WO2024201845A1 - Straddle-type electric vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A straddle-type electric vehicle 1 comprising a battery 2, an electric motor 3, a motor control unit 4, and a seat 5. The battery 2 is disposed such that the front end part of the battery 2 is positioned farther forward in a vehicle longitudinal direction than the front end part of the seat 5. The battery 2 is disposed such that at least a part thereof is positioned higher in a vehicle vertical direction than the upper end part of the electric motor 3 and is positioned higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end part of the motor control unit 4. The electric motor 3 is disposed such that at least a part thereof is positioned lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end part of the battery 2 and is positioned higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end part of the motor control unit 4. The motor control unit 4 is disposed such that at least a part thereof is positioned lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end part of the battery 2 and is positioned lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end part of the electric motor 3.

Description

Saddle-type electric vehicle

This invention relates to a saddle-type electric vehicle that includes an electric motor, a battery, and a motor control unit and is driven by the electric motor.

Traditionally, saddle-type electric vehicles in which the drive wheels are driven by an electric motor are known, as shown in, for example, Patent Document 1. The saddle-type electric vehicle includes an electric motor, a battery, and a motor control unit.

The electric motor, battery, and motor control unit are large in size and weight. In the saddle-type electric vehicle of Patent Document 1, in order to prevent the vehicle from becoming too large, the electric motor and motor control unit are positioned lower than the battery in the vertical direction of the vehicle, and the motor control unit is positioned forward of the electric motor in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

JP 2015-89757 A

The electric motor, battery, and motor control unit are components that generate heat and need to be cooled efficiently. In saddle-type electric vehicles, the layout of the electric motor, battery, and motor control unit leaves room for improvement in terms of cooling efficiency.

The object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-type electric vehicle that can improve the cooling efficiency of the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit by optimizing the layout of the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit.

A saddle-type electric vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration.
A saddle-ride type electric vehicle including a battery that supplies electric power, an electric motor that drives drive wheels with the electric power supplied from the battery, a motor control unit that controls the electric motor, and a seat on which a rider sits, wherein, in a side view of the saddle-ride type electric vehicle in an upright state, at least a part of the battery is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than an upper end of the electric motor or lower in the vehicle vertical direction than a lower end of the electric motor, and at least a part of the battery is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than an upper end of the motor control unit or lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end of the motor control unit, and a front end of the battery is located forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction than a front end of the seat, and the electric motor is disposed such that, in a side view of the saddle-ride type electric vehicle in an upright state, At least a part of the electric motor is positioned higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the battery or lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end of the battery, and at least a part of the electric motor is positioned higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the motor control unit or lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end of the motor control unit, and the motor control unit is positioned so that, when viewed from the side of the saddle-type electric vehicle in an upright state, at least a part of the motor control unit is positioned higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the battery or lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end of the battery, and at least a part of the motor control unit is positioned higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the electric motor or lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end of the electric motor.

According to this configuration, in a side view of the saddle riding type electric vehicle in the upright state, at least a part of the battery is disposed so as to be located higher in the vehicle up-down direction than an upper end of the electric motor or lower in the vehicle up-down direction than a lower end of the electric motor. And, in a side view of the saddle riding type electric vehicle in the upright state, at least a part of the battery is disposed so as to be located higher in the vehicle up-down direction than an upper end of the motor control unit or lower in the vehicle up-down direction than a lower end of the motor control unit. Also, in a side view of the saddle riding type electric vehicle in the upright state, at least a part of the electric motor is disposed so as to be located higher in the vehicle up-down direction than an upper end of the battery or lower in the vehicle up-down direction than a lower end of the battery. And, in a side view of the saddle riding type electric vehicle in the upright state, at least a part of the electric motor is disposed so as to be located higher in the vehicle up-down direction than an upper end of the motor control unit or lower in the vehicle up-down direction than a lower end of the motor control unit. Furthermore, the motor control unit is disposed so that, in a side view of the saddle riding type electric vehicle in an upright state, at least a part of the motor control unit is located higher in the vehicle up-down direction than an upper end of the battery or lower in the vehicle up-down direction than a lower end of the battery. The motor control unit is disposed so that, in a side view of the saddle riding type electric vehicle in an upright state, at least a part of the motor control unit is located higher in the vehicle up-down direction than an upper end of the electric motor or lower in the vehicle up-down direction than a lower end of the electric motor. Therefore, while the saddle riding type electric vehicle is traveling, the battery, the electric motor, and the motor control unit are more likely to be exposed to airflow generated by traveling. This makes it possible to improve the cooling efficiency of the battery, the electric motor, and the motor control unit.
Here, in a side view of the saddle riding type electric vehicle in the upright state, the front end of the battery is disposed so as to be located further forward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction than the front end of the seat. Note that in a side view of the saddle riding type electric vehicle in the upright state, the front end of the electric motor may be disposed so as to be located further forward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction than the front end of the seat. Also, in a side view of the saddle riding type electric vehicle in the upright state, the front end of the motor control unit may be disposed so as to be located further forward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction than the front end of the seat.

A saddle-type electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration.
The battery is positioned so that an upper end of the battery is positioned higher in the vehicle vertical direction than an upper end of the electric motor, and the electric motor is positioned so that an upper end of the electric motor is positioned higher in the vehicle vertical direction than an upper end of the motor control unit.

