Straddle-type electric vehicle

A straddle-type electric vehicle includes a seat, a foot rest portion, a leg shield, and a receptacle configured to receive a gun-type plug and located in a position facing an opening portion. The opening portion is located in a position within a width of the leg shield and between the leg shield and a rear wheel, the receptacle is configured so that a connecting port faces upward, the receptacle is configured so that when the gun-type plug is connected with the receptacle, a grip portion of the gun-type plug is positioned farther leftward on the vehicle than a plug portion of the gun-type plug.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a straddle-type electric vehicle including an electric motor as a drive source.

2. Description of the Related Art

An electric motorcycle which uses an electric motor as a drive source includes a receptacle for charging a battery. When the battery is charged, a plug which is provided at an end portion of a cable which extends from a charger is connected to the receptacle.

As an electric motorcycle of this type, there is a known electric motorcycle in which a receptacle for charging the battery is provided within an accommodation box provided below a seat surface and covered by a side cover (for example, refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-63066).

Further, recently, numerous charging stations for charging electric cars have been built. A charging station is provided with a gun-type plug including a plug portion, to which the receptacle of the electric car is connected, and a grip portion (for example, refer to Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. H07-201408).

Between the gun-type plug and the receptacle, it is necessary to connect plural electric wires, such as cathodes, anodes, and control signal lines. The gun-type plug is designed so that the gun-type plug is not connected with the receptacle unless a rotational position about an insertion/drawing direction of the plug matches a predetermined rotational position. Once the user grips the grip portion, the user can easily change a direction of the gun-type plug freely and easily to match the mutual rotational positions. After the rotational positions are matched with each other, by inserting the gun-type plug therein and leaving its posture as it is, the gun-type plug is electrically connected with the receptacle. Thus, the gun-type plug is easily connected.

Accordingly, it is conceivable to use the gun-type plug which is easy to connect to the electric motorcycle.

However, the receptacle of the electric motorcycle is provided at a position lower than the receptacle of an electric car. Therefore, during charging, the charging plug is left in a state in which the plug is connected with the receptacle at a lower position on the vehicle. The charging time is more than 30 minutes, and if the charging plug is located at the lower position, a user of another vehicle may overlook the charging plug and may contact the charging plug unintentionally, for example.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a straddle-type electric vehicle that uses the gun-type plug which is easily connected and also significantly reduces or prevents an adverse influence on the surroundings during charging.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a straddle-type electric vehicle includes a front wheel and a rear wheel; a seat at least a portion of which is disposed farther forward than the rear wheel; a body cover including a foot rest portion located between the front wheel and the rear wheel and configured to support feet of an occupant seated on the seat from below, and a leg shield located between the foot rest portion and the front wheel and which includes a surface extending in an up-and-down direction; and a receptacle configured to receive a gun-type plug including a plug portion and a grip portion and which is arranged to face an opening portion; wherein the opening portion is located on the body cover in a position which is within a width of the leg shield in a left-and-right direction of the vehicle and between the leg shield and the rear wheel in a front-and-rear direction of the vehicle, the receptacle is configured so that a connection port to which the gun-type plug is inserted faces upward, and the receptacle is configured so that at least a portion of the grip portion of the gun-type plug is positioned farther leftward on the vehicle than the plug portion of the gun-type plug when the gun-type plug is connected with the receptacle.

According to a preferred embodiment of the straddle-type electric vehicle, the receptacle is located in a position which is within a width of the leg shield in the left-and-right direction of the vehicle, between the leg shield and the rear wheel in the front-and-rear direction, and in a position facing the opening portion. The connection port faces upward. The receptacle is configured so that at least a portion of the grip portion of the gun-type plug is positioned farther leftward on the vehicle than the plug portion when the gun-type plug is connected with the receptacle. Thus, even for the straddle-type vehicle in which the receptacle is arranged in a lower position, the occupant who gets off the left side of the vehicle connects the gun-type plug with the receptacle, and thus the connecting work is easy.

