JP2020097312A - Electric saddle-riding type vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

To increase a battery mounting space to extend a range of an electric saddle-riding type vehicle.SOLUTION: An electric saddle-riding type vehicle 1 includes: an electric motor; a motor case 14 which houses the electric motor; a control device which controls the electric motor; a battery which supplies electric power to the electric motor; a battery case which houses the battery; and a cooling mechanism which cools at least one of the electric motor and the control device. The cooling mechanism includes: a cooling pump 17 which circulates a coolant; and a heat exchanger 22 which cools the coolant. The heat exchanger 22 is disposed behind the battery case and the battery case is disposed in front of the motor case 14. The control device is attached to a front surface of the motor case 14 and the cooling pump 17 is attached to a side surface of the motor case 14. An interior of the motor case 14 is provided with a coolant passage 105 in which the coolant flows.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

The present invention relates to an electric saddle riding type vehicle that travels by a driving force generated by an electric motor.

BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, an electric saddle riding type vehicle such as an electric motorcycle has an electric motor that drives rear wheels and a battery that supplies electric power to the electric motor. In such an electric saddle riding type vehicle, when the rear wheels are driven by the electric motor, the electric motor generates heat. Therefore, the cooling mechanism having the heat exchanger is used to cool the electric motor.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cooling structure in which a heat exchanger is arranged outside a case of an electric motor so that traveling wind can pass therethrough.

International Publication No. 2012/063293

In order to extend the cruising range of the electric saddle type vehicle, it is required to increase the number of batteries or increase the size of the batteries. In order to meet such a demand, it is necessary to increase the battery mounting space.

However, conventionally, since the heat exchanger is arranged in front of the battery arranged on the inner side in the left-right direction of the vehicle body frame, the heat exchanger deprives the battery mounting space, thereby increasing the battery mounting space. Was getting difficult. Further, when the heat exchanger is arranged in front of the battery as described above, when the electric motor is arranged behind the battery, the piping for connecting the electric motor and the heat exchanger deprives the battery mounting space. Therefore, it has become more difficult to increase the battery mounting space.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to increase the battery mounting space and extend the cruising range of an electric saddle type vehicle.

An electric saddle riding type vehicle according to the present invention includes a vehicle body frame, rear wheels arranged behind the vehicle body frame, an electric motor for driving the rear wheels, a motor case for accommodating the electric motor, and the electric motor. A control device that controls the motor, a battery that supplies electric power to the electric motor, a battery case that accommodates the battery inside the body frame in the left-right direction, and a cooling that cools at least one of the electric motor and the control device. A mechanism, the cooling mechanism includes a cooling pump that circulates a cooling liquid, and a heat exchanger that cools the cooling liquid, the heat exchanger being disposed behind the battery case, the battery A case is arranged in front of the motor case, the control device is attached to a front surface of the motor case, the cooling pump is attached to a side surface of the motor case, and a cooling liquid is provided inside the motor case. Is provided with a cooling passage.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the mounting space of a battery can be increased and the cruising range of an electric saddle type vehicle can be extended.

1 is a left side view showing an electric motorcycle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a front upper part of an electric motorcycle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a left side view showing the rear part of the electric motorcycle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing a motor case and its peripheral portion in the electric motorcycle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a motor case and its peripheral portion in the electric motorcycle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the flow of cooling liquid in the electric motorcycle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a cooling passage in the electric motorcycle according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a front view showing the flow of cooling liquid in the electric motorcycle according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a front view showing the flow of cooling liquid in the electric motorcycle according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

In the electric saddle riding type vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention, the heat exchanger is arranged behind the battery case. By adopting such an arrangement, it is possible to prevent the battery mounting space from being taken away by the heat exchanger, so that it is possible to increase the battery mounting space and extend the cruising range of the electric saddle type vehicle. it can.

Further, in the electric saddle riding type vehicle according to the embodiment of the present invention, not only the heat exchanger is arranged behind the battery case as described above, but also the battery case is arranged in front of the motor case, The device is mounted on the front surface of the motor case, the cooling pump is mounted on the side surface of the motor case, and the cooling passage is provided inside the motor case. By adopting such an arrangement, the cooling pump, the heat exchanger, the control device, and the electric motor (hereinafter, referred to as “cooling pump etc.”) can be brought close to the cooling passage, and the cooling pump etc. and the cooling passage are connected. Pipes and passages can be shortened. Along with this, it is possible to prevent the battery mounting space from being taken away by the pipes and passages that connect the cooling pump and the cooling passages, so that the battery mounting space can be further increased and the cruising range of the electric saddle type vehicle Can be further extended.

<First embodiment>
(Electric motorcycle 1)
Hereinafter, an electric motorcycle 1 (an example of an electric saddle type vehicle) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. Hereinafter, the terms indicating directions such as front and rear, left and right, and up and down are based on the direction viewed from the rider of the electric motorcycle 1. Arrows Fr, Rr, L, R, U, and Lo that are appropriately attached to the respective figures indicate front, rear, left, right, upper, and lower of the electric motorcycle 1, respectively. A two-dot chain line M appropriately attached to each drawing indicates a center line of the electric motorcycle 1 in the left-right direction.

