阅读说明：本技术 跨骑式电动车辆以及跨骑式电动车辆的控制方法 (Saddle-ride type electric vehicle and control method for saddle-ride type electric vehicle ) 是由 森庸太朗 小林义隆 玉木健二 饭塚尔 于 2019-03-26 设计创作，主要内容包括：跨骑式电动车辆(1)的冷却回路(50)具有：主冷却路径(51A),其设置有蓄电池(100)、马达(30)、马达控制装置(31)以及泵(52)；旁通路径(51B),其绕过蓄电池(100)；阀装置(53),其控制热介质向旁通路径(51B)的流入；以及温度检测部(56),其检测主冷却路径(51A)的热介质的温度。控制冷却回路(50)的控制装置(60)根据由温度检测部(56)检测到的热介质的温度来控制阀装置(53)。(A cooling circuit (50) of a straddle-type electric vehicle (1) is provided with: a main cooling path (51A) provided with a battery (100), a motor (30), a motor control device (31), and a pump (52); a bypass path (51B) that bypasses the battery (100); a valve device (53) that controls the inflow of the heat medium into the bypass path (51B); and a temperature detection unit (56) that detects the temperature of the heat medium in the main cooling path (51A). A control device (60) for controlling the cooling circuit (50) controls the valve device (53) according to the temperature of the heat medium detected by the temperature detection unit (56).)

1. A straddle-type electric vehicle (1) is provided with:

a battery (100);

a motor (30) that receives electric power from the battery (100) and drives the wheels (4); and

a motor control device (31) that controls the motor (30), wherein,

the straddle-type electric vehicle (1) is further provided with:

a cooling circuit (50) that supplies a heat medium to the battery (100), the motor (30), and the motor control device (31); and

a control device (60) that controls the cooling circuit (50),

the cooling circuit (50) has:

a pump (52) that discharges the heat medium;

a main cooling path (51A) in which the battery (100), the motor (30), the motor control device (31), and the pump (52) are provided;

a bypass path (51B) that bypasses the battery (100);

a valve device (53) that controls the inflow of the heat medium into the bypass path (51B); and

a temperature detection unit (56) that detects the temperature of the heat medium in the main cooling path (51A),

the control device (60) controls the valve device (53) according to the temperature of the heat medium detected by the temperature detection unit (56).

2. The straddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to claim 1,

the motor (30) is provided downstream of the motor control device (31) in the flow direction of the heat medium flowing through the main cooling path (51A).

3. The straddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to claim 2,

the temperature detection unit (56) is provided downstream of the motor (30) and upstream of the valve device (53) in the flow direction of the heat medium flowing through the main cooling path (51A).

4. The straddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to claim 2 or 3,

at least one of a heat dissipation portion (54) and a thermal mass portion (55) is provided downstream of a downstream side connection portion (51d) connecting the bypass path (51B) and the main cooling path (51A) and upstream of the motor control device (31) in the flow direction of the heat medium flowing through the main cooling path (51A).

5. The straddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

the straddle-type electric vehicle (1) further comprises a battery temperature acquisition unit (57) for acquiring the temperature of the battery (100),

when the temperature of the battery (100) acquired by the battery temperature acquisition unit (57) is equal to or lower than the output drop temperature of the battery (100),

the control device (60) controls the valve device (53) so that the heat medium flows into the battery (100).

6. The straddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to claim 5,

the straddle-type electric vehicle (1) further comprises a charging device (70) for supplying external power to the battery (100),

the charging device (70) is configured to be able to energize the motor (30), the motor control device (31), and the pump (52),

when external power is supplied to the battery (100) and the temperature of the heat medium is lower than a predetermined temperature at which heating of the heat medium is not required,

the control device (60) controls the motor (30) and the motor control device (31) to heat the heat medium.

7. The straddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the cooling circuit (50) further includes:

a second pump (52A) that discharges the heat medium;

at least one of a second heat dissipation portion (54A) and a second thermal mass portion (55A); and

and a sub-cooling path (51C) in which the battery (100), the second pump (52A), and at least one of the second heat dissipation portion (54A) and the second thermal mass portion (55A) are provided.

8. The straddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

the motor (30) is arranged coaxially with a pivot (17) that holds a swing arm (40) so as to be capable of swinging,

the motor control device (31) and the motor (30) are connected and integrated through a bus.