With this configuration, the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit are arranged in this order from top to bottom in the vertical direction of the vehicle. By arranging the relatively heavy battery and electric motor so that they are positioned higher in the vertical direction of the vehicle than the motor control unit, the weight balance of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle can be ensured. In addition, by arranging the motor control unit, which is relatively small in size and has a high degree of freedom in shape, so that it is positioned lower in the vertical direction of the vehicle than the battery and electric motor, it becomes easier to ensure the bank angle when the saddle-riding type electric vehicle tilts. This makes it possible to increase the cooling efficiency of the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit while ensuring the weight balance of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle and the bank angle when the saddle-riding type electric vehicle tilts.

A saddle-type electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration.
The battery, the electric motor, and the motor control unit are each individually and detachably mounted on the saddle-type electric vehicle.

With this configuration, the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit mounted on the saddle-type electric vehicle are each configured to be individually detachable. This increases the freedom of arrangement of the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit, allowing for greater flexibility in their placement. This makes it possible to improve the cooling efficiency of the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit.

A saddle-type electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration.
The battery is positioned so that, when viewed from the side of the saddle-type electric vehicle in an upright state, a lower end of the battery is positioned higher in the vehicle vertical direction than an upper end of the electric motor, and the electric motor is positioned so that, when viewed from the side of the saddle-type electric vehicle in an upright state, a lower end of the electric motor is positioned higher in the vehicle vertical direction than an upper end of the motor control unit.

With this configuration, the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit are positioned so that there is a gap between the battery and electric motor, and between the electric motor and motor control unit in the vertical direction of the vehicle. As a result, while the saddle-type electric vehicle is traveling, the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit are more likely to be exposed to the airflow generated by the traveling. This can further improve the cooling efficiency of the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit.

A saddle-type electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration.
The electric motor is positioned so that, when viewed from the side of the saddle-riding electric vehicle in an upright state, the rear end of the electric motor is located rearward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction than the front end of the battery and forward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction than the rear end of the battery, and/or the motor control unit is positioned so that, when viewed from the side of the saddle-riding electric vehicle in an upright state, the rear end of the motor control unit is located rearward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction than the front end of the electric motor and forward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction than the rear end of the electric motor.

With this configuration, the electric motor is disposed so that, in a side view of the saddle-riding electric vehicle in an upright state, the rear end of the electric motor is located rearward of the front end of the battery in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and further forward of the rear end of the battery in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction. The motor control unit is disposed so that, in a side view of the saddle-riding electric vehicle in an upright state, the rear end of the motor control unit is located rearward of the front end of the electric motor in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and further forward of the rear end of the electric motor in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction. As a result, in a top view of the saddle-riding electric vehicle in an upright state, the electric motor and the battery, and the motor control unit and the electric motor can be disposed overlapping in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction. Therefore, while the saddle-riding electric vehicle is traveling, the battery, the electric motor, and the motor control unit are more likely to be exposed to the airflow generated by traveling. This increases the cooling efficiency of the battery, the electric motor, and the motor control unit.

A saddle-type electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration.
At least one of the battery, the electric motor, and the motor control unit is attached to the saddle-type electric vehicle so that the position of the at least one of the battery, the electric motor, and the motor control unit can be changed relatively to the other components of the battery, the electric motor, and the motor control unit.

With this configuration, the position of at least one of the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit can be changed relative to the other components. This allows the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit to be arranged in a creative way to improve the cooling efficiency of the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit. Furthermore, the positions of the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit can be adjusted taking into account the center of gravity balance of the saddle-type electric vehicle, etc.

A saddle-type electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration.
A portion of the battery is covered by a cover that includes a knee grip portion with which the knees of a rider seated on the seat come into contact, and the cover is formed so that at least a portion of the upper surface of the battery is exposed when viewed from above the saddle-type electric vehicle in an upright position.

With this configuration, the cover including the knee grip portion is formed so that, when viewed from above with the saddle-riding electric vehicle in an upright state, at least a portion of the upper surface of the battery is exposed to the external space of the saddle-riding electric vehicle. This makes it easier for heat generated by the battery to be released through the gap where the battery is exposed from the cover, compared to when the entire battery is covered with the cover. Furthermore, it may also be easier for heat generated by the electric motor and motor control unit to be released. This can improve the cooling efficiency of the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit.

A saddle-type electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention may have the following configuration.
The battery is further provided with a head pipe, and is positioned so that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle in an upright state, a front end of the battery is located rearward in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle than a rear end of the head pipe and forward in the fore-and-aft direction of the vehicle than a front end of the seat, and the battery is positioned so that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle in an upright state, a front end of a bottom surface of the battery is located lower in the vertical direction of the vehicle than a rear end of a bottom surface of the battery.

With this configuration, in a saddle-type electric vehicle, the location behind the head pipe in the vehicle longitudinal direction and forward of the seat in the vehicle longitudinal direction is a location with relatively ample space. The battery, which is relatively large among the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit, can be arranged in a location with relatively ample space, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit. In addition, the battery is arranged at an incline so that the front end of its bottom surface is located lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the rear end. By arranging the battery in this manner, it becomes easier to attach and detach the battery. In addition, by arranging the battery in this manner, the area of the saddle-type electric vehicle viewed from the front is larger than when the battery is arranged so that the front end and rear end of the bottom surface are in the same position. Therefore, while the saddle-type electric vehicle is traveling, the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit are more likely to be exposed to the airflow generated by traveling. This improves the cooling efficiency of the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit.

