Electric saddle-type vehicle
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/JP2025/011094
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-24
Smart Images
Figure JP2025011094_24092026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Electric straddle-type vehicle
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electric straddle-type vehicle.
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses, in an electric vehicle including a battery case that houses a battery for supplying electric power to a motor and a motor case that houses the motor, a structure that uses the battery case and the motor case as a vehicle body frame. A space is formed between the battery case and a vehicle body cover that covers the vehicle body frame and the like. Further, a configuration in which a charging port is arranged on the battery case at a position corresponding to a fuel filler port of a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle is generally disclosed.
[0003] International Publication No. 2020 / 012791
[0004] Regarding the arrangement of the charging port, it is necessary to consider the positional relationship with other vehicle components and the operability by the rider. It is also necessary to appropriately arrange the charging port within the constraints on the shape of the vehicle body frame, particularly in a state where an adjustment allowance for vehicle body rigidity is left. Patent Document 1 discloses a so-called split frame configuration in which a front frame and a rear frame are connected via a battery case. Generally, in the case of such a split frame configuration, setting the rigidity of the upper portion of the front frame lower than the rigidity of the lower portion thereof to obtain appropriate deflection of the vehicle body frame leads to improvement in steering stability. In order to reduce the vehicle body rigidity, it is necessary to increase the distance from the head pipe to the battery case as an adjustment allowance. However, in the case of a split frame configuration, for example, if the front frame is extended so as to surround the battery case, the vehicle width dimension increases. In addition, the front frame (vehicle body frame) reduces the degree of freedom in arranging vehicle components. Therefore, in an electric straddle-type vehicle, it is desired to realize a structure that can maintain the degree of freedom in the shape of the vehicle body frame and secure an arrangement space for vehicle components.
[0005] In order to solve the above problem, an object of the present disclosure is to realize a structure that can maintain the degree of freedom in the shape of the vehicle body frame and secure an arrangement space for vehicle components.
[0006] As a means of solving the above problems, an aspect of the present disclosure has the following configuration: (1) An electric saddle-type vehicle (1) according to an aspect of the present disclosure comprises a battery case (40) formed to accommodate a battery (4) as a drive source, an inlet (92) connected to an external power source and configured to charge the battery (4), a front frame (20) connected to the front of the battery case (40) and supporting steering system components (10), and a rear frame (30) connected to the rear of the battery case (40), wherein the front frame (20) supports the front wheels (6) in a steerable manner with head pipes (2 The head pipe (2) is positioned above the battery case (40) and includes an upper hanger (21) extending rearward from the top of the head pipe (2) and connected to the battery case (40), and a lower hanger (22) positioned below the upper hanger (21) and extending rearward from the bottom of the head pipe (2) and connected to the battery case (40). The upper hanger (21) is connected to the top surface of the battery case (40), and the inlet (92) is positioned above the battery case (40) and overlaps with the upper hanger (21) in the vehicle's vertical direction. With this configuration, the upper hanger extends rearward from the top of the head pipe and is connected to the top surface of the battery case, which suppresses the outward bulging of the upper hanger in the vehicle's width direction. In addition, the inlet is positioned above the battery case and overlaps with the upper hanger in the vehicle's vertical direction, which allows for a longer front-to-rear length of the upper hanger without reducing the operability of the inlet. Thus, adjustment range for vehicle body rigidity is obtained. Therefore, it is possible to realize a structure that maintains the degree of freedom in the shape of the vehicle body frame while also securing space for the placement of vehicle components.
[0007] (2) In the embodiment of (1) above, the front part of the inlet (92) may overlap with the rear end of the upper hanger (21) in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the inlet (92) may be inclined toward the rear and downward of the vehicle above the battery case (40). With this configuration, the rear end of the upper hanger is positioned to fit into the lower front part of the inlet. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the inlet from bulging upward of the vehicle (securing space for vehicle components) and to extend the front-to-rear length of the upper hanger (extending the front-to-rear length of the front frame).
[0008] (3) In the embodiment of (2) above, a connection port (92a) for connecting to an external power source may be formed in the inlet (92), and the connection port (92a) may open toward the rear and upward of the vehicle. With this configuration, the insertion and removal direction of the inlet extends toward the rear and upward of the vehicle. Therefore, compared to the case where the connection port opens toward the front and upward of the vehicle or opens toward the top of the vehicle (directly above), it is easier for the occupant to operate the inlet.
[0009] (4) In the embodiment of (3) above, a projection (43) is formed on the upper surface of the battery case (40) that protrudes upward toward the vehicle and is connected to the upper hanger (21), the upper hanger (21) and the projection (43) are positioned inward from the outermost edge of the battery case (40) in the vehicle width direction when viewed from above, and the inlet (92) may overlap with the projection (43) in the vehicle vertical direction. With this configuration, by positioning the upper hanger and the projection inward from the outermost edge of the battery case in the vehicle width direction when viewed from above, the outward bulging of the upper hanger and the projection in the vehicle width direction can be suppressed. This makes it possible to reduce the size in the vehicle width direction. In addition, by having the inlet overlap with the projection in the vehicle vertical direction, the front-to-rear length of the upper hanger can be set to be longer without reducing the operability of the inlet. Thus, an adjustment range for vehicle body rigidity can be obtained.
[0010] (5) In the embodiment of (4) above, a recess (44) is formed on the upper surface of the battery case (40) behind the protrusion (43) and recesses downward toward the vehicle, and the inlet (92) may be placed in the recess (44). With this configuration, the inlet is positioned so as to be inclined along the rear end of the upper hanger, the protrusion and the recess. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the freedom of placement (layout flexibility) of the upper hanger and the inlet while minimizing the bulge upward toward the vehicle.
