is formed on the upper front surface of the battery case 50, with a through hole extending in the vehicle width direction.
[0027] A seat frame connection portion 57 is formed at the rear end of the upper surface of the battery case 50, with a through hole extending in the vehicle width direction. A pivot frame connection portion 58 is formed at the rear lower end of the upper part 51 of the battery case 50, with a through hole extending in the vehicle width direction. A lower frame connection portion 59 is formed at the rear lower end of the front lower part 52 of the battery case 50, with a through hole extending in the vehicle width direction.
[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle frame 11 is connected to the battery case 50. Specifically, the front frame 21, the rear frame 22, and the rear end frame 23 are connected to the battery case 50.
[0029] Here, the front frame 21 comprises a head pipe 20, a pair of left and right main frame sections 21a extending rearward from the head pipe 20, and a pair of left and right down frame sections 21b extending rearward and downward from the head pipe 20 below the main frame sections 21a.
[0030] The pair of main frame sections 21a extend so that they are spaced apart from each other as they move from front to rear. A case fastening section 21a1 is provided at the rear end of each main frame section 21a. The case fastening sections 21a1 are located on both the left and right sides of the main frame connection section 55 of the battery case 50. Bolts are inserted through the case fastening sections 21a1 from the outside in the left and right directions, and nuts are fastened to the ends of the bolts. This connects the main frame section 21a of the front frame 21 to the battery case 50.
[0031] The pair of down frame sections 21b extend outward in the vehicle width direction so that they move apart from each other as they proceed from front to rear. A case fastening section 21b1 is provided at the rear end of each down frame section 21b. The case fastening sections 21b1 are located on both the left and right sides of the down frame connection section 56 of the battery case 50. Bolts are inserted through the case fastening sections 21b1 from the outside in the left and right directions, and nuts are fastened to the ends of the bolts. This connects the down frame sections 21b of the front frame 21 to the battery case 50. In this way, the front frame 21 and the battery case 50 are connected.
[0032] The rear frame 22 is provided in pairs, one on the left and one on the right. When viewed from the side of the vehicle body, the rear frame 22 is roughly C-shaped with an open front. The rear frame 22 has a pivot frame portion 22a that extends vertically, an upper pivot frame portion 22b that extends forward from the upper end of the pivot frame portion 22a, and a lower frame portion 22c that extends forward from the lower end of the pivot frame portion 22a.
[0033] A pivot shaft 26 is supported in the upper and lower intermediate portion of the pivot frame portion 22a. A case fastening portion 22b1 is provided at the rear end (base end) of the upper pivot frame portion 22b. The case fastening portions 22b1 are located on both the left and right sides of the pivot frame connection portion 58 of the battery case 50. Bolts are inserted through the case fastening portions 22b1 from the outside in the left and right direction, and nuts are fastened to the ends of the bolts. This connects the upper pivot frame portion 22b of the rear frame 22 to the battery case 50.
[0034] A case fastening portion 22c1 is provided at the front end of the lower frame portion 22c. The case fastening portions 22c1 are located on both the left and right sides of the lower frame connection portion 59 of the battery case 50. Bolts are inserted through the case fastening portions 22c1 from the outside in the left and right directions, and nuts are fastened to the ends of the bolts. This connects the lower frame portion 22c of the rear frame 22 to the battery case 50. In this way, the rear frame 22 and the battery case 50 are connected.
[0035] The rear end frame 23 is provided in pairs, one on the left and one on the right. The rear end frame 23 has a seat frame portion 23a that extends upward and rearward, and a seat frame extension portion 23b that extends upward and frontward from the front of the seat frame portion 23a. A frame connection portion 23a1 is formed at the front end of the seat frame portion 23a. The frame connection portion 23a1 is connected to the upper end of the pivot frame portion 22a of the rear frame 22. This integrates the rear frame 22 and the rear end frame 23.
