CN111971226A - Electric vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides an electric vehicle. An electric vehicle (1) is provided with: a front vehicle body (3) having a single front wheel (2); a rear vehicle body (5) having a pair of left and right rear wheels (4); a turning mechanism (6) that connects the front vehicle body (3) and the rear vehicle body (5) so as to be able to swing relative to each other about an axis (C1) that faces in the vehicle front-rear direction; a motor (7) for running the vehicle; and a battery (100) that supplies electric power to the motor (7), wherein at least a part of the turning mechanism (6) is disposed behind the battery (100), and at least a part of the motor (7) is disposed above the axis (C1) and below the upper end of the rear wheel (4) in a side view.

Description

Electric vehicle

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electric vehicle.

Background

For example, patent document 1 discloses an electric vehicle in which a front vehicle body is swingable in a roll direction (a rotational direction about an axis in a vehicle longitudinal direction) with respect to a rear vehicle body. The electric vehicle includes: a fixed bracket supported by a pivot shaft extending between left and right vehicle body frames so as to be vertically swingable; a swing shaft supported by the fixed bracket via a ball bearing so as to be rotatable about an axis oriented in the front-rear direction; a movable bracket fixed to a rear portion of the swing shaft; and a battery support frame welded to the movable bracket. A tray for placing a battery is fixed to the battery support frame.

Prior art documents

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent No. 3189977

Disclosure of Invention

Summary of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, batteries used in electric vehicles such as motor tricycles are heavy and large in size. Therefore, if such a battery is disposed above the rear portion of the swing shaft, it is highly likely that it is difficult to secure a space for storing articles. Therefore, in such an electric vehicle, it is desired to improve the storage space of the article.

An object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide an electric vehicle capable of improving a storage space of an article.

Means for solving the problems

One aspect of the present invention provides an electric vehicle (1) including: a front vehicle body (3) having a single front wheel (2); a rear vehicle body (5) having a pair of left and right rear wheels (4); a pivot mechanism (6) that connects the front vehicle body (3) and the rear vehicle body (5) so as to be able to pivot relative to each other about an axis (C1) that extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction; a motor (7) for running the vehicle; and a battery (100) that supplies electric power to the motor (7), wherein at least a part of the turning mechanism (6) is disposed behind the battery (100), and at least a part of the motor (7) is disposed above the axis (C1) and below an upper end of the rear wheel (4) in a side view.

According to this configuration, since at least a part of the turning mechanism is disposed behind the battery, the storage space for the articles can be secured more widely behind the battery and above the turning mechanism than in the case where the battery is disposed above the rear portion of the turning mechanism. Further, since at least a part of the motor is disposed above the axis of the turning mechanism and below the upper end of the rear wheel in a side view, a space for storing articles can be secured wider above the rear wheel than in the case where the entire motor is disposed above the upper end of the rear wheel. Therefore, the storage space of the article can be improved. Further, by setting the upper limit of the arrangement height of the motor as the heavy object, the center of gravity of the electric vehicle can be suppressed from rising.

One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the electric vehicle further includes a PCU (120) as an electrical component related to the motor (7) and the battery (100), and at least a part of the PCU (120) is disposed above the axis (C1) and below an upper end of the rear wheel (4) in a side view.

According to this configuration, as compared with the case where the entire PCU is disposed above the upper end of the rear wheel, the space for storing articles can be made wider above the rear wheel. Further, by setting the upper limit of the disposition height of the PCU as a heavy object, it is possible to suppress an increase in the position of the center of gravity of the electric vehicle. Further, since the motor and the PCU are disposed in a concentrated manner, it is possible to suppress the wiring connecting the motor and the PCU from becoming long.

One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the electric vehicle further includes a PCU (120) as an electric component related to the motor (7) and the battery (100), and at least a part of the PCU (120) is disposed below the turning mechanism (6).

According to this configuration, the position of the center of gravity of the electric vehicle can be lowered as much as possible by setting the height of the PCU as a heavy object to be disposed lower than the pivoting mechanism. The PCU can be cooled by traveling wind (cooling wind) passing under the turning mechanism.

One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the electric vehicle further includes a DC-DC converter (126) as an electrical component related to the motor (7) and the battery (100), and at least a part of the DC-DC converter (126) is disposed above the axis (C1) and below an upper end of the rear wheel (4) in a side view.

According to this configuration, as compared with the case where the entire DC-DC converter is disposed above the upper end of the rear wheel, the storage space for the articles can be secured wider above the rear wheel. Further, by setting the upper limit of the arrangement height of the DC-DC converter as the heavy object, the increase in the position of the center of gravity of the electric vehicle can be suppressed.

One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the electric vehicle further includes a junction box (123) as an electrical component related to the motor (7) and the battery (100), and at least a part of the junction box (123) is disposed above the axis (C1) and below an upper end of the rear wheel (4) in a side view.

According to this configuration, as compared with the case where the entire junction box is disposed above the upper end of the rear wheel, the storage space for the articles can be secured wider above the rear wheel. In addition, by setting the upper limit of the arrangement height of the junction box as the heavy object, the center of gravity of the electric vehicle can be prevented from being raised.

One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the electric vehicle further includes a contactor (124) as an electrical component related to the motor (7) and the battery (100), and at least a part of the contactor (124) is disposed above the axis (C1) and below an upper end of the rear wheel (4) in a side view.

According to this configuration, as compared with the case where the entire contactor is disposed above the upper end of the rear wheel, the article storage space can be secured wider above the rear wheel.

One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the electric vehicle further includes a differential mechanism (51) that distributes the driving force of the motor (7) to the pair of left and right rear wheels (4), and at least a part of the differential mechanism (51) is disposed above the axis (C1) and below the upper ends of the rear wheels (4) in a side view.

According to this configuration, as compared with the case where the entire differential mechanism is disposed above the upper end of the rear wheel, the article storage space can be secured wider above the rear wheel. Further, by setting the upper limit of the arrangement height of the differential mechanism as the heavy object, the center of gravity of the electric vehicle can be restrained from rising.

One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the rear vehicle body (5) includes a swing arm (50) that supports the pair of left and right rear wheels (4), a rear damper (8) is interposed between the front vehicle body (3) and the swing arm (50), and at least a part of the rear damper (8) is disposed above the axis (C1) and below an upper end of the rear wheel (4) in a side view.

According to this configuration, the article storage space can be secured wider above the rear wheel than when the entire rear damper is disposed above the upper end of the rear wheel.

One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the turning mechanism (6) is disposed at a center position on the left and right sides of the vehicle body, and the motor (7) is disposed offset to the left or right with respect to a Center Line (CL) on the left and right sides of the vehicle body.

According to this configuration, the center of gravity of the electric vehicle can be suppressed from rising as compared with the case where the motor is disposed above the turning mechanism. Further, the motor is disposed offset to the left or right with respect to the center line of the vehicle body, so that the space that avoids the turning mechanism can be effectively used.

One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the electric vehicle further includes a differential mechanism (51) that distributes the driving force of the motor (7) to the pair of left and right rear wheels (4), and the differential mechanism (51) overlaps a vehicle body left and right Center Line (CL) in a plan view.

According to this configuration, the load sharing between the left and right sides of the electric vehicle can be optimized as compared with the case where the entire differential mechanism is disposed offset with respect to the left and right center lines of the vehicle body in a plan view.

One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the motor (7) is disposed forward of an axle (4a) of the rear wheel (4).

According to this configuration, since the motor as the heavy object is disposed relatively close to the front-rear center of the entire vehicle body, it is possible to suppress the influence of the disturbance from behind and contribute to concentrating the heavy object in the vicinity of the center of gravity of the vehicle body.

One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the electric vehicle further includes an electric cable (136) for supplying electric power to the motor (7), and at least a part of the electric cable (136) is wired along the axis (C1).

According to this configuration, the electric cable can be linearly routed along the axis of the rotating mechanism, and therefore, the electric cable can be prevented from becoming long.

One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the electric vehicle further includes a PCU (120) as an electrical component related to the motor (7) and the battery (100), the rotating mechanism (6) is disposed at a vehicle body left and right center position, and the motor (7) and the PCU (120) are disposed on opposite sides of a vehicle body left and right Center Line (CL) in a plan view.

According to this configuration, the load sharing between the left and right sides of the electric vehicle can be optimized as compared with a case where the motor and the PCU are concentrated on either the left or right side of the left and right center line of the vehicle body.

One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the electric vehicle further includes a housing case (9) that houses a plurality of electric components related to the motor (7) and the battery (100), the plurality of electric components including a PCU (120), and the PCU (120) is disposed on an outer side portion of the housing case (9).

With this configuration, the PCU can be cooled by the traveling wind (cooling wind) blowing to the outer side portion of the housing case.

One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the electric vehicle further includes a housing case (9) that houses a plurality of electrical components related to the motor (7) and the battery (100), the plurality of electrical components including a DC-DC converter (126), and the DC-DC converter (126) is disposed on an outer side portion of the housing case (9).

According to this configuration, the DC-DC converter can be cooled by the traveling wind (cooling wind) blowing to the outer side portion of the storage case.

One aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the electric vehicle further includes: a housing case (9) that houses a plurality of electrical components related to the motor (7) and the battery (100); and a plurality of cables (131-135) connected to the plurality of electrical components, respectively, wherein the plurality of cables (131-135) are integrated from the housing case (9).

According to this configuration, since the plurality of cables integrated together can be wired from the housing case, the wiring work can be easily performed.

Effects of the invention

According to the aspect of the invention, the storage space of the article can be improved.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a left side view of an electric vehicle of the embodiment.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of a main portion of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view III-III of fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view IV-IV of fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of electrical components of the electric vehicle of the embodiment.

Fig. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the battery according to the embodiment including section VI-VI in fig. 4 when locking is completed.

Fig. 7 is a left side view of the battery housing apparatus of the embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the battery housing apparatus according to the embodiment.

