CN112770964B

CN112770964B - Saddle-ride type electric vehicle

Info

Publication number: CN112770964B
Application number: CN201980062133.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 松岛怜; 长岛祐辅
Original assignee: Honda Motor Co Ltd
Current assignee: Honda Motor Co Ltd
Priority date: 2018-09-27
Filing date: 2019-07-22
Publication date: 2022-07-26
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-22
Also published as: JP7055216B2; JPWO2020066239A1; CN112770964A; WO2020066239A1

Abstract

A motorcycle is provided with: a motor (40) for driving the vehicle; a battery unit (50) which is a power source of the motor (40), is disposed in front of and above the motor (40), and is fixed to the motor (40); and a vehicle body frame that supports the motor (40) and the battery unit (50). The battery unit (50) is provided with a front surface tightening and fastening section (66) that is fastened and fastened to the front surface of the vehicle body frame, on the front surface (50a) facing the front of the vehicle. The front surface tightening connection section (66) is provided above and forward of the motor (40) and overlaps the vehicle width center when viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction.

Description

Saddle-ride type electric vehicle

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a saddle-ride type electric vehicle.

The present application claims priority based on application No. 2018-181660 filed on the sun at 27/9/2018 and the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Background

As a saddle-ride type electric vehicle, there is a vehicle provided with a motor for driving and a battery unit for supplying electric power to the motor, and the motor and the battery unit are supported by a vehicle body frame (see, for example, patent document 1). Patent document 1 describes an electric two-wheeled vehicle in which an electric motor and a battery are housed in a case to form a power unit assembly, and the case is assembled to a vehicle frame.

Prior art documents

Patent literature

Patent document 1: japanese unexamined patent publication No. 2012 and 96594

Disclosure of Invention

Summary of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, the motor and the battery unit are heavy objects, and thus the steering performance may vary depending on the fastening structure with the vehicle body frame. Therefore, in the fastening and connecting structure of the motor and the battery unit to the vehicle body frame, there is room for improvement in order to improve the steering performance of the vehicle.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a saddle-ride type electric vehicle capable of achieving an improvement in steering performance.

Means for solving the problems

(1) A saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a motor (40) for driving the vehicle; a battery unit (50) that is a power source for the motor (40), is disposed in front of and above the motor (40), and is fixed to the motor (40); and a vehicle body frame (5) that supports the motor (40) and the battery unit (50), wherein the battery unit (50) includes a first fastening portion (66) that is fastened to the vehicle body frame (5) on a front surface (50a) facing the front of the vehicle, and the first fastening portion (66) is provided above and in front of the motor (40) and overlaps a vehicle width Center (CL) when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

According to this aspect, the first fastening portion is provided forward of the motor and overlaps the vehicle width center as viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction. Thus, in the first fastening portion, the battery unit can be allowed to swing in the vehicle width direction with respect to the vehicle body frame, as compared to a case where the battery unit is fastened and connected to the vehicle body frame on both sides with respect to the vehicle width center, respectively, as viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction. Therefore, inertia acting on the battery unit and the motor fixed to the battery unit is less likely to act on the vehicle body frame during cornering and tilting of the vehicle. This can improve the steering performance.

The first fastening portion is provided above the motor. Accordingly, the weight of the motor is smaller at the first fastening portion than at the fastening portion provided at the same height as or below the motor. Therefore, the structure of the first fastening portion is simplified to reduce the weight, and the strength of the fastening structure of the first fastening portion can be set low. Thus, even if the swing of the battery unit with respect to the vehicle body frame in the vehicle width direction is allowed, the decrease in the fixing strength of the battery unit and the vehicle body frame can be suppressed.

As described above, it is possible to provide a saddle-ride type electric vehicle in which improvement in steering performance is achieved.

(2) In the saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to the above (1), the battery unit (50) may include: a lower battery case (52) located in front of the motor (40); and an upper battery case (56) positioned above the motor (40) and the lower battery case (52), wherein the upper battery case (56) includes the first fastening portion (66), the lower battery case (52) includes at least one second fastening portion (63, 65) fastened to the vehicle body frame (5), and the first fastening portion (66) is formed smaller in the vehicle width direction than the at least one second fastening portion (63, 65).

According to this aspect, the second fastening portion is provided below the first fastening portion, and therefore, a larger weight force of the battery unit and the motor acts on the second fastening portion than on the first fastening portion. Therefore, by forming the first fastening portion smaller than the second fastening portion in the vehicle width direction, the strength of the fastening structure of the first fastening portion can be set low while securing the fixing strength of the battery unit and the vehicle body frame at the second fastening portion. As a result, the first fastening portion can allow the battery unit to swing in the vehicle width direction with respect to the vehicle body frame, and the steering performance can be improved.

(3) In the saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to the above (1) or (2), the battery unit (50) may include: a lower battery case (52) located in front of the motor (40); and an upper battery case (56) positioned above the motor (40) and the lower battery case (52), wherein the upper battery case (56) is formed smaller in the vehicle width direction than the lower battery case (52).

According to this aspect, the center of gravity of the battery unit can be lowered as compared to a case where the upper battery case is formed larger in the vehicle width direction than the lower battery case. Therefore, the inertia moment of the battery unit at the time of the turning and tilting of the vehicle can be reduced, and the steering performance can be improved.