[0011] (6) In any of the embodiments described in (2) to (5) above, an auxiliary battery (91) for powering electrical components may be further provided, which is located behind the inlet (92). With this configuration, the inlet is inclined toward the rear and downward of the vehicle on top of the battery case, and the auxiliary battery is located behind the inlet, thereby improving access to the auxiliary battery.
[0012] (7) In the embodiment of (6) above, the inlet (92) is provided with a connection port (92a) for connection to an external power source, and the vehicle body cover (60) further covers the inlet (92) and the battery case (40) from the outside, wherein the vehicle body cover (60) comprises a cover body (61) having an opening (61a) that opens so that the inlet (92) can be exposed to the outside of the vehicle, and a lid (62) that is configured to open and close the opening (61a) and covers the connection port (92a), and the cover body (61) may be provided with an auxiliary battery lid (63) that overlaps with the lid (62) in a top view. With this configuration, the auxiliary battery can be accessed when the lid is open (when the inlet is exposed to the vehicle body through the opening).
[0013] (8) In any embodiment of (2) to (7) above, a vehicle component (93) different from the inlet (92) is further provided in front of the inlet (92), the upper hanger (21) comprises a left arm (23L) and a right arm (23R) extending from the head pipe (2) and arranged in a pair, and at least a portion of the different vehicle component (93) may be positioned between the left arm (23L) and the right arm (23R). With this configuration, the space between the left arm and the right arm can be utilized to position a vehicle component different from the inlet.
[0014] According to the electric saddle-type vehicle described herein, it is possible to achieve a structure that maintains the degree of freedom in the shape of the vehicle body frame while also securing space for arranging vehicle components.
[0015] This is a left side view of the motorcycle according to the embodiment. This is a right side view of the motorcycle according to the embodiment. This is a front view of the motorcycle according to the embodiment. This is a rear view of the motorcycle according to the embodiment. This is a top view of the motorcycle according to the embodiment. This is a left side view of the motorcycle according to the embodiment with the body cover removed. This is a partially enlarged view of Figure 6. This is a right side view of the motorcycle according to the embodiment with the body cover removed. This is a top view of the motorcycle according to the embodiment with the body cover removed. This is a left side view of the motorcycle according to the embodiment with the body cover and tray removed. This is a left side view of the motorcycle according to the embodiment showing the arrangement of the front frame, battery case and inlet. This is a left side view including the XII-XII section of Figure 9. This is a top view of the front frame according to the embodiment viewed from a direction along the axis of the head pipe. This is the left side of the front frame according to the embodiment. This is a right side view of the front frame according to the embodiment. This is a front view of the front frame according to the embodiment. This is a rear view of the front frame according to the embodiment.
[0016] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, a motorcycle will be used as an example of an electric saddle-type vehicle. Directions such as front, back, up, down, left, and right in the following description are the same as directions in the vehicle described below. That is, the up and down direction coincides with the vertical direction, and the left and right direction coincides with the vehicle width direction. In the vehicle width direction, the direction away from the vehicle width center is called the outward direction in the vehicle width direction, and the direction approaching the vehicle width center is called the inward direction in the vehicle width direction. In the drawings used in the following description, arrow UP indicates up, arrow FR indicates forward, and arrow LH indicates left. Line CL in the drawing indicates the vehicle width centerline (vehicle width center). In the following description, expressions indicating relative or absolute arrangements such as "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," and "coaxial" do not only mean such arrangements strictly, but also include states where there is relative displacement with tolerances or angles and distances that allow the same function to be obtained. In the drawings used in the following description, the scale of each component may be changed in order to make each component recognizable.
[0017] <Motorcycle> Figure 1 is a left side view of the motorcycle 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a right side view of the motorcycle 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 3 is a front view of the motorcycle 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 4 is a rear view of the motorcycle 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 5 is a top view of the motorcycle 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 6 is a left side view of the motorcycle 1 according to the embodiment showing the body cover 60 removed. Referring together to Figures 1 to 6, the motorcycle 1 comprises a front frame 20 located at the front of the body and having a head pipe 2, a rear frame 30 located at the rear of the body and supporting a seat 3, a battery 4 located behind the head pipe 2 and in front of the seat 3, a motor 5 driven by the battery 4, a battery case 40 formed to accommodate the battery 4, and a tray 100 (see Figure 6) located on top of the battery case 40 and supporting a plurality of parts.
[0018] The front frame 20 and the rear frame 30 constitute the vehicle body frame 19. The head pipe 2 is located at the front end of the front frame 20. The head pipe 2 is located at the vehicle width center CL. The front frame 20 extends rearward from the head pipe 2. The front frame 20 is connected to the battery case 40. The head pipe 2 supports the steering system components 10, including the front wheels 6, so that they can be steered. The steering stem 11 is inserted through the head pipe 2.
[0019] The front wheel 6 is supported by the lower ends of a pair of front forks 12. The upper parts of the front forks 12 are steerably supported by the front frame 20 via a steering stem 11. A steering handlebar 13 is attached to the upper part of the steering stem 11. Below the handlebar 13, a handlebar lock module 15 (see Figure 6) is provided for locking the handlebar 13.
[0020] The front frame 20 and the rear frame 30 are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. The rear frame 30 is positioned further back than the front frame 20. The front frame 20 and the rear frame 30 are connected via a battery case 40. A radiator 16 (see Figure 6) is provided below the head pipe 2 and in front of the battery case 40.