Fig. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the battery of the embodiment when locking is not completed.

Fig. 10 is a left side view showing the arrangement of the motor of the embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a plan view showing the arrangement of the motor according to the embodiment.

Fig. 12 is a left side view showing the arrangement of electric components according to a modification of the embodiment.

Fig. 13 is a left side view of an electric vehicle according to a first modification of the embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a rear view of an electric vehicle according to a first modification of the embodiment.

Fig. 15 is a plan view of a battery case according to a first modification of the embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a view including a section XVI-XVI of fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a left side view of an electric vehicle according to a second modification of the embodiment.

Fig. 18 is a rear view of an electric vehicle according to a second modification of the embodiment.

Fig. 19 is an explanatory diagram of the arrangement of the battery case of the second modification of the embodiment including the XIX-XIX section of fig. 18.

Fig. 20 is a left side view of an electric vehicle according to a third modification of the embodiment.

Fig. 21 is a view including the section XXI-XXI of fig. 20.

Fig. 22 is a left side view of an electric vehicle according to a fourth modification of the embodiment.

Fig. 23 is a left side view of an electric vehicle according to a fifth modification of the embodiment.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The directions such as front, rear, left, and right in the following description are the same as those in the following description of the vehicle unless otherwise noted. In the drawings used in the following description, an arrow FR indicating the front of the vehicle, an arrow LH indicating the left side of the vehicle, an arrow UP indicating the upper side of the vehicle, and a one-dot chain line CL indicating the left and right center lines of the vehicle body are shown at appropriate positions.

[ vehicle entirety ]

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a left side surface of an electric motor tricycle (electric tricycle) as one embodiment of an electric vehicle. As shown in fig. 1, an electric vehicle 1 includes: a front body 3 supporting a single front wheel 2 (steering wheel); a rear vehicle body 5 that supports a pair of left and right rear wheels 4 (drive wheels); a pivot mechanism 6 that couples the front vehicle body 3 and the rear vehicle body 5 to be relatively swingable about an axis C1 oriented in the vehicle longitudinal direction; a motor 7 for running the vehicle; and a battery 100 for supplying electric power to the motor 7.

In the electric vehicle 1, a front vehicle body 3 (swing-side vehicle body) on which a passenger sits is swingable (yaw-movable) to the left and right with respect to a rear vehicle body 5 (non-swing-side vehicle body) that grounds left and right rear wheels 4. In the figure, symbol C1 denotes a yaw axis (an axis line oriented in the vehicle longitudinal direction) of the turning mechanism 6 extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction.

[ front body 3]

The front body 3 includes: a steering handle 11 for steering the front wheels; a seat 12 for seating an occupant; a floor 13 on which a passenger can place his/her foot; a vehicle body frame 14 serving as a framework of the front vehicle body 3; a front wheel suspension device 15 for suspending the front wheel 2. A straddle space 16 is formed between the steering handle 11 and the seat 12. The bottom plate 13 is disposed below the straddle space 16.

The vehicle body frame 14 includes: a head pipe 20 which is located at a front end portion of the vehicle body frame 14 and is inclined rearward with respect to the vertical direction; a single front frame 21 (lower extension) extending obliquely rearward and downward from the head pipe 20; a pair of left and right lower frames 22 (rear extension portions) that branch from the lower end portion of the front frame 21 to the left and right and then extend rearward; a pair of left and right rear frames 23 extending obliquely upward and rearward from rear end portions of the left and right lower frames 22; a pair of left and right shelf frames 24 extending rearward from rear end portions of the left and right rear frames 23; and a lower cross pipe 25 spanning between the left and right lower frames 22.

The front wheel suspension 15 is supported by the head pipe 20 so as to be able to steer. The front wheel suspension device 15 includes a rod pipe 26 penetrating the head pipe 20. The steering handle 11 is fixed to an upper end portion of the rod tube 26.

A pair of left and right pivot plates 27 are provided at the rear portions of the left and right lower frames 22, respectively. A swing unit 49 is connected to the pair of right and left pivot plates 27 so as to be able to swing up and down. In the figure, symbol C2 denotes a pivot axis extending in the vehicle width direction.

The front body 3 is covered with a front body cover 30. The front body cover 30 includes a front cover 31 that covers the peripheries of the head pipe 20 and the front frame 21 from the front, an inner cover 32 that covers the peripheries of the head pipe 20 and the front frame 21 from the rear, a seat lower cover 33 that covers the space below the seat 12, and right and left rear side covers 34 that cover the rear frame 23 and the shelf frame 24 from the sides. In the figure, reference numeral 35 denotes a storage box provided below the shelf frame 24 and above the rear wheel 4.

The front cover 31 and the inner cover 32 constitute a leg shield 39 that covers the legs of the occupant from the front. The shelf front wall portion 40 stands from the front end portion of the shelf frame 24. A pair of left and right support columns 41 rise from the upper end of the shelf front wall 40. The windshield 42 rises from the upper end portion of the front cover 31. A roof 43 is provided between the upper end of the windshield 42 and the upper ends of the left and right pillars 41.

[ rear vehicle body 5]

The rear vehicle body 5 includes a swing arm 50 that supports the pair of left and right rear wheels 4. The swing arm 50 is disposed between the pair of left and right rear wheels 4. The swing arm 50 is disposed so that its longitudinal direction is oriented in the front-rear direction so as to extend from the rear end of the swing mechanism 6 to the rear wheel axle 4 a. The swing arm 50 is connected to the front body 3 via a swing mechanism 6 so as to be swingable up and down. That is, the swing mechanism 6 and the swing arm 50 constitute a swing unit 49. The rear vehicle body 5 includes the swing unit 49 and the rear shock absorber 8, and constitutes a rear wheel suspension device 55 (rear suspension 55).

The swing arm 50 houses the motor 7, a drive shaft, a differential mechanism, and the like. A pair of left and right rear wheel shafts 4a (output shafts) extend from the left and right side portions of the rear portion of the swing arm 50, respectively. The pair of left and right rear wheel shafts 4a support the pair of left and right rear wheels 4, respectively.

The motor 7 is driven by the electric power of the battery 100. For example, the motor 7 is driven at a variable speed controlled based on vvvf (variable voltage variable frequency). The driving force of the motor 7 is transmitted to the differential mechanism via a driving shaft not shown. The driving force transmitted to the differential mechanism is distributed to the right and left rear wheel axles 4a by the differential mechanism. The driving force of the motor 7 is used for driving the right and left rear wheels 4 via the drive shaft and the differential mechanism.

[ rotating mechanism 6]

The swing mechanism 6 couples the front vehicle body 3 and the swing arm 50 to be swingable relative to each other about a yaw axis C1. The swing mechanism 6 is swingable up and down with respect to the front vehicle body 3 together with the swing arm 50.

As shown in fig. 2, the turning mechanism 6 includes: a joint housing 60 connected to the pair of left and right pivot plates 27 so as to be swingable up and down; an engagement shaft 61 rotatably connected to the engagement housing 60; a neidhard (Neidhart) mechanism 62 that gives a damping effect to relative rotation of the joint housing 60 and the joint shaft 61; and a rotation preventing mechanism 63 capable of preventing relative rotation of the engagement housing 60 and the engagement shaft 61.

The joint housing 60 is disposed so that the longitudinal direction thereof is oriented in the front-rear direction so as to extend from the pivot axis C2 to the front of the swing arm 50. The front end portion of the joint housing 60 is rotatably connected to the pair of left and right pivot plates 27 about a pivot axis C2. The lower end portion of the rear damper 8 is connected to the upper portion of the joint housing 60.

The joint shaft 61 is disposed so that the longitudinal direction thereof is oriented in the front-rear direction along the extending direction of the joint housing 60. The joint shaft 61 has a cylindrical shape with a yaw axis C1 as a central axis. The front portion of the engagement shaft 61 is inserted into the engagement housing 60. The engagement shaft 61 is supported by the engagement housing 60 so as to be rotatable about a yaw axis C1. The rear end of the engagement shaft 61 is fixed to the front end of the swing arm 50. The engagement shaft 61 is not rotatable about the yaw axis C1 with respect to the swing arm 50.

The nerdhards mechanism 62 is interposed between the front portion of the joint shaft 61 and the joint housing 60. As shown in fig. 3, the neidhard mechanism 62 includes a neidhard cam 65 fixed to the joining shaft 61, and a neidhard rubber 66 interposed between the neidhard cam 65 and the inner surface of the joining housing 60.

The nerdhardt rubber 66 is provided in plurality. The plurality of nerdhardt rubbers 66 engage with the inner surface of the joint housing 60. The nerdhardt cam 65 has cam surfaces 65a facing the nerdhardt rubber 66 from both sides in the circumferential direction around the yaw axis C1.

When the neidhard cam 65 is intended to rotate about the yaw axis C1 with respect to the joint housing 60, the neidhard rubber 66 is pressed, and the neidhard rubber 66 is elastically deformed. The nerdhard rubber 66 biases the nerdhard cam 65 toward the initial position by a restoring force when the nerdhard rubber is elastically deformed. Thereby, the neidhard mechanism 62 biases the front vehicle body 3 connected to the joint case 60 in the rising direction with respect to the swing arm 50 coupled to the joint shaft 61 (see fig. 2).

As shown in fig. 2, the rotation preventing mechanism 63 is provided inside the joint housing 60. The rotation preventing mechanism 63 prevents rotation of the engagement shaft 61 relative to the engagement housing 60 in accordance with operation of a parking lock lever (not shown). When the parking lock lever is operated, the rotation preventing mechanism 63 works together with a rear brake (not shown). The rotation preventing mechanism 63 stabilizes the parking posture of the front vehicle body 3 connected to the joint housing 60 by preventing the relative rotation of the joint housing 60 and the joint shaft 61.