The gun-type plug including the plug portion and the grip portion is connectable with the receptacle. The opening portion which the receptacle faces is provided in a space which is within the width of the leg shield in the left-and-right direction of the vehicle and between the leg shield and the rear wheel in the front-and-rear direction which is a space in which the occupant rests his/her foot normally. Thus, even in a case that the connecting work of the gun-type plug is easy, the space in which the occupant rests his/her foot normally is utilized, and the amount of the gun-type plug protruding sidewards is significantly reduced when the gun-type plug is connected with the receptacle.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the work of connecting the gun-type plug with the receptacle is easy and there is little concern that another vehicle contacts with the plug during charging and, thus, the straddle-type electric vehicle significantly reduces its adverse influence on the surroundings.

In the straddle-type electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle is preferably configured so that a grip portion of a gun-type plug extends obliquely with respect to a left-and-right direction of the vehicle when the gun-type plug is connected with the receptacle.

According to a preferred embodiment of the straddle-type electric vehicle, the grip portion does not extend leftward of the vehicle directly, but extends obliquely. Thus, the amount of the gun-type plug protruding sideward of the vehicle is further reduced. Accordingly, it is further reduced such that another vehicle contacts with the gun-type plug during charging.

Further, in the straddle-type electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle is preferably located farther forward than the seat, and the receptacle is configured so that at least a portion of a grip portion of a gun-type plug is positioned rearward and diagonally leftward on the vehicle with respect to a plug portion of the gun-type plug when the gun-type plug is connected with the receptacle.

According to a preferred embodiment of the straddle-type electric vehicle, the gun-type plug connected with the receptacle does not interfere with the seat. Thus, there is provided a straddle-type electric vehicle in which the connecting work of the gun-type plug to the receptacle is easy.

Further, in the straddle-type electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle is preferably located farther rearward than the foot rest portion, and the receptacle is configured so that at least a portion of a grip portion of a gun-type plug is positioned forward and diagonally leftward on the vehicle with respect to a plug portion of the gun-type plug when the gun-type plug is connected with the receptacle.

According to a preferred embodiment of the straddle-type electric vehicle, the gun-type plug connected with the receptacle does not interfere with the seat. Thus, there is provided a straddle-type electric vehicle in which the connecting work of the gun-type plug to the receptacle is easy.

Further, in the straddle-type electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle is preferably configured so that at least a portion thereof is positioned farther rightward than a vehicle center.

According to a preferred embodiment of the straddle-type electric vehicle, the entire gun-type plug is accommodated within the width of the leg shield in the left-and-right direction of the vehicle. Thus, there is provided a straddle-type electric vehicle in which the adverse influence on the surroundings is further reduced or prevented.

Further, in the straddle-type electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the straddle-type electric vehicle preferably includes a cover portion which is provided between the leg shield and the seat and above the foot rest portion, and at least a portion thereof is positioned between left and right foot rest portions in a width direction of the vehicle in a plan view and the opening portion is provided on the cover portion.

According to a preferred embodiment of the straddle-type electric vehicle, the gun-type plug is preferably disposed between the left and right foot rests and there is provided a straddle-type electric vehicle in which an adverse influence on the surroundings is further reduced or prevented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The inventors of the present invention focused on a gun-type plug which is easy to change its direction freely by gripping a grip portion thereof, to match mutual rotational positions, and to insert into a receptacle after matching the mutual rotational positions. The inventors of the present invention considered applying a gun-type plug which is easily connected to a straddle-type electric vehicle to enhance the convenience of the users.

However, the inventors of the present invention discovered that because the gun-type plug includes a plug portion and a grip portion, a size of the plug is large and, when applying the gun-type plug thereto, the following problem may occur.

The receptacle on the straddle-type electric vehicle is generally provided at a position lower than that of a receptacle on an electric motorcycle. Further, when mounting the receptacle on the straddle-type electric vehicle, the gun-type plug tends to protrude outward of the vehicle during charging. Furthermore, because the straddle-type electric vehicle is small relative to an electric car, it is able to be parked in a narrow space between neighboring straddle-type vehicles.