In the present invention and embodiments, a saddle-type electric vehicle is a saddle-type vehicle having drive wheels driven by an electric motor. A saddle-type electric vehicle is a vehicle on which a rider (driver) rides while straddling the saddle. Examples of saddle-type electric vehicles include motorcycles, motor tricycles, four-wheeled buggies (ATVs: All Terrain Vehicles), snowmobiles, etc. The drive wheels driven by an electric motor may be the rear wheels, the front wheels, or both the front and rear wheels.

In the present invention and embodiments, an upright saddle-type electric vehicle refers to a saddle-type electric vehicle that is not traveling and is stationary on a horizontal road surface with the vehicle up-down direction aligned with the vertical direction. In the present invention and embodiments, a front view of an upright saddle-type electric vehicle refers to a saddle-type electric vehicle in an upright state as seen from the front in the vehicle longitudinal direction. In the present invention and embodiments, a side view of an upright saddle-type electric vehicle refers to a saddle-type electric vehicle in an upright state as seen from the left or right in the vehicle lateral direction perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction and the vehicle up-down direction. In the present invention and embodiments, a top view of an upright saddle-type electric vehicle refers to a saddle-type electric vehicle in an upright state as seen from above in the vehicle vertical direction. Note that the positional relationship of each part of an upright saddle-type electric vehicle in a front view, side view, or top view refers to a positional relationship regardless of whether or not it is visible when actually viewing the upright saddle-type electric vehicle.

In the present invention and embodiments, the battery is a battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, and supplies power to at least the electric motor and the motor control unit. In the present invention and embodiments, the electric motor receives power from the battery to rotate and drive the drive wheels. In the present invention and embodiments, the motor control unit controls the rotation speed of the electric motor and controls the power of the battery supplied to the electric motor. The battery, electric motor, and motor control unit may each be individually and detachably mounted on the saddle-type electric vehicle. Alternatively, any two of the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit may be combined and detachably mounted on the saddle-type electric vehicle. Alternatively, the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit may all be integrally and detachably mounted on the saddle-type electric vehicle.

In the present invention and embodiments, the head pipe is a part of the body frame and is a component that rotatably supports the steering shaft inside. The head pipe is provided at the front of the body frame. The body frame is a component that supports the seat, battery, electric motor, and motor control unit.

In the present invention and its embodiments, the end of a part means the combined part of the end of the part and its adjacent area. In the present invention and its embodiments, the position of the end of a part in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction or vehicle's up-and-down direction means the position of the end of the part in the vehicle's fore-and-aft direction or vehicle's up-and-down direction.

In the present invention and embodiments, when A is disposed forward of B in the vehicle longitudinal direction, it refers to the following state. A is disposed forward of a plane that passes through the foremost end of B and is perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction. In the present invention and embodiments, when A is disposed rearward of B in the vehicle longitudinal direction, it refers to the following state. A is disposed rearward of a plane that passes through the rearmost end of B and is perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction. In this case, A and B may or may not be lined up along the vehicle longitudinal direction. In the present invention and embodiments, when A is disposed upward of B in the vehicle vertical direction, it refers to the following state. A is disposed upward of a plane that passes through the topmost end of B and is perpendicular to the vehicle vertical direction. In the present invention and embodiments, when A is disposed downward of B in the vehicle vertical direction, it refers to the following state. A is disposed downward of a plane that passes through the bottommost end of B and is perpendicular to the vehicle vertical direction. In this case, A and B may or may not be lined up along the vehicle vertical direction.

In the present invention and embodiments, at least one (one side) of the multiple options includes all possible combinations of the multiple options. At least one (one side) of the multiple options may be any one of the multiple options, or may be all of the multiple options. For example, at least one of A, B, and C may be only A, only B, only C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B, and C.

If a claim does not explicitly specify the number of a certain element, and the element appears in the singular when translated into English, the invention may have a plurality of the element. Also, the invention may have only one of the element.

In the present invention and embodiments, the words including, having, comprising, and their derivatives are intended to encompass additional items in addition to the items listed and their equivalents.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in this specification and claims have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant technology and this disclosure, and not to be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

In this specification, the term "preferable" is non-exclusive. "Preferable" means "preferable, but not limited to." In this specification, a configuration described as "preferable" exhibits at least the above-mentioned effects obtained by the present invention.
In this specification, the term "may (may)" is non-exclusive. "may (may)" means "may (may) but is not limited to this." In this specification, "may (may)" implicitly includes the case where "does not (is not)." In this specification, a configuration described as "may (may)" at least achieves the above-mentioned effect obtained by the present invention.

Before describing the embodiments of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction and arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is also possible in embodiments other than those described below. The present invention is also possible in embodiments that incorporate various modifications of the embodiments described below.

In the saddle-type electric vehicle of the present invention, the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit can be arranged in an ingenious way to improve the cooling efficiency of the battery, electric motor, and motor control unit.