[ storage battery 100]

As shown in fig. 4, battery 100 is disposed between a pair of left and right lower frames 22. The battery 100 is composed of a plurality of battery cells. In the embodiment, the battery 100 is composed of two battery cells 101 and 102. The two battery cells 101 and 102 have the same structure. The two battery cells 101 and 102 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the vehicle body left-right center line CL. Hereinafter, the cell battery positioned on the left side of the two cell batteries 101 and 102 is also referred to as a "left battery", and the cell battery positioned on the right side is also referred to as a "right battery". Hereinafter, the battery 100 (the battery cells 101 and 102) is also simply referred to as "battery".

The left and right batteries 101 and 102 each have a prismatic shape having a rectangular cross section. The left and right batteries 101 and 102 extend in the front-rear direction. The left and right batteries 101 and 102 have a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the front-rear direction.

The battery 100 generates a predetermined high voltage (48 to 72V) by connecting the left and right batteries 101 and 102 in series. For example, the left and right batteries 101 and 102 are each constituted by a lithium ion battery as a chargeable and dischargeable energy storage. The left and right batteries 101 and 102 include bmus (battery management units), not shown, for monitoring charge/discharge conditions, temperature, and the like.

[ control System ]

As shown in fig. 5, the left and right batteries 101 and 102 are connected to a pdu (power Driver unit)121 via a junction box (distributor) 123 including contactors (electromagnetic switches) 124. PDU121 and ECU (electric Control Unit)122 together form a PCU (Power Control Unit) 120. The power from the battery 100 is supplied to the PDU121 as a motor driver via the contactor 124 interlocked with the main switch. The electric power from the battery 100 is converted from direct current to three-phase alternating current by the PDU121, and then supplied to the motor 7 as a three-phase alternating current motor. The motor 7 performs powering operation according to control by the PDU121, and runs the electric vehicle.

In fig. 5, reference numeral 130 denotes an electrical component. In the drawings, reference numeral 9 denotes a housing case (see fig. 1 and 2) that houses electrical components other than the battery.

The output voltage from battery 100 is reduced via DC-DC converter 126, and is used for charging a 12V sub-battery (not shown) and the like. The sub-battery supplies electric power to general electric components such as lighting and control components such as ECU 122. By mounting the sub-battery, various electromagnetic locks and the like can be operated even when the main battery 100 is removed.

Battery 100 is charged by charger 125 connected to an external power supply in a state of being mounted on the vehicle body. Battery 100 (left and right batteries 101 and 102) may be charged by a charger outside the vehicle in a state of being detached from the vehicle body.

A first connection cable 131 is disposed between the left battery 101 and the junction box 123. A second connection cable 132 is disposed between the right battery 102 and the junction box 123. A third connection cable 133 is disposed between terminal box 123 and PCU 120. A fourth connection cable 134 is provided between the junction box 123 and the charger 125. A fifth connection cable 135 is provided between the junction box 123 and the DC-DC converter (step-down regulator) 126. Three-phase cable 136 extends from PDU 121. The three-phase cable 136 is connected to the motor 7. A charging cable 137 is connected to the charger 125. The charging cable 137 may be detachable from the charger 125. The charging cable 137 may be a structure of an external charger.

[ Battery case 70]

As shown in fig. 2, the battery 100 is inserted into and removed from a battery case 70 (case) fixed to the front body 3. Battery case 70 is fixed to vehicle body frame 14 via a bracket and a sub stay, not shown. As shown in fig. 4, the battery case 70 can house left and right batteries 101 and 102. The battery case 70 has an upper opening 71 that opens upward.

As shown in fig. 6, the battery case 70 includes a lower wall 72 located below the left and right batteries 101 and 102 (only the left battery 101 is illustrated in fig. 6), and an inclined wall 73 inclined so as to be located further downward toward the rear side in a side view.

Specifically, the battery case 70 includes a lower wall 72 that covers the left and right batteries 101 and 102 from below, an inclined wall 73 (front wall) that covers the left and right batteries 101 and 102 from the front, a rear wall 74 that covers the left and right batteries 101 and 102 from the rear, a pair of left and right side walls 75 (see fig. 4) that cover the left and right batteries 101 and 102 from the left and right sides, and a partition wall 76 (see fig. 4) that is positioned between the left and right batteries 101 and 102. The battery case 70 has a space 77 (hereinafter also referred to as "battery housing space 77") in which the left and right batteries 101 and 102 can be housed.

As shown in fig. 6, an inclined wall 73 is connected to the front end of the lower wall 72. A rear wall 74 is connected to the rear end of the lower wall 72. As shown in fig. 4, a pair of left and right side walls 75 are connected to both left and right side ends of the lower wall 72. The partition wall 76 is continuous with the vehicle width direction center portion of the lower wall 72. The partition wall 76 rises upward from the vehicle width direction center portion of the lower wall 72.

As shown in fig. 6, a drain hole 78 is provided in the lower portion of the battery case 70. A drain hole 78 is provided in the rear of the lower wall 72. The drain hole 78 is an opening penetrating the lower wall 72 in the vertical direction (the thickness direction of the lower wall 72).

A lid 80 that can open and close the upper opening 71 and a hinge shaft 81 that connects the lid 80 to be rotatable about an axis line along the vehicle width direction are provided at an upper portion of the battery case 70. A floor 13 (see fig. 2) on which the feet of the occupant can be placed is provided on the upper portion of the cover 80. As shown in fig. 2, a stay 28 that supports the floor panel 13 is connected to the vehicle body frame 14.

The stay 28 is columnar in the front-rear direction in side view. The stay 28 is provided in a pair of left and right sides across the battery case 70. A hinge shaft 81 is rotatably connected to the rear portions of the pair of left and right stays 28. The pair of left and right stays 28 support the base plate 13 via a hinge shaft 81 and a cover 80 (see fig. 6).

As shown in fig. 4, a protruding wall 83 facing the partition wall 76 is provided at the lower portion of the cover 80. The projecting wall 83 projects downward from the vehicle width direction center portion of the cover 80. An elastic member 84 having a U-shaped cross section is attached to the protrusion 83. The elastic member 84 abuts on the inner surfaces of the upper portions of the left and right batteries 101 and 102 in the vehicle width direction.

The battery case 70 is provided with a case-side connection terminal (not shown) for detachably connecting a terminal portion of the battery (hereinafter also referred to as a "battery-side connection terminal"). For example, the battery side connection terminal and the case side connection terminal are connected by housing the left and right batteries in the battery case 70 and operating the battery lock mechanism 94 (see fig. 6) to a locked state.

The operation of the battery lock mechanism 94 and the insertion and removal of the left and right batteries are manual. The left and right batteries are attached to and detached from the vehicle body without using tools. The left and right batteries are portable batteries that can be attached to and detached from the vehicle body. The left and right batteries may be charged by an external charger or may be used as a power source for external devices as a portable battery. The left and right storage batteries can be used independently.

[ cover locking mechanism 85]

As shown in fig. 6, a cover lock mechanism 85 capable of holding the cover 80 in the battery case 70 and a cover lock case 86 housing the cover lock mechanism 85 are provided outside the battery case 70.

The cover lock mechanism 85 is provided at a position adjacent to the front of the battery case 70. The cover lock mechanisms 85 are provided in a pair on the left and right. The cover lock mechanism 85 includes a cover locking claw 87 connected to a front lower portion of the cover 80 and a claw receiving portion 88 housed in the cover lock case 86. The cover lock mechanism 85 is in a cover lock state in which the cover 80 is held by the battery case 70 by locking the cover locking claws 87 to the claw receiving portions 88. The cover lock mechanism 85 is in a cover unlocked state in which the cover 80 can be opened from the battery case 70 by a not-shown cover unlock button being pressed.

The cover lock case 86 has a box shape covering the cover lock mechanism 85 (the claw receiving portion 88) from the front, the rear, and the left and right sides. The rear upper end of the cover lock case 86 is connected to the upper end of the inclined wall 73 of the battery case 70. The cover lock case 86 and the battery case 70 are integrally formed by the same member. The cover lock case 86 has a space 89 (hereinafter also referred to as "cover lock housing space 89") capable of housing the cover lock mechanism 85. The cover lock housing space 89 is a separate room from the battery housing space 77.

[ storage battery storage device 91]

As shown in fig. 6, the battery case 70 is provided with a battery storage device 91 capable of storing a battery. The left and right batteries are arranged in parallel in the left and right inside the battery storage device 91.

As shown in fig. 7, the battery storage device 91 includes: a battery support frame 92 constituting a skeleton portion of the battery storage device 91; a housing-side connection terminal not shown; a terminal displacement mechanism 93 for displacing the case-side connection terminal between a connection position J1 (see fig. 6) for contact connection with the battery-side connection terminal (not shown) and a retracted position J2 separated rearward from the connection position J1; a battery lock mechanism 94 capable of holding the battery in the battery case 70; and an operation lever 95 capable of switching the battery lock mechanism 94 between a battery fixed state and a battery non-fixed state and capable of operating the terminal displacement mechanism 93. Here, the retreat position J2 is a position at which the case-side connection terminal is separated from the battery-side connection terminal in the battery entering direction (rearward).

As shown in fig. 6, an inner case 96 for detachably housing the battery is attached to the inside of the battery support frame 92. The inner case 96 is disposed in parallel on the left and right sides in the battery support frame 92. Each inner case 96 has an insertion opening 97 that opens forward. The battery slides obliquely along the inclined wall 73 and slides rearward in the inner case 96 through the insertion opening 97, thereby being disposed inside the inner case 96.

The battery disposed within the inner housing 96 is secured to the inner housing 96 and the battery support frame 92 by a battery locking mechanism 94. Then, by the action of the battery lock mechanism 94, the battery side connection terminal and the case side connection terminal are connected (not shown) in each inner case 96.

As shown in fig. 7, the battery support frame 92 includes a first support frame 111 that supports the left inner case 96 (left battery 101), a second support frame (not shown) that supports the right inner case 96 (right battery 102), and a coupling frame (not shown) that couples the first support frame 111 and the second support frame.