9. A control method for a saddle-ride type electric vehicle, the saddle-ride type electric vehicle comprising:

a battery (100);

a motor (30) that receives electric power from the battery (100) and drives the wheels (4);

a motor control device (31) for controlling the motor (30); and

a cooling circuit (50) that supplies a heat medium to the battery (100), the motor (30), and the motor control device (31),

the cooling circuit (50) has:

a pump (52) that discharges the heat medium;

a main cooling path (51A) in which the battery (100), the motor (30), the motor control device (31), and the pump (52) are provided;

a bypass path (51B) that bypasses the battery (100); and

a valve device (53) that controls inflow of the heat medium to the bypass path (51B), wherein,

the control method of the straddle electric vehicle includes:

a heat medium temperature detection step (S13, S23, S32) for detecting the temperature of the heat medium in the main cooling path (51A); and

and a valve device control step (S18, S19, S26, S29, S34, S35) for controlling the valve device (53) in accordance with the temperature of the heat medium.

10. The control method of a straddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 9,

the control method for the saddle-ride type electric vehicle further comprises a battery temperature acquisition step (S16) for acquiring the temperature of the battery (100),

in the valve device controlling process (S19),

when the temperature of the battery (100) is equal to or lower than the output drop temperature of the battery (100), the heat medium is allowed to flow into the battery (100).

11. The control method of a straddle-type electric vehicle according to claim 10,

the method for controlling a saddle-ride type electric vehicle further includes a heat medium heating step (S4) for raising the temperature of the heat medium,

in the heat medium heating step (S4),

when external power is supplied to the battery (100), the motor (30) and the motor control device (31) are controlled to heat the heat medium when the temperature of the heat medium is lower than a predetermined temperature at which heating of the heat medium is not required.

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a saddle-ride type electric vehicle and a control method of the saddle-ride type electric vehicle.

Background

In recent years, as a straddle-type vehicle, a straddle-type electric vehicle using a motor as a drive source is known. Such a saddle-ride type electric vehicle generally includes: a motor; a motor control device that controls an inverter of a motor and the like; and a battery that supplies electric power to the motor. The functions of these motors, motor control devices, and storage batteries are reduced due to heat generation, and therefore it is desirable to appropriately cool them to prevent the reduction in functions.

In the electric motorcycle described in patent document 1, it is described that the motor and the inverter are cooled by oil flowing through an oil cooling system for lubricating and cooling the motor unit, and the battery is cooled by traveling wind.

Documents of the prior art

Patent document

Patent document 1: japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2016 + 172457

Disclosure of Invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in the electric motorcycle of patent document 1, if a high output state such as climbing continues in a state where the outside air temperature is high, the battery cannot be cooled completely by air cooling, and there is a risk of output limitation. In addition, since the output performance of the battery also drops at low temperatures, it is necessary to maintain the temperature state at an appropriate level in order to maintain a good output state.

The invention provides a saddle-ride type electric vehicle and a control method of the saddle-ride type electric vehicle, which can properly cool a motor and a motor control device, and can properly cool and heat a storage battery.

Means for solving the problems

The present invention provides a straddle-type electric vehicle comprising:

a storage battery;

a motor that receives electric power from the battery to drive wheels;

a motor control device that controls the motor, wherein,

the straddle electric vehicle further includes:

a cooling circuit that supplies a heat medium to the battery, the motor, and the motor control device; and

a control device that controls the cooling circuit,

the cooling circuit has:

a pump that discharges the heat medium;

a main cooling path provided with the battery, the motor control device, and the pump;

a bypass path that bypasses the battery;

a valve device that controls inflow of the heat medium to the bypass path; and

a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of the heat medium in the main cooling path,

the control device controls the valve device according to the temperature of the heat medium detected by the temperature detection unit.

In the control method of the saddle-ride type electric vehicle of the invention,

the straddle-type electric vehicle is provided with:

a storage battery;

a motor that receives electric power from the battery to drive wheels;

a motor control device that controls the motor; and

a cooling circuit that supplies a heat medium to the battery, the motor, and the motor control device,

the cooling circuit has:

a pump that discharges the heat medium;

a main cooling path provided with the battery, the motor control device, and the pump;

a bypass path that bypasses the battery; and

a valve device that controls inflow of the heat medium to the bypass path, wherein,

the control method of the straddle electric vehicle includes:

a heat medium temperature detection step of detecting a temperature of the heat medium in the main cooling path; and

and a valve device control step of controlling the valve device in accordance with the temperature of the heat medium.

