SERIES HYBRID TYPE STRADDLED VEHICLE

Abstract

A straddled vehicle including a frame, an electric power generation engine, an electric power generator, front and rear wheels respectively rotatably supported by a front suspension and a rear arm, a motor unit supported by the frame, the front suspension or the rear arm, and including a drive motor that receives electric power generated by the electric power generator to drive the front or rear wheel, a control unit including an inverter controlling the electric power supplied to the drive motor, an engine radiator configured to cool the electric power generation engine, and an electric motor radiator configured to cool the inverter and/or the drive motor, and having a larger cooling area than that of the engine radiator. At least a part of the engine radiator and of the electric motor radiator receive relative wind. The engine radiator and the electric motor radiator are positioned more rearward than a front end of the front wheel.

Claims

1. A straddled vehicle of a series hybrid type, comprising: a frame; an electric power generation unit including an electric power generation engine and an electric power generator, the electric power generation engine being supported by the frame to provide rotational power, the electric power generator being driven by output from the electric power generation engine to generate electric power; a front suspension supported by the frame; a front wheel rotatably supported by the front suspension, the front wheel receiving no mechanical transmission of the rotational power from the electric power generation engine; a rear arm supported by the frame; a rear wheel rotatably supported by the rear arm, the rear wheel receiving no mechanical transmission of the rotational power from the electric power generation engine, a front end of the rear wheel being positioned more rearward than a rear end of the front wheel in a front-back direction of the straddled vehicle; a motor unit supported by the frame, the front suspension, or the rear arm, the motor unit including a drive motor that is supplied with the electric power generated by the electric power generator, to thereby drive a driving wheel that is the front wheel or the rear wheel; a control unit including an inverter that controls the electric power to be supplied from the electric power generator to the drive motor; an engine radiator configured to cool the electric power generation engine; and a non-supported electric motor radiator configured to cool the inverter and/or the drive motor, and having a larger cooling area than that of the engine radiator, wherein the non-supported engine radiator and the electric motor radiator are positioned such that at least a part of the non-supported engine radiator and at least a part of the electric motor radiator receive relative wind when the straddled vehicle is in motion, and each of the non-supported engine radiator and the electric motor radiator is arranged at a position that is more rearward than a front end of the front wheel in the front-back direction of the straddled vehicle.

2. The straddled vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising: a battery, wherein the control unit further includes a converter that controls the electric power to be supplied from the electric power generator to the battery and/or the drive motor, and the non-supported electric motor radiator is further configured to cool the electric power generator and/or the converter.

3. The straddled vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the non-supported electric motor radiator and the engine radiator are arranged such that at least a part of the non-supported electric motor radiator, at least a part of the engine radiator, or both, is positioned between a rear contour line of the front wheel and a front contour line of the frame in a side view of the straddled vehicle.

4. The straddled vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the non-supported electric motor radiator and the engine radiator are arranged such that at least a part of the non-supported electric motor radiator, at least a part of the engine radiator, or both, is positioned between a rear contour line of the front wheel and a front contour line of the frame in a side view of the straddled vehicle.

5. The straddled vehicle according to claim 1, wherein each of the non-supported electric motor radiator and the engine radiator has a cooling surface, and the non-supported electric motor radiator and the engine radiator are arranged such that both the cooling surface of the non-supported electric motor radiator and the cooling surface of the engine radiator intersect with a plane of which a normal extends in the front-back direction of the straddled vehicle.

6. The straddled vehicle according to claim 2, wherein each of the non-supported electric motor radiator and the engine radiator has a cooling surface, and the non-supported electric motor radiator and the engine radiator are arranged such that both the cooling surface of the non-supported electric motor radiator and the cooling surface of the engine radiator intersect with a plane of which a normal extends in the front-back direction of the straddled vehicle.

7. The straddled vehicle according to claim 3, wherein each of the non-supported electric motor radiator and the engine radiator has a cooling surface, and the non-supported electric motor radiator and the engine radiator are arranged such that both the cooling surface of the non-supported electric motor radiator and the cooling surface of the engine radiator intersect with a plane of which a normal extends in the front-back direction of the straddled vehicle.

8. The straddled vehicle according to claim 4, wherein each of the non-supported electric motor radiator and the engine radiator has a cooling surface, and the non-supported electric motor radiator and the engine radiator are arranged such that both the cooling surface of the non-supported electric motor radiator and the cooling surface of the engine radiator intersect with a plane of which a normal extends in the front-back direction of the straddled vehicle.