The first support frame 111 includes a pair of left and right side frames 115 extending in the front-rear direction along the left inner case 96, a cross pipe 116 connecting rear end portions of the left and right side frames 115 to each other, and a frame-shaped support frame 117 having an inner portion connected to a lower region of the left and right side frames 115.

The second support frame has the same structure as the first support frame 111, and therefore, detailed description thereof is omitted.

The terminal displacement mechanism 93 includes a terminal holding member 140 that holds a housing-side connection terminal (not shown). The terminal holding member 140 includes a base wall 141 extending in the vehicle width direction, and a pair of left and right connecting walls 142 extending from both ends of the base wall 141 in the vehicle width direction and bent forward.

The left and right link walls 142 are rotatably held at the rear end portions of the link plates 145 extending in the front-rear direction. The front end portions of the left and right link plates 145 are rotatably coupled to the front ends of the left and right link pieces 151 of the operating lever 95. The battery support frame 92 is provided with left and right support stays 146 for rotatably supporting the left and right lever pieces 151. The right and left link plates 145 are pulled out to the front position by the operating lever 95 being rotationally operated in one direction (counterclockwise in the drawing). This displaces the left and right connecting walls 142 of the terminal holding member 140 to the front position. At this time, the housing-side connection terminal held by the terminal holding member 140 is displaced from the retreat position J2 to the connection position J1 (see fig. 6). In the figure, reference numeral 147 denotes a reinforcing frame attached to the left and right support stays 146.

The battery lock mechanism 94 overlaps the pair of right and left batteries when viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction. The battery lock mechanism 94 includes a movable block 160 rotatably attached to the front end portions of the left and right support stays 146. When the operation lever 95 is rotated within a predetermined position range from the initial position, the movable block 160 is rotated in the front direction of the battery case 70 by receiving an operation force from the operation lever 95. The movable block 160 is pressed against the front surface of the battery, and restricts displacement in the battery withdrawal direction.

As shown in fig. 8, the operating lever 95 is supported by the support stay 146 so as to be rotatable about a first rotation axis 161 along the vehicle width direction.

The movable block 160 is supported by the support stay 146 so as to be rotatable about a second rotation shaft 162 orthogonal to the first rotation shaft 161. The second rotation shaft 162 is pivotally supported by the upper end of the support stay 146. The second rotating shaft 162 extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

The operating lever 95 includes an operating piece 150 extending in the vehicle width direction and left and right lever pieces 151 bent and extending from both ends of the operating piece 150. The left and right lever pieces 151 are formed in an L shape in a side view (see fig. 7). As shown in fig. 7, the lever piece 151 includes a first piece portion 152 extending rearward and downward from an end portion of the operation piece 150, and a second piece portion 153 extending rearward and upward from a lower end of the first piece portion 152. The second sheet 153 is supported by the support stay 146 via the first rotation shaft 161. The upper end of the link plate 145 is rotatably coupled to the distal end of the second plate 153.

As shown in fig. 8, the movable block 160 includes a body 163 rotatably supported by the second rotation shaft 162, a displacement restricting wall 164 provided in series with the body 163, an elastic block 165 attached to one surface of the displacement restricting wall 164, a holding force receiving wall 166 provided in series with the body 163, and a cam wall 167 connecting the displacement restricting wall 164 and the holding force receiving wall 166.

The displacement restricting wall 164 can restrict displacement in the floating direction of the battery when moving to the inner region of the inner case 96 (see fig. 6).

When the displacement restricting wall 164 restricts the displacement of the battery in the floating direction, the elastic body block 165 abuts on the front surface of the battery. The elastic body block 165 elastically deforms when it comes into contact with the front surface of the battery, and thereby causes elastic force to act on the upper surface of the battery.

The holding force receiving wall 166 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the displacement restricting wall 164 as viewed from the direction along the second rotation axis 162. The holding force receiving wall 166 receives a holding load from the rod piece 151 of the operating rod 95, and thereby maintains the state in which the displacement restricting wall 164 and the elastic body block 165 restrict the displacement of the battery in the floating direction.

The cam wall 167 has a cam surface 167a smoothly continuous from the displacement restricting wall 164 toward a back surface 166a (holding force receiving surface) of the holding force receiving wall 166.

The movable block 160 is rotatable by the rotational operation of the operating lever 95 between an unlock position (see fig. 7) where the displacement restricting wall 164 and the elastic block 165 are sprung upward and a lock position (see fig. 6) where the displacement restricting wall 164 and the elastic block 165 are tilted inward of the inner case 96 by substantially 90 °. When the displacement restricting wall 164 and the elastic block 165 are in the unlocked position, the battery lock mechanism 94 is in the battery non-fixed state. When the displacement restricting wall 164 and the elastic block 165 are in the lock position, the battery lock mechanism 94 is in the battery fixed state. The movable block 160 is constantly biased in the pop-up direction (upward) by a biasing member (not shown) such as a spring.

As shown in fig. 7, in the battery non-fixed state, the operating lever 95 is pushed down to the uppermost position. When the operating lever 95 is at the uppermost position, the operating piece 150 is displaced to a position above the insertion/extraction opening 97 (inner wall of the inner case 96). The position of the operating lever 95 when the operating piece 150 is displaced to the upper position than the insertion/extraction opening 97 is set as the "initial position".

As shown in fig. 6, in the battery fixed state, the operation lever 95 is pulled up to the lower front position. When the operating lever 95 is at the front lower position, the operating piece 150 is displaced to the front position of the insertion opening 97.

As shown in fig. 8, the first sheet portion 152 is formed with a cam protrusion 168 that bulges downward. When the operating lever 95 is pulled up from the initial position toward the lower position, the cam protrusion 168 abuts against the cam surface 167a of the movable block 160 in the sprung state. Then, the cam protrusion 168 comes into sliding contact with the cam surface 167a and presses the movable block 160 in the rotational direction. Thereby, the movable block 160 is rotationally operated from the unlock position toward the lock position. When the pulling operation of the operating lever 95 advances and the contact portion of the cam projection 168 reaches the end position of the cam surface 167a, the inner surface (the surface facing the inside in the vehicle width direction) of the lever piece 151 abuts against the back surface 166a of the holding force receiving wall 166 of the movable block 160.

As shown in fig. 6, the battery locking mechanism 94 and the terminal displacement mechanism 93 are operated by a common operating lever 95. Each operating state of the battery lock mechanism 94 and the terminal displacement mechanism 93 is determined by the rotational operating position of the operating lever 95. The terminal displacement mechanism 93 and the battery lock mechanism 94 cooperate with each other such that the battery lock mechanism 94 fixes the battery by the operation of the operating lever 95 and the terminal displacement mechanism 93 displaces the case-side connecting terminal to the connecting position J1 in this state.

Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the battery storage device 91 and the cover 80 when the operation lever 95 is in a state before completion of the operation. Fig. 6 is a diagram showing the battery storage device 91 and the cover 80 when the operation lever 95 is in the operation completed state.

As shown in fig. 6, a pair of projections 82 are provided on the lower surface of the cover 80 so as to be separated from each other in the left-right direction. The protrusion 82 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the cover 80.

The pair of projections 82 are provided so as to enter a space above the respective operation levers 95 without coming into contact with the operation levers 95 when the left and right operation levers 95 of the battery storage device 91 are fully operated to the operation completion position (see fig. 6).

The pair of projections 82 are set to abut against the operation lever 95 before the operation lever 95 in front of and behind the battery storage device 91 is operated (see fig. 9). Therefore, when either of the left and right operation levers 95 is not fully operated to the operation completion position, the cover 80 is blocked by the protrusion 82. Therefore, the operator can be notified that the operation lever 95 has not reached the operation completion position.

Depending on the position of the operating lever 95, the operating lever 95 can also be pushed to the operation completion position by the projection 82 coming into contact with the operating lever 95 during the closing operation of the cover 80.

In the embodiment, when the left and right operation levers 95 are in the initial positions, the protrusions 82 are set to enter the space in front of the operation levers 95 without contacting the operation levers 95.

[ arrangement of storage batteries ]

As shown in fig. 2, a part of battery 100 is disposed at a position overlapping body frame 14 in a side view. In a side view, the lower portion of battery 100 overlaps lower frame 22. Battery 100 is disposed between front frame 21 and rear frame 23 in a side view. Battery 100 is disposed in front of rotation mechanism 6 in a side view. That is, the turning mechanism 6 is disposed behind the battery 100.

As shown in fig. 4, battery 100 is disposed between a pair of left and right lower frames 22. Battery 100 is disposed above lower cross tube 25. As shown in fig. 2, the lower end of battery 100 is positioned above the lower ends of the pair of left and right lower frames 22 in side view. That is, the lower end of lower frame 22 is located below the lower end of battery 100.

[ arrangement of Motor ]

As shown in fig. 10, the motor 7 is disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in side view. In fig. 10, reference character H1 denotes an imaginary line passing through the upper end of the rear wheel 4 and linearly extending in the front-rear direction. In a side view, the motor 7 is disposed between the yaw axis C1 and the imaginary line H1.

The motor 7 is disposed at a position overlapping the pair of left and right rear wheels 4 in a side view. The motor 7 is disposed forward of the rear wheel axle 4 a. The motor 7 is disposed between the outer peripheral edge of the rear wheel 4 and the rear wheel axle 4a in side view.

As shown in fig. 11, the turning mechanism 6 is disposed at the center position of the right and left of the vehicle body. The yaw axis C1 overlaps the vehicle body left and right center line CL in a plan view. The motor 7 is disposed offset to the left with respect to the vehicle body left-right center line CL.

[ arrangement of Electrical component ]

The housing case 9 houses a plurality of electrical components related to the motor 7 and the battery. The storage case 9 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape having a length in a direction along the yaw axis C1. The plurality of electrical installation components include the PCU120, the DC-DC converter 126, the junction box 123, and the contactor 124.

