Patent Description:
There are straddled electric vehicles that travel by using an electric motor as their driving source (see, for example, <CIT>). The electric motor rotates with electric power which is supplied from a battery installed in such a vehicle. As the rotation of the electric motor is transmitted to wheels, the vehicles can travel.

In order to charge the battery installed in a straddled electric vehicles, a charging port at which a connector of an external power source is detachable may be provided for the vehicle. However, in a straddled electric vehicle, a large number of components need to be disposed within a limited space within the vehicle body. Thus, it is not easy to secure a space in which to dispose the charging port and a harness extending from the charging port.

It is the object of the present invention to provide straddled electric vehicle having high flexibility in use. According to the present invention said object is solved by a straddled electric vehicle having the features of independent claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are laid down in the dependent claims. Accordingly, the present invention provides a straddled electric vehicle including a plurality of charging ports.

A straddled electric vehicle according to the present teaching includes:.

A first distance being defined as a distance between the DC charging port and the battery is smaller than a second distance being defined as a distance between the AC charging port and the battery.

The straddled electric vehicle according to a certain embodiment according to the present teaching includes two kinds of charging ports, that is, the DC charging port and the AC charging port. Generally, a DC current to be output from an external power source is used for rapid charging, such that a large current flows during the charging; for this reason, a thick harness having a large cross-sectional area is used as a harness that connects the DC charging port and the battery to each other. Since the DC charging port is disposed at a position near the battery, the harness with a large cross-sectional area can be shortened, and the space required for accommodating the harness can be reduced. In the straddled electric vehicle, a large number of components need to be disposed within a limited space in a vehicle body. Thus, the space saving is significantly advantageous. In addition, since the harness having a large cross-sectional area can be shortened, weight reduction and cost reduction can be achieved.

In one embodiment, the battery may have a battery casing.

In one embodiment, the harness extending from the DC charging port may be directly inserted in the battery casing.

Generally, connectors capable of delivering a large current are expensive. Since no connector for connecting the harness extending from the DC charging port and the battery to each other is provided, cost reduction can be achieved.

Since the DC charging port is disposed at a position near the battery, any harness with a large cross-sectional area can be shortened, and the space required for accommodating the harness can be reduced.

Since the DC charging port and the AC charging port are disposed away from each other, a rider can easily distinguish these two kinds of charging ports from each other. With this, for example, mis-insertion of the charging connectors can be suppressed.

Since the DC charging port and the AC charging port are disposed away from each other, the rider can easily distinguish these two kinds of charging ports from each other. With this, for example, mis-insertion of the charging connectors can be suppressed.

In addition, during a parking maneuver, the straddled electric vehicle is parked generally by being advanced into a parking space. Since the AC charging port is disposed at the front side in the straddled electric vehicle, the charging connector installed in the parking space can be easily connected to the AC charging port.

Since the DC charging port is disposed at a position near the battery, the volume of an assembly including the DC charging port and the battery can be reduced. With this, both the battery and the DC charging port can be easily disposed in the center tunnel portion.

The center tunnel portion is located at a position that is accessible to the rider. Since the DC charging port is disposed in the center tunnel portion, the rider can easily perform the charging.

During a parking maneuver, the straddled electric vehicle is parked generally by being advanced into the parking space. Since the AC charging port is disposed at a relatively high position in the vehicle front portion, the charging connector installed in the parking space can be easily connected to the AC charging port.

In addition, during a parking maneuver, the straddled electric vehicle is parked generally by being advanced into the parking space. Since the AC charging port is disposed at the front side in the straddled electric vehicle, the charging connector installed in the parking space can be easily connected to the AC charging port.

In one embodiment,
the straddled electric vehicle may further include an onboard charger that
converts the AC current received by the AC charging port to a DC current, and outputs the DC current to the battery.

With this, the battery can be charged by using the AC current received by the AC charging port.