Referring to FIG. 1, an electric motorcycle 1 includes a vehicle body frame 2, a steering mechanism 3 and front wheels 4 arranged in front of the vehicle body frame 2, a cover 5 arranged above the vehicle body frame 2, and a vehicle body frame 2. A swing arm 6, a rear wheel 7, a pivot shaft 8 and an electric motor 9 arranged rearward of the vehicle, a connecting mechanism 13 for connecting the electric motor 9 and the rear wheel 7, a motor case 14 for housing the electric motor 9, and a motor. A controller 15 arranged in front of the case 14, a pair of left and right footrests 16 arranged on the side of the motor case 14, a cooling pump 17 arranged on the left of the motor case 14, and an upper part of the motor case 14. The rear suspension 18 and the link mechanism 19, the seat rail 21 and the heat exchanger 22 arranged above the rear suspension 18 and the link mechanism 19, and the plurality of motor rails arranged in front of the motor case 14 and the seat rail 21. The battery 23 and the battery case 24 accommodating each battery 23 are mainly configured. The cooling pump 17 and the heat exchanger 22 form a cooling mechanism 25 that cools the electric motor 9 and the control device 15. Hereinafter, each of the above components will be described in order.

(Body frame 2)
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle body frame 2 is, for example, a twin spar frame. The vehicle body frame 2 includes a head pipe 26 and a pair of left and right main frames 27 that branch left and right from the head pipe 26 and extend rearward.

An intake port 31 is provided on the front surface of the vehicle body frame 2 for introducing the traveling wind. Inside the body frame 2, an air guide passage 32 for guiding the traveling wind introduced from the intake port 31 rearward is provided. A filter 37 for removing foreign matters such as water and dust from traveling wind is arranged in the air guide passage 32.

(Steering mechanism 3 and front wheels 4)
1 and 2, the steering mechanism 3 includes a pair of left and right tubes 41, a lower bridge 42 that connects the pair of left and right tubes 41, a steering shaft 43 that extends upward from the lower bridge 42, and a steering shaft. A top bridge 44 attached to the upper end portion of 43 and a pair of left and right handles 45 attached to the top bridge 44 are provided. The front wheel 4 is rotatably attached to the lower end of each tube 41. As a result, the steering mechanism 3 rotatably supports the front wheels 4. The steering shaft 43 is inserted in the head pipe 26. As a result, the steering mechanism 3 is pivotally supported by the head pipe 26.

(Cover 5)
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cover 5 is provided separately from the vehicle body frame 2, and is detachably attached to the vehicle body frame 2. The cover 5 covers the upper surface of the battery case 24, and by removing the cover 5 from the vehicle body frame 2, the batteries 23 housed in the battery case 24 can be replaced.

The cover 5 extends in the front-rear direction from above the battery case 24 to above the seat rail 21. A rider seat 57 on which a rider sits is fixed to the upper surface of the rear end of the cover 5.

(Swing arm 6, rear wheel 7 and pivot shaft 8)
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the swing arm 6 includes a base portion 61 extending in the left-right direction, a pair of left and right rear arm portions 62 extending rearward from the base portion 61, and a front portion extending from the base portion 61. And a pair of left and right front arm portions 63 that extend. The rear wheel 7 is rotatably attached to the rear end of each rear arm 62. As a result, the swing arm 6 rotatably supports the rear wheel 7. The front end portion of each front arm portion 63 is attached to the pivot shaft 8. As a result, the pivot shaft 8 supports the swing arm 6 swingably.

(Electric motor 9)
With reference to FIG. 3, the electric motor 9 is arranged inside the front arm portions 63 of the swing arm 6 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the left and right sides of the electric motor 9 are covered by the front arm portions 63 of the swing arm 6, and the rear side of the electric motor 9 is covered by the base portion 61 of the swing arm 6.

The electric motor 9 is arranged above the lower ends of the main frames 27 of the vehicle body frame 2. The front end of the electric motor 9 is located rearward of the front end of the pivot shaft 8. The upper end of the electric motor 9 is located below the upper end of the pivot shaft 8.

The electric motor 9 includes a motor shaft 65. The motor shaft 65 extends in the left-right direction. The motor shaft 65 is arranged below and behind the pivot shaft 8.

(Connecting mechanism 13)
Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the connection mechanism 13 includes a drive sprocket 81 (an example of a driving member), a driven sprocket 82 (an example of a driven member) disposed behind the drive sprocket 81, and a drive sprocket 81. A chain 83 (an example of a transmission member) wound around the driven sprocket 82. The drive sprocket 81 is connected to the motor shaft 65 of the electric motor 9 via a transmission gear (not shown). The drive sprocket 81 rotates around the rotation shaft 81a. The driven sprocket 82 is fixed to the rear wheel 7.

(Motor case 14)
With reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the entire motor case 14 is integrally formed of a metal such as aluminum. The motor case 14 is arranged behind each main frame 27 of the vehicle body frame 2.

Referring to FIG. 3, electric motor 9 is housed in the lower portion of motor case 14. An openable/closable lid (not shown) is attached to the motor case 14, and the electric motor 9 can be taken out from the motor case 14 by opening the lid.

A swing arm mounting hole 91 is provided in the front portion of the motor case 14. The swing arm mounting hole 91 extends from the right side surface to the left side surface of the motor case 14. The pivot shaft 8 extends through the swing arm mounting hole 91 in the left-right direction. As a result, the swing arm 6 is attached to the front portion of the motor case 14 via the pivot shaft 8. The swing arm mounting hole 91 is arranged in front of the motor shaft 65 of the electric motor 9.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, four projecting portions 92 projecting forward are provided at four corners of the front surface of motor case 14. A vehicle body frame mounting hole 93 is provided in the front surface of each protruding portion 92 along the front-rear direction. That is, the motor case 14 is provided with a total of four vehicle body frame mounting holes 93. Each protrusion 92 is attached to the rear surface of each main frame 27 of the vehicle body frame 2 by a bolt (not shown) inserted in each vehicle body frame attachment hole 93. Each vehicle body frame mounting hole 93 is arranged in front of the swing arm mounting hole 91. The positions of the vehicle body frame mounting holes 93 in the front-rear direction are substantially aligned with the front surface of the control device 15.