9. The straddled vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a duct that guides the relative wind to the electric motor radiator.

10. The straddled vehicle according to claim 2, further comprising a duct that guides the relative wind to the electric motor radiator.

11. The straddled vehicle according to claim 3, further comprising a duct that guides the relative wind to the electric motor radiator.

12. The straddled vehicle according to claim 4, further comprising a duct that guides the relative wind to the electric motor radiator.

13. The straddled vehicle according to claim 5, further comprising a duct that guides the relative wind to the electric motor radiator.

14. The straddled vehicle according to claim 6, further comprising a duct that guides the relative wind to the electric motor radiator.

15. The straddled vehicle according to claim 7, further comprising a duct that guides the relative wind to the electric motor radiator.

16. The straddled vehicle according to claim 8, further comprising a duct that guides the relative wind to the electric motor radiator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0071] [FIG. 1] A diagram showing an external appearance of a series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present teaching

[0072] [FIG. 2] A diagram showing an external appearance of a series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present teaching

[0073] [FIG. 3] A diagram showing an external appearance of a series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to a third embodiment of the present teaching

[0074] [FIGS. 4A and 4B] Diagrams showing an external appearance of a series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to a fourth embodiment of the present teaching

[0075] [FIG. 5] A diagram showing an external appearance of a series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to a fifth embodiment of the present teaching

[0076] [FIG. 6] A diagram showing an external appearance of a series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to a sixth embodiment of the present teaching

[0077] [FIG. 7] A diagram showing an external appearance of a series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to a seventh embodiment of the present teaching

[0078] [FIG. 8] A diagram showing an external appearance of a series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to an eighth embodiment of the present teaching

[0079] [FIG. 9] A diagram showing an external appearance of a series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to a ninth embodiment of the present teaching [FIG. 10] A diagram showing an external appearance of a series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to a tenth embodiment of the present teaching

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0080] In the following, the present teaching will be described based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings.

First Embodiment

[0081] A first embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an external appearance of a series hybrid type straddled vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present teaching. FIG. 1 shows a state where a left one of vehicle body coverings in the left-right direction of the series hybrid type straddled vehicle 1 is removed. Referring to FIG. 1, overview of the series hybrid type straddled vehicle 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0082] In FIG. 1, the arrow F represents the frontward direction of the series hybrid type straddled vehicle 1. The frontward direction is a direction in which the series hybrid type straddled vehicle 1 travels. The arrow B represents the backward (rearward) direction. The arrow F and the arrow B represent the front-back (front-rear) direction FB of the series hybrid type straddled vehicle 1. The frontward direction F, the backward direction B, and the front-back direction FB are parallel to a horizontal plane under a state where the series hybrid type straddled vehicle 1 is upright. The arrow U represents the upward (upper) direction. The arrow D represents the downward (lower) direction. The arrow U and the arrow D represent the up-down direction UD of the series hybrid type straddled vehicle 1. The upward direction U, the downward direction D, and the up-down direction UD are parallel to the vertical direction under a state where the series hybrid type straddled vehicle 1 is upright.

[0083] In Description herein, directions in relation to a device included in the series hybrid type straddled vehicle 1 are described by using the foregoing directions, assuming a state where the device is mounted to the series hybrid type straddled vehicle 1.

[0084] In the series hybrid type straddled vehicle 1 (hereinafter, referred to as the straddled vehicle 1) according to this embodiment, an electric power generator is driven by an electric power generation engine, and a driving wheel is driven by electric power of the electric power generator.

[0085] The straddled vehicle 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a frame 11. The frame 11 constitutes a framework of the straddled vehicle 1, and serves as a base for supporting mounted parts of the straddled vehicle 1.

[0086] The straddled vehicle 1 includes a front fork 21 and a front wheel 22. The front wheel 22 is rotatably supported by the front fork 21. The front fork 21 is rotatably supported by the frame 11. The front fork 21 is an example of a front suspension. That is, the front suspension supports the front wheel 22 rotatably, and is supported by the frame 11.

[0087] The straddled vehicle 1 includes a rear arm 31 and a rear wheel 32. The rear wheel 32 is rotatably supported by the rear arm 31. The front end of the rear wheel 32 is positioned farther in the rearward direction than the rear end of the front wheel 22.