The straddled electric vehicle according to the present teaching includes two kinds of charging ports, that is, the DC charging port and the AC charging port. Generally, a DC current to be output from an external power source is used for rapid charging, such that a large current flows during the charging; for this reason, the thick harness having the large cross-sectional area is used as the harness that connects the DC charging port and the battery to each other. Since the DC charging port is disposed at a position near the battery, the harness with a large cross-sectional area can be shortened, and the space required for accommodating the harness can be reduced. In the straddled electric vehicle, a large number of components need to be disposed within the limited space in the vehicle body. Thus, the space saving is significantly advantageous. In addition, since the harness having a large cross-sectional area can be shortened, weight reduction and cost reduction can be achieved.

In one embodiment, a harness extending from the AC charging port is directly inserted in the onboard charger and configured to supply current input from the AC charging port to the onboard charger.

In one embodiment, a harness extending the onboard charger is directly inserted in the battery and configured to supply current output from the onboard charger to the battery.

In one embodiment, the drive unit includes an electric motor and a motor control unit configured to control operation of the electric motor, wherein a harness extending from the battery is directly inserted in the motor control unit and configured to supply current output from the battery to the motor control unit.

Hereinbelow, with reference to the attached drawings, an embodiment according to the present teaching is described. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals, and redundant description of such components is omitted. In the following description, the front, rear, top, bottom, right, and left correspond respectively to the front, rear, top, bottom, right, and left as viewed from a rider seated on a seat of an electric vehicle.

<FIG> is a left side view illustrating a straddled electric vehicle <NUM> according to an embodiment according to the present teaching. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the straddled electric vehicle <NUM> is a two-wheeled electric vehicle of a scooter type. Note that the straddled electric vehicle <NUM> according to an embodiment according to the present teaching is not limited to the scooter-type two-wheeled electric vehicle exemplified herein. The straddled electric vehicle <NUM> according to the embodiment according to the present teaching may be two-wheeled electric vehicles of other types such as what is called an on-road type, an offroad type, and a moped type. A straddled electric vehicle refers to an arbitrary vehicle that the rider rides in a straddling manner, and hence is not limited to two-wheeled vehicles. The straddled electric vehicle <NUM> may be a three-wheeled vehicle (LMW) of a type whose direction of travel is changed as the vehicle body is tilted, etc., or any other straddled electric vehicle such as an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle). The straddled electric vehicle <NUM> may be a vehicle with four or more wheels.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the two-wheeled electric vehicle <NUM> includes a vehicle body <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, an onboard charger <NUM>, a drive unit <NUM>, a front wheel <NUM>, and a rear wheel <NUM>. For ease of understanding of the configuration of the two-wheeled electric vehicle <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates portion of the interior of the two-wheeled electric vehicle <NUM> in a see-through manner.

The vehicle body <NUM> has a structure including a body frame <NUM> and a body cover <NUM>. The body frame <NUM> includes a head pipe <NUM>. A steering shaft <NUM> is inserted in the head pipe <NUM>. Front forks <NUM> are provided at a lower end of the steering shaft <NUM>. The front forks <NUM> are capable of turning to the right and left about the steering shaft <NUM> inserted in the head pipe <NUM>. The front wheel <NUM> is rotatably supported at lower end portions of the front forks <NUM>. A steering handle <NUM> is provided at an upper end of the steering shaft <NUM>.

A rear portion of the vehicle body <NUM> swingingly supports a swingarm <NUM>. The rear wheel <NUM> is rotatably supported by the swingarm <NUM>. In this example, the rear wheel <NUM> is a drive wheel, and the front wheel <NUM> is a driven wheel. A seat <NUM> on which the rider is seated is provided at an upper portion of the vehicle body <NUM>.

The battery <NUM> is disposed at a position between the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> along the front-rear direction of the vehicle <NUM>. The drive unit <NUM> is disposed reward of the battery <NUM>. The drive unit <NUM> includes an electric motor <NUM> and a motor control unit (MCU) <NUM> that controls operation of the electric motor <NUM>. The battery <NUM> supplies electric power for activating the electric motor <NUM>. The MCU <NUM> generates a driving current from an output current of the battery <NUM>, and outputs this driving current to the electric motor <NUM>. Rotation caused by the electric motor <NUM> is transmitted to the rear wheel <NUM> via, for example, a motive power transmission mechanism of a belt-drive type, whereby the vehicle <NUM> travels. The rotation caused by the electric motor <NUM> may be transmitted to the rear wheel <NUM> via a motive power transmission mechanism of a chain-drive type or a shaft-drive type.