[0036] A case fastening portion 23b1 is formed at the front end of the seat frame extension portion 23b. The case fastening portions 23b1 are located on both the left and right sides of the seat frame connection portion 57 of the battery case 50. Bolts are inserted through the case fastening portions 23b1 from the outside in the left and right directions, and nuts are fastened to the ends of the bolts. This connects the seat frame extension portion 23b of the rear end frame 23 to the battery case 50. In this way, the rear end frame 23 and the battery case 50 are connected.
[0037] The electric power unit 12 is positioned in the unit arrangement space S1 of the battery case 50. The electric power unit 12 is supported by the rear frame 22. The electric power unit 12 is positioned with a predetermined gap S1a between it and the battery case 50. In other words, the electric power unit 12 is spaced apart from the battery case 50.
[0038] Figure 3 is a front view showing the area around the battery 30. A radiator 66 is positioned on the upper front of the battery case 50. The radiator 66 comprises a plate-shaped core 66a extending in the vehicle width direction, a tank 66b to the left of the core 66a, and a tank 66c to the right of the core 66a. The radiator 66 cools the coolant that cools the electric power unit 12 and the like.
[0039] A first cooling pipe 61 extending to the rear is connected to the tank 66b on the left side of the radiator 66. The first cooling pipe 61 is routed to the rear along the upper left side (the side opposite in the vehicle width direction) of the battery case 50. The downstream end of the first cooling pipe 61 is connected to the inlet 35a (see Figure 2) of the power converter 35. The inlet 35a is formed on the front left side of the power converter 35. The inlet 35a communicates with a cooling path (not shown) formed in the power converter 35. The outlet 35b, which is the downstream end of the cooling path of the power converter 35, is formed on the front right side of the power converter 35. A second cooling pipe 62 is connected to the outlet 35b of the power converter 35.
[0040] Figure 4 is a rear view of the battery 30 and electric power unit 12 showing the cooling path 60. The second cooling pipe 62 extends forward. When the second cooling pipe 62 extends forward and reaches the battery case 50, it is routed downward along the rear right side of the battery case 50. At its lower end, the second cooling pipe 62 bends inward in the vehicle width direction, and its downstream end is connected to the inlet 32a of the case portion of the PDU 32 of the electric power unit 12. The inlet 32a communicates with a cooling path (not shown) formed in the case portion of the PDU 32. The cooling path of the PDU 32 communicates with a cooling path formed in the case portion of the electric motor 31. An outlet 31a, which is the downstream end of the cooling path, is formed at the rear of the case portion of the electric motor 31. The outlet 31a is located on the left side. A third cooling pipe 63 is connected to the outlet 31a.
[0041] The third cooling pipe 63 extends upward while curving in an S-shape when viewed from the rear. That is, the third cooling pipe 63 curves from left to right at the bottom and from right to left at the top. The third cooling pipe 63 is connected to the inlet 67a of the water pump 67, which extends in the axial direction. The water pump 67 is fixed to the electric power unit 12 via a bent plate-shaped stay 68 (see Figure 2). The water pump 67 is driven by an electric motor (not shown) different from the drive electric motor 31. The water pump 67 pressurizes and pumps cooling water to the outside from the discharge section 67b that extends radially from the water pump 67. The fourth cooling pipe 64 is connected to the discharge section 67b of the water pump 67.
[0042] The fourth cooling pipe 64 extends upward along the rear surface of the upper part 51 of the battery case 50. After extending upward along the rear surface of the upper part 51, the fourth cooling pipe 64 is routed to the right side of the battery case 50 and then routed forward along the upper right side (one side in the vehicle width direction) of the battery case 50. The downstream end of the fourth cooling pipe 64 is connected to the tank 66c on the right side of the radiator 66.
[0043] The radiator 66, the power converter 35, the PDU 32, the electric motor 31, the water pump 67, and the cooling pipes 61 to 64 that connect them as appropriate constitute a cooling path 60 through which the cooling water of the present embodiment circulates. In the cooling path 60, when the water pump 67 is driven, the cooling water circulates and is cooled in the order of the radiator 66, the power converter 35, the PDU 32, the electric motor 31, and the radiator 66.