For this reason, during charging with the gun-type plug, when other straddle-type electric vehicles attempt to park in the narrow space neighboring the straddle-type electric vehicle which is being charged, the gun-type plug is overlooked and the other vehicle unintentionally contacts the gun-type plug. Thus, there is a concern that the charging may be interrupted.

The inventors of the present invention provide a straddle-type electric vehicle in which the convenience of the user is enhanced by using the gun-type plug in which there is no concern of contacting other vehicles during charging.

Note that the above problem does not occur with an electric motorcycle that does not use the gun-type plug as disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-63066. This is because, in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-63066, the plug is small and a space in which the plug is inserted is assured under a seat cover of the vehicle. As such, the plug is inserted under the seat cover, and the plug does not protrude outward of the vehicle. For this reason, the above problem does not occur in an electric motorcycle which does not use the gun-type plug.

Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will specifically be described.FIG. 1is a left side view of a straddle-type electric motorcycle according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2is an enlarged top view of the vicinity of receptacle of the straddle-type electric vehicle shown inFIG. 1as viewed in a direction indicated by an arrow II.

It is noted that in the following description, directions denoted as front, rear, top, bottom, left, and right are based on a viewing direction of a rider who rides on an electric motorcycle disposed on a horizontal plane, and who faces a forward traveling direction. InFIG. 1, a front direction is denoted by an arrow X1and an up-and-down direction is denoted by an arrow Y1. InFIG. 2, a left-and-right direction is denoted by an arrow Z1. In addition, the configuration of the electric motorcycle will be described based on the electric motorcycle parked in an upright state with a main stand rotated downward.

The electric motorcycle includes a body frame2, a front wheel3, a rear wheel4, a power unit5including an electric motor, a battery6, a body cover7, and a seat29. In the electric motorcycle, the electric motor is driven by electric power supplied from the battery6, and the rear wheel4is driven by an output of the electric motor. Hereinbelow, an overall construction of the electric motorcycle will be described sequentially from the front of a body thereof.

The electric motorcycle includes a head pipe8disposed at a top front portion of the electric motorcycle. A steering shaft is turnably inserted into the head pipe8. A front fork10is mounted at a lower end portion of the steering shaft. The front wheel3is mounted to the front fork10.

A handlebar11is mounted at an upper end portion of the steering shaft. The rider is able to turn the steering shaft, the front forks10, and the front wheel3about an axis of the steering shaft by controlling the handlebar11.

Grips12are provided individually at both left and right end portions of the handlebar11(a left grip only is shown). A right-hand grip includes a throttle grip. The rider is able to turn this throttle grip to control an output of the electric motor. Additionally, a meter13is provided near a center of the handlebar11.

The electric motorcycle includes the body frame2which extends rearward from the head pipe8. The body frame2includes steel tube members. The body frame2includes a down tube19and a frame main body20disposed rearward of the down tube19. The down tube19extends rearward and diagonally downward from a lower portion of the head tube8. As viewed from the side thereof, the frame main body20extends rearward from a lower end portion of the down tube19, and an intermediate portion of the down tube19in the front-and-rear direction X1of the vehicle has an S-shape.

The frame main body20includes a pair of left and right frame main bodies20, each frame main body20including a first frame portion21, a second frame portion22, and a third frame portion23.

The first frame portion21extends straight or substantially straight rearward from the lower end portion of the down tube19and is slightly inclined rearward and diagonally upward. A side stand is mounted to the first frame portion21.

The second frame portion22has an S-shape as viewed from the side thereof. The second frame portion22is curved from bottom to top. A front end of the second frame portion22extends from a rear end portion of the first frame portion21, an intermediate portion of the second frame portion22extends straight rearward and diagonally upward, and a rear end portion thereof extends to the third frame portion23. When viewed from the side thereof, an inclination angle of the intermediate portion of the second frame portion22relative to the first frame portion21is, for example, on the order of about 45 degrees, for example. The third frame portion23extends in a straight line from an upper end portion of the second frame portion22and is inclined rearward and diagonally upward.

As shown inFIG. 1, the electric motorcycle includes the body cover7which is mounted on the body frame2. The body cover7includes a front cover25which covers the head pipe8, a leg shield18, a bottom cover26, a rear cover27, and an under-seat cover28. The body cover7is a cover that defines an outer surface of the electric motorcycle.