[0021] The rear frame 30 supports the seat 3 via the seat frame 35. The seat 3 is supported from below by the seat frame 35. The front end of the seat frame 35 is fixed to the rear upper part of the rear frame 30. The seat frame 35 extends toward the rear of the vehicle from the point of fixation to the rear frame 30. The seat 3 is positioned to cover the upper part of the seat frame 35.
[0022] Battery 4 stores the power supplied to the motor 5. Battery case 40 houses battery 4. Battery case 40 is formed in a roughly L-shape when viewed from the side. Battery case 40 includes a front portion 41 which is vertically elongated and roughly rectangular when viewed from the side, and a rear extension portion 42 which extends rearward from the upper rear end of the front portion (see Figure 10).
[0023] The motor 5 is housed in a drive unit 50 (see Figure 6). The drive unit 50 is located at the lower rear of the battery case 40. The drive unit 50 is connected to the rear frame 30. The drive unit 50 houses a reduction gear 51 (or transmission), a motor driver PDU 52 (Power Drive Unit), etc. The PDU 52 is controlled by an ECU 70 (Electric Control Unit), etc. The PDU 52 is located at the front of the drive unit 50.
[0024] The rear frame 30 supports a swingarm 36 that extends in the front-rear direction. The swingarm 36 is located below the rear of the vehicle body. The swingarm 36 is pivotably supported by the rear frame 30. Specifically, the front end of the swingarm 36 is pivotably supported by the rear of the rear frame 30 via a pivot shaft 37. The motorcycle 1 is equipped with a rear cushion 38 between the swingarm 36 and the seat frame 35.
[0025] The rear wheel 7 is rotatably supported at the rear end of the swing arm 36. The rear wheel 7 is connected to the output shaft of the motor 5 via a transmission mechanism (not shown) including an endless member, which is located on the left side of the rear of the vehicle body. For example, the transmission mechanism may be a belt-type transmission mechanism including an endless member such as a drive belt.
[0026] The motorcycle 1 is equipped with a body cover 60 that covers the body frame 19 and the like. The body cover 60 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The body cover 60 covers the front frame 20 and the upper part of the battery case 40 from above and from both the left and right sides. The body cover 60 includes a left cowl 60L located on the left side of the body and a right cowl 60R located on the right side of the body.
[0027] Figure 7 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a right side view showing the motorcycle 1 according to the embodiment with the body cover 60 removed. Figure 9 is a top view showing the motorcycle 1 according to the embodiment with the body cover 60 removed. Figure 10 is a left side view showing the motorcycle 1 according to the embodiment with the body cover 60 and tray 100 removed. Figure 11 is a left side view showing the arrangement of the battery case 40 and inlet 92 in the motorcycle 1 according to the embodiment. Figure 12 is a left side view including the cross-section XII-XII in Figure 9. Figure 12 corresponds to a left side view including the cross-section with the body cover 60 removed. In Figures 9 and 12, the outline of the lid 62 is shown by a dashed line. Referring to Figures 7 to 12 together, the tray 100 is formed to follow the top surface and left and right sides of the battery case 40.
[0028] The tray 100 is formed of, for example, synthetic resin. The tray 100 detachably supports a plurality of components. The plurality of components include low-voltage components 70-72 arranged on one side of the tray 100 in the vehicle width direction, and high-voltage component 80 arranged on the other side of the tray 100 in the vehicle width direction, which uses a higher voltage than the low-voltage components 70-72.
[0029] Low-voltage electrical components 70-72 include, for example, an ECU 70, a BCU 71 (Body Control Unit), and an anti-theft device 72. The BCU 71 is an electronic control unit for monitoring and controlling various electrical components within the vehicle body. The anti-theft device 72 is, for example, a security buzzer. High-voltage electrical components 80 include, for example, a PLC 80 (Power Line Communication). The PLC 80 is a device that uses power lines as communication lines.
[0030] The tray 100 includes an upper portion 101 positioned on the upper surface of the battery case 40, and a left side portion 102 and a right side portion 103 positioned on the left and right sides of the battery case 40. The upper portion 101 is formed to conform to the upper surface of the battery case 40. The left side portion 102 extends downward from the left edge of the upper portion 101 and is formed to conform to the left side of the battery case 40. The right side portion 103 extends downward from the right edge of the upper portion 101 and is formed to conform to the right side of the battery case 40.
[0031] In this embodiment, since the front frame 20 and the rear frame 30 are separated, there is no frame running along the left and right sides of the battery case 40. Therefore, multiple components can be mounted on the left side portion 102 and the right side portion 103 of the tray 100, which is positioned on the left and right sides of the battery case 40.
[0032] Low-voltage components 70-72 are arranged on either the left side portion 102 or the right side portion 103. High-voltage component 80 is arranged on the other of the left side portion 102 or the right side portion 103. In this embodiment, low-voltage components 70-72 (ECU 70, BCU 71, anti-theft device 72, fuse 73, ignition switch 74, etc.) are mounted on the left side portion 102 of the tray 100. On the other hand, high-voltage components 80 (PLC 80, relay 81, communication device 82, etc.) are mounted on the right side portion 103 of the tray 100. The communication device 82 is a wireless communication device that communicates based on a communication standard such as Bluetooth®.
[0033] The components include an auxiliary battery 91 that powers the low-voltage components 70-72. The auxiliary battery 91 is located on the upper surface 101 of the tray 100. The auxiliary battery 91 is, for example, a 12V battery.