[0044] A radiator liquid injection pipe 69a is connected to the right tank 66c. A radiator cap 69b is attached to the upper end of the radiator liquid injection pipe 69a. An overflow pipe 69c that extends rearward is connected to the radiator cap 69b. The overflow pipe 69c extends along the fourth cooling pipe 64 toward the rear of the electric power unit 12. The overflow pipe 69c is connected to a reservoir tank 69d supported by the electric power unit 12. When the radiator cap 69b opens and closes according to the pressure that changes with the temperature of the cooling water, the cooling water flows to and from the reservoir tank 69d through the overflow pipe 69c, and the pressure in the cooling path 60 is adjusted.
[0045] FIG. 5 is a right side view of the peripheral part of the electric power unit 12 showing the brake pipe system 85. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the peripheral part of the electric power unit 12 showing the brake pipe system 85 as viewed from the right rear. FIG. 7 is a rear view of the battery 30 and the electric power unit 12 showing the brake pipe system 85. A brake pedal 47 is arranged on the side of the electric power unit 12. The brake pedal 47 is rotatably supported by a pivot frame portion 22a of the right rear frame 22. A return spring 71 is connected to the rear of the rotation shaft 47a of the brake pedal 47. The return spring 71 is connected to an engagement pin 72 provided on the electric power unit 12. The return spring 71 biases the brake pedal 47 to the non-operating position shown in FIG. 5.
[0046] The piston rod 48a of the pedal master cylinder 48 is connected to the rear end portion of the brake pedal 47. The pedal master cylinder 48 extends in the vertical direction. The piston rod 48a of the pedal master cylinder 48 is connected from above. A brake pipe 98 extending to the ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) modulator 80 is connected to the upper end of the pedal master cylinder 48. A pipe 76 extending to the reservoir tank 75 is connected to the middle portion in the longitudinal direction of the pedal master cylinder 48.
[0047] The ABS modulator 80 is supported by the electric power unit 12. Specifically, the ABS modulator 80 is fixed to the rear portion of the electric power unit 12 via the stay 68. The stay 68 is a perforated bent plate. The lower surface and the right side surface of the ABS modulator 80 are rubber-mounted to the stay 68. In the present embodiment, the water pump 67 is also supported by the stay 68.
[0048] The ABS modulator 80 is connected to the lever master cylinder 38 (see FIG. 1), the pedal master cylinder 48, the front wheel brake device 39 (see FIG. 1), and the rear wheel brake device 49 (see FIG. 1) via the brake pipe system 85. The ABS modulator 80 applies hydraulic pressure to the front wheel brake device 39 and the rear wheel brake device 49 via the brake pipe system 85 to control the front wheel brake device 39 and the rear wheel brake device 49. The ABS modulator 80 is composed of, for example, a valve unit, a motor for operating the valve unit, and a control circuit for controlling the motor.
[0049] The brake pipe system 85 includes a front side input pipe system 81 connecting the lever master cylinder 38 and the ABS modulator 80, a front side output pipe system 82 connecting the ABS modulator 80 and the front wheel brake device 39, a rear side input pipe system 83 connecting the pedal master cylinder 48 and the ABS modulator 80, and a rear side output pipe system 84 connecting the ABS modulator 80 and the rear wheel brake device 49. Each part of the brake pipe system 85 is appropriately composed of a flexible hose made of rubber or the like, a metal pipe, or the like.
[0050] In this embodiment, the front input piping system 81, as shown in Figure 2, includes a brake hose 91 supported by the front fork 15 and extending from the lever master cylinder 38. At its rear end, the brake hose 91 is connected to an input joint 92 supported by the vehicle frame 11. A brake pipe 110 extending toward the ABS modulator 80 is connected to the input joint 92. The brake hose 91, the input joint 92, and the brake pipe 110 constitute the front input piping system 81 of this embodiment.