Referring to FIG. 6, four control device mounting holes 94 are provided at the center of the upper portion, the center of the lower portion, the lower left portion and the lower right portion of the front surface of motor case 14. Each control device mounting hole 94 is arranged on the inner side in the left-right direction and on the inner side in the up-down direction than each body frame mounting hole 93.

A pair of upper and lower footrest mounting holes 95 are provided on the left side and the right side of the front surface of the motor case 14. The footrest mounting holes 95 are arranged inward in the left-right direction and inward in the up-down direction with respect to the vehicle-body frame mounting holes 93.

A pair of left and right seat rail mounting bosses 96 are provided on the front end portion of the upper surface of the motor case 14. Each seat rail mounting boss 96 projects upward from each projecting portion 92 provided at the upper right corner and the upper left corner of the front surface of the motor case 14. At the front center of the upper surface of the motor case 14, a seat rail mounting protrusion 97 is provided behind each seat rail mounting boss 96.

Referring to FIG. 5, a rear suspension mounting groove 98 is provided in the front portion of the upper surface of motor case 14. A pair of left and right link mechanism mounting protrusions 99 is provided at the rear end of the upper surface of the motor case 14 behind the rear suspension mounting groove 98. A pair of upper and lower cooling pump mounting holes 103 are provided rearward at the front part of the left side surface of the motor case 14.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a cooling passage 105 through which a cooling liquid (for example, water or oil) flows is provided inside the front portion of motor case 14. 4 and 6 indicates the flow direction of the cooling liquid. Hereinafter, when describing the cooling passage 105 as “upstream side” or “downstream side”, it indicates “upstream side” or “downstream side” in the flow direction of the cooling liquid.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the cooling passage 105 includes a first passage 106 provided in a right side portion (a portion on one side in the left-right direction) of the motor case 14 and a left side portion of the motor case 14 (the other side in the left-right direction). A second passage 107 provided in a portion).

The first passage 106 of the cooling passage 105 is a passage through which the cooling liquid cooled by the heat exchanger 22 and having a relatively low temperature flows. The first passage 106 includes a first upper passage 111, a first lower passage 112 arranged below the first upper passage 111 (downstream side), a first upper passage 111 and a first lower passage 112. And a first connection passage 113 for connection.

The first upper passage 111 of the first passage 106 is provided in the upper portion of the motor case 14. The first upper passage 111 has a first upper jacket 115 and a return passage 116 extending upward from the first upper jacket 115. The first upper jacket 115 has a larger passage area (the area in the direction orthogonal to the flow direction of the cooling liquid) than the first connection passage 113. A plurality of bosses 115a (only a part of which are shown in FIG. 7) extending in the front-rear direction penetrate the first upper jacket 115.

The first lower passage 112 of the first passage 106 is provided in the lower portion of the motor case 14. The first lower passage 112 includes a lower jacket 117, an outflow passage 118 extending from the lower left end of the lower jacket 117 toward the left side, and a first lower passage extending from the lower left end of the lower jacket 117 toward the rear side. And an auxiliary passage 119. The lower jacket 117 has a passage area larger than that of the first connection passage 113. A plurality of bosses 117a (only a part of which are shown in FIG. 7) extending in the front-rear direction penetrate the lower jacket 117. A first temperature sensor 120 is provided at a lower left end portion of the lower jacket 117 (a branch portion between the outflow passage 118 and the first auxiliary passage 119).

The first connection passage 113 of the first passage 106 extends in the up-down direction and connects the lower end of the first upper jacket 115 and the upper end of the lower jacket 117. The first connection passage 113 passes in front of the pivot shaft 8 and is curved in an arc shape toward the front so as to avoid the pivot shaft 8.

The second passage 107 of the cooling passage 105 is a passage through which a cooling liquid that has cooled the electric motor 9 and the controller 15 and has a relatively high temperature flows. The second passage 107 includes a second lower passage 121, a second upper passage 122 arranged on the upper side (downstream side) of the second lower passage 121, a second lower passage 121, and a second upper passage 122. And a second connection passage 123 that connects to each other.

The second lower passage 121 of the second passage 107 is provided in the lower portion of the motor case 14. The second lower passage 121 includes a suction passage 125, a discharge passage 126 provided above the suction passage 125 with a gap from the suction passage 125, an inflow passage 127 extending from the suction passage 125 to the right, and an inflow passage. A second auxiliary passage 128 extending from the right side of 127 toward the rear side. A second temperature sensor 129 is provided at a lower right end portion of the suction passage 125 (a portion on the downstream side of the branch portion between the inflow passage 127 and the second auxiliary passage 128). A connection port 130 is provided on the front surface of the suction passage 125. The connection port 130 is closed by a cap 131. The right end portion of the inflow passage 127 is connected to the left end portion of the outflow passage 118 via the control device cooling passage X that passes through the inside of the control device 15. The second auxiliary passage 128 is connected to the first auxiliary passage 119 via an electric motor cooling passage Y that passes through the inside of the rear portion of the motor case 14.

The second upper passage 122 of the second passage 107 is provided in the upper portion of the motor case 14. The second upper passage 122 has a second upper jacket 132 and a feed passage 133 extending upward from the second upper jacket 132. The second upper jacket 132 has a passage area larger than that of the second connection passage 123. A plurality of bosses 132a (only a part of which is shown in FIG. 7) extending in the front-rear direction penetrate the second upper jacket 132. The second upper jacket 132 is connected to the first upper jacket 115 via a communication passage 134 extending in the left-right direction. The communication path 134 is closed by a plug 135.

The second connection passage 123 of the second passage 107 extends in the vertical direction, and connects the upper end portion of the discharge passage 126 and the lower end portion of the second upper jacket 132. The second connection passage 123 passes in front of the pivot shaft 8 and is curved forward in an arc shape so as to avoid the pivot shaft 8.