1(a) to (d) are side views that typically show saddle-ride type electric vehicles according to first to fourth embodiments of the present invention, and Fig. 1(a) and (b) are side views that typically show a saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. 2(a) and (b) are side views that typically show a saddle-type electric vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a schematic view of a part of a saddle-type electric vehicle according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view showing a schematic view of a part of a saddle-type electric vehicle according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a top view showing a schematic view of a part of a saddle-type electric vehicle according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a schematic view of a part of a saddle-type electric vehicle according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

In Figures 1 to 6, U indicates the vehicle upward direction of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1, D indicates the vehicle downward direction of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1, L indicates the vehicle left direction of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1, R indicates the vehicle right direction of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1, F indicates the vehicle forward direction of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1, and Re indicates the vehicle rearward direction of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. Also, in Figures 1, 2, and 6, the dashed lines along the vehicle vertical direction and the dashed lines along the vehicle longitudinal direction indicate the uppermost, lowermost, frontmost, or rearmost end of each component.

First Embodiment
A saddle-type electric vehicle 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 is a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state. Fig. 1 is a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, as viewed from left to right in the vehicle left-right direction. As shown in Fig. 1, the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 includes a battery 2, an electric motor 3, a motor control unit 4, and a seat 5. The battery 2 supplies electric power. The electric motor 3 drives drive wheels with the electric power supplied from the battery 2. The drive wheels are front wheels or rear wheels, or front wheels and rear wheels. In the example of Fig. 1, the drive wheels are front wheels. The motor control unit 4 controls the electric motor 3. The seat 5 is a seat on which a rider (not shown) sits.

As shown in Figs. 1(a) to (d) of the saddle-riding electric vehicle 1, the battery 2 is arranged such that, in a side view of the saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, the front end of the battery 2 is located further forward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction than the front end of the seat 5. The electric motor 3 is arranged such that, in a side view of the saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, the front end of the electric motor 3 is located further forward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction than the front end of the seat 5. The motor control unit 4 is arranged such that, in a side view of the saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, the front end of the motor control unit 4 is located further forward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction than the front end of the seat 5.

An example of a saddle-type electric vehicle 1 shown in Figs. 1(a) and (b) will be described. The battery 2 is arranged so that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, at least a part of the battery 2 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the electric motor 3 and higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the motor control unit 4. In addition, the electric motor 3 is arranged so that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, at least a part of the electric motor 3 is located lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end of the battery 2 and higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the motor control unit 4. In addition, the motor control unit 4 is arranged so that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, at least a part of the motor control unit 4 is located lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end of the battery 2 and lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end of the electric motor 3.

An example of a saddle-type electric vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1(c) will be described. The battery 2 is arranged so that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, at least a part of the battery 2 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the electric motor 3, and higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the motor control unit 4. In addition, the electric motor 3 is arranged so that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, at least a part of the electric motor 3 is located lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end of the battery 2, and lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end of the motor control unit 4. In addition, the motor control unit 4 is arranged so that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, at least a part of the motor control unit 4 is located lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end of the battery 2, and higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the electric motor 3.

An example of a saddle-type electric vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1(d) will be described. The battery 2 is arranged so that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, at least a part of the battery 2 is located lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end of the electric motor 3 and lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end of the motor control unit 4. In addition, the electric motor 3 is arranged so that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, at least a part of the electric motor 3 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the battery 2 and lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end of the motor control unit 4. In addition, the motor control unit 4 is arranged so that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, at least a part of the motor control unit 4 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the battery 2 and higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the electric motor 3.

A modified example of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1(a) or (b) will now be described. Although not shown, the battery 2 may be arranged such that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, at least a portion of the battery 2 is located lower in the vehicle up-down direction than the lower end of the electric motor 3, and is located higher in the vehicle up-down direction than the upper end of the motor control unit 4. The electric motor 3 may be arranged such that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, at least a portion of the electric motor 3 is located higher in the vehicle up-down direction than the upper end of the battery 2, and is located higher in the vehicle up-down direction than the upper end of the motor control unit 4.

A modified example of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1(c) will now be described. Although not shown, the battery 2 may be arranged such that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, at least a portion of the battery 2 is located lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end of the motor control unit 4, and is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the electric motor 3. The motor control unit 4 may be arranged such that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, at least a portion of the motor control unit 4 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the battery 2, and is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the electric motor 3.

A modified example of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1(d) will now be described. Although not shown, the electric motor 3 may be arranged such that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, at least a portion of the electric motor 3 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the battery 2, and higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the motor control unit 4. The motor control unit 4 may be arranged such that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, at least a portion of the motor control unit 4 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the battery 2, and lower in the vehicle vertical direction than the lower end of the electric motor 3.

In Figures 1(a) to (d), the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4 are each individually and detachably mounted on the saddle-type electric vehicle 1. Any two of the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4 may be combined and detachably mounted on the saddle-type electric vehicle 1. Alternatively, the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4 may all be integrally and detachably mounted on the saddle-type electric vehicle 1.

In the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 of the first embodiment, the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4 are arranged in this manner, so that while the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 is traveling, the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4 are more likely to be exposed to the airflow generated by traveling. This can increase the cooling efficiency of the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4.

Second Embodiment
A saddle-type electric vehicle 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1(a) and (b). In addition to the configuration of the first embodiment, the second embodiment has the following configuration. As shown in Figures 1(a) and (b), the battery 2 is arranged so that the upper end of the battery 2 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the electric motor 3. The electric motor 3 is arranged so that the upper end of the electric motor 3 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the motor control unit 4. In other words, the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4 are arranged in this order from top to bottom in the vehicle vertical direction.

The saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1 of the second embodiment can ensure the weight balance of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1 by arranging the relatively heavy battery 2 and electric motor 3 so that they are positioned higher in the vertical direction of the vehicle than the motor control unit 4. In addition, by arranging the motor control unit 4, which is relatively small in size and has a high degree of freedom in shape, so that it is positioned lower in the vertical direction of the vehicle than the battery 2 and electric motor 3, it becomes easier to ensure the bank angle when the saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1 tilts. This makes it possible to increase the cooling efficiency of the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4 while ensuring the weight balance of the saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1 and the bank angle when the saddle-riding type electric vehicle 1 tilts.

Third Embodiment
A saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1(a) to 1(d). In addition to the configuration of the first or second embodiment, the third embodiment has the following configuration. As shown in Figures 1(a) to 1(d), the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4 are each individually and detachably mounted on the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1. In other words, the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4 mounted on the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 are each configured to be individually detachable.

The saddle-type electric vehicle 1 of the third embodiment provides greater freedom in the arrangement of the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4, and allows for greater flexibility in their arrangement. This allows for greater cooling efficiency for the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4.

Fourth Embodiment
A saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 1(a) to (d). In addition to the configuration of the second embodiment, the fourth embodiment has the following configuration. As shown in Figs. 1(a) to (b), the battery 2 is arranged such that the lower end of the battery 2 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the electric motor 3 when viewed from the front of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state. Furthermore, the electric motor 3 is arranged such that the lower end of the electric motor 3 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the motor control unit 4 when viewed from the front of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state. In other words, the battery 2, the electric motor 3, and the motor control unit 4 are arranged such that a gap is provided between the battery 2 and the electric motor 3, and between the electric motor 3 and the motor control unit 4, in the vehicle vertical direction.

As shown in FIG. 1(c), the battery 2 may be arranged such that the lower end of the battery 2 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the motor control unit 4 when viewed from the front of the saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 in an upright state. The electric motor 3 may be arranged such that the lower end of the motor control unit 4 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the electric motor 3 when viewed from the front of the saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 in an upright state. In other words, the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4 may be arranged such that a gap is provided between the battery 2 and the motor control unit 4, and between the motor control unit 4 and the electric motor 3, in the vehicle vertical direction.

Also, as shown in FIG. 1(d), the battery 2 may be arranged such that the lower end of the motor control unit 4 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the electric motor 3 when viewed from the front of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state. Also, the electric motor 3 may be arranged such that the lower end of the electric motor 3 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the battery 2 when viewed from the front of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state. In other words, the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4 may be arranged such that a gap is provided between the motor control unit 4 and electric motor 3, and between the electric motor 3 and battery 2, in the vehicle vertical direction.

Furthermore, although not shown, in the above-mentioned modified example of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1(a) or (b), the electric motor 3 may be arranged such that the lower end of the electric motor 3 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the battery 2 when viewed from the front of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state. Also, the battery 2 may be arranged such that the lower end of the battery 2 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the motor control unit 4 when viewed from the front of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state. In other words, the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4 may be arranged such that a gap is provided between the electric motor 3 and battery 2, and between the battery 2 and motor control unit 4, in the vehicle vertical direction.

Furthermore, although not shown, in the above-mentioned modified example of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1(c), the motor control unit 4 may be arranged such that the lower end of the motor control unit 4 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the battery 2 when viewed from the front of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state. Also, the battery 2 may be arranged such that the lower end of the battery 2 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the electric motor 3 when viewed from the front of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state. In other words, the battery 2, the electric motor 3, and the motor control unit 4 may be arranged such that a gap is provided between the motor control unit 4 and the battery 2, and between the battery 2 and the electric motor 3, in the vehicle vertical direction.

Furthermore, although not shown, in the above modification of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1(d), the electric motor 3 may be arranged such that the lower end of the electric motor 3 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the motor control unit 4 when viewed from the front of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state. The motor control unit 4 may also be arranged such that the lower end of the motor control unit 4 is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than the upper end of the battery 2 when viewed from the front of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state. In other words, the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4 may be arranged such that a gap is provided between the electric motor 3 and the motor control unit 4, and between the motor control unit 4 and the battery 2, in the vehicle vertical direction.

In the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 of the fourth embodiment, while the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 is traveling, the battery 2, the electric motor 3, and the motor control unit 4 are more likely to be exposed to the airflow generated by the traveling. This can further improve the cooling efficiency of the battery 2, the electric motor 3, and the motor control unit 4.

Fifth Embodiment
A saddle-type electric vehicle 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 2(a) and (b). The fifth embodiment has the following configuration in addition to the configuration of any one of the first to fourth embodiments. Fig. 2(a) is a diagram in which dashed lines indicating the rear end of the battery 2, the rear end of the electric motor 3, and the rear end of the motor control unit 4 are added to Fig. 1(a). Fig. 2(b) is a diagram in which dashed lines indicating the rear end of the battery 2, the rear end of the electric motor 3, and the rear end of the motor control unit 4 are added to Fig. 1(b). As shown in Figs. 2(a) and (b), the electric motor 3 is disposed such that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, the rear end of the electric motor 3 is located rearward of the front end of the battery 2 in the vehicle longitudinal direction and is located forward of the rear end of the battery 2 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The motor control unit 4 is disposed such that, in a side view of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, the rear end of the motor control unit 4 is located rearward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction from the front end of the electric motor 3, and is located forward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction from the rear end of the electric motor 3. The battery 2 is disposed such that, in a side view of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, the front end of the battery 2 is located rearward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction from the front end of the motor control unit 4, and is located forward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction from the rear end of the motor control unit 4.