As shown in fig. 10, PCU120, DC-DC converter 126, junction box 123, and contactor 124 are arranged above yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of rear wheel 4 in a side view. In side view, the PCU120, the DC-DC converter 126, the junction box 123, and the contactor 124 are disposed between the yaw axis C1 and the imaginary line H1.

As shown in fig. 11, PCU120 is arranged offset to the right with respect to a vehicle body left and right center line CL in a plan view. In a plan view, motor 7 and PCU120 are disposed on opposite sides with respect to a vehicle body left and right center line CL. PCU120 is disposed in the front portion of housing case 9. PCU120 is disposed at the right end portion (outer side portion) of storage case 9.

The DC-DC converter 126 is disposed offset leftward from the vehicle body left-right center line CL in a plan view. DC-DC converter 126 and PCU120 are disposed on opposite sides of a vehicle body left and right center line CL in a plan view. The DC-DC converter 126 is disposed in the front of the housing case 9. The DC-DC converter 126 is disposed at the left end (outer side) of the housing case 9.

In a plan view, the junction box 123 is disposed at a position overlapping the vehicle body left and right center line CL. In a plan view, terminal box 123 is disposed between PCU120 and DC-DC converter 126. The terminal box 123 is disposed at the front end of the housing case 9.

The contactor 124 is arranged offset to the right with respect to the vehicle body left and right center line CL in a plan view. In a plan view, contactor 124 is disposed between left and right center lines CL of the vehicle body and PCU 120. The contactor 124 is disposed between the terminal block 123 and the motor 7.

[ arrangement of differential mechanism ]

A differential mechanism 51 is disposed at the rear of the housing case 9. The differential mechanism 51 distributes the driving force of the motor 7 to the pair of left and right rear wheels 4. As shown in fig. 10, the differential mechanism 51 is disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in side view. In side view, the differential mechanism 51 is disposed between the yaw axis C1 and the imaginary line H1.

The differential mechanism 51 is disposed at a position overlapping the pair of left and right rear wheels 4 in a side view. The differential mechanism 51 is disposed rearward of the motor 7. The differential mechanism 51 is disposed coaxially with the rear wheel axle 4a in a side view.

As shown in fig. 11, the differential mechanism 51 overlaps the vehicle body left and right center line CL in a plan view. The differential mechanism 51 is disposed at the center of the left and right of the vehicle body. In fig. 11, reference numeral 52 denotes a power transmission mechanism (speed reduction mechanism) that transmits the driving force of the motor 7 to the differential mechanism 51.

[ arrangement of rear shock absorber ]

As shown in fig. 10, the lower portion of the rear damper 8 is disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in side view. In a side view, the lower portion of the rear damper 8 is disposed between the yaw axis C1 and the imaginary line H1. The rear damper 8 is disposed in front of the housing case 9.

[ Wiring of electric Cable ]

As shown in fig. 11, a three-phase cable 136 (electric cable) extends from the PDU121 (see fig. 5) constituting the PCU 120. The three-phase cable 136 is connected to the motor 7. The three-phase cable 136 extends leftward from the PCU120, then bends rearward, and extends toward the motor 7. In a plan view, a part of the three-phase cable 136 is routed along the yaw axis C1 (the vehicle body right and left center line CL).

[ Wiring of a plurality of cables ]

The plurality of cables 131 to 135 (first to fifth connection cables 131 to 135) connected to the plurality of electrical components are connected to the junction box 123 (see fig. 5). The plurality of cables 131 to 135 are connected to the junction box 123 and then integrated with the housing case 9 via a grommet not shown. In fig. 11, reference numeral 139 denotes a wire harness in which a plurality of cables 131 to 135 are collected from the housing case 9.

[ unsprung arrangement ]

As shown in fig. 10, the rear vehicle body 5 supports the storage case 9 under the spring of the rear suspension 55, i.e., the swing arm 50. The housing case 9 houses the motor 7, the PCU120, the DC-DC converter 126, the junction box 123, the contactor 124, and the like. In the embodiment, the space above the pair of left and right rear wheels 4 is effectively used as the arrangement space of the large storage box 35 (see fig. 1).

As described above, the electric vehicle 1 of the above embodiment includes the front vehicle body 3 supporting the single front wheel 2, the rear vehicle body 5 supporting the pair of left and right rear wheels 4, the turning mechanism 6 connecting the front vehicle body 3 and the rear vehicle body 5 so as to be relatively swingable about the yaw axis C1, the motor 7 for vehicle traveling, and the battery 100 supplying electric power to the motor 7, wherein the turning mechanism 6 is disposed rearward of the battery 100, and the motor 7 is disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in a side view.

According to the present embodiment, since the turning mechanism 6 is disposed behind the battery 100, the storage space for the articles (the disposition space of the storage box 35) can be secured more widely behind the battery 100 and above the turning mechanism 6 than in the case where the battery 100 is disposed above the rear portion of the turning mechanism. Further, since the motor 7 is disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in side view, the storage space for the articles can be secured wider above the rear wheel 4 than when the entire motor 7 is disposed above the upper end of the rear wheel 4. Therefore, the storage space of the article can be improved. Further, by setting the upper limit of the arrangement height of the motor 7 as the heavy object, it is possible to suppress the center of gravity of the electric vehicle from rising.

According to the present embodiment, PCU120 is provided as an electrical component related to motor 7 and battery 100, and PCU120 is disposed above yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of rear wheel 4 in a side view, and the following effects are exhibited. As compared with the case where the entire PCU120 is disposed above the upper end of the rear wheel 4, the space for storing articles can be secured wider above the rear wheel 4. Furthermore, by setting the upper limit of the arrangement height of PCU120 as a heavy object, it is possible to suppress an increase in the position of the center of gravity of the electric vehicle. Further, since motor 7 and PCU120 are disposed in a concentrated manner, it is possible to suppress the length of the wiring connecting motor 7 and PCU 120.

According to the present embodiment, the DC-DC converter 126 is provided as an electrical component related to the motor 7 and the battery 100, and the DC-DC converter 126 is disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in a side view, thereby exhibiting the following effects. As compared with the case where the entire DC-DC converter 126 is disposed above the upper end of the rear wheel 4, the storage space for the articles can be secured wider above the rear wheel 4. Further, by setting the upper limit of the arrangement height of the DC-DC converter 126 as a heavy object, it is possible to suppress an increase in the position of the center of gravity of the electric vehicle.

According to the present embodiment, the junction box 123 is provided as an electrical component related to the motor 7 and the battery 100, and the junction box 123 is disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in a side view, thereby exhibiting the following effects. As compared with the case where the entire junction box 123 is disposed above the upper end of the rear wheel 4, the storage space for the articles can be secured wider above the rear wheel 4. Further, by setting the upper limit of the arrangement height of the junction box 123 as a heavy object, the rise of the position of the center of gravity of the electric vehicle can be suppressed.

According to the present embodiment, the contactor 124 is provided as an electrical component related to the motor 7 and the battery 100, and the contactor 124 is disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in a side view, thereby exhibiting the following effects.

As compared with the case where the entire contactor 124 is disposed above the upper end of the rear wheel 4, the article storage space can be secured wider above the rear wheel 4.

According to the present embodiment, the differential mechanism 51 that distributes the driving force of the motor 7 to the pair of right and left rear wheels 4 is provided, and the differential mechanism 51 is disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper ends of the rear wheels 4 in a side view, and the following effects are exhibited. As compared with the case where the entire differential mechanism 51 is disposed above the upper end of the rear wheel 4, the article storage space can be secured wider above the rear wheel 4. Further, by setting the upper limit of the arrangement height of the differential mechanism 51 as a heavy object, the center of gravity of the electric vehicle can be suppressed from rising.

According to the present embodiment, the rear vehicle body 5 includes the swing arms 50 that support the pair of left and right rear wheels 4, the rear damper 8 is interposed between the front vehicle body 3 and the swing arms 50, and the lower portion of the rear damper 8 is disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper ends of the rear wheels 4 in a side view, thereby exhibiting the following effects. As compared with the case where the entire rear damper 8 is disposed above the upper end of the rear wheel 4, the article storage space can be secured wider above the rear wheel 4.

According to the present embodiment, the turning mechanism 6 is disposed at the vehicle body left-right center position, and the motor 7 is disposed offset leftward with respect to the vehicle body left-right center line CL, thereby exhibiting the following effects. Compared to the case where the motor 7 is disposed above the turning mechanism 6, the center of gravity of the electric vehicle can be suppressed from rising. Further, the motor 7 is disposed offset leftward with respect to the vehicle body left-right center line CL, whereby the space that avoids the turning mechanism 6 can be effectively utilized.

According to the present embodiment, the differential mechanism 51 that distributes the driving force of the motor 7 to the pair of left and right rear wheels 4 is provided, and the differential mechanism 51 overlaps the vehicle body left and right center line CL in a plan view, thereby exhibiting the following effects. As compared with the case where the entire differential mechanism 51 is disposed offset from the vehicle body left and right center line CL in a plan view, the left and right shared loads in the electric vehicle can be optimized.

According to the present embodiment, the motor 7 is disposed forward of the rear wheel axle 4a, and the following effects are exhibited. Since the motor 7 as a heavy object is disposed relatively close to the front-rear center of the entire vehicle body, it is possible to suppress the influence of disturbance from behind and contribute to concentrating the heavy object in the vicinity of the center of gravity of the vehicle body.

According to the present embodiment, the three-phase cable 136 for supplying electric power to the motor 7 is provided, and the following effects are exhibited by routing a part of the three-phase cable 136 along the yaw axis C1. Since the three-phase cables 136 can be linearly wired along the yaw axis C1, the three-phase cables 136 can be prevented from becoming long.