(Control device 15)
With reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the control device 15 is configured by, for example, a PDU (Power Drive Unit), or an integrated PDU (Power Drive Unit) and ECU (Electrical Control Unit). It is composed by. The control device 15 is connected to the electric motor 9 via wiring (not shown) and controls the electric motor 9.

The controller 15 is arranged between the motor case 14 and the battery case 24. The control device 15 is arranged inward in the left-right direction and inward in the up-down direction with respect to the vehicle body frame mounting holes 93 of the motor case 14.

A pair of left and right mounting pieces 136 projects from the lower portions of both side surfaces of the control device 15. The upper center, the lower center, and the mounting pieces 136 of the control device 15 are mounted in the control device mounting holes 94 (see FIG. 6) of the motor case 14 by bolts (not shown).

(Each footrest 16)
With reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, each footrest 16 includes a bracket 137 extending in the front-rear direction, and a step 138 attached to the rear end portion of the bracket 137.

The bracket 137 of each footrest 16 includes a base piece 139 and a pair of upper and lower arm pieces 140 extending forward from the base piece 139. Each arm piece 140 passes above and below the pivot shaft 8 in a side view of the vehicle. The front end of each arm piece 140 is bent inward in the left-right direction, and is arranged outside the controller 15 in the left-right direction. The front end of each arm piece 140 is attached to each footrest attachment hole 95 (see FIG. 6) of the motor case 14 by a bolt (not shown).

3 to 5, step 138 of each footrest 16 is a portion on which the rider's foot is placed. The step 138 projects outward from the base piece 139 of the bracket 137 in the left-right direction, and is arranged on the outer side in the left-right direction of the motor case 14.

(Cooling pump 17)
With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the cooling pump 17 is, for example, an electric type. The cooling pump 17 is arranged below the pivot shaft 8 and the swing arm mounting hole 91 of the motor case 14. The cooling pump 17 is arranged along the left side surface of the motor case 14.

The cooling pump 17 includes a pump shaft 144, a fan 145 provided on the outer periphery of the pump shaft 144, a pump case 146 that houses the pump shaft 144 and the fan 145, and a suction pipe 147 that extends forward from the pump case 146. A discharge pipe 148 extending upward from the pump case 146 and a mounting plate 149 protruding forward from the discharge pipe 148 are provided.

The pump shaft 144 of the cooling pump 17 extends in the left-right direction. The pump shaft 144 is disposed rearward of the pivot shaft 8 and forward of the rotary shaft 81a of the drive sprocket 81.

The suction pipe 147 of the cooling pump 17 is inserted into the cooling pump mounting hole 103 below the motor case 14 from the rear side. The discharge pipe 148 of the cooling pump 17 is inserted from the rear into the cooling pump mounting hole 103 on the upper side of the motor case 14. The mounting plate 149 of the cooling pump 17 is mounted on the left side surface of the motor case 14 with bolts (not shown).

With reference to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the suction pipe 147 of the cooling pump 17 is connected to the suction passage 125 of the second lower passage 121. The discharge pipe 148 of the cooling pump 17 is connected to the discharge passage 126 of the second lower passage 121.

(Rear suspension 18 and link mechanism 19)
Referring to FIG. 3, rear suspension 18 is arranged above electric motor 9 and below seat rail 21. That is, the rear suspension 18 is arranged between the electric motor 9 and the seat rail 21.

With reference to FIG. 5, the lower end of the rear suspension 18 is inserted into the rear suspension mounting groove 98 of the motor case 14, and is mounted on the upper surface of the motor case 14 by bolts and nuts (neither is shown). There is.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the link mechanism 19 includes a link bracket 151 and a link arm 152 extending downward from the link bracket 151.

The front end portion of the link bracket 151 of the link mechanism 19 is attached to the upper end portion of the rear suspension 18 with bolts and nuts (both not shown). The rear end portion of the link bracket 151 is attached to the upper end portion of the base portion 61 of the swing arm 6 by a bolt and a nut (neither is shown).

The upper end of the link arm 152 of the link mechanism 19 is attached to the lower part of the link bracket 151 by a bolt and a nut (neither is shown). The lower end of the link arm 152 is inserted between the link mechanism attachment protrusions 99 of the motor case 14, and is attached to the link mechanism attachment protrusions 99 by bolts and nuts (neither is shown).

(Seat rail 21 and heat exchanger 22)
With reference to FIGS. 2 to 4, the seat rail 21 and the heat exchanger 22 are arranged above the motor case 14. The seat rail 21 and the heat exchanger 22 are arranged behind the battery case 24 and in front of the rear wheel 7.

The upper end of the seat rail 21 is in contact with the lower surface of the rear end of the cover 5. As a result, the upper end portion of the seat rail 21 supports the rider seat 57 via the rear end portion of the cover 5.

A pair of left and right front arms 154 are provided at the lower front portion of the seat rail 21. The lower end of each front arm 154 is attached to each seat rail attachment boss 96 of the motor case 14 by a bolt (not shown). A substantially U-shaped rear arm 155 is provided at the lower rear portion of the seat rail 21. The lower end of the rear arm 155 is attached to the seat rail attachment protrusion 97 of the motor case 14 with a bolt (not shown).

4 and 6, the heat exchanger 22 is provided integrally with the seat rail 21. Inside the heat exchanger 22, a cooling space 156 through which a cooling liquid flows is provided. Hereinafter, in the description of the cooling space 156, “upstream side” or “downstream side” indicates “upstream side” or “downstream side” in the flow direction of the cooling liquid.