[0034] The components include vehicle parts 92 and 93 that are different from the auxiliary battery 91. These vehicle parts 92 and 93 are, for example, an inlet 92 and a smart key unit 93. The inlet 92 is a charging connector with charging ports for normal charging and rapid charging. The smart key unit 93 is an electronic control unit that authenticates the owner of the motorcycle 1 and starts or stops the smart key system. The inlet 92 and the smart key unit 93 are located on the upper surface 101 of the tray 100. The inlet 92 and the smart key unit 93 overlap the auxiliary battery 91 when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle.
[0035] The multiple components include a low-voltage harness 95 positioned on one side of the tray 100, flanking the auxiliary battery 91, and a high-voltage harness 96 positioned on the other side of the tray 100, flanking the auxiliary battery 91, and using a higher voltage than the low-voltage harness 95. The low-voltage harness 95 is connected to low-voltage components 70-72. The high-voltage harness 96 is connected to the high-voltage component 80.
[0036] In this embodiment, the low-voltage harness 95 and the like are arranged on the left side of the tray 100, with the auxiliary battery 91 in between. The low-voltage harness 95 is positioned from the left outer edge of the upper surface portion 101 of the tray 100 to the vicinity of the upper edge of the left side surface portion 102. On the other hand, the high-voltage harness 96 and the like are arranged on the right side of the tray 100, with the auxiliary battery 91 in between. The high-voltage harness 96 is positioned from the right outer edge of the upper surface portion 101 of the tray 100 to the vicinity of the upper edge of the right side surface portion 103.
[0037] Multiple components include upper surface components 90-93 (see Figure 9) arranged on the upper surface portion 101. Upper surface components 90-93 include, for example, an IMU 90 (Inertial Measurement Unit), an auxiliary battery 91, an inlet 92, a smart key unit 93, a band member (not shown), etc. The IMU 90 is an inertial measuring device that detects three-dimensional inertial motion (translational and rotational motion in three axes). The IMU 90, auxiliary battery 91, inlet 92, and smart key unit 93 are arranged in order from rear to front. The IMU 90, auxiliary battery 91, inlet 92, and smart key unit 93 are arranged in a single row so as to be connected in the front-to-back direction.
[0038] <Front Frame> Figure 13 is a top view of the front frame 20 according to the embodiment, viewed from a direction along the axis Ax of the head pipe 2. Figure 14 is a left side view of the front frame 20 according to the embodiment. Figure 15 is a right side view of the front frame 20 according to the embodiment. Figure 16 is a front view of the front frame 20 according to the embodiment. Figure 17 is a rear view of the front frame 20 according to the embodiment. Referring together to Figures 13 to 17, the front frame 20 comprises a head pipe 2 that supports the front wheels 6 in a steerable manner, an upper hanger 21 that extends rearward from the upper part of the head pipe 2 and is connected to the battery case 40, and a lower hanger 22 that is positioned below the upper hanger 21, extends rearward from the lower part of the head pipe 2 and is connected to the battery case 40.
[0039] The front frame 20 is formed of a metal material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The front frame 20 is formed by, for example, GDC (Gravity Die Casting) molding (gravity casting method). The front frame 20 is connected to the front upper part of the battery case 40 by bolts (or bosses) having axes in the vehicle width direction. The front frame 20 constitutes the vehicle body frame 19. The front frame 20 is fastened to the front upper surface of the battery case 40 and to the upper hanger 21, and to the upper front surface of the battery case 40 and to the lower hanger 22. The front frame 20 is positioned spaced apart from the rear frame 30. The front frame 20 is connected to the rear frame 30 via the battery case 40. In this embodiment, the vehicle body frame 19 is a so-called split frame in which the front frame 20 and the rear frame 30 are connected via the battery case 40.
[0040] The upper hanger 21 is fastened to the upper part of the head pipe 2 by bolts having an axis in the vehicle width direction. The upper hanger 21 is formed separately from the head pipe 2 and the lower hanger 22. The upper hanger 21 may be formed from a material that has at least higher strength (mechanical properties such as yield strength and maximum allowable stress) than the head pipe 2 and the lower hanger 22. This makes it possible to reduce the rigidity of the upper hanger 21 while maintaining its strength by reducing the section modulus of the upper hanger 21.
[0041] A projection 43 is formed on the front upper surface of the battery case 40, protruding upward. The upper hanger 21 is fastened to the upper surface of the battery case 40 by a bolt that has an axis in the vehicle width direction and is inserted into the projection 43 in the vehicle width direction. The upper hanger 21 includes a left arm 23L and a right arm 23R, which extend from the head pipe 2 and are arranged as a pair on the left and right sides. The left arm 23L and the right arm 23R are formed in a symmetrical shape with the axis of symmetry being the axis Ax (vehicle width center CL) of the head pipe 2. The left arm 23L and the right arm 23R are provided to sandwich the projection 43 from both sides. The left arm 23L and the right arm 23R are formed so that the distance between them in the vehicle width direction increases toward the rear of the vehicle, with the rear side being wider than the front side of the vehicle.
[0042] The vehicle width dimension of the protrusion 43 (distance between the left and right outer ends) is smaller than the vehicle width dimension of the upper surface of the battery case 40 (distance between the left and right outer ends) in top view and the distance between the left and right lower hangers 22. The vehicle width dimension of the protrusion 43 is smaller than the fastening point width of the lower hangers 22 (distance between the left and right outer ends of the fastening points relative to the upper front surface of the battery case 40). This enables the rigidity of the upper hanger 21 close to the bar handle 13 to be reduced, thereby improving the handling stability perceived by the rider in response to input.