The electric motor 3 may be disposed such that, in a side view of the saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, the front end of the electric motor 3 is located rearward of the front end of the battery 2 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and further forward of the rear end of the battery 2 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction. The motor control unit 4 may be disposed such that, in a side view of the saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, the front end of the motor control unit 4 is located rearward of the front end of the electric motor 3 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and further forward of the rear end of the electric motor 3 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction. The battery 2 may be disposed such that, in a side view of the saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, the rear end of the battery 2 is located rearward of the front end of the motor control unit 4 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and further forward of the rear end of the motor control unit 4 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction.

The electric motor 3 may be arranged such that, in a side view of the saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 in the upright state, the rear end of the electric motor 3 is located rearward of the front end of the motor control unit 4 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and is located forward of the rear end of the motor control unit 4 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction. The electric motor 3 may be arranged such that, in a side view of the saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 in the upright state, the front end of the electric motor 3 is located rearward of the front end of the motor control unit 4 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and is located forward of the rear end of the motor control unit 4 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction. The motor control unit 4 may be arranged such that, in a side view of the saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 in the upright state, the rear end of the motor control unit 4 is located rearward of the front end of the battery 2 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and is located forward of the rear end of the battery 2 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction. The motor control unit 4 may be arranged such that, in a side view of the saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 in the upright state, the front end of the motor control unit 4 is located rearward of the front end of the battery 2 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and is located forward of the rear end of the battery 2 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction. The battery 2 may be arranged such that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, the rear end of the battery 2 is located rearward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction from the front end of the electric motor 3, and is located forward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction from the rear end of the electric motor 3. The battery 2 may be arranged such that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, the front end of the battery 2 is located rearward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction from the front end of the electric motor 3, and is located forward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction from the rear end of the electric motor 3.

In the fifth embodiment of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1, the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4 can be arranged side-by-side in the vertical direction of the vehicle when viewed from the front of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state. Therefore, while the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 is traveling, the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4 are more likely to be exposed to the airflow generated by traveling. This can improve the cooling efficiency of the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4.

Sixth Embodiment
A saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 3. The sixth embodiment has the following configuration in addition to the configurations of the first to fifth embodiments. The saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 according to the fifth embodiment is mounted on the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 so that the position of at least one of the battery 2, the electric motor 3, and the motor control unit 4 can be changed relatively to the other components of the battery 2, the electric motor 3, and the motor control unit 4.

As shown in FIG. 3, the battery 2 is housed in a battery case 11. The battery case 11 is configured as a housing having a front wall 111 and a rear wall 112 arranged opposite each other in the vehicle longitudinal direction, and a bottom wall 113. The battery case 11 in FIG. 3 is a housing having neither a left wall nor a right wall arranged opposite each other in the vehicle transverse direction, but may be a housing having at least one of a left wall or a right wall. Note that the battery case 11 is a roughly rectangular parallelepiped housing in the schematic diagram of FIG. 3, but may be a polyhedral housing. In a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, the length of the battery case 11 in the vehicle longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the battery 2 in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The spacer 12 is disposed in the battery case 11 to prevent the battery 2 from moving in the vehicle longitudinal direction. The spacer 12 can be disposed between the front wall 111 shown by the solid line in FIG. 3 and the battery 2, or between the rear wall 112 shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3 and the battery 2, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state. By changing the position of the spacer 12, the position of the battery 2 in the vehicle longitudinal direction can be changed relative to the electric motor 3 and the motor control unit 4. Although not shown, the spacer 12 can be disposed between the front wall 111 and the battery 2, and between the rear wall 112 and the battery 2, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, to change the position of the battery 2 in the vehicle vertical direction or vehicle longitudinal direction relative to the electric motor 3 and the motor control unit 4. Although not shown, the position of the battery 2 in the vehicle vertical direction or vehicle longitudinal direction can be changed relative to the electric motor 3 and the motor control unit 4 by changing the position of the battery case 11 in the vehicle vertical direction or vehicle longitudinal direction.

The battery 2 is arranged so that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, the front end of the bottom surface of the battery 2 is located lower in the vehicle up-down direction than the rear end of the bottom surface of the battery 2. Note that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, the battery 2 may be arranged so that the front end of the bottom surface of the battery 2 and the rear end of the bottom surface of the battery 2 are at the same position in the vehicle up-down direction. Also, the battery 2 may be arranged so that, in a side view of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, the front end of the bottom surface of the battery 2 is located higher in the vehicle up-down direction than the rear end of the bottom surface of the battery 2.

As shown in FIG. 3, the electric motor 3 is housed in a motor case 13. The saddle-type electric vehicle 1 further includes a body frame 6. A first bracket 131, a second bracket 132, and a third bracket 133 are attached to the body frame 6. The motor case 13 is supported on the body frame 6 via the first bracket 131, the second bracket 132, and the third bracket 133. The first bracket 131, the second bracket 132, and the third bracket 133 each have a plurality of mounting positions at which the motor case 13 can be mounted. As shown by the solid lines and the two-dot chain lines in FIG. 3, by changing the mounting positions of the motor case 13 relative to the first bracket 131, the second bracket 132, and the third bracket 133, the position of the electric motor 3 in the vertical direction or the longitudinal direction of the vehicle can be changed relative to the battery 2 and the motor control unit 4. In addition, although not shown, by changing the first bracket 131, the second bracket 132, and the third bracket 133 themselves to brackets of different sizes or shapes, the position of the electric motor 3 in the vertical direction or the longitudinal direction of the vehicle can be changed relative to the battery 2 and the motor control unit 4. In the example of FIG. 3, the brackets that attach the motor case 13 to the vehicle frame 6 are the first bracket 131, the second bracket 132, and the third bracket 133, but this is not limited to three, and it is sufficient that there is one or more.