The cooling space 156 has an upstream chamber 157 provided on the left side of the heat exchanger 22 and a downstream chamber 158 provided on the right side of the heat exchanger 22. The lower end portion (upstream end portion) of the upstream chamber 157 is connected to the feed passage 133 of the second upper passage 122 via the feed pipe 161. The upper end portion (downstream end portion) of the upstream chamber 157 and the upper end portion (upstream end portion) of the downstream chamber 158 communicate with each other through a communication port 159. The lower end portion (downstream end portion) of the downstream chamber 158 is connected to the return passage 116 of the first upper passage 111 via the return pipe 162.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the heat exchanger 22 is provided with a plurality of through holes 163. Each through hole 163 extends from the front surface to the rear surface of the heat exchanger 22 and penetrates the upstream chamber 157 and the downstream chamber 158 of the cooling space 156.

(Each battery 23 and battery case 24)
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, each battery 23 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Each battery 23 is composed of, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery. Each battery 23 is detachably accommodated in a battery case 24. Each battery 23 is connected to the electric motor 9 via wiring (not shown) and supplies electric power to the electric motor 9.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery case 24 is arranged between the main frames 27 of the vehicle body frame 2 behind the head pipe 26 of the vehicle body frame 2. That is, the battery case 24 is arranged inside the main frames 27 of the vehicle body frame 2 in the left-right direction. The battery case 24 is arranged in front of the pivot shaft 8. The battery case 24 occupies most of the space between the front wheel 4 and the motor case 14.

The upper surface of the battery case 24 is disposed above each main frame 27 of the vehicle body frame 2, and is located at substantially the same height as the rider seat 57. The lower surface of the battery case 24 is disposed below each main frame 27 of the vehicle body frame 2, and is located at substantially the same height as the minimum ground clearance of the electric motorcycle 1. The lower part of the front surface of the battery case 24 is curved in an arc shape so as to avoid the front wheel 4.

A front introduction port 164 for introducing traveling wind from the air guide passage 32 of the vehicle body frame 2 into the internal space of the battery case 24 is provided at an upper portion of the front surface of the battery case 24. On both side surfaces of the battery case 24, a pair of left and right side inlets 165 for introducing traveling wind from the air guide passage 32 of the vehicle body frame 2 into the internal space of the battery case 24 are provided behind and below the front inlet 164. It is provided. A discharge port 166 for discharging the traveling wind introduced from the introduction ports 164, 165 is provided at the upper portion of the rear surface of the battery case 24 at substantially the same height as the front introduction port 164. The discharge port 166 is arranged in front of the heat exchanger 22.

(Running of the electric motorcycle 1)
When the electric motorcycle 1 travels, the motor shaft 65 of the electric motor 9 is rotated by the electric power supplied from each battery 23 to the electric motor 9. When the motor shaft 65 of the electric motor 9 thus rotates, this rotation is transmitted to the drive sprocket 81 via a transmission gear (not shown), and the drive sprocket 81 rotates. When the drive sprocket 81 rotates in this way, this rotation is transmitted to the driven sprocket 82 via the chain 83, and the driven sprocket 82 and the rear wheel 7 rotate integrally. As described above, the electric motor 9 drives the rear wheel 7.

When the electric motorcycle 1 travels, the swing arm 6 swings about the pivot shaft 8. When the swing arm 6 swings in this way, this swing is transmitted to the rear suspension 18 via the link mechanism 19, and the rear suspension 18 expands and contracts. As a result, the swing of the swing arm 6 is relaxed.

(Cooling of the electric motor 9 and the controller 15)
When the electric motorcycle 1 travels, the cooling pump 17 is driven, and the pump shaft 144 of the cooling pump 17 and the fan 145 rotate integrally. As a result, the cooling liquid flows from the suction passage 125 of the second lower passage 121 into the pump case 146 via the suction pipe 147. The cooling liquid that has flowed into the pump case 146 flows into the discharge passage 126 of the second lower passage 121 via the discharge pipe 148.

The cooling liquid that has flowed into the discharge passage 126 of the second lower passage 121 is the discharge passage 126 of the second lower passage 121, the second connection passage 123, the second upper jacket 132 of the second upper passage 122, and the second upper passage. It sequentially passes through the feed passage 133 of 122 and flows into the upstream chamber 157 of the cooling space 156 via the feed pipe 161. The cooling liquid flowing into the upstream chamber 157 of the cooling space 156 passes through the upstream chamber 157 of the cooling space 156 and flows into the downstream chamber 158 of the cooling space 156 via the communication port 159. The cooling liquid that has flowed into the downstream chamber 158 of the cooling space 156 passes through the downstream chamber 158 of the cooling space 156 and flows into the return passage 116 of the first upper passage 111 via the return pipe 162. In this way, the cooling liquid sequentially passes through the upstream chamber 157 and the downstream chamber 158 of the cooling space 156, whereby the cooling liquid is cooled by the heat exchanger 22.

The cooling liquid that has flowed into the return passage 116 of the first upper passage 111 receives the return passage 116 of the first upper passage 111, the first upper jacket 115 of the first upper passage 111, the first connection passage 113, and the first lower passage 112. The lower jacket 117 is sequentially passed. A part of the cooling liquid that has passed through the lower jacket 117 of the first lower passage 112 sequentially passes through the outflow passage 118 of the first lower passage 112 and the control device cooling passage X. As a result, the controller 15 is cooled by the cooling liquid. The cooling liquid that has passed through the control device cooling passage X passes through the inflow passage 127 of the second lower passage 121 and flows into the suction passage 125 of the second lower passage 121.

Another part of the cooling liquid that has passed through the lower jacket 117 of the first lower passage 112 sequentially passes through the first auxiliary passage 119 of the first lower passage 112 and the electric motor cooling passage Y. As a result, the electric motor 9 is cooled by the cooling liquid. The coolant that has passed through the electric motor cooling passage Y sequentially passes through the second auxiliary passage 128 of the second lower passage 121 and the inflow passage 127 of the second lower passage 121, and then the suction passage of the second lower passage 121. It flows into 125.