A DC charging port <NUM> is provided above the battery <NUM>. An AC charging port <NUM> is provided in a front portion of the vehicle body <NUM>. <FIG> is a left side view illustrating the battery <NUM>, the MCU <NUM>, the DC charging port <NUM>, and the AC charging port <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the interior of the battery <NUM>.

The DC charging port <NUM> includes a receptacle at which a connector (plug) of an external power source that outputs a DC current for charging the battery <NUM> is detachable. The DC charging port <NUM> receives the DC current output from the external power source. The DC charging port <NUM> is connected to the battery <NUM> via a harness <NUM>. When charging the battery <NUM>, the DC current output from the external power source is supplied to the battery <NUM> through the DC charging port <NUM>, whereby the battery <NUM> can be charged.

The onboard charger <NUM> is disposed to the right of the battery <NUM>. <FIG> is a right side view illustrating the battery <NUM>, the onboard charger <NUM>, a motor <NUM>, the MCU <NUM>, and the DC charging port <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the AC charging port <NUM> is provided in the front portion of the vehicle body <NUM>. The AC charging port <NUM> includes a receptacle at which another connector (plug) of another external power source that outputs an AC current for charging the battery <NUM> is detachable. The AC charging port <NUM> receives the AC current output from the other external power source. The AC charging port <NUM> is connected to the onboard charger <NUM> via a harness <NUM>. When charging the battery <NUM>, the AC current output from the other external power source is supplied to the onboard charger <NUM> through the AC charging port <NUM>. The onboard charger <NUM> converts the AC current to a DC current, and outputs the DC current to the battery <NUM>, whereby the battery <NUM> can be charged. The DC current output by the onboard charger <NUM> is supplied to the battery <NUM> via, for example, a harness <NUM> (<FIG>).

<FIG> is a perspective view in which the two-wheeled electric vehicle <NUM> is viewed obliquely from front left. <FIG> is a top view illustrating the two-wheeled electric vehicle <NUM>.

Footboards <NUM> and 26R are disposed at positions between the front wheel <NUM> and the rear wheel <NUM> along the front-rear direction of the vehicle body <NUM>. The footboard <NUM>, which is a footboard on which a rider rests his/her left foot, is disposed on a left-hand side along the vehicle width direction (right-left direction) of the vehicle body <NUM>. The footboard 26R, which is a footboard on which a rider rests his/her right foot, is disposed on a right-hand side along the vehicle width direction of the vehicle body <NUM>.

The body cover <NUM> includes a center tunnel portion <NUM> located between the footboard <NUM> and the footboard 26R along the vehicle width direction. The center tunnel portion <NUM> has a shape swelling upward relative to the footboard <NUM> and the footboard 26R at a position between the footboards <NUM> and 26R. With reference to <FIG>, in this embodiment, the battery <NUM> is disposed in the center tunnel portion <NUM>. The DC charging port <NUM> is disposed so as to be exposed from an upper outer surface of the center tunnel portion <NUM>.

The AC charging port <NUM> is provided in the front portion of the vehicle body <NUM>. The body cover <NUM> includes a front cowl <NUM> (<FIG>) that covers a part of the front portion of the two-wheeled electric vehicle <NUM>. In this embodiment, the AC charging port <NUM> is disposed through the front cowl <NUM>. The AC charging port <NUM> is provided with a cover <NUM> that prevents intrusion of rainwater and dust. The DC charging port <NUM> is also provided with a cover that prevents the intrusion of rainwater and dust.

With reference to <FIG>, the battery <NUM> includes a plurality of battery cells <NUM>, and a battery casing <NUM> that houses the plurality of battery cells <NUM>. The battery casing <NUM> also houses a battery management system (BMS) <NUM> and electrode terminals <NUM> and <NUM>. The harness <NUM> extending from the DC charging port <NUM> is connected to the electrode terminals <NUM>. The harness <NUM> extending from the onboard charger <NUM> (<FIG>) is connected to the electrode terminals <NUM>.