The bottom cover26extends rearward from a lower portion of the front cover25to cover the first frame portion21. Foot rest portions26aare provided at an upper end portion of the bottom cover26which is provided between the front wheel3and the rear wheel4. The foot rest portions26aare flat or substantially flat and support the feet of the rider seated on the seat29from below.

The leg shield18is provided between the foot rest portions26aand the front wheel3and includes a surface which extends in the up-and-down direction. This leg shield18covers the down tube19together with the front cover25. The leg shield18extends from the rear side of the front cover25to the foot rest portions26a.

As shown inFIG. 2, the leg shield18includes a frame covering portion18aat a center in the left-and-right direction of the vehicle and leg protecting portions18bwhich are provided at the left and right of the frame covering portion18a. The leg protecting portions18bare provided individually at left and right end portions of the leg shield18so as to protect the legs of the rider seated on the seat29. The frame covering portion18ahas a shape such that it projects rearward from the leg protecting portions18bso as to cover the down tube19which extends rearward and diagonally downward from the head tube8.

Additionally, as shown inFIG. 1, the rear cover27covers the second frame portion22and the third frame portion23. The rear cover27has an overall shape which extends rearward and diagonally upward from a rear portion of the bottom cover26. The rear cover27covers from an intermediate portion of the second frame portion22to the third frame portion23from the left and right sides thereof.

The under-seat cover28extends upward from the rear portion of the bottom cover26to below the seat29and at the front of the rear cover27.

The seat29is disposed above the under-seat cover28and the rear cover27. A front portion of the seat29is located farther forward than the rear wheel4. While the electric motorcycle is running, the feet of the rider seated on the seat29rest on the foot rest portions26a. In the front-and-rear direction X1, the foot rest portions26aare disposed between the leg shield18and the under-seat cover28.

Additionally, the seat29is mounted on the under-seat cover28via a hinge at a front portion thereof, such that a storage space provided below the seat29can be opened and closed by the seat29.

The battery6, which functions as a power supply for the electric motor, is disposed below the seat29. The battery6is disposed between the pair of left and right second frame portions22. The battery6is a secondary battery which is rechargeable. It is noted that the battery6may be configured so as to be detached from the vehicle.

In addition, the power unit5is provided farther rearward than the first frame portion21and below the third frame portion23. The power unit5is mounted on the third frame portion23so as to swing via a suspension unit. A main stand is mounted at a lower portion of the power unit5.

In the electric motorcycle configured in the manner described above, a receptacle30which is electrically connected with the battery6is provided between the front cover25and the leg shield18. The receptacle30includes a connecting port31into which a plug portion42of a gun-type plug40, described below, can be inserted. The receptacle30is configured so that the connecting port31faces an opening portion A provided in the leg shield18. The receptacle30may be fitted to a down tube19or may be fitted to the body cover7.

Further, a cap32is provided on the receptacle30so as to close the connecting port31. When charging is not carried out, the cap32covers the connecting port31to prevent the intrusion of rain water or dust into an interior of the receptacle30.

As shown inFIG. 2, a receptacle accommodating portion18cis arranged on the left-side leg protecting portion18bof the leg shield18so as to project rearward from the leg protecting portion18b. An upper surface of the receptacle accommodating portion18cdefines a flat plane or a substantially flat plane facing upward. The opening portion A is provided in the receptacle accommodating portion18c.

That is, the opening portion A is provided in a position which is within a width of the leg shield18in a left-and-right direction Z1of the vehicle. Further, the receptacle30faces the opening portion A and is provided in an interior of the receptacle accommodating portion18cin a state that the connecting port faces upward.

The receptacle30preferably includes seven male terminals33a,33b, for example. The seven male terminals33a,33bare exposed in the connecting port31. In the connecting port31, the seven male terminals33a,33bare provided at vertex positions of a regular hexagon and a center position.

The male terminals33a,33bare respectively connected with two direct current power lines (cathode and anode), an earth line, two interface lines, and two communication lines. The interface line electrically detects the connection between the gun-type plug40and the receptacle30. The communication line communicates control signals between a battery charger connected to the gun-type plug40and the battery6connected to the receptacle30.