[0051] In this embodiment, the front output piping system 82 includes a brake pipe 120 extending from the ABS modulator 80. The brake pipe 120 is routed forward along the brake pipe 110 of the front input piping system 81. The brake pipe 120 is connected to the front output joint 93 of the radiator 66. The output joint 93 is fixed to the front end of the radiator 66 via a stay 66d. The output joint 93 overlaps the radiator 66 when viewed from the front of the vehicle.
[0052] A brake hose 94 extending downwards is connected to the output joint 93. The brake hose 94 is connected to a fender joint fixed to the front fender 44. The fender joint is connected to a brake hose extending toward the left brake caliper 39b of the front wheel 13 and a brake hose 97 (see Figure 1) extending toward the right brake caliper 39b of the front wheel 13.
[0053] The front output piping system 82 of this embodiment is composed of the brake pipe 120, output joint 93, brake hose 94, fender joint 95, left brake hose, and right brake hose 97.
[0054] The rear input piping system 83 includes a brake pipe 98 connecting the pedal master cylinder 48 and the ABS modulator 80. The rear output piping system 84 includes a brake pipe 99 routed from the ABS modulator 80 to the left rear of the vehicle, as well as a joint 100 (see Figure 6) and a brake hose 101 (see Figure 1).
[0055] When the brake lever 37 is operated, the brake fluid pressure corresponding to the operation of the brake lever 37 is input to the ABS modulator 80. At this time, the ABS modulator 80 controls the brake fluid pressure output to the brake caliper 39b of the front wheel braking device 39, based on the measurement result of a sensor (not shown) that detects the rotational speed of the front wheel 13, so as to prevent the front wheel 13 from locking up.
[0056] Similarly, when the brake pedal 47 is operated, the brake fluid pressure corresponding to the operation of the brake pedal 47 is input to the ABS modulator 80. At this time, the ABS modulator 80 controls the brake fluid pressure output to the brake caliper 49b of the rear wheel braking system 49, based on the measurement result of a sensor (not shown) that detects the rotational speed of the rear wheel 16, so as to prevent the rear wheel 16 from locking up.
[0057] Figure 8 is an exploded right side view of the input brake pipe 110 and the output brake pipe 120. The input brake pipe (brake pipe) 110 has a front input pipe (first brake pipe section) 111, a rear input pipe (second brake pipe section) 112, and an intermediate pipe 113 connecting the front input pipe 111 and the rear input pipe 112. The output brake pipe (brake pipe) 120 has a front output pipe (first brake pipe section) 121, a rear output pipe (second brake pipe section) 122, and an intermediate pipe 123 connecting the front output pipe 121 and the rear output pipe 122.
[0058] The front input pipe 111 includes a connecting portion 111a connected to the input joint 92, a vehicle width direction portion 111b (see Figure 3) extending to the right from the connecting portion 111a, a front-rear direction portion 111c (see Figure 2) extending rearward from the right end of the vehicle width direction portion 111b, a vertical direction portion 111d (see Figure 2) extending downward from the rear end of the front-rear direction portion 111c, and a connecting portion 111e (see Figure 5) formed at the lower end of the vertical direction portion 111d. The connecting portion 111e is connected to the upper side of the intermediate pipe 113 provided on the joint stay 130.
[0059] The rear input pipe 112 includes a connecting portion 112a connected to the lower side of the intermediate pipe 113 of the joint stay 130, a vertical portion 112b extending downward from the connecting portion 112a, a shift portion 112c (see Figures 5 and 6) that bends inward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end of the vertical portion 112b to shift its position, an extension portion 112d (see Figure 5) extending rearward from the inner end of the shift portion 112c in the vehicle width direction, a U-shaped portion 112e (see Figure 7) extending outward in a roughly U-shape from the rear end of the extension portion 112d in the vehicle width direction, a rear end portion 112f (see Figure 7) extending downward from the inner end of the U-shaped portion 112e in the vehicle width direction, and a connecting portion 112g (see Figure 7) provided at the lower end of the rear end portion 112f. The connecting portion 112g is connected to the upper surface of the ABS modulator 80.