[0088] The straddled vehicle 1 includes an electric power generation unit 40. The electric power generation unit 40 includes an electric power generation engine 41 and an electric power generator 42.

[0089] The electric power generation unit 40 is separate from a motor unit 50. The electric power generation unit 40 is supported by at least one of the frame 11 or the motor unit 50.

[0090] The electric power generation engine 41 has a rotatable crankshaft (not shown). The electric power generation engine 41 generates power by gas combustion, and outputs the power in the form of a torque and a rotation speed of the crankshaft. The power (rotational power) outputted by the electric power generation engine 41 is engine power. The engine power (rotational power) outputted by the electric power generation engine 41, however, is not mechanically transmitted to the front wheel 22 and to the rear wheel 32.

[0091] The electric power generator 42 is provided so as to interlock with the crankshaft. The electric power generator 42 is driven by the output from the electric power generation engine 41, to generate electric power, and supplies the generated electric power to a drive motor 51.

[0092] The straddled vehicle 1 includes the motor unit 50. The motor unit 50 includes the drive motor 51 and a gear box 53.

[0093] The drive motor 51 receives electric power supplied from the electric power generation unit 40, to output power so that the rear wheel 32 is driven by the outputted power. The rear wheel 32 is driven only by the power outputted from the drive motor, without mechanically receiving rotational power from the electric power generation engine 41. In this embodiment, the rear wheel 32 is a driving wheel. The drive motor 51 is not an electric motor that is assisted with mechanical power outputted from an engine. Therefore, the drive motor 51 is a non-supported electric motor. The drive motor 51 does not assist the engine 41, either.

[0094] The gear box 53 shifts the speed of power outputted from the drive motor 51 with a predetermined gear ratio, and transmits the resulting power to the rear wheel 32 serving as the driving wheel. The gear box 53 is rigidly fixed to the frame 11, and supports the rear arm 31 swingably.

[0095] The motor unit 50 is fixed to the frame 11. The motor unit 50 supports the rear arm 31 swingably. The motor unit 50 and the frame 11 integrally bear a load from the front wheel 22 via the front fork 21, and bear a load from the rear wheel 32 via the rear arm 31.

[0096] The straddled vehicle 1 includes a control unit 52. The control unit 52 includes an inverter 521. The inverter 521 controls electric power to be supplied from the electric power generation unit 40 to the drive motor 51.

[0097] The straddled vehicle 1 includes a battery 60. The battery 60 accumulates at least part of electric power generated by the electric power generator 42, and is electrically connected to the drive motor 51 such that the accumulated electric power can be supplied to the drive motor 51.

[0098] The straddled vehicle 1 includes a non-supported electric motor radiator 71. The non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is a radiator for cooling the drive motor 51 of the motor unit 50, which is a non-supported electric motor, and/or the inverter 521 of the control unit 52 of the straddled vehicle 1. The drive motor 51 and/or the inverter 521 of the straddled vehicle 1 is/are of water-cooled type. The non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is arranged at a position that can take impact of relative wind when the straddled vehicle 1 is in motion, the position being more rearward B than the front end of the front wheel 22 in the front-back direction FB or the forward direction of the straddled vehicle 1. The non-supported electric motor radiator 71 has a cooling surface 71a. The non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is arranged such that the cooling surface 71a receives relative wind.

[0099] The non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is connected to the control unit 52 and to the motor unit 50 via a coolant hose 711, so that the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 supplies a coolant to the inverter 521 and the drive motor 51. The motor unit 50 is connected to the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 via a coolant hose 712, so that the drive motor 51 supplies a coolant to the non-supported electric motor radiator 71. The coolant returns to the non-supported electric motor radiator 71, and then is cooled again.

Second Embodiment

[0100] A second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in terms of how an electric power generation unit 40 and a motor unit 50 are arranged and how a rear arm 31 is supported. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an external appearance of a straddled vehicle 1 according to the second embodiment of the present teaching. FIG. 2 shows the straddled vehicle 1 from which a left one of vehicle body coverings in the left-right direction is removed. Differences from the first embodiment will be described below.

[0101] In this embodiment, a gear box 53 of a motor unit 50 constitutes a rear arm 31. A drive motor 51 is fixed to the gear box 53, which constitutes the rear arm 31. A frame 11 supports the rear arm 31 swingably. The frame 11 bears a load from a front wheel 22 via a front fork 21, and bears a load from a rear wheel 32 via the rear arm 31. An electric power generation unit 40 of this embodiment is supported by the frame 11. The electric power generation unit 40 is supported by the frame 11 via a fixture 44 including a link member and an elastic member such as a rubber bush.