The BMS <NUM> controls charging operation and discharging operation of the battery <NUM>. Switching between the charging and the discharging of the battery <NUM>, and switching of the current to be used for the charging can be made, for example, in response to switching of a relay switch by the BMS <NUM>. When charging by inputting a DC current is performed, the BMS <NUM> performs control to supply a current that is input through the DC charging port <NUM> and via the harness <NUM> to the plurality of battery cells <NUM>. When charging by inputting an AC current is performed, the BMS <NUM> performs control to supply a current that is input from the onboard charger <NUM> via the harness <NUM> to the plurality of battery cells <NUM>. When a current is output from the battery <NUM> to the MCU <NUM>, the BMS <NUM> performs control to cause the plurality of battery cells <NUM> to output currents. The current output from the battery <NUM> is supplied to the MCU <NUM> via a harness <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the DC charging port <NUM> is disposed at a position relatively near the battery <NUM>, and the AC charging port <NUM> is disposed at a position relatively far from the battery <NUM>. When a distance between the DC charging port <NUM> and the battery <NUM> is a first distance L11, and when a distance between the AC charging port <NUM> and the battery <NUM> is a second distance L12, the first distance L11 is smaller than the second distance L12. In this case, the first distance L11 is, for example, the shortest distance from a center position of the DC charging port <NUM> to the battery casing <NUM>. The second distance L12 is, for example, the shortest distance from a center position of the AC charging port <NUM> to the battery casing <NUM>.

The first distance L11 may be the shortest distance from an end portion of the harness <NUM> on the side where the DC charging port <NUM> exists to the battery casing <NUM>. In this case, the second distance L12 can be the shortest distance from an end portion of the harness <NUM> on the side where the AC charging port <NUM> exists to the battery casing <NUM>.

Generally, a DC current to be output from an external power source is used for rapid charging, such that a large current flows during the charging; for this reason, a thick harness having a large cross-sectional area is used as the harness <NUM> that connects the DC charging port <NUM> and the battery <NUM> to each other. Since the DC charging port <NUM> is disposed at a position near the battery <NUM>, the harness <NUM> with a large cross-sectional area can be shortened, and the space required for accommodating the harness <NUM> can be reduced. In the straddled electric vehicle <NUM>, a large number of components need to be disposed within a limited space in the vehicle body. Thus, the space saving is significantly advantageous. In addition, since the harness <NUM> having a large cross-sectional area can be shortened, weight reduction and cost reduction can be achieved.

Further, in this embodiment, the harness <NUM> extending from the DC charging port <NUM> is not connected to the battery <NUM> via a connector, but directly inserted in the battery casing <NUM>. Generally, connectors capable of delivering a large current are expensive. Since no connector for connecting the harness <NUM> extending from the DC charging port <NUM> and the battery <NUM> to each other is provided, cost reduction can be achieved.

Since the DC charging port <NUM> is disposed at a position near the battery <NUM>, the volume of an assembly including the DC charging port <NUM> and the battery <NUM> can be reduced. With this, both the battery <NUM> and the DC charging port <NUM> can be easily disposed in the center tunnel portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating how the battery <NUM> of the two-wheeled electric vehicle <NUM> may be charged by using a DC current. As an example of an external power source that outputs a DC current for charging the battery <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates a charging station (also referred to as a charging spot). This charging station <NUM> can be installed, for example, in a parking lot of a commercial facility. A power supply connector <NUM> (first connector) is provided at one end of a (first) cable <NUM> extending from the charging station <NUM>. Charging can be performed by connecting the power supply connector <NUM> to the DC charging port <NUM> of the two-wheeled electric vehicle <NUM>. The center tunnel portion <NUM> is located at a position that is accessible to the rider. Since the DC charging port <NUM> is disposed in the center tunnel portion <NUM>, the rider can easily perform the charging.

In this embodiment, the DC charging port <NUM> and the AC charging port <NUM> are disposed away from each other. With reference to <FIG>, for example, along the vehicle front-rear direction, the AC charging port <NUM> is disposed frontward of the head pipe <NUM>, and the DC charging port <NUM> is disposed rearward of the head pipe <NUM>. Since the DC charging port <NUM> and the AC charging port <NUM> are disposed away from each other, the rider can easily distinguish these two kinds of charging ports from each other. With this, for example, mis-insertion of the charging connectors can be suppressed.