[0060] The front output pipe 121 includes a connecting portion 121a (see Figure 3) connected to the output joint 93, a curved portion 121b (see Figure 3) extending downward from the connecting portion 121a and curving in a U-shape to the left, a bent portion 121c (see Figures 2 and 3) extending rearward from the upper end of the curved portion 121b and then bending to the right, a front-rear portion 121d (see Figure 2) extending rearward from the right end of the bent portion 121c, a vertical portion 121e (see Figure 2) extending downward from the rear end of the front-rear portion 121d, and a connecting portion 121f (see Figure 5) provided at the lower end of the vertical portion 121e. The connecting portion 121f is connected to the upper side of the intermediate pipe 123 provided on the joint stay 130.
[0061] Here, the front-to-back portion 121d and the up-to-down portion 121e of the front output pipe 121 are formed to be parallel to the front-to-back portion 111c and the up-to-down portion 111d of the front input pipe 111, respectively.
[0062] The rear output pipe 122 is formed in substantially the same manner as the rear input pipe 112. That is, the rear output pipe 122 is formed to extend parallel to the rear input pipe 112. More specifically, the rear output pipe 122 includes a connecting portion 122a connected to the lower side of the intermediate pipe 123 of the joint stay 130, a vertical portion 122b extending downward from the connecting portion 122a, a shift portion 122c (see Figures 5 and 6) that bends inward in the vehicle width direction from the lower end of the vertical portion 122b to shift its position, an extension portion 122d (see Figure 5) extending rearward from the inner end of the shift portion 122c in the vehicle width direction, a U-shaped portion 122e (see Figure 7) extending outward in a roughly U-shape from the rear end of the extension portion 122d in the vehicle width direction, a rear end portion 122f (see Figure 7) extending downward from the inner end of the U-shaped portion 122e in the vehicle width direction, and a connecting portion 122g (see Figure 7) provided at the lower end of the rear end portion 122f. The connecting portion 122g is connected to the upper surface of the ABS modulator 80.
[0063] The intermediate pipes 113 and 123 are integrated as a joint stay (divided section) 130. The joint stay 130 is roughly plate-shaped and extends in the front-rear direction. The intermediate pipes 113 and 123 are fixed to the rear of the joint stay 130. The intermediate pipes 113 and 123 extend parallel to each other in the vertical direction. A fastening hole 131 that penetrates in the thickness direction is formed at the front end of the joint stay 130. The joint stay 130 has a claw-shaped anti-rotation portion 132 that protrudes forward.
[0064] Next, an example of how to assemble the input brake pipe 110 and the output brake pipe 120 will be described. The joint stay 130 is fixed to the boundary B between the battery 30 and the electric power unit 12. Specifically, the joint stay 130 is positioned at the boundary B on the battery case 50 side so as to follow the right side of the battery case 50. The joint stay 130 is then fastened to the battery case 50 by the fastening member 142. The boundary B is the area near the gap S1a when viewed from the side of the vehicle body. The joint stay 130 is prevented from rotating by the anti-rotation device 132 which catches on a predetermined engagement part of the battery case 50.
[0065] In the front input pipe 111, the connection part 111f is connected to the intermediate pipe 113 of the joint stay 130. The connection part 111a is connected to the input joint 92. Similarly, in the front output pipe 121, the connection part 111f is connected to the intermediate pipe 123 of the joint stay 130. The connection part 112a is connected to the output joint 93. As a result, the front input pipe 111 and the front output pipe 121 are assembled into the battery case 50.
[0066] At this time, the front input pipe 111 and the front output pipe 121 are appropriately bundled together by the clip 141 (see Figure 2). Therefore, the rigidity of the front input pipe 111 and the front output pipe 121 makes it easier to maintain the routing shape of the front input pipe 111 and the front output pipe 121.
[0067] In the rear input pipe 112, the connection part 112g is connected to the ABS modulator 80. Similarly, in the rear output pipe 122, the connection part 122g is connected to the ABS modulator 80. As a result, the rear input pipe 112 and the rear output pipe 122 are assembled into the electric power unit 12.