The upper battery case is disposed closer to the passenger than the lower battery case. Therefore, the upper battery case is smaller than the lower battery case in the vehicle width direction, and therefore, when an occupant sits on the upper side of the battery case, the battery cell is less likely to be a disturbance to the occupant.

(4) In the saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to any one of the items (1) to (3), the battery unit (50) may include a plurality of fastening portions (61) including the first fastening portion (66) fastened to the vehicle body frame (5), and the plurality of fastening portions (61) may overlap a vehicle width Center (CL) when viewed from a vehicle front-rear direction.

According to this aspect, the plurality of fastening portions can allow the battery unit to swing in the vehicle width direction with respect to the vehicle body frame, compared to a case where the battery unit is fastened and connected to the vehicle body frame at both sides across the vehicle width center, respectively, as viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction. Therefore, inertia acting on the battery unit and the motor fixed to the battery unit during a cornering or the like of the vehicle is less likely to act on the vehicle body frame. Therefore, the steering performance can be further improved.

(5) In the saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to any one of the above (1) to (4), the battery unit (50) may include a plurality of fastening portions (61) including the first fastening portion (66) that are fastened to the vehicle body frame (5), and the first fastening portion (66) may be farthest from a rotation center (O) of the motor (40) among the plurality of fastening portions (61).

According to this aspect, since the center of gravity of the motor is located near the rotation center of the motor, the first fastening section can be provided at a position farthest from the center of gravity of the motor among the plurality of fastening sections. Accordingly, the force transmitted from the motor to the first fastening and connecting portion via the battery unit can be reduced, and therefore the structure of the first fastening and connecting portion can be simplified to reduce the weight, and the strength of the fastening and connecting structure of the first fastening and connecting portion can be set low. Thus, even if the swing of the battery unit with respect to the vehicle body frame in the vehicle width direction is allowed, the decrease in the fixing strength of the battery unit and the vehicle body frame can be suppressed.

(6) In the saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to any one of the above (1) to (5), the vehicle body frame (5) may include: a head pipe (16) that supports the front wheel (2) so as to be steerable; a pair of left and right main frames (17) extending rearward from the head pipe (16); a downward frame (19) extending downward from the head pipe (16); and a cross member (21) that connects the pair of main frames (17) and the down frame (19) at a position above the motor (40), wherein the first fastening portion (66) is surrounded by the main frames (17), the down frame (19), and the cross member (21) in a side view viewed from the vehicle width direction.

According to this aspect, the first fastening portion is disposed near the head pipe. That is, the first fastening portion is disposed above the cross member in a side view, as compared with the case where the first fastening portion is disposed below the cross member in a side view. This makes it possible to set the strength of the fastening structure of the first fastening portion low. Thus, even if the swing in the vehicle width direction of the battery unit relative to the vehicle body frame is allowed, the reduction of the fixing strength of the battery unit and the vehicle body frame can be suppressed.

In addition, the first fastening portion does not overlap with the vehicle body frame in a side view, and therefore the first fastening portion is easily accessible. Therefore, the ease of assembly of the vehicle body frame and the battery unit can be improved.

(7) In the saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to any one of the items (1) to (6), the first fastening portion (66) may be disposed in an uppermost region of the battery unit (50) when the battery unit is divided into three parts in the vehicle height direction.

According to this aspect, the first fastening portion is disposed at a position distant from the motor. Accordingly, the force transmitted from the motor to the first fastening portion via the battery unit can be reduced, and therefore, the structure of the first fastening portion can be simplified to reduce the weight, and the strength of the fastening structure of the first fastening portion can be set low. Thus, even if the swing in the vehicle width direction of the battery unit relative to the vehicle body frame is allowed, the reduction of the fixing strength of the battery unit and the vehicle body frame can be suppressed.

(8) In the saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to any one of the items (1) to (7), the motor (40) may include an upper fastening portion (45) and a lower fastening portion (44) that are fastened to the vehicle body frame (5), and the upper fastening portion (45) may be formed smaller in the vehicle width direction than the lower fastening portion (44).

According to this aspect, the weight of the motor is less likely to act on the upper fastening portion than on the lower fastening portion, and therefore the strength of the fastening structure of the lower fastening portion can be set low. Thereby, the fixing strength of the motor and the vehicle body frame can be ensured at the lower side fastening connection portion, and the swing of the motor relative to the vehicle body frame in the vehicle width direction can be allowed at the upper side fastening connection portion. Therefore, inertia acting on the motor and the battery unit fixed to the motor is less likely to act on the vehicle body frame during a turning or tilting of the vehicle. This can improve the steering performance.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, a saddle-ride type electric vehicle can be provided in which improvement in steering performance is achieved.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a left side view of the power unit of the embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a front view of the power unit of the embodiment.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the power unit and the vehicle body frame of the embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a structure in the vicinity of the front surface lower fastening portion of the embodiment.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a structure in the vicinity of the fastening joint on the front surface of the embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a structure in the vicinity of the lower surface fastening portion of the embodiment.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a structure around the lower fastening portion of the embodiment.

Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a structure around the upper fastening portion of the embodiment.

Detailed Description

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, directions such as front-back, up-down, left-right, and the like are the same as those of the vehicle described below. That is, the vertical direction coincides with the vertical direction, and the horizontal direction coincides with the vehicle width direction. In the drawings used in the following description, arrow UP indicates the upward direction, arrow FR indicates the forward direction, and arrow LH indicates the left direction.