As shown in FIG. 3, a fourth bracket 14 is attached to the vehicle frame 6. The motor control unit 4 is supported on the vehicle frame 6 via the fourth bracket 14. The fourth bracket 14 has a plurality of mounting positions to which the motor control unit 4 can be attached. As shown by the solid line and the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3, by changing the mounting position of the motor control unit 4 relative to the fourth bracket 14, the position of the motor control unit 4 in the vertical direction or the longitudinal direction of the vehicle can be changed relative to the battery 2 and the electric motor 3. In addition, although not shown, by changing the fourth bracket 14 itself to a bracket of a different size or shape, the position of the motor control unit 4 in the vertical direction or the longitudinal direction of the vehicle can be changed relative to the battery 2 and the electric motor 3. In the example of FIG. 3, the bracket for mounting the motor control unit 4 to the vehicle frame 6 is the fourth bracket 14, but this is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient that there is one or more.

Here, the motor control unit 4 is smaller in size and lighter in weight than the battery 2 and the electric motor 3. Therefore, the position of the motor control unit 4 can be adjusted after adjusting the positions of the battery 2 and the electric motor 3, taking into consideration the balance of the center of gravity of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1, etc. Then, the position of the motor control unit 4 in the vertical direction or the front-rear direction of the vehicle can be changed relative to the battery 2 and the electric motor 3 to adjust the inclination angle of the bottom surface of the motor control unit 4. For example, as shown in FIG. 1(a), the motor control unit 4 may be disposed so that the front end of the bottom surface of the motor control unit 4 is located lower in the vertical direction of the vehicle than the rear end of the bottom surface of the motor control unit 4 in a side view of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1(b), the motor control unit 4 may be disposed so that the front end of the bottom surface of the motor control unit 4 is located higher in the vertical direction of the vehicle than the rear end of the bottom surface of the motor control unit 4 in a side view of the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state.

In the sixth embodiment of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1, the position of at least one of the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4 can be changed relative to the other components. This allows the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4 to be arranged in a creative way to improve the cooling efficiency of the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4. In addition, the positions of the battery 2, electric motor 3, and motor control unit 4 can be changed to adjust the center of gravity balance of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1. Furthermore, when adjusting the center of gravity balance of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1, the positions of the battery 2 and electric motor 3 are determined, and then the position of the motor control unit 4 can be changed to fine-tune the center of gravity balance.

Seventh Embodiment
A saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs. 4 and 5. The seventh embodiment has the following configuration in addition to the configurations of the first to sixth embodiments. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 includes a cover 7 including a knee-grip portion 71, a center cowl 72, and a front cowl 73. Note that the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 in Figs. 4 and 5 is an example, and it is sufficient that the cover 7 includes the knee-grip portion 71. For example, the cover 7 does not have to include the center cowl 72 and the front cowl 73. Alternatively, the cover 7 may include a cowl other than the knee-grip portion 71, the center cowl 72, and the front cowl 73.

As shown in FIG. 4, a part of the battery 2 is covered by the cover 7 including the knee grip portion 71 that contacts the knees of a rider seated on the seat 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the cover 7 is formed so that at least a part of the upper surface 21 of the battery 2 is exposed when viewed from above the saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 in an upright state. In the example of the saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 in FIG. 4, the cover 7 is formed so that there is a gap 74 between the knee grip portion 71 and the center cowl 72. As shown in FIG. 5, the cover 7 is formed so that at least a part of the upper surface 21 of the battery 2 is exposed to the outside space through the gap 74. The upper surface 21 of the battery 2 is the surface of the battery 2 when the upright saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 is viewed from above and below in the vehicle vertical direction. The upper surface 21 of the battery 2 is not a surface that can actually be seen, but a surface that can be seen when it is assumed that only the battery 2 mounted on the upright saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 is viewed.

In the seventh embodiment of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1, the cover 7 including the knee grip portion 71 is formed so that, when viewed from above the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, at least a portion of the upper surface 21 of the battery 2 is exposed to the external space of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1. This makes it easier for heat generated from the battery 2 to be released from the gap where the battery 2 is exposed from the cover 7, compared to when the entire battery 2 is covered by the cover 7. Furthermore, it may also be easier for heat generated from the electric motor 3 and the motor control unit 4 to be released. This can improve the cooling efficiency of the battery 2, the electric motor 3, and the motor control unit 4.

Eighth Embodiment
A saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 6. The eighth embodiment has the following configuration in addition to the configurations of the first to seventh embodiments. As shown in Fig. 6, the saddle riding type electric vehicle 1 further has a head pipe 61. The head pipe 61 is a part of the body frame 6, and is provided at the front of the body frame 6.