Of the seven male terminals33a,33b, the two male terminals33aare thicker than the other four male terminals33b. The two thicker male terminals33aare, as shown, arranged in the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle. In detail, as viewed from the top of the vehicle inFIG. 2, the rearward male terminal33ais located farther leftward than the forward male terminal33a.

Note that, in the following descriptions, for convenience of explanation, a direction indicated by a line segment connecting the two thicker male terminals33ainFIG. 2is called as a receptacle-side terminal arrangement direction T1. Namely, the receptacle-side terminal arrangement direction T1is slanted rearward and diagonally leftward with respect to the front-and-rear direction X1of the vehicle.

FIG. 3is a perspective view showing the gun-type plug40which is connectable to the receptacle30. The gun-type plug40includes a plug portion42including female terminals41a,41bwhich are to be connected to the male terminals33a,33bof the receptacle30, and a grip portion43which is used as a handle.

The plug portion42is cylindrical and extends along an insertion direction to the receptacle30. In an interior of the plug portion42, a plurality (seven in the shown example) female terminals41a,41bare arranged so as to extend in a longitudinal direction of the plug portion42. The female terminals are exposed to a tip of the plug portion42.

Further, the seven female terminals41a,41bare respectively provided in vertex positions of a regular hexagon and a center position. Of the seven female terminals41a,41b, the two female terminals41aare thicker than the other four female terminals41b. A direction indicated by a line segment connecting the two thicker female terminals41ais called a plug-side terminal arrangement direction T2.

Further, the grip portion43extends diagonally rearward with respect to the plug portion42so as to be slanted with respect to the longitudinal direction of the plug portion42. The grip portion43protrudes from the plug portion42in the plug-side terminal arrangement direction T2. For this reason, when the user handles the gun-type plug40, a direction of the gun-type plug40is naturally determined so that the grip portion43is positioned lower than the plug portion42. In this direction, the two thicker female terminals41a,41bare arranged in the up-and-down direction and the plug-side terminal arrangement direction T2becomes the up-and-down direction.

FIG. 4is a side view showing a state in which the gun-type plug40is connected with the receptacle30.FIG. 5is a top view as viewed from an arrow V inFIG. 4showing the state in which the gun-type plug40is connected with the receptacle30. In the electric motorcycle according to the present preferred embodiment, the gun-type plug40is connected with the receptacle30to charge the battery6.

As shown inFIG. 4, when the gun-type plug40is connected with the receptacle30, because the connecting port31of the receptacle30faces upward, a rear end of the plug42of the gun-type plug40protrudes upward.

Further, as shown inFIG. 5, the grip portion43is located leftward of the plug portion42. This is because the receptacle30is configured so that the receptacle terminal arrangement direction T1is slanted rearward and diagonally to the left with respect to the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle. For this reason, the gun-type plug40is inserted into the receptacle30in a posture in which the grip portion43is farther leftward than the plug portion42so that the plug-side terminal arrangement direction T2matches the receptacle-side terminal arrangement direction T1.

As such, the receptacle30is configured so that, when the gun-type plug40is connected with the receptacle30, at least a portion of the grip portion43is positioned farther leftward on the vehicle than the plug portion42. For this reason, there is no concern that the gun-type plug40interferes with the leg shield18and, thus, connecting the gun-type plug40is easy.

Further, as shown inFIG. 5, the entire gun-plug40is accommodated in a space which is within a width of the leg shield18in the left-and-right direction Z1of the vehicle, between the leg shield18and the rear wheel4in the front-and-rear direction of the vehicle, and at which the foot of the occupant seated on the seat29at the time of driving is located. Therefore, an amount of the gun-type plug40which protrudes sideward of the vehicle is prevented. In particular, in the present preferred embodiment, the grip portion43of the gun-type plug40does not protrude sideward from this space and, thus, there is no concern of adverse influences from the surroundings during charging.