Fig. 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment.

As shown in fig. 1, a motorcycle 1 of the present embodiment is an off-road saddle type electric vehicle. The motorcycle 1 includes a front wheel 2, a rear wheel 3, a front wheel suspension system 4, a vehicle body frame 5, a rear wheel suspension system 6, a power unit 7, a seat 8, and a cooling device 9.

The front wheel suspension system 4 includes: a pair of left and right front forks 10 that support the front wheel 2 at their lower ends, a top bridge 11 and a bottom bridge 12 that are provided between the upper portions of the pair of front forks 10, a steering rod (not shown) that is provided between the top bridge 11 and the bottom bridge 12 and that passes through the inside of a head pipe 16, and a steering handle 13 that is supported by the top bridge 11. The front wheels 2 are supported by a head pipe 16 of the vehicle body frame 5 via a front wheel suspension system 4 so as to be steerable.

The vehicle body frame 5 includes: the head pipe 16, the pair of left and right main frames 17, the pair of left and right pivot frames 18, the single down frame 19, the pair of left and right down frames 20, the pair of left and right gussets 21 (cross members), the cross member 22, and the down cross member 23 are integrally joined by welding or the like.

The head pipe 16 is provided at the front end of the vehicle body frame 5. The head pipe 16 supports a steering rod. The pair of main frames 17 branch off from the upper portion of the head pipe 16 to the left and right and extend rearward and downward. The pair of main frames 17 are curved and extended so as to bulge outward in the vehicle width direction at the rear of the head pipe 16 in a plan view as viewed from above (see fig. 4). The pair of pivot frames 18 extend downward from the rear end portions of the main frames 17. The down frame 19 extends downward from the lower portion of the head pipe 16. The radiator of the cooling device 9 is attached to the down frame 19. The pair of lower frames 20 are branched left and right from the lower end of the down frame 19 and extend rearward, and are connected to the lower ends of the pivot frames 18.

The pair of corner plates 21 connect the main frame 17 and the down frame 19, respectively, at positions above the motor 40. The pair of corner plates 21 are branched from the upper portion of the down frame 19 to the left and right and extend rearward, and are connected to the lower portion of the main frame 17. The cross member 22 extends in the vehicle width direction and connects upper portions of the pair of pivot frames 18. A damper support bracket 22a extending upward and rearward is fixedly provided at a vehicle width direction center portion of the cross member 22. A rear damper 32 described later is coupled to the damper support bracket 22 a. The lower cross member 23 extends in the vehicle width direction and connects lower portions of the pair of pivot frames 18. A link support bracket 23a extending rearward is fixedly provided to the lower cross member 23. A link arm 34 described later is coupled to the link support bracket 23 a.

The vehicle body frame 5 further includes a pair of left and right seat rails 24 and a pair of left and right support rails 25. A pair of seat rails 24 are respectively coupled to the upper end portions of the pivot frames 18 and extend rearward and upward from the pivot frames 18. A pair of seat rails 24 support the seat 8 from below. A pair of support rails 25 are respectively coupled to the pivot frame 18 below the seat rails 24. A pair of support rails 25 extend rearwardly and upwardly from the pivot frame 18 and are coupled to the seat rails 24.

The vehicle body frame 5 is of a semi-double cradle type. The vehicle body frame 5 is mounted with a power unit 7 including a motor 40 and a battery unit 50 below the left and right main frames 17 behind the head pipe 16 and in front of the left and right pivot frames 18. The vehicle body frame 5 surrounds the power unit 7 from the front and the lower side by a single down frame 19 and left and right under frames 20.

The rear wheel suspension system 6 includes: a swing arm 30 pivotally supporting the rear wheel 3 at a rear end portion; a link mechanism 31 connected between the front part of the swing arm 30 and the lower parts of the pair of pivot frames 18; and a rear damper 32 extending between the link mechanism 31 and the cross member 22.

The swing arm 30 is disposed under the rear portion of the vehicle body. The swing arm 30 extends back and forth. The swing arm 30 is formed at its front end portion in a bifurcated shape that branches to the left and right, and is supported by the vertical intermediate portions of the pair of pivot frames 18 via a pivot shaft 33 so as to be swingable up and down.

The link mechanism 31 includes a link arm 34 and a link member 35. The link arm 34 is disposed below the swing arm 30 in side view. The link arm 34 extends forward and rearward. The front end portion of the link arm 34 is rotatably coupled to the link support bracket 23a of the lower cross member 23. The link member 35 is formed in a triangular shape in side view. The upper portion of the link member 35 is rotatably coupled to the front-rear intermediate portion of the swing arm 30. A rear lower portion of the link member 35 is rotatably coupled to a rear end portion of the link arm 34. The rear damper 32 is coupled to a front portion of the link member 35.

The rear absorber 32 is provided at the vehicle width center of the vehicle body rear portion. The rear damper 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape and extends vertically along a forward-inclined axial direction (longitudinal direction). The upper end portion of the rear damper 32 is rotatably coupled to the damper support bracket 22a of the cross member 22. The lower end of the rear damper 32 is rotatably coupled to the front portion of the link member 35.