[0043] The left arm 23L and the right arm 23R are formed of plate-shaped members from the perspective of bending work and rigidity adjustment. For example, in the case of vehicles in a higher output range, the required rigidity increases, so the left arm 23L and the right arm 23R may be formed of a pipe frame or the like. Note that the formation form of the left arm 23L and the right arm 23R is not limited to the above, and can be changed according to design specifications.
[0044] The left arm 23L and the right arm 23R are formed in a triangular shape that is long in the vehicle front-rear direction when viewed from the side. This allows the front-rear length of the front frame 20 to be increased and the rigidity to be reduced. Note that the shapes of the left arm 23L and the right arm 23R are not limited to the above, and can be changed according to design specifications.
[0045] The left arm 23L and the right arm 23R include a pair of upper and lower fastening points 29a, 29b (head pipe side fastening points) fastened to the upper part of the head pipe 2, and a fastening point 29c (fastening point for the front upper surface of the battery case 40) fastened to the protrusion 43 of the battery case 40. Each of the fastening points 29a to 29c corresponds to each bolt (axial center of each bolt) that fastens the left arm 23L and the right arm 23R in a side view. The left arm 23L and the right arm 23R have three fastening points: a first (upper) head pipe side fastening point 29a (first fastening point), a second (lower) head pipe side fastening point 29b (second fastening point), and a fastening point 29c (third fastening point) for the front upper surface of the battery case 40. Note that the number of fastening points of the left arm 23L and the right arm 23R is not limited to the above, and can be changed according to design specifications.
[0046] The lower hanger 22 extends so as to branch outward in the left-right direction from the lower portion of the head pipe 2, extends rearward and downward of the vehicle, and is connected to the upper front surface of the battery case 40. The lower hanger 22 extends further downward than the upper hanger 21, and is fastened near the outer edge in the vehicle width direction of the upper front surface of the battery case 40. The lower hanger 22 is connected at the upper front portion of the battery case 40 by a bolt (or boss) having an axis in the vehicle width direction.
[0047] The lower hanger 22 has a fastening point 29d (battery case front side fastening point) to the upper front surface of the battery case 40. The fastening point 29d corresponds to a bolt (axis center of the bolt) that fastens the lower hanger 22 in a side view. For example, when a brake is applied (when the vehicle is decelerated), a force acts to rotate the front frame 20 around the battery case front side fastening point 29d as a central axis when an input is applied from the road surface. As a result, when the vehicle decelerates, a load is applied counterclockwise (left rotation), and a load is applied clockwise (right rotation) in response to road surface input, and a force can be applied to the above-mentioned upper hanger 21 with low rigidity, thereby improving handling stability.
[0048] <Arrangement of Inlet and Peripheral Components> Referring also to FIGS. 11 and 12, the upper hanger 21 is connected to the upper surface of the battery case 40. The inlet 92 is disposed at the upper portion of the battery case 40. The inlet 92 overlaps the upper hanger 21 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. At least a part of the inlet 92 may overlap the upper hanger 21 when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle.
[0049] The front portion of the inlet 92 overlaps the rear end portion of the upper hanger 21 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The front portion of the inlet 92 may overlap the rear end portion of the upper hanger 21 when viewed from the vertical direction of the vehicle. The front end portion of the inlet 92 is disposed forward of the rear end portion of the upper hanger 21 in a side view. The inlet 92 is inclined rearward and downward of the vehicle on the battery case 40.
[0050] A connection port 92a is formed in the inlet 92 for connection to an external power source. The connection port 92a opens toward the rear and upward of the vehicle. In this embodiment, the connection port 92a opens so as to face rear and upward with respect to the axis Ax of the head pipe 2 when viewed from the side. The connection port 92a opens so as to face rear and upward parallel to the insertion / removal direction Vi of the inlet 92 when viewed from the side. Alternatively, the connection port 92a may open toward the rear and upward of the vehicle so as to be parallel to the axis of the head pipe 2 when viewed from the side.
[0051] A protrusion 43 is formed on the upper surface of the battery case 40, projecting upwards towards the vehicle and connecting to the upper hanger 21. The protrusion 43 is formed in the center of the front upper surface of the battery case 40 in the front-rear direction. In a side view, the protrusion 43 is formed in a triangular shape projecting upwards towards the vehicle. In a side view, the upper end of the protrusion 43 is positioned below the upper end of the head pipe 2 and above the lower end of the head pipe 2. In a top view, the upper hanger 21 and the protrusion 43 are positioned inward from the outermost edge of the battery case 40 in the vehicle width direction. The inlet 92 overlaps with the protrusion 43 in the vehicle vertical direction. At least a portion of the inlet 92 may overlap with the protrusion 43 when viewed from the vehicle vertical direction.
[0052] On the upper surface of the battery case 40, a recess 44 is formed behind the protrusion 43, recessing downwards towards the vehicle. The inlet 92 is positioned in the recess 44. The recess 44 is formed on the front upper surface of the battery case 40, near the center in the front-to-rear direction, behind the protrusion 43. In a side view, the recess 44 is formed in a curved shape that curves downwards towards the vehicle. The lower end of the inlet 92 is positioned in the recess 44.
[0053] The auxiliary battery 91 is located behind the inlet 92. The vehicle body cover 60 covers the inlet 92 and the battery case 40 from the outside. The vehicle body cover 60 comprises a cover body 61 (see Figure 9) having an opening 61a that allows the inlet 92 to be exposed to the outside of the vehicle, and a lid 62 that is configured to open and close the opening 61a and covers the connection port 92a.