Third Embodiment

[0102] A third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is identical to the first embodiment or the second embodiment, except that a non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is configured to further cool at least either one of an electric power generator or a converter of a control unit. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an external appearance of a straddled vehicle 1 according to the third embodiment of the present teaching. FIG. 3 shows the straddled vehicle 1 from which a left one of vehicle body coverings in the left-right direction is removed. Differences from the first embodiment or the second embodiment will be described below.

[0103] A control unit 52 includes a converter 522. The converter 522 controls electric power to be supplied from an electric power generator 42 of an electric power generation unit 40 to a battery 60 and/or to a drive motor 51.

[0104] The non-supported electric motor radiator 71 cools not only the drive motor 51 of a motor unit 50 and/or an inverter 521 of the control unit 52 but also the electric power generator 42 of the electric power generation unit 40 and/or the converter 522 of the control unit 52. The non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is connected to the motor unit 50 via a coolant hose 711, so that the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 supplies a coolant to the control unit 52 and the drive motor 51 in the motor unit 50. The motor unit 50 is connected to the electric power generator 42 via a coolant hose 712, so that the motor unit 50 supplies a coolant to the electric power generator 42. The electric power generator 42 is connected to the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 via a coolant hose 713, so that the electric power generator 42 supplies a coolant to the non-supported electric motor radiator 71. The coolant returns to the non-supported electric motor radiator 71, and then is cooled again. In this embodiment, the water temperature of the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is set at 60° C.

Fourth Embodiment

[0105] A fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is identical to any of the first to third embodiments, except that an engine radiator is additionally provided. FIGS. 4A and 4B are diagrams showing an external appearance of a straddled vehicle 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present teaching. FIG. 4A is a front view of the straddled vehicle 1, and FIG. 4B is a left side view of the straddled vehicle 1. In FIG. 4A, for descriptive purposes, a front fork and a front wheel are illustrated with broken lines. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B show the straddled vehicle 1 from which a vehicle body covering is removed.

[0106] In FIG. 4A, the arrow R and the arrow L represent the right direction and the left direction from the perspective of a rider riding on a lean vehicle. The arrow L and the arrow R represent the left-right direction LR of the straddled vehicle 1. Differences from any of the first to third embodiments will be described below.

[0107] The straddled vehicle 1 includes an engine radiator 72. The engine radiator 72 is a radiator for cooling an electric power generation engine 41 of the straddled vehicle 1. Since the straddled vehicle 1 includes the engine radiator 72 for cooling the electric power generation engine 41, the electric power generation engine 41 of the straddled vehicle 1 is of water-cooled type. The engine radiator 72 is arranged at a position that can take impact of relative wind when the straddled vehicle 1 is in motion, the position being more rearward than the front end of the front wheel 22 with respect to the forward direction of the straddled vehicle 1. The engine radiator 72 has a cooling surface 72a. The engine radiator 72 is arranged such that the cooling surface 72a receives relative wind.

[0108] The engine radiator 72 is connected to the electric power generation engine 41 via a coolant hose 721, so that the engine radiator 72 supplies a coolant to the electric power generation engine 41. The electric power generation engine 41 is connected to the engine radiator 72 via a coolant hose 722, so that the electric power generation engine 41 supplies a coolant to the engine radiator 72. The coolant returns to the engine radiator 72, and then is cooled again. In this embodiment, the water temperature of the engine radiator 72 is set at 80° C.

[0109] A drive motor 51 of the straddled vehicle 1, which is a series hybrid type straddled vehicle, is driven all the time while traveling. A non-supported electric motor radiator 71, therefore, needs to be cooled all the time while traveling. Thus, the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is arranged such that a cooling surface 71a of the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 receives relative wind when the straddled vehicle 1 is in motion.

[0110] In this embodiment, the water temperature of the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is set at 60° C., which is lower than the water temperature of the engine radiator 72. As the water temperature of a radiator is lowered, a difference between the water temperature of the radiator and the outside air temperature is reduced, which deteriorates the cooling efficiency of the radiator. To lower the water temperature of the radiator, therefore, it is required that the cooling area of the radiator be increased. Thus, the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 has a larger cooling area than that of the engine radiator 72 in which water temperature is higher than the water temperature of the non-supported electric motor radiator 71. The area of the cooling surface 71a is larger than the area of the cooling surface 72a. This allows the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 to have a water temperature lower than the water temperature of the engine radiator 72. Accordingly, the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is compatible with a motor unit 50 having a lower target temperature.