The power unit 7 includes a motor 40 for driving the vehicle, a battery unit 50 as a power source of the motor 40, and a PCU (power control unit) 70 for controlling the motor 40. The motor 40, the battery unit 50, and the PCU70 are fixed to each other and integrated. The power unit 7 is fixedly supported by the vehicle body frame 5. The power unit 7 is disposed rearward of the down frame 19 and above the lower frame 20 in a side view. The power unit 7 is disposed so as to be sandwiched between the pair of main frames 17 and the pair of pivot frames 18 from the outside in the vehicle width direction. The lower portion of the power unit 7 is covered by a undercover 27 mounted to the lower frame 20.

Fig. 2 is a left side view of the power unit of the embodiment.

As shown in fig. 2, the motor 40 is disposed at the rear of the power unit 7. The motor 40 includes: a stator and a rotor not shown; and a motor case 41 housing the stator and the rotor. For example, the motor 40 is coupled to the rear wheel 3 via a chain transmission mechanism disposed on the left side of the rear portion of the vehicle body (see fig. 1).

The battery units 50 are disposed in front and upper portions of the power unit 7. The battery unit 50 is disposed in front of and above the motor 40. The battery unit 50 includes a battery main body (not shown) and a hollow battery case 51 that houses the battery main body.

The battery case 51 is made of a metal material such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The battery case 51 includes a lower battery case 52 and an upper battery case 56. The lower battery case 52 and the upper battery case 56 each house a battery. The lower battery case 52 and the upper battery case 56 are fastened and coupled to each other.

Fig. 3 is a front view of the power unit of the embodiment.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the lower battery case 52 is located in front of the motor 40. The lower battery case 52 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape extending in the vertical direction, the front-rear direction, and the vehicle width direction. The lower battery case 52 is disposed so as to overlap the vehicle width center CL when viewed from the front-rear direction. The vehicle width center CL is an imaginary line that overlaps the center axis of the head pipe 16 when viewed from the front-rear direction. The lower battery case 52 is formed to have a size substantially equal to that of the motor 40 in the vehicle width direction. The lower battery case 52 protrudes upward from the motor 40. The pair of lower frames 20 overlap the lower battery case 52 when viewed from below (see fig. 7).

As shown in fig. 2, the lower battery case 52 is formed to be vertically dividable along an imaginary plane extending substantially horizontally, and a lower portion constitutes a case main body 53 and an upper portion constitutes a lid 54. The case main body 53 and the lid 54 are fixed to each other by a plurality of fastening tools for fastening the respective opening edges to each other. The lower battery case 52 is fixed to the motor case 41 at a lower portion.

As shown in fig. 2 and 3, the upper battery case 56 is positioned above the motor 40 and the lower battery case 52. The upper battery case 56 is formed larger in the front-rear direction than the lower battery case 52. The upper battery case 56 is disposed so as to overlap the vehicle width center CL when viewed from the front-rear direction. The upper battery case 56 extends in the vertical direction with a substantially constant width as viewed from the front-rear direction. The upper battery case 56 is formed smaller in the vehicle width direction than the lower battery case 52. Thus, the lower battery case 52 protrudes to both sides in the vehicle width direction than the upper battery case 56.

As shown in fig. 4, the upper battery case 56 is disposed between the pair of main frames 17. The upper battery case 56 is disposed between the pair of corner plates 21 (see fig. 1). The upper battery case 56 is formed so that the front portion is narrower in the vehicle width direction than the portion other than the front portion, corresponding to the interval between the pair of main frames 17.

As shown in fig. 2, the lower surface of the upper battery case 56 is formed in a stepped shape along the outer surfaces of the motor 40 and the lower battery case 52. The lower surface of the upper battery case 56 is in close contact with the upper surface and the rear surface of the lid 54 of the lower battery case 52. The rear surface of the upper battery case 56 is formed so as to avoid the cross member 22 (see fig. 1). The rear surface of the upper battery case 56 is stepped so that the lower portion is positioned forward with respect to the upper portion. A bulging portion 57 bulging forward is formed on an upper portion of the front surface of the upper battery case 56. The lower portion of the front surface of the upper battery case 56 extends along the same plane as the front surface of the lower battery case 52. The upper surface of the upper battery case 56 extends substantially horizontally from the front to the rear and then extends obliquely downward.

The upper battery case 56 is formed to be vertically separable along an imaginary plane extending rearward and downward from the upper front end portion, and the lower portion constitutes a case main body 58 and the upper portion constitutes a lid 59. The entire lid 59 is disposed above the pair of main frames 17 (see fig. 1). The case main body 58 and the lid body 59 are fixed to each other by a plurality of fastening tools for fastening the respective opening edges to each other. The upper battery case 56 is fixed to the motor case 41 at a lower portion.

The power unit 7 includes a plurality of fastening portions fastened to the vehicle body frame 5. The plurality of fastening portions include: a plurality of battery cell fastening portions 61 provided in the battery cells 50; and a plurality of motor fastening portions 43 provided in the motor 40.

The battery cell fastening and connecting portion 61 includes: a front surface fastening coupling portion 62 provided on a front surface 50a facing forward in the battery unit 50; and a lower surface fastening part 63 (second fastening part) provided on a lower surface of the battery unit 50 facing downward.

The front surface fastening portion 62 includes: a front-surface lower fastening coupling portion 65 (second fastening coupling portion) provided on the front surface of the lower battery case 52; and a fastening coupling portion 66 (first fastening coupling portion) on a front surface provided on the front surface of the upper battery case 56.