[0054] In front of the inlet 92, there is an additional vehicle component 93 that is different from the inlet 92. The upper hanger 21 includes a left arm 23L and a right arm 23R that extend from the head pipe 2 and are arranged in a pair. At least a portion of the vehicle component 93 that is different from the inlet 92 is located between the left arm 23L and the right arm 23R. The vehicle component 93 that is different from the inlet 92 is, for example, a smart key unit 93.
[0055] In this embodiment, the inlet 92 is positioned on top of the battery case 40 and overlaps with the upper hanger 21 in the vertical direction of the vehicle, allowing the front-to-rear length of the upper hanger 21 to be set longer. This reduces rigidity by separating the connection points between the head pipe 2 and the battery case 40, and also provides room for adjustment of the vehicle body rigidity. Furthermore, the inlet 92 is inclined towards the rear and downward of the vehicle on top of the battery case 40, which widens the space below the front of the inlet 92, and allows the upper hanger 21 to be extended into this space. This makes it possible to achieve both rigidity and layout flexibility for the inlet 92 and the upper hanger 21.
[0056] In this embodiment, the upper surface of the battery case 40 is formed with a protrusion 43 that fastens to the upper hanger 21, and a recess 44 that recesses downward from the rear of the protrusion 43 (the trailing edge of the protrusion 43). The recess 44 is formed in conjunction with the rear of the trailing edge of the protrusion 43 and extends across the left and right outer ends of the upper surface of the battery case 40. The inlet 92 is positioned from the upper surface of the protrusion 43 (the inclined surface on the rear side of the protrusion 43) to the upper surface of the recess 44 (the curved surface of the recess 44).
[0057] On the upper surface 101 of the tray 100, the smart key unit 93 and the auxiliary battery 91 are positioned to overlap the inlet 92 in the front-rear direction. The smart key unit 93 is positioned in front of the inlet 92. At least a portion of the smart key unit 93 is positioned between the left arm 23L and the right arm 23R of the upper hanger 21. For example, the lower end (coupler portion) of the smart key unit 93 is positioned between the left arm 23L and the right arm 23R.
[0058] The auxiliary battery 91 is located behind the inlet 92, with its terminals positioned particularly close to the inlet 92 and on the front upper edge. In this embodiment, due to the inclined arrangement of the inlet 92, the rear edge of the inlet 92 is positioned below the front edge of the inlet 92. Furthermore, because the terminals of the auxiliary battery 91 are positioned on the rear edge side of the inlet 92, the terminals of the auxiliary battery 91 and the rear end of the inlet 92 are at approximately the same height. This facilitates access to the terminals of the auxiliary battery 91.
[0059] When the lid 62 covering the inlet 92 is opened, the connection port 92a of the inlet 92 is exposed through the opening 61a of the cover body 61. A lid 63 for the auxiliary battery is provided on the part of the cover body 61 behind the connection port 92a of the inlet 92 (the base of the lid 62), allowing access to the terminals of the auxiliary battery 91. When the lid 62 is closed, the auxiliary battery lid 63 overlaps with the rear of the lid 62 when viewed from above. This makes it possible to operate the auxiliary battery 91 without removing the vehicle cover 60 (body cowl, etc.).
[0060] <Effects and Effects> As described above, the electric saddle-type vehicle 1 of the above embodiment comprises a battery case 40 formed to accommodate a battery 4 as a drive source, an inlet 92 connected to an external power source and configured to charge the battery 4, a front frame 20 connected to the front of the battery case 40 and supporting the steering system components 10, and a rear frame 30 connected to the rear of the battery case 40. The front frame 20 comprises a head pipe 2 that supports the front wheels 6 so as to be steerable, an upper hanger 21 extending rearward from the top of the head pipe 2 and connected to the battery case 40, and a lower hanger 22 positioned below the upper hanger 21, extending rearward from the bottom of the head pipe 2 and connected to the battery case 40. The upper hanger 21 is connected to the top surface of the battery case 40. The inlet 92 is positioned on the top of the battery case 40. The inlet 92 overlaps with the upper hanger 21 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. With this configuration, the upper hanger 21 extends rearward from the top of the head pipe 2 and connects to the top surface of the battery case 40, thereby suppressing the outward bulging of the upper hanger 21 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the inlet 92 is positioned on top of the battery case 40 and overlaps with the upper hanger 21 in the vehicle's vertical direction, allowing the front-to-rear length of the upper hanger 21 to be set longer without reducing the operability of the inlet 92. Thus, adjustment range for vehicle body rigidity is obtained. Consequently, a structure can be realized that maintains the degree of freedom in the shape of the vehicle body frame 19 while securing space for vehicle components.
[0061] In the above embodiment, the front part of the inlet 92 overlaps with the rear end of the upper hanger 21 in the vertical direction of the vehicle. The inlet 92 is inclined towards the rear and downward of the vehicle above the battery case 40. With this configuration, the rear end of the upper hanger 21 is positioned to fit into the lower front part of the inlet 92. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the upward bulge of the inlet 92 (securing space for vehicle components) and to extend the front-to-rear length of the upper hanger 21 (extending the front-to-rear length of the front frame 20) at the same time.
[0062] In the above embodiment, a connection port 92a is formed in the inlet 92 for connection to an external power source. The connection port 92a opens toward the rear and upward of the vehicle. With this configuration, the insertion / removal direction Vi of the inlet 92 extends toward the rear and upward of the vehicle. Therefore, compared to cases where the connection port 92a opens toward the front and upward of the vehicle or toward the top (directly above) of the vehicle, it is easier for the occupant to operate the inlet 92.