[0111] Here, arrangement of the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 and the engine radiator 72 in the straddled vehicle 1 will be described. Referring to FIG. 4A, when the straddled vehicle 1 is viewed in the front-back direction FB, the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 and the engine radiator 72 are arranged in an edge portion located more rearward B than the front wheel 22, the edge portion constituting a front contour line of a frame 11. In this state, the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 and the engine radiator 72 are arranged one above the other in the up-down direction UD, with the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 being arranged farther in the downward direction D than the engine radiator 72. Both the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 and the engine radiator 72 are longer in the left-right direction LR than in the up-down direction UD. Referring to FIG. 4B, when the straddled vehicle 1 is viewed in the left-right direction LR, at least either one of at least a part of the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 or at least a part of the engine radiator 72 is disposed between a rear contour line of the front wheel 22 and the front contour line of the frame 11. In this state, the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 and the engine radiator 72 are arranged with their respective cooling surfaces facing toward the forward direction (front direction F) of the straddled vehicle 1.

[0112] Such arrangement of the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 and the engine radiator 72 allows them to be arranged in a narrow space between the front wheel 22 and the frame 11 of the straddled vehicle 1. Moreover, the non-supported electric motor radiator 71, which needs to be cooled more, can be preferentially arranged in a lower portion of the straddled vehicle, where the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is more likely to take impact of relative wind.

Fifth Embodiment

[0113] A fifth embodiment will be described. In the fifth embodiment, the positions at which the non-supported electric motor radiator and the engine radiator of the fourth embodiment are arranged are changed as follows. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an external appearance of a straddled vehicle 1 according to the fifth embodiment of the present teaching. FIG. 5(a) is a front view of the straddled vehicle 1, and FIG. 5(b) is a left side view of the straddled vehicle 1. In FIG. 5(a), for descriptive purposes, a front fork and a front wheel are illustrated with broken lines. FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 5(b) show the straddled vehicle 1 from which a vehicle body covering is removed. Differences from the fourth embodiment will be described below.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 5(a), when the straddled vehicle 1 is viewed in the front-back direction FB, a non-supported electric motor radiator 71 and an engine radiator 72 are arranged in an edge portion located more rearward B than a front wheel 22, the edge portion constituting a front contour line of a frame 11. The non-supported electric motor radiator 71 has a cooling surface 71a. The non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is arranged such that the cooling surface 71a receives relative wind. The engine radiator 72 has a cooling surface 72a. The engine radiator 72 is arranged such that the cooling surface 72a receives relative wind. In this state, the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 and the engine radiator 72 are arranged one above the other in the up-down direction UD, with the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 being arranged farther in the downward direction D than the engine radiator 72. The non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is longer in the left-right direction LR than in the up-down direction UD. The engine radiator 72 is shorter in the left-right direction LR than in the up-down direction UD. The engine radiator 72 is arranged such that the center line of the engine radiator 72 is off-set from the center line of the straddled vehicle 1, the center line of the engine radiator 72 extending in the vertical direction through the center of the engine radiator 72 in the left-right direction LR. Referring to FIG. 5(b), when the straddled vehicle 1 is viewed in the left-right direction LR, at least either one of at least a part of the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 or at least a part of the engine radiator 72 is disposed between a rear contour line of the front wheel 22 and the front contour line of the frame 11. The cooling surface 71a is larger than the cooling surface 72a.

[0115] Such arrangement of the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 and the engine radiator 72 allows the non-supported electric motor radiator 71, which needs to be cooled more, to be preferentially arranged in a lower portion of the straddled vehicle, where the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is more likely to take impact of relative wind. Moreover, the engine radiator 72 can be arranged so as to avoid an exhaust pipe 43 extending from the electric power generation engine 41.