The front-surface lower fastening coupling portion 65 is provided at the same height position as the motor 40. For example, the front-surface lower fastening coupling portion 65 is integrally formed by the same member as the lower battery case 52. The front-surface lower fastening coupling portion 65 protrudes forward from the front surface of the lower battery case 52. The front surface lower fastening coupling portion 65 protrudes such that the vertical width gradually decreases from the rear toward the front. As shown in fig. 3, the front under-surface fastening portion 65 extends in the vehicle width direction. The front under-surface fastening portion 65 is disposed so as to overlap the vehicle width center CL when viewed from the front-rear direction.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing a structure in the vicinity of the front under-surface fastening portion of the embodiment.

As shown in fig. 5, the front lower fastening connection portion 65 is supported by the down frame 19 via a pair of left and right first fixing brackets 82. The first fixing bracket 82 is formed of a metal plate. The pair of first fixing brackets 82 are disposed so as to sandwich the front under-surface fastening portion 65 from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and are fastened and coupled to the front under-surface fastening portion 65 by bolts 81. For example, the bolt 81 is provided in combination with a nut so as to sandwich the pair of first fixing brackets 82 and the front surface lower fastening coupling portion 65. This enables the fastening force of the bolt 81 to act on the front under-surface fastening portion 65 so as to intersect the vehicle width center CL. The pair of first fixing brackets 82 are fastened and coupled to the lower end portion of the down frame 19 by a pair of upper and lower bolts 83. Thereby, the front surface lower fastening connection portion 65 is fastened and connected indirectly to the down frame 19 via the pair of first fixing brackets 82.

As shown in fig. 2, the front surface tightening joint 66 is provided above and forward of the motor 40. The top surface tightening joint 66 is disposed in the uppermost region of the battery cell 50 divided into three equal parts in the vertical direction. The front surface upper fastening joint 66 is surrounded by the main frame 17, the down frame 19, and the gusset plate 21 in a side view seen from the vehicle width direction (see fig. 1). For example, the front surface fastening joint part 66 is integrally formed by the same member as the upper battery case 56. The front surface tightening joint 66 protrudes forward from the front surface of the upper battery case 56. The front surface tightening joint portion 66 protrudes from a region "from the bulging portion 57 to below" in the front surface of the upper battery case 56. As shown in fig. 3, the front surface tightening joint 66 extends in the vehicle width direction. The front surface tightening fastening portion 66 is disposed so as to overlap the vehicle width center CL when viewed from the front-rear direction. The front surface tightening joint portion 66 is formed smaller than the front surface under-fastening joint portion 65 in the vehicle width direction.

Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing a structure in the vicinity of a fastening joint on the front surface of the embodiment.

As shown in fig. 6, the front surface tightening fastening portion 66 is supported by the down frame 19 via a pair of right and left second fixing brackets 86. The second fixing bracket 86 is formed of a metal plate. The pair of second fixing brackets 86 are disposed so as to sandwich the front surface tightening fastening portion 66 from the vehicle width direction outer side, and are fastened and coupled to the front surface tightening fastening portion 66 by a bolt 85. For example, the bolt 85 is provided in combination with a nut to clamp the pair of second fixing brackets 86 and the front surface tightening fastening portion 66. This enables the fastening force of the bolt 85 to act on the front surface fastening part 66 so as to intersect the vehicle width center CL. The pair of second fixing brackets 86 are fastened and coupled to the down frame 19 by a pair of upper and lower bolts 87 at positions above the coupling portion between the down frame 19 and the gusset 21. Thereby, the front surface tightening coupling portion 66 is indirectly fastened and coupled to the down frame 19 via the pair of second fixing brackets 86.

As shown in fig. 2, the lower surface fastening portion 63 is provided below and forward of the motor 40. For example, the lower surface fastening coupling portion 63 is integrally formed by the same member as the lower battery case 52. The lower surface fastening connection portion 63 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the lower battery case 52. The lower surface fastening connection portion 63 protrudes so that the width in the front-rear direction gradually narrows from the top toward the bottom. As shown in fig. 3, the lower surface fastening portion 63 extends in the vehicle width direction. The lower surface fastening portion 63 is disposed to overlap the vehicle width center CL when viewed from the front-rear direction. The lower surface fastening connection portion 63 is formed larger in the vehicle width direction than the front surface fastening connection portion 66. In the present embodiment, the lower surface fastening portion 63 is formed in the same size as the front surface lower fastening portion 65 in the vehicle width direction.

Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a structure in the vicinity of the lower surface fastening portion in the embodiment.

As shown in fig. 7, the lower surface fastening portion 63 is supported by the pair of lower frames 20. The lower surface fastening portion 63 is sandwiched from the vehicle width direction outer side by a pair of extending portions 20a extending from the pair of lower frames 20. The lower surface fastening portion 63 is fastened and coupled to the pair of extending portions 20a by bolts 89. Thereby, the lower surface fastening portion 63 is directly fastened to the lower frame 20. For example, the bolt 89 is provided in combination with a nut so as to sandwich the pair of extending portions 20a and the lower surface fastening coupling portion 63. This enables the fastening force of the bolt 89 to act on the lower surface fastening portion 63 so as to intersect the vehicle width center CL.