[0063] In the above embodiment, a protrusion 43 is formed on the upper surface of the battery case 40, projecting upwards toward the vehicle and connecting to the upper hanger 21. The upper hanger 21 and the protrusion 43 are positioned inward from the outermost edge of the battery case 40 in the vehicle width direction when viewed from above. The inlet 92 overlaps with the protrusion 43 in the vehicle vertical direction. With this configuration, by positioning the upper hanger 21 and the protrusion 43 inward from the outermost edge of the battery case 40 in the vehicle width direction when viewed from above, the outward bulging of the upper hanger 21 and the protrusion 43 in the vehicle width direction can be suppressed. This makes it possible to reduce the size in the vehicle width direction. In addition, because the inlet 92 overlaps with the protrusion 43 in the vehicle vertical direction, the front-to-rear length of the upper hanger 21 can be set longer without reducing the operability of the inlet 92. Thus, an adjustment range for vehicle body rigidity can be obtained.
[0064] In the above embodiment, a recess 44 is formed on the upper surface of the battery case 40 behind the protrusion 43, recessing downwards towards the vehicle. The inlet 92 is positioned in the recess 44. With this configuration, the inlet 92 is positioned so as to be inclined along the rear end of the upper hanger 21, the protrusion 43, and the recess 44. Therefore, it is possible to minimize the bulge upwards towards the vehicle while maintaining the freedom of placement (layout flexibility) of the upper hanger 21 and the inlet 92.
[0065] In the above embodiment, an auxiliary battery 91 is further provided, which is located behind the inlet 92 and drives electrical components. With this configuration, the inlet 92 is inclined toward the rear and downward of the vehicle on top of the battery case 40, and the auxiliary battery 91 is located behind the inlet 92, thereby improving access to the auxiliary battery 91.
[0066] In the above embodiment, a connection port 92a for connecting to an external power source is formed in the inlet 92. In the above embodiment, a vehicle body cover 60 is further provided to cover the inlet 92 and the battery case 40 from the outside. The vehicle body cover 60 comprises a cover body 61 having an opening 61a that opens so that the inlet 92 can be exposed to the outside of the vehicle, and a lid 62 that is configured to open and close the opening 61a and covers the connection port 92a. The cover body 61 is provided with an auxiliary battery lid 63 that overlaps with the lid 62 in a top view. With this configuration, the auxiliary battery 91 can be accessed when the lid 62 is open (in a state where the inlet 92 is exposed to the vehicle body through the opening 61a).
[0067] In the above embodiment, a vehicle component 93 different from the inlet 92 is further provided in front of the inlet 92. The upper hanger 21 includes a left arm 23L and a right arm 23R that extend from the head pipe 2 and are arranged in a pair on the left and right sides. At least a portion of the different vehicle component 93 is positioned between the left arm 23L and the right arm 23R. With this configuration, the space between the left arm 23L and the right arm 23R can be utilized to position the vehicle component 93 different from the inlet 92.
[0068] <Modified Examples> In the above embodiment, the front part of the inlet overlaps with the rear end of the upper hanger in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the inlet is inclined towards the rear and downward of the vehicle above the battery case. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the front part of the inlet does not have to overlap with the rear end of the upper hanger in the vertical direction of the vehicle. For example, the inlet does not have to be inclined towards the rear and downward of the vehicle above the battery case. The arrangement of the inlet and the upper hanger can be changed according to the design specifications.
[0069] In the above embodiment, a connection port for connecting to an external power source is formed in the inlet, and an example was given in which the connection port opens toward the rear and upward of the vehicle, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the connection port may open toward the front and upward of the vehicle. For example, the connection port may open toward the top (directly above) of the vehicle. The manner in which the connection port opens can be changed according to the design specifications.
[0070] In the above embodiment, a projection is formed on the upper surface of the battery case that protrudes upward toward the vehicle and connects to an upper hanger, and the upper hanger and projection are positioned inward from the outermost edge in the vehicle width direction of the battery case when viewed from above, and the inlet overlaps with the projection in the vehicle vertical direction. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a projection that protrudes upward toward the vehicle and connects to an upper hanger may not be formed on the upper surface of the battery case. For example, at least a part of the upper hanger and projection may be positioned outward from the outermost edge in the vehicle width direction of the battery case when viewed from above. For example, the inlet does not have to overlap with the projection in the vehicle vertical direction. The arrangement of the inlet and projection can be changed according to the design specifications.
[0071] In the above embodiment, a recess is formed on the upper surface of the battery case behind the protrusion, and the inlet is positioned in the recess. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a recess is not required on the upper surface of the battery case behind the protrusion, and the inlet does not have to be positioned in the recess. For example, the inlet does not have to be positioned in the recess. The arrangement of the inlet and the recess can be changed according to the design specifications.
[0072] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which an auxiliary battery for driving electrical components is located behind the inlet, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the auxiliary battery for driving electrical components does not have to be located behind the inlet. The arrangement of the auxiliary battery for driving electrical components can be changed according to the design specifications.
[0073] In the above embodiment, a connection port for connecting to an external power source is formed in the inlet, and a vehicle body cover is further provided to cover the inlet and battery case from the outside. The vehicle body cover comprises a cover body having an opening that allows the inlet to be exposed to the outside of the vehicle, and a lid configured to open and close the opening and cover the connection port. The cover body is provided with an auxiliary battery lid that overlaps with the lid in a top view. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle body cover does not have to cover the inlet and battery case from the outside. For example, the inlet may be exposed to the outside of the vehicle from the vehicle body cover. For example, the vehicle body cover does not have to have a lid that covers the connection port. For example, the cover body does not have to have an auxiliary battery lid that overlaps with the lid in a top view. The configuration of the vehicle body cover and the installation of the auxiliary battery lid can be changed according to the design specifications.