According to the present embodiment, PCU120 is provided as an electrical component related to motor 7 and battery 100, and rotating mechanism 6 is disposed at the center position on the left and right sides of the vehicle body, and motor 7 and PCU120 are disposed on the opposite sides with respect to the center line CL on the left and right sides of the vehicle body in a plan view, thereby exhibiting the following effects. As compared with the case where motor 7 and PCU120 are concentrated to either the left or right of vehicle body left-right center line CL, the left-right load sharing of the electric vehicle can be optimized.

According to the present embodiment, the present embodiment has the following effect by providing the housing case 9 housing the plurality of electric components related to the motor 7 and the battery 100, including the PCU120, and disposing the PCU120 at the right end portion of the housing case 9. PCU120 can be cooled by the traveling wind (cooling wind) blowing to the right end portion of storage case 9.

According to the present embodiment, the following effects are exhibited by providing the housing case 9 that houses the plurality of electrical components related to the motor 7 and the battery 100, including the DC-DC converter 126, and disposing the DC-DC converter 126 at the left end portion of the housing case 9. The DC-DC converter 126 can be cooled by the traveling wind (cooling wind) blowing to the left end portion of the storage case 9.

According to the present embodiment, the following effects are exhibited by providing the housing case 9 for housing the plurality of electric components related to the motor 7 and the battery 100, and the plurality of cables 131 to 135 connected to the plurality of electric components, respectively, and by integrating the plurality of cables 131 to 135 from the housing case 9. Since the plurality of cables 131 to 135 integrated together can be arranged from the housing case 9, the arrangement work can be easily performed.

According to the present embodiment, the lower frame 22 overlaps the lower portion of the battery 100 in a side view, and the following effects are exhibited. It is possible to suppress input of an impact load to battery 100 from among impacts from the sides of battery 100. That is, the protection of the battery 100 can be improved by suppressing the influence of interference from the side of the battery 100 on the battery 100.

According to the present embodiment, the lower frame 22 is provided in a pair of left and right, and the battery 100 is disposed between the pair of left and right lower frames 22, thereby exhibiting the following effects. It is possible to suppress input of an impact load to the battery 100 in a shock from outside the battery 100 in the vehicle width direction. That is, the protection of battery 100 can be improved by suppressing the influence of interference from outside battery 100 in the vehicle width direction on battery 100.

According to the present embodiment, the lower end of the lower frame 22 is positioned below the lower end of the battery 100, and the following effects are exhibited. It is possible to suppress the input of an impact load to the battery 100 in a downward impact from the battery 100. That is, the influence of the disturbance from below the battery 100 on the battery 100 is suppressed, and the protection of the battery 100 can be improved.

According to the present embodiment, the battery 100 is provided in a pair of left and right batteries 101 and 102, and the pair of left and right batteries has a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the front-rear direction, and the following effects are exhibited. Compared to the case where a pair of rectangular parallelepiped batteries are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, the center of gravity of the electric vehicle 1 can be prevented from rising.

According to the present embodiment, the battery case 70 having the upper opening 71 that opens upward and can house the pair of left and right batteries 101 and 102, the lid 80 that is positioned above the battery case 70 and can open and close the upper opening 71, the floor panel 13 that is positioned above the lid 80 and can receive the feet of the occupant, and the stay 28 that supports the floor panel 13 and is connected to the vehicle body frame 14 are provided, and the following effects are exhibited. By providing the battery case 70 having the upper opening 71 that opens upward, the inside of the battery case 70 can be accessed from above the battery case 70, and therefore the battery 100 can be easily stored and removed. Further, by providing the bottom plate 13 which is positioned above the cover 80 and on which the feet of the occupant can be placed, the cover 80 and the bottom plate 13 can suppress the input of an impact load to the battery 100 in the event of an impact from above the battery 100. That is, the protection of the battery 100 can be improved by suppressing the influence of the disturbance from above the battery 100 on the battery 100. Further, by providing the stay 28 that supports the floor panel 13 and is connected to the vehicle body frame 14, the feet of the occupant can be stably supported by the floor panel 13. That is, by connecting the stay 28 to the highly rigid vehicle body frame 14, the stability (foot placement performance) of the occupant when putting the feet can be improved.

According to the present embodiment, the lid locking mechanism 85 capable of fixing and holding the lid 80 to the battery case 70 is provided, and the lid locking mechanism 85 is disposed outside the battery case 70, thereby exhibiting the following effects. Entry of water or the like into battery case 70 through lid lock mechanism 85 can be suppressed, and therefore, wetting of battery 100 can be suppressed.

According to the present embodiment, the cover lock mechanism 85 is provided in a pair of left and right sides, and exhibits the following effects. As compared with the case where only one cover lock mechanism 85 is provided, the cover 80 can be more firmly fixed and held to the battery case 70.

According to the present embodiment, the battery case 70 includes the lower wall 72 positioned below the pair of left and right batteries 101 and 102, and the inclined wall 73 inclined so as to be positioned further downward toward the rear side in a side view and connected to the front end of the lower wall 72, and exhibits the following effects. Since the batteries 101 and 102 can be moved along the inclined wall 73, the batteries 101 and 102 can be easily stored and taken out.

According to the present embodiment, the battery case 70 includes the lower wall 72 that covers the pair of left and right batteries 101 and 102 from below, the front wall 73 that is connected to the front end of the lower wall 72 and covers the pair of left and right batteries 101 and 102 from the front, the rear wall 74 that is connected to the rear end of the lower wall 72 and covers the pair of left and right batteries 101 and 102 from the rear, and the pair of side walls 75 that is connected to both side ends of the lower wall 72 and covers the pair of left and right batteries 101 and 102 from the sides, and the following effects are exhibited. Since the pair of left and right batteries 101 and 102 are covered with the lower wall 72, the front wall 73, the rear wall 74, and the pair of side walls 75 of the battery case 70, it is possible to suppress disturbance from the road surface or water contamination to the pair of left and right batteries 101 and 102. That is, since the battery case 70 has a so-called tub structure that covers the pair of left and right batteries 101 and 102 from the front and rear, the left and right, and the lower side, the waterproofness (water-repellency) of the batteries 101 and 102 can be improved when the vehicle enters water or the like in the lower portion.

According to the present embodiment, the drain hole 78 is provided in the rear portion of the lower wall 72, thereby exhibiting the following effects. Even when water or the like enters the battery case 70, the water can be discharged through the drain hole 78.

According to the present embodiment, the battery case 70 further includes the partition wall 76 connected to the lower wall 72 and positioned between the pair of left and right batteries 101 and 102, and the following effects are exhibited. The partition wall 76 can suppress the movement of the pair of left and right batteries 101 and 102 in the vehicle width direction.

According to the present embodiment, the battery lock mechanism 94 capable of holding the pair of left and right batteries 101 and 102 in the battery case 70 is provided, and the battery lock mechanism 94 overlaps the pair of left and right batteries 101 and 102 as viewed in the vehicle traveling direction, thereby exhibiting the following effects. Since the direction in which the batteries 101 and 102 are locked is the same as the vehicle traveling direction, the battery lock mechanism 94 can suppress the batteries 101 and 102 from moving due to inertia.

In the above embodiment, the example in which all the motors 7 are disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in a side view has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only the upper or lower portion of the motor 7 may be disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in side view. That is, at least a part of the motor 7 may be disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in a side view.

In the above-described embodiment, the PCU120, the DC-DC converter 126, the junction box 123, and the contactor 124 are provided as a plurality of electric components related to the motor 7 and the battery, and all of the electric components are disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in a side view. For example, only one of the plurality of electrical components may be disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in side view. For example, only a part of the components of the plurality of electric components may be arranged above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in a side view. That is, at least a part of the plurality of electric components may be disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in a side view.

In the above embodiment, the example in which all of the differential mechanisms 51 are disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper ends of the rear wheels 4 in a side view has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only the upper or lower portion of the differential mechanism 51 may be disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in side view. That is, at least a part of the differential mechanism 51 may be disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in a side view.

In the above embodiment, the example in which the lower portion of the rear shock absorber 8 is disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in a side view has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the rear shock absorbers 8 may be all disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in a side view. That is, at least a part of the rear damper 8 may be disposed above the yaw axis C1 and below the upper end of the rear wheel 4 in a side view.

In the above embodiment, the motor 7 is disposed offset to the left with respect to the vehicle body left and right center line CL, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the motor 7 may be arranged offset to the right with respect to the vehicle body left and right center line CL.

In the above embodiment, the motor 7 is disposed forward of the rear wheel axle 4a, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the motor 7 may be disposed rearward of the rear wheel axle 4 a.

In the above embodiment, the case where PCU120 is housed in housing case 9 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in fig. 12, PCU120 may be disposed outside housing case 9. For example, the PCU120 may be disposed at a lower portion of the swing arm 50.

For example, PCU120 may be disposed below turning mechanism 6 in a side view. According to this configuration, the position of the center of gravity of the electric vehicle can be lowered as much as possible by setting the height of PCU120 as a heavy object to be lower than that of turning mechanism 6. PCU120 can be cooled by traveling wind (cooling wind) passing under turning mechanism 6.

In fig. 12, an example in which all PCUs 120 are disposed below the turning mechanism 6 is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only the lower portion of PCU120 may be disposed below turning mechanism 6. That is, at least a part of PCU120 may be disposed below turning mechanism 6.

In the above embodiment, the example in which the lower frame 22 overlaps the lower portion of the battery 100 in a side view has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lower frame 22 may overlap an upper portion of the battery 100 in a side view. That is, lower frame 22 may overlap at least a portion of battery 100.

In the above embodiment, the example in which all of the turning mechanism 6 is disposed at the rear of the battery 100 has been described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, only the rear part of the turning mechanism 6 may be disposed behind the battery 100. That is, at least a part of the turning mechanism 6 may be disposed behind the battery 100.