In addition, during a parking maneuver, the two-wheeled electric vehicle <NUM> is parked generally by being advanced into a parking space. Since the AC charging port <NUM> is disposed at the front side in the two-wheeled electric vehicle <NUM>, the charging connector installed in the parking space can be easily connected to the AC charging port <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating how the battery <NUM> of the two-wheeled electric vehicle <NUM> may be charged by using an AC current. As an example of an external power source that outputs the AC current for charging the battery <NUM>, <FIG> illustrates an external power source <NUM> installed in a parking space <NUM> of a house. A power supply connector <NUM> (second connector) is provided at one end of a (second) cable <NUM> extending from the external power source <NUM>. Charging can be performed by connecting the power supply connector <NUM> to the AC charging port <NUM> of the two-wheeled electric vehicle <NUM>. Note that a household power outlet (household AC-power source) may be used as the external power source <NUM>.

When the AC charging port <NUM> is disposed through the front cowl <NUM>, the AC charging port <NUM> is disposed at a relatively high position in the vehicle front portion. Thus, the rider can easily connect the power supply connector <NUM> to the AC charging port <NUM>.

Generally, an AC current to be output from an external power source is not used for rapid charging. Thus, a relatively small current is supplied to the AC charging port <NUM>. Since a thin harness having a small cross-sectional area may be used as the harness <NUM> that connects the AC charging port <NUM> and the onboard charger <NUM> to each other, a relative high degree of freedom in disposing the harness <NUM> in the vehicle body <NUM> can be obtained. As a result, it is relatively easy to dispose the AC charging port <NUM> at a position away from the battery <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating another example positioning of the AC charging port <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, along the vehicle front-rear direction, the AC charging port <NUM> is disposed frontward of a front end portion 3f of the battery casing <NUM>, and the DC charging port <NUM> is disposed rearward of the front end portion 3f of the battery casing <NUM>. For example, the AC charging port <NUM> may be provided through a leg cowl <NUM> of the body cover <NUM>. In an implementation where the two-wheeled electric vehicle <NUM> is parked by being advanced into the parking space, the charging connector installed in the parking space can be easily connected to the AC charging port <NUM> because the AC charging port <NUM> is disposed at the front side in the two-wheeled electric vehicle <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view illustrating still another example positioning of the AC charging port <NUM>. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, along the vehicle front-rear direction, the DC charging port <NUM> is disposed frontward of a front end portion 17f of the seat <NUM>, and the AC charging port <NUM> is disposed rearward of the front end portion 17f of the seat <NUM>. For example, the AC charging port <NUM> may be provided through a seat cowl <NUM> of the body cover <NUM>. Since the DC charging port <NUM> and the AC charging port <NUM> are disposed away from each other, the rider can easily distinguish these two kinds of charging ports from each other. With this, for example, mis-insertion of the charging connectors can be suppressed. In addition, in the parking space, when the charging external power source is disposed behind the two-wheeled electric vehicle <NUM>, the charging connector can be easily connected to the AC charging port <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, along the vehicle front-rear direction, the DC charging port <NUM> can be disposed at a position between the front end portion 3f of the battery casing <NUM> and a rear end portion 3r of the battery casing <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, along the vehicle front-rear direction, the AC charging port <NUM> can be disposed frontward of the front end portion 3f of the battery casing <NUM>, or rearward of the rear end portion 3r of the battery casing <NUM>. Since the DC charging port <NUM> is disposed at a position near the battery <NUM>, any harness with a large cross-sectional area can be shortened, and the space required for accommodating the harness can be reduced. Since the DC charging port <NUM> and the AC charging port <NUM> are disposed away from each other, the rider can easily distinguish these two kinds of charging ports from each other.

In addition, the AC charging port <NUM> may be disposed in each of the front portion and the rear portion of the two-wheeled electric vehicle <NUM>. With this, in the parking space, whether the charging external power source is disposed in front of or behind the two-wheeled electric vehicle <NUM>, the charging connector can be easily connected to the AC charging port <NUM>.