The cooling water flowing into the suction passage 125 of the second lower passage 121 sequentially passes through the suction passage 125 and the suction pipe 147 of the second lower passage 121, and then flows into the pump case 146 again. In this way, the cooling pump 17 circulates the cooling liquid.

As described above, in this embodiment, the cooling mechanism 25 including the cooling pump 17 and the heat exchanger 22 cools the electric motor 9 and the control device 15.

(effect)
In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 22 is arranged behind the battery case 24. By adopting such an arrangement, it is possible to prevent the heat exchanger 22 from depriving the mounting space of each battery 23, so that the mounting space of each battery 23 is increased and the cruising range of the electric motorcycle 1 is increased. It can be postponed.

In addition, in the present embodiment, not only the heat exchanger 22 is arranged behind the battery case 24 as described above, but the battery case 24 is arranged in front of the motor case 14, and the control device 15 is arranged in the motor case 14. The cooling pump 17 is attached to the left side surface of the motor case 14, and the cooling passage 105 is provided inside the motor case 14. By adopting such an arrangement, the cooling pump 17, the heat exchanger 22, the control device 15, and the electric motor 9 (hereinafter referred to as “cooling pump 17 etc.”) can be brought close to the cooling passage 105, and the cooling pump It is possible to shorten the pipes and passages that connect 17 and the like to the cooling passage 105. Along with this, it is possible to prevent the installation space for each battery 23 from being taken away by the pipes and passages that connect the cooling pump 17 and the like to the cooling passage 105, so that the installation space for each battery 23 is further increased, and the electric motorcycle The cruising range of 1 can be further extended.

Further, as described above, it is possible to shorten the pipes and passages that connect the cooling pump 17 and the like to the cooling passage 105, so that it is possible to shorten the entire length of the cooling liquid circulation passage. Therefore, the circulation speed of the cooling liquid can be increased, and the cooling efficiency for the cooling liquid by the heat exchanger 22 can be improved.

Further, the cooling passage 105 includes a feed passage 133 for sending the cooling liquid to the heat exchanger 22, a return passage 116 for returning the cooling liquid from the heat exchanger 22, and an outflow passage 118 for flowing the cooling liquid to the control device 15. , The inflow passage 127 through which the cooling liquid flows from the control device 15, the feed passage 133 and the return passage 116 are provided in the upper portion of the motor case 14, and the outflow passage 118 and the inflow passage 127 are provided in the motor case 14. It is provided at the bottom. By adopting such an arrangement, the pipes and passages that connect the heat exchanger 22 and the control device 15 to the cooling passages 105 can be further shortened, the mounting space for each battery 23 can be further increased, and the electric motorcycle 1 The cruising range can be further extended.

The heat exchanger 22 is provided integrally with the seat rail 21. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the number of parts and the number of assembling steps of the electric motorcycle 1 as compared with the case where the seat rail 21 and the heat exchanger 22 are provided separately. Further, the seat rail 21 integrally provided with the heat exchanger 22 is arranged in the space above the motor case 14 where the density of components is relatively low. By adopting such an arrangement, it is possible to increase the size of the heat exchanger 22 and improve the cooling efficiency of the heat exchanger 22 with respect to the cooling liquid.

The seat rail 21 is attached to the motor case 14, and the motor case 14 is attached to the vehicle body frame 2. By adopting such a configuration, since the seat rail 21 can be attached to the motor case 14 in advance and then the motor case 14 can be attached to the vehicle body frame 2, the assembling property of the electric motorcycle 1 is improved. Further, by mounting the seat rail 21 on the motor case 14 having a relatively high rigidity, the mounting strength of the seat rail 21 can be improved, so that the durability of the heat exchanger 22 provided integrally with the seat rail 21 is also improved. Can be made. Further, since the cooling passage 105 provided inside the motor case 14 and the heat exchanger 22 can be brought close to each other, the feed pipe 161 and the return pipe 162 connecting the cooling passage 105 and the heat exchanger 22 can be shortened.

The first connection passage 113 passes in front of the pivot shaft 8, and the motor shaft 65 of the electric motor 9 is arranged rearward of the pivot shaft 8. By adopting such an arrangement, even if the pivot shaft 8 penetrates the motor case 14, the first connection passage 113 allows the first upper passage 111 and the first lower passage to be formed without increasing the size of the motor case 14. The passage 112 can be connected. Further, since the first connection passage 113 passes through the opposite side of the electric motor 9 with the pivot shaft 8 interposed therebetween, the degree of freedom in arrangement of the electric motor 9 is improved, and the degree of freedom in layout of the electric motorcycle 1 is also improved. .. It should be noted that such an effect is similarly exhibited in the second connection passage 123.

Further, the first upper passage 111 has a first upper jacket 115 having a passage area larger than that of the first connection passage 113, and the first upper jacket 115 has a plurality of bosses 115a penetrating therethrough. By adopting such a configuration, the hollow space in the motor case 14 is increased by the first upper jacket 115 to reduce the weight of the motor case 14, and the strength of the motor case 14 is secured by the plurality of bosses 115a. You can Further, as the plurality of bosses 115a penetrate the first upper jacket 115 as described above, the surface area of the first upper jacket 115 can be increased and the cooling performance of the motor case 14 by the cooling liquid can be improved. it can. It should be noted that such an effect is similarly exerted on the lower jacket 117 and the second upper jacket 132.

Further, first and second upper jackets 115 and 132 are provided on the upper part of the motor case 14, and a lower jacket is provided on the right side of the lower part of the motor case 14 (the side opposite to the side on which the cooling pump 17 is arranged). 117 is provided. That is, the motor case 14 is provided with a total of three jackets. Therefore, the weight reduction of the motor case 14 can be further promoted.