In the above embodiment, the example in which the drain hole 78 is provided in the rear portion of the lower wall 72 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, drain holes 78 may be provided in the front of the lower wall 72. For example, drain holes 78 may be provided at the four corners of the lower wall 72. That is, the drain hole 78 may be provided at least in part of the lower wall 72.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the motor 7 is driven at a variable speed by vvvf (variable voltage variable frequency) control has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The motor 7 is not limited to the case of being shift-controlled as in the case of having a continuously variable transmission. For example, the motor 7 may be shift-controlled as with a step-variable transmission.

In the above embodiment, an example in which two storage batteries are provided is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, three or more storage batteries may be provided. For example, only a single battery may be provided.

< first modification >

Next, a first modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 13 to 16.

The electric vehicle of the present modification differs from the embodiment particularly in that the battery is provided in a pair of front and rear. In this modification, the same components as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the drawings of this modification, illustration of the lid lock mechanism, the battery storage device, and the like is omitted.

As shown in fig. 13, each of the front and rear pair of batteries 201 and 202 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the vertical direction. As shown in fig. 16, a pair of front and rear batteries 201 and 202 are disposed at the left and right center positions of the vehicle body. The pair of front and rear batteries 201 and 202 are each formed in a left-right symmetrical shape with the vehicle body left-right center line CL as a symmetry axis in a rear view.

Bottom plates 213 on which the feet of the passenger can be placed are provided on the right and left sides of the front and rear batteries 201, 202. The floor panel 213 is disposed outward in the vehicle width direction of the front and rear batteries 201, 202 in a rear view. The bottom plate 213 is disposed at a position overlapping with the lower portions of the front and rear batteries 201 and 202 in a side view. As shown in fig. 13, the bottom plate 213 extends linearly while being inclined so as to be positioned more upward toward the rear side in a side view.

The front and rear batteries 201, 202 are insertable into and removable from a battery case 270 fixed to the front vehicle body 3. The battery case 270 can house the front and rear batteries 201 and 202. The battery case 270 is disposed at the front lower side of the seat 12.

As shown in fig. 16, the battery case 270 has an upper opening 271 that opens upward. The battery case 270 includes a lower wall 272 that covers the front and rear batteries 201 and 202 from below, a front wall 273 that covers the front and rear batteries 201 and 202 from front, a rear wall 274 that covers the front and rear batteries 201 and 202 from rear, and a pair of left and right side walls 275 that cover the front and rear batteries 201 and 202 from left and right sides.

A lid 280 that can open and close the upper opening 271 and a hinge shaft 281 that couples the lid 280 to be rotatable about an axis line along the vehicle width direction are provided at an upper portion of the battery case 270. A hinge shaft 281 is provided at a front upper portion of the battery case 270. A hinge shaft 281 is provided at an upper end of the front wall 273.

As shown in fig. 15, a placement region 283 on which an article can be placed is provided on the upper surface of the cover 280. The cover 280 has a rectangular shape having a length in the front-rear direction in a plan view. The lid 280 is provided with a frame wall 284 rising upward so as to surround the placement region 283. The frame wall 284 has a rectangular frame shape in a plan view. Frame wall 284 is disposed closer to the front than the front-rear center position of cover 280 in plan view.

A second cover 290 that enables access to the placement region 283 and a second hinge shaft 291 that connects the second cover 290 so as to be rotatable about an axis line along the vehicle width direction are provided at an upper portion of the frame wall 284. The second hinge shaft 291 is provided at the front upper portion of the frame wall 284. The second cover 290 has a rectangular shape smaller than the cover 280 in a plan view. The second hinge axis 291 is located rearward of the hinge axis 281.

According to this modification, the batteries are provided in a pair of front and rear, and the pair of front and rear batteries 201 and 202 each have a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the vertical direction, thereby exhibiting the following effects. Compared with the case where a pair of rectangular parallelepiped batteries are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, the center of gravity of the electric vehicle can be prevented from being raised.

According to the present modification, the floor panel 213 capable of placing the feet of the occupant is provided, and the floor panel 213 is disposed outward in the vehicle width direction of the pair of front and rear storage batteries 201 and 202, and the following effects are exhibited. The height of the bottom plate 213 can be set without being affected by the heights of the pair of front and rear batteries 201 and 202. Therefore, the height of the floor plate 213 (the height at which the occupant sits down) can be reduced as much as possible.

According to the present modification, the battery case 270 that can house the pair of front and rear batteries 201 and 202 and has the upper opening 271 that opens upward, the lid 280 that is positioned above the battery case 270 and can open and close the upper opening 271, the hinge shaft 281 that connects the lid 280 to be rotatable about the axis along the vehicle width direction, and the seat 12 that is positioned above and behind the battery case 270 and on which an occupant can sit are provided, and the hinge shaft 281 is provided at the front portion of the battery case 270, and the following effects are exhibited. By providing the battery case 270 having the upper opening 271 that opens upward, the inside of the battery case 270 can be accessed from above the battery case 270, and therefore the storage and removal of the battery can be easily performed. Further, by providing hinge shaft 281 at the front portion of battery case 270, cover 280 can be opened and closed without being affected by seat 12 located at the rear upper portion of battery case 270.

According to this modification, the placement region 283 on which an article can be placed is provided on the upper surface of the cover 280, and the following effects are exhibited. Since the article can be placed in the placement region 283 on the upper surface of the cover 280, the storage space for the article can be further improved. Further, since the placement region 283 can be accessed in a state of being seated on the seat 12, it is possible to easily store and take out articles.

According to this modification, the lid 280 is provided with the frame wall 284 rising upward so as to surround the placement region 283, thereby exhibiting the following effects. Since the article can be stored inside the frame wall 284, the storage space for the article can be further improved. Further, since the inside of the frame wall 284 can be accessed in a state of being seated on the seat 12, it is possible to easily store and take out articles.

According to the present modification, the second cover 290 positioned above the frame wall 284 and allowing access to the placement region 283 and the second hinge shaft 291 connecting the second cover 290 to be rotatable about the axis line along the vehicle width direction are provided, and the second hinge shaft 291 is provided at the front portion of the frame wall 284, thereby exhibiting the following effects. By providing second hinge shaft 291 at the front portion of frame wall 284, second cover 290 can be opened and closed without being affected by seat 12 located at the rear upper side of battery case 270.

< second modification >

Next, a second modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 17 to 19.

The electric vehicle of the present modification differs from the embodiment particularly in that a pair of left and right batteries are disposed below the seat. In this modification, the same components as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the drawings of this modification, illustration of the lid lock mechanism, the battery storage device, and the like is omitted.

As shown in fig. 17, a pair of left and right batteries 301 and 302 are disposed below the seat 12. As shown in fig. 18, the pair of left and right batteries 301 and 302 are each shaped like a rectangular parallelepiped that is inclined so as to be positioned further upward as they go further outward in the vehicle width direction, as viewed from the rear. The pair of left and right batteries 301 and 302 are provided symmetrically with respect to the vehicle body left and right center line CL.

As shown in fig. 17, the left and right batteries 301 and 302 can be inserted into and removed from a battery case 370 fixed to the front body 3. The battery case 370 can house the left and right batteries 301 and 302. The battery case 370 is disposed below the seat 12.

As shown in fig. 19, battery case 370 has upper opening 371 which opens upward. The battery case 370 includes a lower wall 372 that covers the left and right batteries 301 and 302 from below, a front wall 373 that covers the left and right batteries 301 and 302 from front, a rear wall 374 that covers the left and right batteries 301 and 302 from rear, and a pair of left and right side walls 375 that cover the left and right batteries 301 and 302 from left and right sides.

A lid 380 that can open and close the upper opening 371, and a hinge shaft 381 that connects the lid 380 to be rotatable about an axis line along the vehicle width direction are provided at an upper portion of the battery case 370. The hinge shaft 381 is disposed at the rear upper portion of the battery case 370. The cover 380 is disposed below the seat 12. A hinge shaft 381 is provided at an upper end of the rear wall 374.

For example, the seat 12 is formed so as to be able to be sprung up in the arrow V1 direction. By raising the seat 12 in the direction of arrow V1, the space below the seat 12 can be opened. That is, by raising the seat 12 in the direction of arrow V1, the battery case 370 can be accessed.

According to this modification, the pair of batteries 301 and 302 are each formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape inclined so as to be located more upward as it goes further outward in the vehicle width direction, and the following effects are exhibited. Compared with the case where a pair of rectangular parallelepiped batteries are arranged side by side in the vertical direction, the center of gravity of the electric vehicle can be prevented from rising. Further, since the rotating mechanism 6 can be disposed in a region defined by the bottom surfaces of the pair of left and right batteries 301 and 302, the space below the pair of left and right batteries 301 and 302 can be effectively used.

According to the present modification, the following effects are exhibited by providing a seat 12 on which an occupant can sit, a battery case 370 that can house a pair of left and right batteries and has an upper opening 371 that opens upward, and a lid 380 that is positioned above the battery case 370 and can open and close the upper opening 371, and disposing the lid 380 below the seat 12. By providing the battery case 370 having the upper opening 371 which opens upward, the inside of the battery case 370 can be accessed from above the battery case 370, and therefore, the storage and removal of the battery can be easily performed. The cover 380 is disposed below the seat 12, and the input of an impact load to the battery in an impact from above the battery can be suppressed by the cover 380 and the seat 12. That is, the influence of the disturbance from above the battery on the battery can be suppressed, and the protection of the battery can be improved.

In the present modification, an example in which the pair of left and right batteries 301 and 302 are disposed below the seat 12 is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the pair of left and right batteries 301 and 302 may be disposed along the leg shield 39 (see fig. 1).

< third modification >

Next, a third modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 20 and 21.

The electric vehicle of the present modification differs from the embodiment particularly in that it includes a center frame extending rearward from a lower end portion of the front frame. In this modification, the same components as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the drawings of this modification, illustration of the lid lock mechanism, the battery storage device, and the like is omitted.