[0068] At this time, the rear input pipe 112 and the rear output pipe 122 are appropriately bundled together by the clip 141 (see Figure 5). Thus, the rigidity of the rear input pipe 112 and the rear output pipe 122 maintains the routing shape of the rear input pipe 112 and the rear output pipe 122.
[0069] The battery 30 and the electric power unit 12 are positioned so that one is closer to the other in the vertical direction. At this time, the connection part 112a of the rear input pipe 112 is connected to the lower end of the intermediate pipe 113 of the joint stay 130. Also, the connection part 122a of the rear output pipe 122 is connected to the lower end of the intermediate pipe 123 of the joint stay 130.
[0070] As a result, the front input pipe 111 and the rear input pipe 112 are integrated by the joint stay 130 to form the input brake pipe 110. Similarly, the front output pipe 121 and the rear output pipe 122 are integrated by the joint stay 130 to form the output brake pipe 120.
[0071] Here, as shown in Figures 2-3 and 5-8, the input brake pipe 110 and output brake pipe 120 are routed along the side of the battery case 50, rather than along the vehicle frame 11. Therefore, the input brake pipe 110 and output brake pipe 120 can be routed efficiently according to the vehicle configuration, while effectively utilizing the side of the battery case 50, which tends to have a large volume and surface area.
[0072] In particular, by providing a joint stay 130 at boundary B, which is the dividing point between the input brake pipe 110 and the output brake pipe 120, the input brake pipe 110, the output brake pipe 120, the ABS modulator 80, and other parts can be assembled separately on the battery 30 side and the electric power unit 12 side. Therefore, the ease of assembling the vehicle body is improved.
[0073] When the battery 30 and the electric power unit 12 are assembled to the vehicle frame 11, the connection portion 112a of the rear input pipe 112 and the connection portion 112a of the rear output pipe 122 overlap the curved surface of the boundary portion B of the battery case 50 in a side view of the vehicle body. The curved surface is the surface that smoothly connects the side of the battery case 50 to the bottom or rear of the battery case 50.
[0074] Furthermore, the shift portions 112c, 122c and extension portions 112d, 122d of the brake pipes 110, 120 are positioned in the gap S1a. That is, the shift portions 112c, 122c and extension portions 112d, 122d of the brake pipes 110, 120 are positioned between the battery case 50 and the PDU 32 of the electric power unit 12, and are sandwiched from above and below. Therefore, they are easily removed from the outer space in the vehicle width direction, and the shift portions 112c, 122c and extension portions 112d, 122d of the brake pipes 110, 120 are structured to be easily protected.
[0075] As described above, according to this embodiment to which the present invention is applied, an electric motorcycle 10 is provided which includes a front fork 15 to which a front wheel 13 is rotatably supported, a swing arm 17 to which a rear wheel 16 is rotatably supported, a head pipe 20 to which the front fork 15 is steerably supported, and a pivot shaft 26 to which the swing arm 17 is pivotably supported, and which includes a battery 30 disposed between the head pipe 20 and the pivot shaft 26, an electric power unit 12 disposed behind the battery 30 in a side view of the vehicle body, and brake pipes 110 and 120 routed along the right side, which is one of the sides of the battery 30. With this configuration, the brake pipes 110 and 120 are routed using the side of the battery 30, which has a large volume and surface area mounted in the center of the vehicle body, so that an electric motorcycle 10 with improved freedom of routing for the brake pipes 110 and 120 can be provided.
[0076] In this embodiment, the vehicle body is provided with an electric power unit 12 located at the lower rear of the battery 30 in a side view, and a joint stay 130 located at the boundary B between the battery 30 and the electric power unit 12. The brake pipes 110 and 120 have a front input pipe 111 and a front output pipe 121 connected to the joint stay 130, and a rear input pipe 112 and a rear output pipe 122 connected to the joint stay 130 and extending to the rear of the vehicle body. With this configuration, the brake pipes 110 and 120 have a structure divided by the joint stay 130 provided at the boundary B between the battery 30 and the electric power unit 12, so the battery 30 system components and the electric power unit 12 system components can be assembled separately, including the brake pipes 110 and 120. This makes it easier to improve the ease of vehicle body assembly.