[0074] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a vehicle component different from the inlet is further provided in front of the inlet, and the upper hanger comprises a left arm and a right arm extending from the head pipe and arranged in a pair, and at least a part of the vehicle component different from the inlet is positioned between the left arm and the right arm, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the vehicle component different from the inlet does not have to be positioned in front of the inlet. For example, the upper hanger does not have to comprise a left arm and a right arm extending from the head pipe and arranged in a pair. For example, the vehicle component different from the inlet does not have to be positioned between the left arm and the right arm. The configuration of the upper hanger and the arrangement of the vehicle component different from the inlet can be changed according to the design specifications.
[0075] Furthermore, a program to implement some or all of the functions of the control device (e.g., PDU, ECU, and BCU) in this disclosure may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and all or part of the processing performed by the control device may be performed by loading the program recorded on this recording medium into a computer system and executing it. Herein, "computer system" includes hardware such as the OS and peripheral devices. "Computer system" also includes a WWW system equipped with a homepage provisioning environment (or display environment). "Computer-readable recording medium" refers to portable media such as flexible disks, magneto-optical disks, ROMs, CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into a computer system. Furthermore, "computer-readable recording medium" also includes volatile memory (RAM) within a computer system that acts as a server or client when a program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line, which retains the program for a certain period of time.
[0076] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, the configuration of the embodiments may be applied not only to motorcycles but also to various electric saddle-type vehicles. Saddle-type vehicles include all vehicles on which the driver straddles the vehicle body, and include not only motorcycles (including motorized bicycles and scooter-type vehicles) but also three-wheeled vehicles (including vehicles with one front wheel and two rear wheels, as well as vehicles with two front wheels and one rear wheel) or four-wheeled vehicles (such as four-wheeled buggies). Furthermore, the configuration in the above embodiments is just one example of the present invention, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention, such as replacing the components of the embodiments with well-known components.
[0077] 1 Motorcycle (electric saddle-type vehicle) 2 Head pipe 4 Battery 5 Motor 6 Front wheel 10 Steering system components 20 Front frame 21 Upper hanger 22 Lower hanger 23L Left arm 23R Right arm 30 Rear frame 40 Battery case 43 Protrusion 44 Recess 60 Body cover 61 Cover body 61a Opening 62 Lid 63 Lid for auxiliary battery 91 Auxiliary battery 92 Inlet 92 Connection port 93 Smart key unit (vehicle part different from the inlet)
Claims
1. A battery case (40) formed to accommodate a battery (4) as a power source; an inlet (92) connected to an external power source and configured to charge the battery (4); a front frame (20) connected to the front of the battery case (40) and supporting steering system components (10); and a rear frame (30) connected to the rear of the battery case (40), wherein the front frame (20) comprises: a head pipe (2) that supports the front wheels (6) in a steerable manner; an upper hanger (21) extending rearward from the top of the head pipe (2) and connected to the battery case (40); and a lower hanger (22) positioned below the upper hanger (21), extending rearward from the bottom of the head pipe (2) and connected to the battery case (40), wherein the upper hanger (21) is connected to the top surface of the battery case (40), The inlet (92) is located on top of the battery case (40) and overlaps with the upper hanger (21) in the vertical direction of the vehicle, in an electric saddle-type vehicle.
2. The front part of the inlet (92) overlaps with the rear end of the upper hanger (21) in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the inlet (92) is inclined toward the rear and downward of the vehicle above the battery case (40), as described in claim 1.
3. The electric saddle-type vehicle according to claim 2, wherein a connection port (92a) for connecting to an external power source is formed in the inlet (92), and the connection port (92a) opens toward the rear and upward of the vehicle.
4. An electric saddle-type vehicle according to claim 3, wherein a projection (43) is formed on the upper surface of the battery case (40) that protrudes upward toward the vehicle and is connected to the upper hanger (21), the upper hanger (21) and the projection (43) are positioned inward from the outermost edge of the battery case (40) in the vehicle width direction when viewed from above, and the inlet (92) overlaps with the projection (43) in the vehicle vertical direction.
5. An electric saddle-type vehicle according to claim 4, wherein a recess (44) is formed on the upper surface of the battery case (40) behind the protrusion (43) and recesses downward toward the vehicle, and the inlet (92) is positioned in the recess (44).
6. The electric saddle-type vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 5, further comprising an auxiliary battery (91) located behind the inlet (92) for driving electrical components.
7. The electric saddle-type vehicle according to claim 6, wherein the inlet (92) has a connection port (92a) formed therein for connection to an external power source, and the vehicle body cover (60) further covers the inlet (92) and the battery case (40) from the outside, the vehicle body cover (60) comprises a cover body (61) having an opening (61a) formed therein that allows the inlet (92) to be exposed to the outside of the vehicle, and a lid (62) configured to open and close the opening (61a) and cover the connection port (92a), and the cover body (61) is provided with an auxiliary battery lid (63) that overlaps with the lid (62) in a top view.
8. An electric saddle vehicle according to any one of claims 2 to 7, further comprising a vehicle component (93) different from the inlet (92) in front of the inlet (92), the upper hanger (21) comprising a left arm (23L) and a right arm (23R) extending from the head pipe (2) and arranged in a pair, and at least a portion of the different vehicle component (93) positioned between the left arm (23L) and the right arm (23R).