The space in which the leg of the occupant is located is originally empty to accommodate the leg of the occupant. During charging, the occupant does not sit on the seat29and the space is available to accommodate the gun-type plug. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide additional space to accommodate the gun-type plug40, and the limited space on the electric motorcycle is effectively utilized.

Note that the space in which the leg of the occupant is located does not mean only the space in which the leg of the occupant exists in the riding state, but also includes the space in which the leg passes when the occupant gets on and off the vehicle. That is, the space above the foot rest portions26aand the space between the left and right foot rest portions26ais used as the space in which the gun-type plug40is accommodated during charging. In this case, it is unnecessary to provide additional space to accommodate the gun-type plug40.

In the electric motorcycle according to the present preferred embodiment, in a state in which the gun-type plug40is connected with the receptacle30, the grip portion43is positioned rearward and diagonally to the left with respect to the plug portion42of the gun-type plug40. The user who performs the charging stands in the vicinity of the seat29at the left side of the vehicle.

At this time, the user holds the gun-type plug40so that the grip portion43is positioned at a side close to his/her body and the plug portion42is positioned at a side farther away from his/her body. Accordingly, when the user brings the gun-type plug40close to the receptacle30, naturally, the grip portion43is positioned farther rearward and diagonally to the left than the plug portion42. Thus, connecting the gun-type plug40to the receptacle30is easy.

FIGS. 6A-6Care enlarged side views of the receptacle30, whereinFIG. 6Ashows a state in which a cap32is closed,FIG. 6Bshows a state in which the cap32is opened, andFIG. 6Cshows a state in which the gun-type plug40is connected thereto.

In the present preferred embodiment, as shown inFIG. 6C, the gun-type plug40is connected with the receptacle30so that the plug portion42extends rearward and diagonally upward of the receptacle30. For this reason, the user connects the gun-type plug40to the receptacle30by inserting the gun-type plug40into the receptacle30from a top of the vehicle in the forward and diagonally upward direction. Accordingly, the user who performs the charging stands in the vicinity of the seat29can easily recognize the connecting port and, thus, the connecting work is easy.

Further, in the present preferred embodiment, the opening portion A is provided in the body cover7which defines the outer surface of the electric motorcycle. Thus, compared with a case where the receptacle is provided below the seat, access to the receptacle from outside of the vehicle is easy and charging is easy.

Furthermore, because the opening portion A is provided in the body cover7, the gun-type plug40is located at a position near the outer surface of the vehicle during charging. However, according to the above preferred embodiments, the amount of the gun-type plug40which protrudes sideward of the vehicle is significantly reduced. Therefore, it is prevented from adversely affecting the surroundings during charging. According to the preferred embodiments, an electric motorcycle in which charging is easy, and adverse influence of the gun-type plug on the surroundings during charging is significantly reduced.

Note that an opening direction of the connecting port31of the receptacle30may be designed in a manner according to a second preferred embodiment shown inFIGS. 7A-7C.FIGS. 7A-7Care enlarged side views of a receptacle30of a straddle-type electric vehicle according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 7Ashows a state in which a cap32is closed,FIG. 7Bshows a state in which the cap32is opened, andFIG. 7Cshows a state in which the gun-type plug40is connected thereto.

As shown inFIGS. 7A-7C, the connecting port31of the receptacle30may be opened rearward, diagonally upward, and slanted leftward. According to this configuration, the user who stands to the left side of the vehicle and performs the charging can easily recognize the connecting port31and bring the gun-type plug40close to the receptacle30in a proper posture. Further, the user can insert the gun-type plug40into the receptacle30easily.

Note that in the above description, an example in which the receptacle30is preferably provided leftward of the leg shield18is disclosed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.FIG. 8is a top view of a straddle-type electric vehicle according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 9shows a configuration in which the gun-type plug40is connected with the receptacle30shown inFIG. 8. As shown inFIGS. 8 and 9, the receptacle30is provided in a frame covering portion18aof the leg shield18.

The frame covering portion18ais positioned between the leg shield18and the seat29and above the foot rest portions (refer toFIG. 1). Further, as shown inFIG. 8, in a plan view, at least a portion of the frame covering portion18ais positioned between the left and right foot rest portions26ain a width direction of the vehicle. The opening portion A is provided in the frame covering portion18. For this reason, at least a portion (right half) of the receptacle30which faces the opening portion A is positioned farther rightward than a center of the vehicle.

