Straddle Vehicle Charging Connector Orientation and Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing charging connector configuration in straddle-type vehicles, such as electric motorcycles, requires laborious charging and complex battery attachment/detachment due to its upward-facing position and need for disconnection from the vehicle body during battery installation/removal.
Innovation Solution
A straddle-type vehicle design with a charging connector positioned above the battery case and facing in the vehicle width direction, allowing for easy connection and detachment, and integrated with the battery case for improved waterproofing and compactness, along with an electric component cover that exposes the connector for charging while maintaining a stable posture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the charging connector is arranged at the upper end portion of the covering member facing upward, then the charging connector can be provided in the vehicle body, but the power supply connector needs to be lifted up high and connected from upper side to lower side, making charging work laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The charging connector is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (upper end of covering member) to a horizontal arrangement (side surface of battery case). This dimensional change allows the connector connection surface to face the vehicle width direction, enabling the power supply connector to be connected at a lower height without lifting, thus resolving the laborious charging operation while maintaining proper connector integration in the vehicle body
2Ease of operation
If the charging connector is fixed to the vehicle body and connected to battery through electric wire, then the charging connector can be permanently installed, but the connection between battery and charging connector needs to be cut off when attaching or detaching battery, making work complex
Solution Approach 1:
The charging connector is merged with the battery case as an integrated unit. The battery case is designed to accommodate the charging connector on its side surface, creating a combined assembly where the charging connector moves with the battery case. This integration eliminates the need to separate battery connections from the charging connector, allowing straightforward battery attachment and detachment without complex wire disconnection, while maintaining permanent charging capability when battery is installed
3Ease of operation
If the charging connector is arranged above the battery facing in vehicle width direction, then charging work becomes easy and battery attachment/detachment becomes simple, but the charging connector needs to be provided outside the battery case
Solution Approach 1:
The charging connector is nested within the battery case structure. The battery case is designed with an internal cavity or designated space that accommodates the charging connector on its side surface. This nesting arrangement allows the charging connector to be positioned outside the main battery compartment (for accessibility) while remaining integrated within the battery case assembly (for structural unity and protection), resolving the apparent contradiction between external accessibility and internal integration
Data Source
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AI summary
A straddle-type vehicle includes: a seat straddled and seated by a rider; an electric motor configured to generate traveling power for driving a wheel; a battery case arranged in front of the seat and accommodating a battery storing DC power to be supplied to the electric motor; and a charging connector which is arranged above the battery and through which the battery is charged from an external power supply, wherein the charging connector includes a connector connection surface to which a power supply connector of the external power supply is connected and which faces in a vehicle width direction, and the charging connector is attachable to and detachable from a vehicle body integrally with the battery.