As shown in fig. 2, only the front surface tightening coupling portion 66 of the plurality of battery cell tightening coupling portions 61 is provided above the rotation center O of the motor 40. The rotation center O of the motor 40 is the rotation center of the rotor. Further, the front surface tightening joint portion 66 is provided at a position above the center of gravity of the power unit 7. The front surface tightening coupling portion 66 is farthest from the rotation center of the motor 40 among the plurality of battery cell tightening coupling portions 61.

The motor fastening portion 43 includes a lower fastening portion 44 and an upper fastening portion 45 provided in the motor housing 41.

As shown in fig. 2 and 8, the lower fastening portion 44 is integrally formed by the same member as the motor housing 41. The lower fastening connection portion 44 protrudes rearward from a rear lower portion of the motor housing 41. The lower fastening portion 44 overlaps the vehicle width center CL when viewed in the vertical direction (see fig. 4). The lower fastening portion 44 is formed with a through hole through which the pivot shaft 33 passes. The lower fastening connection portion 44 is fastened and connected to the pivot frame 18 at the pivot shaft 33 in a state where the bifurcated front end portion of the swing arm 30 is sandwiched from both sides in the vehicle width direction.

As shown in fig. 2 and 9, the upper fastening portion 45 is integrally formed by the same member as the motor housing 41. The upper fastening coupling portion 45 protrudes rearward and upward from the rear upper portion of the motor housing 41. The upper fastening portion 45 is bifurcated in the vehicle width direction so as to avoid a vehicle width center CL (see fig. 3). The upper fastening connection portion 45 is supported by the cross beam 22 via a pair of left and right third fixing brackets 92. The third fixing bracket 92 is formed of a metal plate. The pair of third fixing brackets 92 are disposed so as to sandwich the upper fastening portion 45 from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and are fastened and coupled to the upper fastening portion 45 by bolts 91. The pair of third fixing brackets 92 are fastened and coupled to the cross member 22 by a pair of front and rear bolts 93 at positions above the upper fastening and coupling portion 45. Thereby, the upper fastening portion 45 is fastened and coupled indirectly to the cross member 22 via the pair of third fixing brackets 92.

As shown in fig. 2, the PCU70 is a Control device including a PDU (power Drive unit) as a motor driver, an ecu (electric Control unit) for controlling the PDU, and the like. The PCU70 is disposed below the motor 40 and the battery unit 50. The pair of lower frames 20 overlap the PCU70 when viewed from below (see fig. 7). The PCU70 includes a case that houses a circuit board and the like. The case of the PCU70 is integrated with the motor case 41 of the motor 40, for example.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the front surface tightening joint 66 is provided forward of the motor 40 and overlaps the vehicle width center CL as viewed in the front-rear direction. Thus, the tight front surface coupling portion 66 can allow the battery unit 50 to swing in the vehicle width direction with respect to the vehicle body frame 5, as compared with a case where the battery unit is tightly coupled to the vehicle body frame on both sides across the vehicle width center CL, as viewed from the front-rear direction. Therefore, inertia acting on the battery unit 50 and the motor 40 fixed to the battery unit 50 during a cornering or the like of the vehicle is less likely to act on the vehicle body frame 5. This can improve the steering performance.

Further, the front surface tightening joint 66 is provided at a position above the motor 40. Accordingly, a smaller weight of the motor 40 acts on the front surface of the fastening connection portion 66 than on the fastening connection portion provided at the same height as the motor 40 or below the motor 40. Therefore, the structure of the fastening portion 66 for the front surface tightening is simplified to achieve weight reduction, and the strength of the fastening structure of the fastening portion 66 for the front surface tightening can be set low. Thus, even if the swing of the battery unit 50 in the vehicle width direction with respect to the vehicle body frame 5 is allowed, the decrease in the fixing strength of the battery unit 50 and the vehicle body frame 5 can be suppressed.

As described above, the motorcycle 1 having improved steering performance can be provided.

The upper battery case 56 includes a front surface fastening coupling portion 66, and the lower battery case 52 includes a front surface lower fastening coupling portion 65 and a lower surface fastening coupling portion 63. The front surface tightening coupling portion 66 is formed smaller in the vehicle width direction than the front surface lower tightening coupling portion 65 and the lower surface tightening coupling portion 63. According to this configuration, since the front surface lower fastening connection 65 and the lower surface fastening connection 63 are provided below the front surface upper fastening connection 66, the gravity of the battery unit 50 and the motor 40 acts on the front surface lower fastening connection 65 and the lower surface fastening connection 63 more largely than on the front surface upper fastening connection 66. Therefore, by forming the front surface upper fastening joint 66 smaller in the vehicle width direction than the front surface lower fastening joint 65 and the lower surface fastening joint 63, the strength of the fastening structure of the front surface upper fastening joint 66 can be set low while securing the strength of fixing the battery unit 50 to the vehicle body frame 5 at the front surface lower fastening joint 65 and the lower surface fastening joint 63. This allows the battery unit 50 to swing in the vehicle width direction with respect to the vehicle body frame 5 by fastening the coupling portion 66 to the front surface, and improves the steering performance.

In addition, the upper battery case 56 is formed smaller than the lower battery case 52 in the vehicle width direction. According to this configuration, the center of gravity of the battery unit 50 can be lowered as compared to a case where the upper battery case is formed larger in the vehicle width direction than the lower battery case. Therefore, the moment of inertia of the battery unit 50 at the time of the turning and tilting of the vehicle can be reduced, and the steering performance can be improved.