Further, the cooling pump 17 is arranged below the pivot shaft 8. By adopting such an arrangement, the cooling pump 17 which is a heavy object can be arranged at a position as low as possible in the electric motorcycle 1, and the traveling stability of the electric motorcycle 1 is improved.

Further, the pump shaft 144 of the cooling pump 17 is arranged behind the pivot shaft 8 and ahead of the rotary shaft 81 a of the drive sprocket 81. By adopting such an arrangement, the pump shaft 144 of the cooling pump 17 can be brought close to the drive sprocket 81. Therefore, when the mechanical cooling pump 17 is used, the drive train can be branched from the drive sprocket 81, and the driving of the cooling pump 17 can be easily ensured.

Further, the first temperature sensor 120 is provided at a branch portion between the outflow passage 118 and the first auxiliary passage 119. Therefore, the temperature of the cooling liquid immediately before flowing into the control device 15 and the temperature of the cooling liquid immediately before flowing into the electric motor 9 can be detected by one temperature sensor, which makes the temperature detecting mechanism of the cooling liquid complicated. Can be suppressed.

Further, the second temperature sensor 129 is provided on the downstream side of the branch portion between the inflow passage 127 and the second auxiliary passage 128. Therefore, the temperature of the cooling liquid immediately after flowing from the control device 15 and the temperature of the cooling liquid immediately after flowing from the electric motor 9 can be detected by one temperature sensor, which makes the cooling liquid temperature detection mechanism complicated. Can be suppressed.

(Modification)
In the present embodiment, the strength and cooling performance of the motor case 14 are improved by providing the plurality of bosses 115a penetrating the first upper jacket 115. On the other hand, in another different embodiment, the strength and cooling performance of the motor case 14 may be improved by forming the inside of the first upper jacket 115 with a lattice structure (three-dimensional lattice structure). The same applies to the lower jacket 117 and the second upper jacket 132.

In this embodiment, the drive sprocket 81 is an example of a drive member, the driven sprocket 82 is an example of a driven member, and the chain 83 is an example of a transmission member. On the other hand, in another different embodiment, the drive pulley may be an example of a driving member, the driven pulley may be an example of a driven member, and the belt wound around these pulleys may be an example of a transmission member.

In this embodiment, the cooling mechanism 25 cools both the electric motor 9 and the control device 15. On the other hand, in another different embodiment, the cooling mechanism 25 may cool only one of the electric motor 9 and the controller 15.

In this embodiment, the cooling pump 17 is an electric type. On the other hand, in another different embodiment, the cooling pump 17 may be mechanical.

In this embodiment, the configuration of the present invention is applied to the electric motorcycle 1. On the other hand, in another different embodiment, the configuration of the present invention may be applied to an electric saddle riding type vehicle other than the electric two-wheeled vehicle 1 such as an electric three-wheeled vehicle or an electric all-terrain vehicle.

<Second embodiment>
(Electric motorcycle 170)
Hereinafter, an electric motorcycle 170 (an example of an electric saddle type vehicle) according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The description similar to that of the electric motorcycle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be appropriately omitted.

Referring to FIG. 8, an electric motorcycle 170 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is a first and second heat exchanger, instead of the heat exchanger 22 of the electric motorcycle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 171 and 172 are provided.

(First heat exchanger 171)
The first heat exchanger 171 is provided separately from the seat rail 21. The first heat exchanger 171 includes a first block 174 and a first shaft 175 extending downward from the first block 174. The first block 174 is exposed to the outside of the motor case 14. The first block 174 is provided with many cooling fins 174a. The central portion of the first shaft 175 in the up-down direction penetrates the return passage 116 of the first upper passage 111 and closes the return passage 116 of the first upper passage 111. The lower portion of the first shaft 175 is inserted into the first upper jacket 115 of the first upper passage 111.

(Second heat exchanger 172)
The second heat exchanger 172 is provided separately from the seat rail 21. The second heat exchanger 172 includes a second block 177 and a second shaft 178 extending downward from the second block 177. The second block 177 is exposed to the outside of the motor case 14. The second block 177 is provided with a large number of cooling fins 177a. The central portion in the up-down direction of the second shaft 178 penetrates the feed passage 133 of the second upper passage 122 and closes the feed passage 133 of the second upper passage 122. The lower portion of the second shaft 178 is inserted into the second upper jacket 132 of the second upper passage 122.

(Communication path 134)
In the electric motorcycle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the communication passage 134 is closed by the plug 135, but in the electric motorcycle 170 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the communication passage 134 is closed by the plug 135. It has not come off. Therefore, the first upper jacket 115 of the first upper passage 111 and the second upper jacket 132 of the second upper passage 122 communicate with each other through the communication passage 134.

(Cooling of cooling liquid)
When the cooling pump 17 is driven, the cooling liquid sequentially passes through the second upper jacket 132 of the second upper passage 122, the communication passage 134, and the first upper jacket 115 of the first upper passage 111. As the coolant passes through the second upper jacket 132 as described above, the coolant is cooled by the second shaft 178 of the second heat exchanger 172. Further, as the cooling liquid passes through the first upper jacket 115 as described above, the cooling liquid is cooled by the first shaft 175 of the first heat exchanger 171.

<Third embodiment>
(Electric motorcycle 180)
Hereinafter, an electric motorcycle 180 (an example of an electric saddle riding type vehicle) according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 9. The description similar to that of the electric motorcycle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be appropriately omitted.