As shown in fig. 20, the center frame 429 extends rearward from the lower end of the front frame 21. The center frame 429 is disposed at the center of the right and left sides of the vehicle body. In side view, battery 100 is positioned above center frame 429. As shown in fig. 21, the lower portions of the left and right batteries 101 and 102 are disposed between the pair of left and right lower frames 22 in front view. The lower ends of the left and right batteries 101 and 102 are positioned above the center frame 429 in front view. That is, the center frame 429 is located below the lower ends of the left and right batteries 101 and 102. In fig. 20, the battery case and the like are not shown.

According to this modification, the center frame 429 is located below the lower end of the battery, and the following effects are exhibited. The input of the impact load to the battery in the downward impact from the battery can be suppressed. That is, the influence of the disturbance from below the battery on the battery can be suppressed, and the protection of the battery can be improved.

< fourth modification >

Next, a fourth modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 22.

The electric vehicle of the present modification differs from the embodiment particularly in that it includes an in-wheel motor provided in a wheel of a rear wheel. In this modification, the same components as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

The electric vehicle according to the present modification includes a first motor that drives the left rear wheel 4 and a second motor that drives the right rear wheel 4. The first motor and the second motor are in-wheel motors (hereinafter, also referred to as "in-wheel motors") provided in the wheels of the rear wheels 4, respectively. The first motor and the second motor are disposed at positions overlapping the rear wheel 4 in a side view. In the figure, reference numeral 407 denotes an in-wheel motor.

As shown in fig. 22, electrical components related to the battery and the motor are disposed below the seat 12. The electric components other than the in-wheel motor 407 are concentrated on the vehicle width direction center portion of the front vehicle body 3. Electrical components other than the in-wheel motor 407 are mounted on the spring of the rear suspension 55. In fig. 22, reference numeral 121 denotes a PDU, and reference numeral 126 denotes a DC-DC converter. The DC-DC converter 126 is disposed close to the left and right batteries.

According to the present modification, since the in-wheel motor 407 is provided, the differential mechanism (differential gear) can be eliminated, and therefore, the unsprung weight of the rear suspension 55 can be reduced. Therefore, the self-standing property when the vehicle is parked can be improved.

According to the present modification, the electric components other than the in-wheel motor 407 are concentrated on the front vehicle body 3, and the following effects are exhibited. The load sharing between the front and rear wheels 4 can be optimized as compared with the case where all the electric components are concentrated on the rear vehicle body.

According to the present modification, the electrical components other than the in-wheel motor 407 are concentrated in the vehicle width direction center portion of the front vehicle body 3, and the following effects are exhibited. The left and right shared loads can be optimized as compared with the case where the electric components are concentrated on the vehicle width direction outer end portion of the front vehicle body 3.

According to the present modification, electric components other than the in-wheel motor 407 are mounted on the spring of the rear suspension 55, and the unsprung weight of the rear suspension 55 can be reduced. Therefore, the workability of the rear suspension 55 can be improved, and the road following performance and the bad road passing performance can be improved.

According to the present modification, the DC-DC converter 126 is disposed close to the left and right batteries, and the following effects are exhibited. The voltage drop can be suppressed as compared with the case where the DC-DC converters 126 are disposed apart from the left and right batteries.

< fifth modification >

Next, a fifth modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 23.

The electric vehicle according to the present modification differs from the embodiment particularly in that a coupling position at which the swing mechanism is coupled to the front vehicle body is provided in the rear frame. In this modification, the same components as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

As shown in fig. 23, the pivot shaft is provided to the rear frame 23. The rotating mechanism 506 is rotatably coupled to the rear frame 23 about a pivot axis C2. In a side view, the yaw axis C1 extends linearly from a position higher than that in fig. 1 to be located further downward toward the rear side. In side view, the swing unit 49 (the rotating mechanism 506 and the swing arm 50) is inclined along the yaw axis C1.

According to the present modification, the coupling position P1 of the pivoting mechanism 506 is provided in the rear frame 23, and the following effects are exhibited. The coupling position P1 at which the swing mechanism 506 is coupled to the front vehicle body 3 can be increased as compared with the case where the coupling position P1 of the swing mechanism 506 is provided at the lower frame 22. This increases the amount of movement when the vehicle body is tilted, and thus the vehicle can easily turn with a small amount of tilt. In addition, the self-standing property when the vehicle is parked can be improved.

In the above embodiment, the description has been given taking an example in which the electric vehicle is a motor tricycle with a hood, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the electric vehicle may be a hood-less vehicle. The present invention can be widely applied to a straddle-type vehicle in which front and rear vehicle bodies can relatively rotate.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the saddle-ridden electric vehicle includes all vehicles in which a driver rides over a vehicle body, and includes not only a motorcycle (including a bicycle with a prime mover and a scooter type vehicle), but also a three-wheeled vehicle (including a vehicle having a front wheel and a rear wheel in addition to the front wheel and the rear wheel) or a four-wheeled vehicle.

The configuration in the above embodiment is an example of the present invention, and various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, and for example, components in the embodiment may be replaced with known components.

Description of the symbols:

1: an electric vehicle; 2: a front wheel; 3: a front vehicle body; 4: a rear wheel; 5: a rear body; 6: a rotating mechanism; 7: a motor; 8: a rear shock absorber; 9: a housing case; 50: swinging arms; 51: a differential mechanism; 100: a storage battery; 120: a PCU; 123: a junction box; 124: a contactor; 126: a DC-DC converter; 131: a first connection cable (cable); 132: a second connection cable (cable); 133: a third connection cable (cable); 134: a fourth connection cable (cable); 135: a fifth connection cable (cable); 136: three-phase cables (electrical cables); c1: a yaw axis (an axis toward the front-rear direction of the vehicle); CL: the left and right center lines of the vehicle body.

Claims (16)

1. An electric vehicle (1) is provided with:

a front vehicle body (3) having a single front wheel (2);

a rear vehicle body (5) having a pair of left and right rear wheels (4);

a pivot mechanism (6) that connects the front vehicle body (3) and the rear vehicle body (5) so as to be able to pivot relative to each other about an axis (C1) that extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction;

a motor (7) for running the vehicle; and

a battery (100) for supplying electric power to the motor (7),

the electric vehicle is characterized in that,

at least a part of the rotating mechanism (6) is arranged behind the storage battery (100),

at least a part of the motor (7) is disposed above the axis (C1) and below an upper end of the rear wheel (4) in a side view.

2. The electric vehicle according to claim 1,

the electric vehicle further comprises a PCU (120) as an electric component related to the motor (7) and the storage battery (100),

at least a part of the PCU (120) is arranged above the axis (C1) and below the upper end of the rear wheel (4) in a side view.

3. The electric vehicle according to claim 1,

the electric vehicle further comprises a PCU (120) as an electric component related to the motor (7) and the storage battery (100),

at least a part of the PCU (120) is disposed below the turning mechanism (6).

4. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 3,

the electric vehicle further includes a DC-DC converter (126) as an electrical component related to the motor (7) and the battery (100),

at least a part of the DC-DC converter (126) is disposed above the axis (C1) and below the upper end of the rear wheel (4) in a side view.

5. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the electric vehicle further comprises a junction box (123) as an electrical component related to the motor (7) and the battery (100),

at least a part of the junction box (123) is disposed above the axis (C1) and below an upper end of the rear wheel (4) in a side view.

6. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5,

the electric vehicle further includes a contactor (124) as an electrical component related to the motor (7) and the battery (100),

at least a part of the contactor (124) is arranged above the axis (C1) and below the upper end of the rear wheel (4) in side view.

7. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the electric vehicle further comprises a differential mechanism (51) for distributing the driving force of the motor (7) to the pair of left and right rear wheels (4),

at least a part of the differential mechanism (51) is disposed above the axis (C1) and below an upper end of the rear wheel (4) in a side view.

8. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

the rear vehicle body (5) is provided with a swing arm (50) for supporting the pair of left and right rear wheels (4),

a rear shock absorber (8) is clamped between the front vehicle body (3) and the swing arm (50),

at least a part of the rear shock absorber (8) is disposed above the axis (C1) and below an upper end of the rear wheel (4) in a side view.

9. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

the rotating mechanism (6) is arranged at the left and right central positions of the vehicle body,

the motor (7) is disposed offset to the left or right with respect to the vehicle body left-right Center Line (CL).

10. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 9,

the electric vehicle further comprises a differential mechanism (51) for distributing the driving force of the motor (7) to the pair of left and right rear wheels (4),

the differential mechanism (51) overlaps the vehicle body left and right Center Line (CL) in a plan view.

11. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 10,

the motor (7) is disposed forward of an axle (4a) of the rear wheel (4).

12. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 11,

the electric vehicle further comprises an electric cable (136) for supplying electric power to the motor (7),

at least a portion of the electrical cable (136) is routed along the axis (C1).

13. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 12,

the electric vehicle further comprises a PCU (120) as an electric component related to the motor (7) and the storage battery (100),

the rotating mechanism (6) is arranged at the left and right central positions of the vehicle body,

the motor (7) and the PCU (120) are arranged on opposite sides with respect to a vehicle body left-right Center Line (CL) in a plan view.

14. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 13,

the electric vehicle further includes a housing case (9) that houses a plurality of electric components related to the motor (7) and the battery (100),

the plurality of electrical mounting components include a PCU (120),

the PCU (120) is disposed on the outer side of the housing case (9).

15. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 14,

the electric vehicle further includes a housing case (9) that houses a plurality of electric components related to the motor (7) and the battery (100),

the plurality of electrical mounting components includes a DC-DC converter (126),

the DC-DC converter (126) is disposed on the outer side of the housing case (9).

16. The electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 15,

the electric vehicle further includes:

a housing case (9) that houses a plurality of electrical components related to the motor (7) and the battery (100); and

a plurality of cables (131-135) connected to the plurality of electrical components, respectively,

the cables (131-135) are integrated from the housing case (9).

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