[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an ABS modulator 80 is provided, which is located behind the electric power unit 12, and the ABS modulator 80 is attached to the electric power unit 12 via a stay 68. With this configuration, the ABS modulator 80 can be assembled as part of the small assembly components of the electric power unit 12, making it easier to improve the ease of assembly of the vehicle body.
[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the front input pipe 111 and the front output pipe 121 are routed so as to extend from the rear of the head pipe 20 toward the rear of the vehicle body, and then extend toward the lower part of the vehicle body, and are connected to the joint stay 130. With this configuration, the brake pipes 110 and 120 can be routed to the side of the battery 30 in a simple manner, and the brake pipes 110 and 120 can be routed to the side of the battery 30 in a simple process.
[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rear input pipe 112 and rear output pipe 122 are routed from the joint stay 130 so as to extend inward in the vehicle width direction from the boundary B between the battery 30 and the electric power unit 12, and then extend to the rear of the vehicle, and are connected to the ABS modulator 80. With this configuration, the brake pipes 110 and 120 are positioned between the battery 30 and the electric power unit 12, making it possible to create a configuration that makes it easier to protect the brake pipes 110 and 120 from the outside.
[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vehicle body frame 11 further includes a front frame 21, a rear frame 22, and a rear end frame 23, and the vehicle body frame 11 is connected to the battery 30. With this configuration, even when the battery 30 is used as a frame member, the brake pipes 110 and 120 can be routed using the sides of the battery 30, thereby improving the freedom of routing the brake pipes 110 and 120.
[0081] [Other Embodiments] The embodiments described above are merely one aspect of the present invention and can be modified and applied as needed without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
[0082] In the above embodiment, the electric power unit 12 is shown as being located at the rear lower part of the battery 30 when viewed from the side of the vehicle body. However, the electric power unit 12 is not limited to being located at the rear lower part of the battery 30, and may be located as long as it is behind the battery 30.
[0083] In the above embodiment, each part of the brake piping system 85 can be made of a flexible hose made of rubber or the like, or a metal pipe, etc. A mixture of hoses and pipes may also be used.
[0084] In the above embodiment, an electric two-wheeled vehicle 10 was described using a motorcycle having a front wheel 13 and a rear wheel 16 as an example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied to three-wheeled saddle-type vehicles having two front or rear wheels, or saddle-type vehicles having four or more wheels.
[0085] [Configurations supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configurations.
[0086] (Configuration 1) An electric saddle-type vehicle comprising a front fork on which the front wheel is rotatably supported, a swing arm on which the rear wheel is rotatably supported, a head pipe on which the front fork is steerably supported, and a pivot shaft on which the swing arm is pivotably supported, wherein the electric saddle-type vehicle comprises a battery disposed between the head pipe and the pivot shaft, an electric power unit disposed behind the battery in a side view of the vehicle body, and a brake pipe routed along one side of the battery. With this configuration, the brake pipe is routed using the side of the battery, which has a large volume and surface area mounted in the center of the vehicle body, so an electric saddle-type vehicle with improved freedom of routing for the brake pipe can be provided.
[0087] (Configuration 2) An electric saddle-type vehicle according to Configuration 1, characterized in that, in a side view of the vehicle body, the electric power unit is located at the lower rear of the battery, and a dividing section is located at the boundary between the battery and the electric power unit, and the brake pipe has a first brake pipe section connected to the dividing section and a second brake pipe section connected to the dividing section and extending to the rear of the vehicle body. With this configuration, since the brake pipe has a structure divided by the dividing section provided at the boundary between the battery and the electric power unit, the battery system components and electric power unit system components can be assembled separately, including the brake pipe. This makes it easier to improve the ease of vehicle body assembly.