For this reason, the entire gun-type plug40can be placed right next to the vehicle. Therefore, according to the configuration of the present preferred embodiment, the grip portion43of the gun-type plug40more surely does not protrude to the side of the vehicle. Further, a space to the left side of the leg shield can be used as a small article accommodation space.

Further, in the first through third preferred embodiments, examples in which the opening portion A to which the connecting port31of the receptacle30faces is provided in the leg shield18are disclosed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The opening portion A may be provided at a position which is within the width of the leg shield in the left-and-right direction Z1of the vehicle and between the leg shield18and the rear wheel4in the front-and-rear direction X1of the vehicle.FIG. 10is a side view of a straddle-type electric vehicle according a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown inFIG. 10, the opening portion A is provided in the under-seat cover28. The under-seat cover28of the electric motorcycle according the present preferred embodiment is provided with a step portion28aprotruding forward under the seat29. The opening portion A is provided on a flat upper surface of the step portion28a.

In this preferred embodiment, too, when the gun-type plug40is connected with the receptacle30, the grip portion43of the gun-type plug40is positioned forward and diagonally leftward of the plug42. For this reason, there is no concern that the gun-type plug40will interfere with the seat29, and the connecting work is easy. Further, because it is prevented for the gun-type plug40from protruding sideward of the vehicle at the time of charging, adverse influences on the surroundings is significantly reduced or prevented.

In the above first through fourth preferred embodiments, examples in which the space on which the legs of the occupant is provided forward of the seat29are disclosed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.FIG. 11shows an electric vehicle according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) is a side view and (b) is a top view showing the receptacle.

As shown in (a) ofFIG. 11, a tunnel portion17is provided between the frame covering portion18awhich is provided at a center in a left-and-right direction of the leg shield18and the seat29. The tunnel portion17is positioned between the leg shield18and the seat29and above the foot rest portions. Further, as shown in (b) ofFIG. 11, in a plan view, at least a portion of the tunnel portion17is positioned between the left and right foot portions26ain the width direction of the vehicle. The opening portion A which the connecting port31of the receptacle30faces is provided on an upper surface of the tunnel portion17. The receptacle30is provided in an interior of the tunnel portion17so that the connecting port31opens upward.

As shown in (b) ofFIG. 11, the receptacle is provided so that the grip portion43is positioned farther leftward on the vehicle than the plug portion42when the gun-type plug40is connected with the receptacle30. Note that the tunnel portion17is positioned within the width direction of the leg shield18in the left-and-right direction.

According to this configuration, because the opening portion A is provided at a center of the width direction of the vehicle, when charging the battery6the gun-type plug40is prevented from protruding to the side of the vehicle. Thus, there is no concern in which the gun-type plug40contacts other vehicles, and adverse influences on the surroundings are significantly reduced or prevented.

In the above first through fifth preferred embodiments, the board-shaped foot rest portions26preferably are provided on the body cover7. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For an example, the foot rest portion may be a rod-shaped metal member.

Further, examples in which the connecting port31of the receptacle30is closable by the cap32attached to the receptacle are disclosed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. A configuration in which the cap is attached to the leg shield18, the under-seat cover28, or the tunnel portion17on which the opening portion A is provided may be used.

In the above preferred embodiments, examples in which the gun-type plug40includes seven male terminals33a,33band the receptacle30includes seven female terminals41a,41bare disclosed. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a configuration may be used in which the communication lines are designed to have a function of that of the interface line too, and the gun-type plug40includes five male terminals33a,33band the receptacle30includes five female terminals41a,41bso that five electric wires are connected.

In addition, various design alterations can be made within the scope of matters described in claims.

This patent application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2011-280757 filed on Dec. 22, 2011 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-265126 filed on Dec. 4, 2012, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

According to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, a straddle-type electric vehicle permits a gun-type plug to be provided in the space between the left and right foot rest portions, and the influence on the surroundings is significantly reduced.