The upper battery case 56 is disposed closer to the passenger than the lower battery case 52. Therefore, by making the upper battery case 56 smaller than the lower battery case 52 in the vehicle width direction, the battery cell 50 is less likely to interfere with the occupant when the occupant is seated above the battery case 51.

The plurality of battery cell fastening portions 61 including the front surface upper fastening portion 66, the front surface lower fastening portion 65, and the lower fastening portion 63 overlap the vehicle width center CL when viewed from the front-rear direction. According to this configuration, the plurality of battery cell fastening portions 61 can allow the battery cells 50 to swing in the vehicle width direction with respect to the vehicle body frame 5, compared to a case where the battery cells are fastened and connected to the vehicle body frame at both sides sandwiching the vehicle width center CL, respectively, as viewed from the front-rear direction. Therefore, inertia acting on the battery unit 50 and the motor 40 fixed to the battery unit 50 during a cornering or the like of the vehicle is less likely to act on the vehicle body frame 5. Therefore, the steering performance can be further improved.

The top surface fastening coupling portion 66 is farthest from the rotation center O of the motor 40 among the plurality of battery cell fastening coupling portions 61. According to this configuration, since the center of gravity of the motor 40 is located in the vicinity of the rotation center O of the motor 40, the front surface tightening coupling portion 66 can be provided at the position farthest from the center of gravity of the motor 40 among the plurality of battery cell tightening coupling portions 61. Accordingly, since the force transmitted from the motor 40 to the front surface tightening connection portion 66 via the battery unit 50 can be reduced, the structure of the front surface tightening connection portion 66 can be simplified to achieve weight reduction, and the strength of the fastening connection structure in the front surface tightening connection portion 66 can be set low. Thus, even if the swing of the battery unit 50 in the vehicle width direction with respect to the vehicle body frame 5 is allowed, the decrease in the fixing strength of the battery unit 50 and the vehicle body frame 5 can be suppressed.

The top surface tightening joint 66 is surrounded by the main frame 17, the down frame 19, and the gusset plate 21 in a side view seen from the vehicle width direction. According to this structure, the front surface tightening joint 66 is arranged near the head pipe 16. That is, the front surface tightening joint portion 66 is disposed above the gusset 21 in a side view, compared to the case where it is disposed below the gusset. Thereby, the strength of the fastening structure of the front surface fastening portion 66 can be set low. Thus, even if the swing in the vehicle width direction of the battery unit 50 with respect to the vehicle body frame 5 is allowed, a decrease in the fixing strength of the battery unit 50 and the vehicle body frame 5 can be suppressed.

In addition, the front surface tightening joint 66 does not overlap the vehicle body frame 5 in a side view, and therefore the front surface tightening joint 66 is easily accessible. Therefore, the ease of assembly of the vehicle body frame 5 and the battery unit 50 can be improved.

The top surface tightening fastening part 66 is disposed in the uppermost region of the battery cell 50 divided into three parts in the vertical direction. According to this structure, the front surface tightening joint 66 is disposed at a position away from the motor 40. Accordingly, since the force transmitted from the motor 40 to the front surface tightening joint 66 via the battery unit 50 can be reduced, the structure of the front surface tightening joint 66 is simplified to achieve weight reduction, and the strength of the fastening structure of the front surface tightening joint 66 can be set low. Thus, even if the swing of the battery unit 50 in the vehicle width direction with respect to the vehicle body frame 5 is allowed, the decrease in the fixing strength of the battery unit 50 and the vehicle body frame 5 can be suppressed.

The motor 40 includes an upper fastening portion 45 and a lower fastening portion 44 fastened to the vehicle body frame 5. The upper fastening portion 45 is formed smaller than the lower fastening portion 44 in the vehicle width direction. According to this configuration, the weight of the motor 40 is less likely to act on the upper fastening portion 45 than on the lower fastening portion 44, and therefore the strength of the fastening structure of the lower fastening portion 44 can be set low. Thus, the lower fastening portion 44 can secure the fixing strength of the motor 40 and the vehicle body frame 5, and the upper fastening portion 45 can allow the swing of the motor 40 with respect to the vehicle body frame 5 in the vehicle width direction. Therefore, inertia acting on the motor 40 and the battery unit 50 fixed to the motor 40 during a turning or tilting of the vehicle is less likely to act on the vehicle body frame 5. This can improve the steering performance.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments described with reference to the drawings, and various modifications are conceivable within the technical scope thereof.

For example, although the above embodiment has been described by taking an example of application to a motorcycle for traveling off-road, the application of the vehicle is not limited at all.

For example, the saddle-ride type electric vehicle includes all vehicles on which a driver rides straddling a vehicle body, and includes not only a motorcycle but also a three-wheeled vehicle (including a vehicle having a front two-wheeled and a rear one-wheeled vehicle in addition to a front two-wheeled and a rear two-wheeled vehicle). The present invention is applicable not only to motorcycles but also to four-wheeled vehicles such as automobiles.

The arrangement of the plurality of battery cell fastening portions 61 is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, in the above-described embodiment, only the front surface tightening coupling portion 66 of the plurality of battery cell tightening coupling portions 61 is provided on the front surface 50a of the battery cell 50 at a position above and in front of the motor 40, but the present invention is not limited thereto. That is, a plurality of fastening portions may be provided on the front surface 50a of the battery unit 50 above and in front of the motor 40. In this case, it is desirable that all the fastening portions provided on the front surface 50a of the battery unit 50 above and in front of the motor 40 overlap with the vehicle width center CL when viewed from the front-rear direction.