Sixth Embodiment

[0116] A sixth embodiment will be described. In the sixth embodiment, the positions at which the non-supported electric motor radiator and the engine radiator of the fourth embodiment are arranged are changed as follows. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an external appearance of a straddled vehicle 1 according to the sixth embodiment of the present teaching. FIG. 6(a) is a left side view of the straddled vehicle 1, and FIG. 6(b) is a right side view of the straddled vehicle 1. FIG. 6(a) and FIG. 6(b) show the straddled vehicle 1 from which a vehicle body covering is removed. Differences from the fourth embodiment will be described below.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 6(b), a non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is arranged such that a cooling surface 71a of the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 intersects with a plane S where its normal is a straight line N extending in the front-back direction FB of the straddled vehicle 1. The left-right direction LR of the straddled vehicle 1 is composed of a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is arranged along a surface of a vehicle body of the straddled vehicle 1, the surface facing toward the first direction in the left-right direction LR. More specifically, the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is arranged along the surface of the straddled vehicle 1 facing toward the right direction R in the left-right direction LR of the straddled vehicle 1. The cooling surface 71a faces toward the right direction R. Referring to FIG. 6(a), an engine radiator 72 is arranged such that a cooling surface 72a of the engine radiator 72 intersects with the plane S where its normal is the straight line N extending in the front-back direction FB of the straddled vehicle 1. The engine radiator 72 is arranged along a surface of the vehicle body of the straddled vehicle 1, the surface facing toward the second direction in the left-right direction LR. More specifically, the engine radiator 72 is arranged along the surface of the straddled vehicle 1 facing toward the left direction L in the left-right direction LR of the straddled vehicle 1. The cooling surface 72a faces toward the left direction L. The cooling surface 71a is larger than the cooling surface 72a.

[0118] Such arrangement of the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 and the engine radiator 72 allows the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 and the engine radiator 72 to be arranged at positions, in the vehicle body of the straddled vehicle 1, that can directly take impact of relative wind. Moreover, the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 and the engine radiator 72 can efficiently cool the motor unit 50 and the electric power generation engine 41.

Seventh Embodiment

[0119] A seventh embodiment will be described. In the seventh embodiment, the positions at which the non-supported electric motor radiator and the engine radiator of the fourth embodiment are arranged are changed as follows. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an external appearance of a straddled vehicle 1 according to the seventh embodiment of the present teaching. FIG. 7(a) is a front view of the straddled vehicle 1, and FIG. 7(b) is a left side view of the straddled vehicle 1. In FIG. 7(a), for descriptive purposes, a front fork and a front wheel are illustrated with broken lines. FIG. 7(a) and FIG. 7(b) show the straddled vehicle 1 from which a vehicle body covering is removed. Differences from the fourth embodiment will be described below.

[0120] In this embodiment, a non-supported electric motor radiator 71 and an engine radiator 72 of the straddled vehicle 1 can be configured as a single radiator 73. Referring to FIG. 7(a), when the straddled vehicle 1 is viewed in the front-back direction FB, the radiator 73 is arranged in an edge portion located more rearward B than a front wheel 22, the edge portion constituting a front contour line of a frame 11. Referring to FIG. 7(b), when the straddled vehicle 1 is viewed in the left-right direction LR, at least a part of the radiator 73 is disposed between a rear contour line of the front wheel 22 and the front contour line of the frame 11. In this state, the radiator 73 is arranged with its cooling surface facing toward the forward direction (frontward direction F) of the straddled vehicle 1.

[0121] In this variation, a coolant from the radiator 73 cools a motor unit 50 and an electric power generator 42, then is supplied to an electric power generation engine 41 to cool the electric power generation engine 41, and then returns to the radiator 73 again.

[0122] Such arrangement of the radiator 73 allows the radiator 73 to be arranged in a narrow space between the front wheel 22 and the frame 11 of the straddled vehicle 1. Moreover, the number of parts of a cooling system can be reduced so that the cooling system can be simplified, because the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 and the engine radiator 72 illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B for example are configured as the single radiator 73.

Eighth Embodiment

[0123] An eighth embodiment will be described. In the eighth embodiment, the electric power generation engine 41 of the electric power generation unit 40 according to any of the first to third embodiments is changed to an air-cooled engine. FIG. 8 is a right side view of a straddled vehicle 1 according to the eighth embodiment of the present teaching. FIG. 8 shows the straddled vehicle 1 from which a vehicle body covering is removed. Differences from any of the first to third embodiments will be described below.

[0124] The straddled vehicle 1 includes an electric power generation unit 40. The electric power generation unit 40 includes an electric power generation engine 41. The straddled vehicle 1 of this embodiment does not include an engine radiator. The electric power generation engine 41 is arranged at a position that can take impact of relative wind when the straddled vehicle 1 is in motion, and is directly cooled by the relative wind. That is, the electric power generation engine 41 is cooled with a natural air-cooling system.