The battery 2 is arranged so that, in a side view of the saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, the front end of the battery 2 is located rearward of the rear end of the head pipe 61 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction, and forward of the front end of the seat 5 in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction. In addition, in a side view of the saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 in an upright state, the battery 2 is arranged so that the front end of the bottom surface 22 of the battery 2 is located lower in the vehicle up-and-down direction than the rear end of the bottom surface 22 of the battery 2. The bottom surface 22 of the battery 2 is the surface of the battery 2 when the upright saddle-riding electric vehicle 1 is viewed from below up in the vehicle up-and-down direction. The bottom surface 22 of the battery 2 is not a surface that can actually be seen, but is a surface that can be seen assuming that only the battery 2 is viewed when mounted on the upright saddle-riding electric vehicle 1.

In the saddle-type electric vehicle 1, the area behind the head pipe 61 and in front of the seat 5 is a place with relatively ample space. In the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 of the eighth embodiment, the battery 2, which is relatively large among the battery 2, the electric motor 3, and the motor control unit 4, is arranged in a place with relatively ample space, and the cooling efficiency of the battery 2, the electric motor 3, and the motor control unit 4 can be improved. In addition, the battery 2 is arranged so as to be inclined so that the front end of the bottom surface 22 is located lower than the rear end. By arranging the battery 2 in this manner, the battery 2 can be easily attached and detached. In addition, by arranging the battery 2 in this manner, the area of the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 in a front view is larger than when the battery 2 is arranged so that the front end and the rear end of the bottom surface 22 are in the same position. Therefore, while the saddle-type electric vehicle 1 is traveling, the battery 2, the electric motor 3, and the motor control unit 4 are more likely to be exposed to the airflow generated by traveling. This makes it possible to improve the cooling efficiency of the battery 2, the electric motor 3, and the motor control unit 4.

1: Saddle-type electric vehicle, 2: Battery, 3: Electric motor, 4: Motor control unit, 5: Seat, 6: Cover, 21: Top surface of battery, 22: Bottom surface of battery, 61: Head pipe, 71: Knee grip section

Claims (8)

A battery for supplying power;
an electric motor that drives drive wheels with power supplied from the battery;
a motor control unit for controlling the electric motor;
A seat on which a rider sits;
A saddle-type electric vehicle comprising:
the battery is disposed such that, in a side view of the saddle riding type electric vehicle in an upright state, at least a portion of the battery is located above an upper end of the electric motor in the vehicle vertical direction or below a lower end of the electric motor in the vehicle vertical direction, and at least a portion of the battery is located above an upper end of the motor control unit in the vehicle vertical direction or below a lower end of the motor control unit in the vehicle vertical direction, and a front end of the battery is located forward in the vehicle longitudinal direction of a front end of the seat,
the electric motor is disposed such that, in a side view of the saddle riding type electric vehicle in an upright state, at least a portion of the electric motor is located above an upper end of the battery in a vehicle vertical direction or below a lower end of the battery in a vehicle vertical direction, and at least a portion of the electric motor is located above an upper end of the motor control unit in a vehicle vertical direction or below a lower end of the motor control unit in a vehicle vertical direction,
a saddle-ride type electric vehicle characterized in that, in a side view of the saddle-ride type electric vehicle in an upright state, at least a part of the motor control unit is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than an upper end of the battery or lower in the vehicle vertical direction than a lower end of the battery, and at least a part of the motor control unit is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than an upper end of the electric motor or lower in the vehicle vertical direction than a lower end of the electric motor. the battery is disposed such that an upper end portion of the battery is located above an upper end portion of the electric motor in a vehicle up-down direction,
2. The saddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the electric motor is disposed such that an upper end portion of the electric motor is positioned higher in the vehicle up-down direction than an upper end portion of the motor control unit. The saddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the battery, the electric motor, and the motor control unit are each individually and detachably mounted on the saddle-type electric vehicle. the battery is disposed such that a lower end of the battery is located higher in the vehicle vertical direction than an upper end of the electric motor in a side view of the saddle riding type electric vehicle in an upright state,
3. The saddle type electric vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the electric motor is disposed such that, in a side view of the saddle type electric vehicle in an upright state, a lower end of the electric motor is positioned higher in the vehicle vertical direction than an upper end of the motor control unit. the electric motor is disposed such that, in a side view of the saddle riding type electric vehicle in an upright state, a rear end portion of the electric motor is located rearward of a front end portion of the battery in the vehicle front-rear direction and is located forward of the rear end portion of the battery in the vehicle front-rear direction; and/or
5. The saddle type electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the motor control unit is disposed such that, in a side view of the saddle type electric vehicle in an upright state, a rear end of the motor control unit is located rearward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction relative to a front end of the electric motor and is located forward in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction relative to the rear end of the electric motor. The saddle-type electric vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the position of at least one of the battery, the electric motor, and the motor control unit is attached to the saddle-type electric vehicle so that it can be changed relatively to the other components of the battery, the electric motor, and the motor control unit. A part of the battery is covered with a cover including a knee grip portion with which the knees of a rider seated on the seat come into contact,
7. The saddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the cover is formed so that at least a portion of an upper surface of the battery is exposed when the saddle-type electric vehicle is viewed from above in an upright state. It also has a head pipe.
the battery is disposed such that, in a side view of the saddle riding type electric vehicle in an upright state, a front end portion of the battery is located rearward of a rear end portion of the head pipe in a vehicle front-rear direction and is located forward of a front end portion of the seat in the vehicle front-rear direction,
8. The saddle type electric vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the battery is disposed such that, in a side view of the saddle type electric vehicle in an upright state, a front end portion of a bottom surface of the battery is positioned lower in the vehicle up-down direction than a rear end portion of a bottom surface of the battery.

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