Thus, exemplary embodiments according to the present teaching have been described.

A straddled electric vehicle <NUM> according to the present teaching includes:.

A first distance L11 being defined as a distance between the DC charging port <NUM> and the battery <NUM> is smaller than a second distance L12 being defined as a distance between the AC charging port <NUM> and the battery <NUM>.

The straddled electric vehicle <NUM> according to a certain embodiment according to the present teaching includes two kinds of charging ports, that is, the DC charging port <NUM> and the AC charging port <NUM>. Generally, a DC current to be output from an external power source is used for rapid charging, such that a large current flows during the charging; for this reason, a thick harness having the large cross-sectional area is used as a harness <NUM> that connects the DC charging port <NUM> and the battery <NUM> to each other. Since the DC charging port <NUM> is disposed at a position near the battery <NUM>, the harness <NUM> with a large cross-sectional area can be shortened, and the space required for accommodating the harness <NUM> can be reduced. In the straddled electric vehicle <NUM>, a large number of components need to be disposed within a limited space in the vehicle body. Thus, the space saving is significantly advantageous. In addition, since the harness <NUM> having a large cross-sectional area can be shortened, weight reduction and cost reduction can be achieved.

Generally, connectors capable of delivering a large current are expensive. Since no connector for connecting the harness <NUM> extending from the DC charging port <NUM> and the battery <NUM> to each other is provided, cost reduction can be achieved.

Since the DC charging port <NUM> is disposed at a position near the battery <NUM>, any harness <NUM> with a large cross-sectional area can be shortened, and the space required for accommodating the harness <NUM> can be reduced.

Since the DC charging port <NUM> and the AC charging port <NUM> are disposed away from each other, the rider can easily distinguish these two kinds of charging ports from each other. With this, for example, mis-insertion of the charging connectors can be suppressed.

In addition, during a parking maneuver, the straddled electric vehicle <NUM> is parked generally by being advanced into a parking space. Since the AC charging port <NUM> is disposed at the front side in the straddled electric vehicle <NUM>, the charging connector installed in the parking space can be easily connected to the AC charging port <NUM>.

The center tunnel portion <NUM> is located at the position that is accessible to the rider. Since the DC charging port <NUM> is disposed in the center tunnel portion <NUM>, the rider can easily perform the charging.

During a parking maneuver, the straddled electric vehicle <NUM> is parked generally by being advanced into the parking space. Since the AC charging port <NUM> is disposed at a relatively high position in the vehicle front portion, the charging connector installed in the parking space can be easily connected to the AC charging port <NUM>.

In addition, during a parking maneuver, the straddled electric vehicle <NUM> is parked generally by being advanced into the parking space. Since the AC charging port <NUM> is disposed at the front side in the straddled electric vehicle <NUM>, the charging connector installed in the parking space can be easily connected to the AC charging port <NUM>.

In one embodiment,
the straddled electric vehicle <NUM> may further include an onboard charger <NUM> that.

With this, the battery <NUM> can be charged by using the AC current received by the AC charging port <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A straddled electric vehicle comprising:
at least one wheel (<NUM>);
a drive unit (<NUM>) configured to drive the wheel (<NUM>);
a battery (<NUM>) configured to supply electric power to the drive unit (<NUM>);
a DC charging port (<NUM>) configured to attach and detach a first connector (<NUM>) provided on a first cable (<NUM>) extending from a first external power source (<NUM>) configured to output a DC current for charging the battery (<NUM>), and
which is configured to receive the DC current output from the first external power source (<NUM>), characterized by
an AC charging port (<NUM>) configured to attach and detach a second connector (<NUM>) provided on a second cable (<NUM>) extending from a second external power source (<NUM>) configured to output an AC current for charging the battery (<NUM>), and
which is configured to receive the AC current output from the second external power source (<NUM>),
wherein a first distance (L11) being defined as a distance between the DC charging port (<NUM>) and the battery (<NUM>) is smaller than a second distance (L12) being defined as a distance between the AC charging port (<NUM>) and the battery (<NUM>).