Referring to FIG. 9, an electric motorcycle 180 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a heat exchanger 181 instead of the heat exchanger 22 of the electric motorcycle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. .. The electric motorcycle 180 according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cooling passage Z in addition to the components of the electric motorcycle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

(Heat exchanger 181)
The heat exchanger 181 is provided separately from the seat rail 21 (not shown in FIG. 9). The heat exchanger 181 is composed of, for example, a radiator or an oil cooler of the type in which the cooling liquid flows in the vertical direction.

(Battery cooling passage Z)
The battery cooling passage Z passes through the inside of the battery case 24. In the battery cooling passage Z, a third temperature sensor 182 and a flow rate control valve 183 are provided upstream of the battery case 24.

The upstream end of the battery cooling passage Z branches from the return pipe 162. The downstream end of the battery cooling passage Z is connected to a connection port 130 provided in the suction passage 125 of the second lower passage 121. In the electric motorcycle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the connection port 130 is closed by the cap 131, but in the electric motorcycle 180 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the connection port 130 has the cap 131. Not blocked by.

(Cooling of the electric motor 9, the controller 15, and the batteries 23)
A part of the cooling liquid that has passed through the heat exchanger 181 flows into the return passage 116 of the first upper passage 111 via the return pipe 162. The cooling liquid flowing into the return passage 116 of the first upper passage 111 passes through the control device cooling passage X or the electric motor cooling passage Y by the same action as that of the electric motorcycle 1 according to the first embodiment, and the control device 15 and the electric motor 9 are cooled.

On the other hand, another part of the cooling liquid that has passed through the heat exchanger 181 flows into the battery cooling passage Z from the return pipe 162. The cooling liquid flowing into the battery cooling passage Z passes through the battery cooling passage Z and cools each battery 23 accommodated in the battery case 24. The cooling liquid that has passed through the battery cooling passage Z flows into the suction passage 125 of the second lower passage 121 via the connection port 130.

<First embodiment>
1 Electric motorcycle (an example of an electric saddle type vehicle)
2 Body Frame 6 Swing Arm 7 Rear Wheel 8 Pivot Shaft 9 Electric Motor 14 Motor Case 15 Controller 17 Cooling Pump 21 Seat Rail 22 Heat Exchanger 23 Battery 24 Battery Case 25 Cooling Mechanism 57 Rider Seat 65 Motor Shaft 81 Drive Sprocket (Drive) Example of member)
81a rotating shaft (of drive sprocket) 82 driven sprocket (an example of a driven member)
83 Chain (an example of transmission member)
105 cooling passage 111 first upper passage 112 first lower passage 113 first connecting passage 115 first upper jacket 115a boss 116 (first upper jacket) boss 116 return passage 117 lower jacket 117a (lower jacket) boss 118 outflow Passage 121 Second lower passage 122 Second upper passage 123 Second connection passage 127 Inflow passage 132 Second upper jacket 132a (Second upper jacket) Boss 133 Feed passage 144 Pump shaft <Second embodiment>
170 Electric motorcycle (an example of electric saddle riding type vehicle)
171 First heat exchanger 172 Second heat exchanger <Third embodiment>
180 Electric motorcycle (an example of electric saddle type vehicle)
181 heat exchanger

Claims (8)

Body frame,
Rear wheels arranged behind the body frame,
An electric motor for driving the rear wheels,
A motor case accommodating the electric motor,
A control device for controlling the electric motor,
A battery for supplying electric power to the electric motor,
A battery case accommodating the battery inside the body frame in the left-right direction,
A cooling mechanism for cooling at least one of the electric motor or the control device,
The cooling mechanism is
A cooling pump that circulates a cooling liquid,
A heat exchanger for cooling the cooling liquid,
The heat exchanger is arranged behind the battery case,
The battery case is arranged in front of the motor case,
The control device is attached to the front surface of the motor case,
The cooling pump is attached to a side surface of the motor case,
An electric saddle-ride type vehicle characterized in that a cooling passage through which a cooling liquid flows is provided inside the motor case. The heat exchanger is arranged above the motor case,
The cooling passage is
A feed passage for sending a cooling liquid to the heat exchanger,
A return passage through which the coolant returns from the heat exchanger,
An outflow passage through which the cooling liquid flows out to the control device,
An inflow passage through which the cooling liquid flows from the control device,
The feed passage and the return passage are provided in an upper portion of the motor case,
The electric saddle type vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the outflow passage and the inflow passage are provided in a lower portion of the motor case. A rider seat,
A seat rail for supporting the rider seat,
The seat rail is disposed above the motor case,
The electric saddle riding type vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heat exchanger is provided integrally with the seat rail. The seat rail is attached to the motor case,
The electric saddle type vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the motor case is attached to the vehicle body frame. A swing arm that rotatably supports the rear wheel,
A pivot shaft that swingably supports the swing arm,
The swing arm is attached to the motor case via the pivot shaft,
The cooling passage is
An upper passage provided at an upper portion of the motor case,
A lower passage provided in a lower portion of the motor case,
A connection passage connecting the upper passage and the lower passage,
The connection passage passes in front of the pivot shaft,
The electric saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a motor shaft of the electric motor is arranged rearward of the pivot shaft. At least one of the upper passage or the lower passage has a jacket having a passage area larger than that of the connection passage,
The electric saddle-ride type vehicle according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of bosses pass through the jacket. A swing arm that rotatably supports the rear wheel,
A pivot shaft that swingably supports the swing arm,
The swing arm is attached to the motor case via the pivot shaft,
The electric saddle-ride type vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cooling pump is arranged below the pivot shaft. A drive member connected to the electric motor,
A driven member attached to the rear wheel,
A transmission member wound around the driving member and the driven member,
The electric saddle type vehicle according to claim 7, wherein a pump shaft of the cooling pump is arranged behind the pivot shaft and in front of a rotation shaft of the drive member.

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