[0125] A drive motor 51 of a motor unit 50 of the straddled vehicle 1 is supplied with electric power from at least either one of an electric power generator 42 or a battery 60. In some case with this configuration, the drive motor 51 of the straddled vehicle 1 may be supplied with electric power from the battery 60 alone. In this case, the electric power generation unit 40 of the straddled vehicle 1 is not continuously generating electric power. Thus, the electric power generation engine 41 of the straddled vehicle 1 is not continuously driven.

[0126] A target temperature in cooling the electric power generation engine 41 of the straddled vehicle 1 may be higher than a target temperature in cooling the drive motor 51. In this embodiment, therefore, the electric power generation engine 41 of the straddled vehicle 1, though it is of air-cooled type, can be continuously cooled down to the target temperature in cooling the electric power generation engine 41.

[0127] How a non-supported electric motor radiator 71 of the straddled vehicle 1 is arranged will now be described. Referring to FIG. 8, when the straddled vehicle 1 is viewed in the front-back direction FB, the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is arranged in an edge portion located more rearward B than a front wheel 22, the edge portion constituting a front contour line of a frame 11. Furthermore, when the straddled vehicle 1 is viewed in the left-right direction LR, the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is at least partially arranged between a rear contour line of the front wheel 22 and the front contour line of the frame 11. With this configuration, the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is arranged with its cooling surface facing toward the forward direction (frontward direction F) of the straddled vehicle 1.

[0128] In this embodiment, a coolant from the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 cools the motor unit 50 and the electric power generator 42, and then returns to the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 again.

[0129] In this embodiment, the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is the only radiator, and therefore the degree of freedom in arranging the radiator in the straddled vehicle is high. In addition, the number of parts of a cooling system can be reduced so that the cooling system can be simplified, because the number of radiators is one.

Variation

[0130] In this embodiment, the electric power generation engine 41 is of air-cooled type. In a variation of this embodiment, a cooling fan is provided to a crankshaft end portion of the electric power generation engine 41. The electric power generation engine 41 is cooled by the cooling fan. That is, the electric power generation engine 41 is cooled with a forced air-cooling system.

[0131] In another variation of the straddled vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is arranged farther in a first direction or a second direction of the vehicle body of the straddled vehicle 1 with respect to the left-right direction of the straddled vehicle 1, provided that the left-right direction is composed of the first direction and the second direction opposite to the first direction. To be more specific, the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is arranged on a surface of the straddled vehicle 1 toward the right direction R or the left direction L in the left-right direction LR of the straddled vehicle 1.

Ninth Embodiment

[0132] A ninth embodiment will be described. The ninth embodiment is an example in which a duct for introducing relative wind is installed in addition to the configuration of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a right side view of a straddled vehicle 1 according to the ninth embodiment of the present teaching. FIG. 9 shows the straddled vehicle 1 from which a vehicle body covering is removed. Differences from the fourth embodiment will be described below.

[0133] The straddled vehicle 1 includes a non-supported electric motor radiator 71. When the straddled vehicle 1 is viewed in the left-right direction LR, the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is at least partially arranged between a rear contour line of a front wheel 22 and a front contour line of a frame 11.

[0134] The straddled vehicle 1 includes an engine radiator 72. When the straddled vehicle 1 is viewed in the left-right direction LR, the engine radiator 72 is at least partially arranged between the rear contour line of the front wheel 22 and the front contour line of the frame 11.

[0135] The straddled vehicle 1 includes a duct 74. The duct 74 is arranged such that air having flowed into a region below a joint portion 21a of a front fork 21 of the straddled vehicle 1 is guided to a cooling surface of the non-supported electric motor radiator 71.

[0136] In the straddled vehicle 1, the duct 74 is arranged in the above-described manner, which allows relative wind to be guided to the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 of the straddled vehicle 1.

Tenth Embodiment

[0137] A tenth embodiment will be described. The tenth embodiment is an example in which a duct for introducing relative wind is installed in addition to the configuration of the eighth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a right side view of a straddled vehicle 1 according to the tenth embodiment of the present teaching. FIG. 10 shows the straddled vehicle 1 from which a vehicle body covering is removed. Differences from the eighth embodiment will be described below.

[0138] The straddled vehicle 1 includes a non-supported electric motor radiator 71. When the straddled vehicle 1 is viewed in the left-right direction LR, the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 is at least partially arranged between a rear contour line of a front wheel 22 and a front contour line of a frame 11.