[0088] (Configuration 3) An electric saddle-type vehicle according to Configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that it comprises an ABS modulator positioned behind the electric power unit, and the ABS modulator is attached to the electric power unit via a stay. With this configuration, the ABS modulator can be assembled as part of the electric power unit system's small assembly components, making it easier to improve the vehicle body assembly.
[0089] (Configuration 4) The electric saddle-type vehicle according to Configuration 2, characterized in that the first brake pipe section is routed to extend from the rear of the head pipe toward the rear of the vehicle body, then to extend toward the lower part of the vehicle body, and connected to the divided section. With this configuration, the brake pipe can be routed on the side of the battery with a simple configuration and a simple process.
[0090] (Configuration 5) The electric saddle-type vehicle according to Configuration 2 or 4, characterized in that the second brake pipe section is routed so as to extend inward in the width direction of the vehicle body from the divided section to the boundary between the battery and the electric power unit, and then extend to the rear of the vehicle body, and is connected to the ABS modulator. With this configuration, the brake pipe is positioned between the battery and the electric power unit, so the arrangement can be designed to easily protect the brake pipe from the outside.
[0091] (Configuration 6) The electric saddle-type vehicle according to Configuration 1, further comprising a vehicle frame including a front frame, a rear frame, and a rear end frame, wherein the vehicle frame is connected to the battery. With this configuration, even when the battery is used as a frame member, the brake pipe can be routed using the side of the battery, thereby improving the freedom of routing the brake pipe.
[0092] 10 Electric motorcycle (electric saddle-type vehicle) 11 Body frame 12 Electric power unit 13 Front wheel 15 Front fork 16 Rear wheel 17 Swing arm 20 Head pipe 21 Front frame 22 Rear frame 23 Rear end frame 26 Pivot shaft 30 Battery 68 Stay 80 ABS modulator 110 Input brake pipe (brake pipe) 111 Front input pipe (first brake pipe section) 112 Rear input pipe (second brake pipe section) 120 Output brake pipe (brake pipe) 121 Front output pipe (first brake pipe section) 122 Rear output pipe (second brake pipe section) 130 Joint stay (split section) B Boundary section
Claims
1. An electric saddle-type vehicle comprising a front fork (15) on which a front wheel (13) is rotatably supported, a swing arm (17) on which a rear wheel (16) is rotatably supported, a head pipe (20) on which the front fork (15) is steerably supported, and a pivot shaft (26) on which the swing arm (17) is pivotably supported, wherein the electric saddle-type vehicle further comprises a battery (30) disposed between the head pipe (20) and the pivot shaft (26), an electric power unit (12) disposed behind the battery (30) in a side view of the vehicle body, and brake pipes (110, 120) routed along one side of the battery (30).
2. The electric saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, comprising, in a side view of the vehicle body, the electric power unit (12) located at the lower rear of the battery (30), and a dividing section (130) located at the boundary (B) between the battery (30) and the electric power unit (12), wherein the brake pipes (110, 120) have first brake pipe sections (111, 121) connected to the dividing section (130), and second brake pipe sections (112, 122) connected to the dividing section (130) and extending to the rear of the vehicle body.
3. The electric saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising an ABS modulator (80) positioned behind the electric power unit (12), wherein the ABS modulator (80) is attached to the electric power unit (12) via a stay (68).
4. The electric saddle-type vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that the first brake pipe section (111, 121) is routed to extend from the rear of the head pipe (20) toward the rear of the vehicle body, then to extend toward the lower part of the vehicle body, and is connected to the divided section (130).
5. The electric saddle-type vehicle according to claim 2 or 4, characterized in that the second brake pipe section (112, 122) is routed so as to extend inward in the width direction of the vehicle body from the divided section (130) through the boundary section (B) between the battery (30) and the electric power unit (12), and then extend to the rear of the vehicle body, and is connected to the ABS modulator (80).
6. The electric saddle-type vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a vehicle body frame (11) including a front frame (21), a rear frame (22), and a rear end frame (23), wherein the vehicle body frame (11) is connected to the battery (30).