In the above embodiment, the plurality of battery cell fastening portions 61 are fastened and coupled to the down frame 19 or the down frame 20, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a part of the plurality of battery cell fastening portions may be fastened and connected to the main frame 17 or the gusset plate 21.

In the above embodiment, the fastening structure of the front surface lower fastening portion 65 is a combination of one bolt 81 and a nut, but the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the pair of bolts 81 may be provided on the left and right and screwed to the front surface lower fastening portion 65, respectively, to fasten the pair of first fixing brackets 82 to the front surface lower fastening portion 65, respectively. The same applies to the bolt 85 in the front surface tightening coupling portion 66 and the bolt 89 in the lower surface tightening coupling portion 63.

In addition, the components in the above-described embodiments may be appropriately replaced with known components without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Description of the symbols

1 Motor bicycle (straddle type electric vehicle)

2 front wheel

5 vehicle body frame

16 head pipe

17 Main frame

19 downward frame

21 corner plate (Cross member)

40 Motor

44 lower fastening part

45 upper fastening part

50 accumulator unit

50a front surface

52 lower battery case

56 upper side accumulator casing

61 accumulator unit fastening part (fastening part)

63 lower surface fastening part (second fastening part)

65 front surface lower fastening connection (second fastening connection)

66 front surface fastening joint (first fastening joint)

CL vehicle width center

Center of rotation of O

Claims

1. A saddle-ride type electric vehicle is provided with:

a motor (40) for driving the vehicle;

a battery unit (50) that is a power source for the motor (40), is disposed in front of and above the motor (40), and is fixed to the motor (40); and

a vehicle body frame (5) that supports the motor (40) and the battery unit (50),

the battery unit (50) is provided with:

a first fastening joint (66) that is fastened and fixedly joined to the vehicle body frame (5) at a front surface (50a) facing the front of the vehicle;

a lower battery case (52) located in front of the motor (40); and

an upper battery case (56) located above the motor (40) and the lower battery case (52),

the first fastening connection portion (66) is provided above and forward of the motor (40) and overlaps a vehicle width Center (CL) when viewed in a vehicle front-rear direction,

the upper battery case (56) is provided with the first fastening part (66),

the lower battery case (52) is provided with at least one second fastening part (63, 65) that is fastened to the vehicle body frame (5),

the first fastening portion (66) is formed smaller than the at least one second fastening portion (63, 65) in the vehicle width direction.

2. The saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to claim 1,

the upper battery case (56) is formed smaller than the lower battery case (52) in the vehicle width direction.

3. The saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2,

the battery unit (50) is provided with a plurality of fastening parts (61) including the first fastening part (66) and fastened to the vehicle body frame (5),

the plurality of fastening portions (61) overlap a vehicle width Center (CL) when viewed in a vehicle front-rear direction.

4. The saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2,

the battery unit (50) is provided with a plurality of fastening connection parts (61) including the first fastening connection part (66) and fastened to the vehicle body frame (5),

the first fastening portion (66) is farthest from a rotation center (O) of the motor (40) among the plurality of fastening portions (61).

5. The saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2,

the first fastening connection portion (66) is disposed in an uppermost region of the battery unit (50) when the battery unit is divided into three portions in the height direction of the vehicle.

6. A saddle-ride type electric vehicle is provided with:

a motor (40) for driving the vehicle;

the battery unit (50) is provided with a first fastening part (66) which is fastened to the vehicle body frame (5) on the front surface (50a) facing the front of the vehicle,

the first fastening portion (66) is provided above and forward of the motor (40) and overlaps a vehicle width Center (CL) when viewed in the vehicle front-rear direction,

the vehicle body frame (5) is provided with:

a head pipe (16) that supports the front wheel (2) so as to be able to steer;

a pair of left and right main frames (17) extending rearward from the head pipe (16);

a downward frame (19) extending downward from the head pipe (16); and

a cross member (21) that connects the pair of main frames (17) and the down frame (19) at a position above the motor (40),

the first fastening connection portion (66) is surrounded by the main frame (17), the down frame (19), and the cross member (21) in a side view seen in the vehicle width direction.

7. The straddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 6,

the battery unit (50) is provided with:

a lower battery case (52) located in front of the motor (40); and

8. The saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to claim 6 or 7,

the plurality of fastening portions (61) overlap a vehicle width Center (CL) when viewed from the front-rear direction of the vehicle.

9. The saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to claim 6 or 7,

10. The saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to claim 6 or 7,

11. A saddle-ride type electric vehicle is provided with:

a motor (40) for driving the vehicle;

the motor (40) is provided with an upper fastening connection part (45) and a lower fastening connection part (44) which are fastened and connected to the vehicle body frame (5),

the upper fastening portion (45) is formed smaller than the lower fastening portion (44) in the vehicle width direction.

12. The saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to claim 11,

the battery unit (50) is provided with:

a lower battery case (52) located in front of the motor (40); and

13. The saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to claim 11 or 12,

14. The saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to claim 11 or 12,

15. The saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to claim 11 or 12,

the first fastening connection portion (66) is disposed in an uppermost region of the battery unit (50) when the battery unit is divided into three parts in the height direction of the vehicle.