[0139] The straddled vehicle 1 includes a duct 74. The duct 74 is arranged such that air having flowed into a region below a joint portion 21a of a front fork 21 of the straddled vehicle 1 is guided to a cooling surface of the non-supported electric motor radiator 71.

[0140] In the straddled vehicle 1, the duct 74 is arranged in the above-described manner, which allows relative wind to be guided to the non-supported electric motor radiator 71 of the straddled vehicle 1.

[0141] It is possible that the present teaching adopts the following configurations. The above-described embodiments provide supports for the following configurations.

[0142] (8) The series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to (1) is configured such that

[0143] the electric power generation engine is directly cooled by the relative wind.

[0144] In the series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to (8), the electric power generation engine is directly cooled by the relative wind. Thus, in the series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to (8), the electric power generation engine is cooled with a natural air-cooling system. Accordingly, in the series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to (8), a device for cooling the electric power generation engine can be downsized.

[0145] (9) The series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to (1) is configured such that

[0146] the electric power generation engine has a cooling fan.

[0147] In the series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to (9), the electric power generation engine is cooled by an air stream coming from the cooling fan. Thus, in the series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to (9), the electric power generation engine is cooled with a forced air-cooling system. Accordingly, in the series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to (9), the cooling can be implemented more effectively.

[0148] (10) The series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to (1) is configured such that

[0149] the non-supported electric motor radiator cools the electric power generation engine.

[0150] In the series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to (10), the non-supported electric motor radiator cools the electric power generation engine. Thus, in the series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to (10), the motor unit and the electric power generation engine can be cooled by the single non-supported electric motor radiator. Accordingly, in the series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to (10), a device for cooling the motor unit and the electric power generation engine can be designed compact.

[0151] (11) The series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to any one of (1) and (8) to (10) is configured such that

[0152] the non-supported electric motor radiator is arranged such that at least a part of the non-supported electric motor radiator is positioned between the rear contour line of the front wheel and the front contour line of the frame when the series hybrid type straddled vehicle is viewed in the vehicle width direction.

[0153] In the series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to (11), the non-supported electric motor radiator is arranged between the rear contour line of the front wheel and the front contour line of the frame when the series hybrid type straddled vehicle is viewed in the left-right direction. Accordingly, in the series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to (11), the non-supported electric motor radiator can be arranged at a position, in the frame, that can directly take impact of relative wind, so that the motor unit can be cooled efficiently.

[0154] (12) The series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to any one of (1) and (8) to (10) is configured such that [0155] the non-supported electric motor radiator is arranged with its cooling surface facing toward a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction of the vehicle body of the series hybrid type straddled vehicle, the first direction and the second direction being included in the left-right direction of the series hybrid type straddled vehicle.

[0156] In the series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to (12), the radiator is arranged on a surface of the vehicle body of the series hybrid type straddled vehicle, the surface facing toward the right direction or the left direction in the left-right direction of the series hybrid type straddled vehicle. Thus, in the series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to (12), the radiator can be arranged at a position, in the vehicle body of the series hybrid type straddled vehicle, that can directly take impact of relative wind, so that the motor unit can be cooled efficiently.

[0157] (13) The series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to any one of (1) and (8) to (10) is configured such that

[0158] a duct provided in the series hybrid type straddled vehicle guides the relative wind to the radiator.

[0159] In the series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to (13), the duct provided in the series hybrid type straddled vehicle guides the relative wind to the radiator. Accordingly, in the series hybrid type straddled vehicle according to (13), the radiator can be arranged at a position, in the vehicle body of the series hybrid type straddled vehicle, that can directly take impact of relative wind, so that the motor unit can be cooled efficiently.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

[0160] 1, 100, 200 straddled vehicle

[0161] 11, 111, 211 frame

[0162] 21, 121, 221 front fork

[0163] 22, 122, 222 front wheel

[0164] 31 rear arm

[0165] 32 rear wheel

[0166] 40, 140, 240 electric power generation unit

[0167] 41, 141, 241 electric power generation engine

[0168] 42, 142, 242 electric power generator

[0169] 50, 150, 250 motor unit

[0170] 51, 151, 251 drive motor

[0171] 60, 161, 261 battery

[0172] 71, 171, 271 non-supported electric motor radiator

[0173] 72 engine radiator

[0174] 73 radiator