Effects of the invention

According to the present invention, since the battery is provided in the main cooling path of the cooling circuit in addition to the motor and the motor control device, the battery can be appropriately cooled when cooling of the battery is required, and the battery can be appropriately heated when heating of the battery is required.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a side view of a straddle-type vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram of a cooling circuit mounted on the straddle-type vehicle of fig. 1 according to an embodiment.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a control method of the cooling circuit of the first example.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a control method of the cooling circuit of the second example.

Fig. 5 is a block diagram of a cooling circuit of a modification.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the straddle electric vehicle of the second embodiment.

Fig. 7 is a side view of the straddle electric vehicle of the third embodiment.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, each embodiment of the saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to the present invention will be described. In the following description, an electric motorcycle is exemplified as the saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to the present invention. In the drawings, the front of the electric motorcycle is indicated as front, the rear is indicated as rear, the upper side is indicated as upper, and the lower side is indicated as lower.

< first embodiment >

(vehicle body constitution)

The saddle-ride type electric vehicle 1 includes: front wheels 3 steered by the handlebar 2; and a rear wheel 4 driven by a motor 30 as a driving source. The straddle electric vehicle 1 is a small and light (scooter) vehicle having pedals 9 on left and right sides, the pedals 9 being used for putting feet of a passenger seated on a seat 8.

The steering system components including the handlebar 2 and the front wheel 3 are pivotally supported on a head pipe 12 at the front end of the frame 11 in a steerable manner. The outer periphery of the frame 11 is covered with a body cover 5. In fig. 1, reference numeral 6 denotes a front fork.

The vehicle body frame 11 includes: a head pipe 12 located at a front end portion of the frame 11; a pair of left and right upper frames 13 extending obliquely rearward and downward from the head pipe 12; a pair of right and left down frames 14 extending obliquely rearward and downward from the lower portion of the head pipe 12 at a greater inclination than the right and left upper frames 13, extending rearward from the lower ends of the down frames 14 substantially horizontally, and extending obliquely rearward and upward from the rear ends of the down frames 14; a pair of left and right rear upper frames 15 extending obliquely rearward and upward from the upper and lower intermediate portions of the left and right upper frames 13, connected to the rear upper ends of the left and right down frames 14, and extending obliquely rearward and upward from the connection portions thereof; and a rear lower frame 16 extending obliquely rearward and upward from a rear portion of the down frame 14 and coupled to a rear portion of the rear upper frame 15.

The rear wheel 4 is supported via a swing arm 40 extending rearward of the frame 11 so as to be swingable in the vertical direction. The power of the motor 30 is transmitted by the power transmission member 18 that is suspended from the drive sprocket 16f and the driven sprocket 16 r. The power transmission member 18 is a chain, a belt, or the like.

The motor 30 is disposed coaxially with the pivot shaft 17 that supports the swing arm 40 so as to be capable of swinging. Since the motor 30 is disposed coaxially with the pivot shaft 17, the center of gravity of the motor 30 is not displaced with respect to the pivot shaft 17, and therefore, the influence of vibration or the like on the motor 30 during traveling can be minimized.

A motor control device 31 is disposed below the motor 30. The motor control device 31 is a power converter (e.g., an inverter) that converts the electric power supplied from the battery 100, and is connected and integrated with the motor 30 via a bus (not shown). Thus, the three-phase line connecting the motor 30 and the motor control device 31 is not required, and the straddle electric vehicle 1 can be reduced in weight and improved in assemblability. In fig. 1, reference numeral 19 denotes a suspension that supports a swing arm 40 to a vehicle frame 11.

The battery 100 for supplying electric power to the motor 30 is composed of two battery modules, and is fixed to the vehicle body frame 11 below the seat 8. In the straddle electric vehicle 1, a pump 52 and a valve device 53 constituting the cooling circuit 50 are provided below the battery 100, and a heat dissipation portion (RAD)54 is provided at a front end portion of the frame 11. A controller 60 for controlling the cooling circuit 50 is provided behind and below the seat 8, and a charging device 70 for supplying external power to the battery 100 is provided behind the heat radiating portion 54 and in front of the battery 100.

In the saddle-ride type electric vehicle 1 configured as described above, the power from the motor 30 is transmitted to the rear wheel axle 4a via the power transmission member 18, and the rear wheel 4 supported by the rear wheel axle 4a is driven to run the vehicle.

(Cooling Circuit)

Next, the cooling circuit 50 that cools the Battery (BAT)100, the Motor (MOT)30, and the motor control unit (PCU)31 will be described in detail with reference to fig. 2.

The cooling circuit 50 includes a main cooling path 51A provided with a pump (W/P)52 that discharges a heat medium. In the main cooling path 51A, the motor control device 31, the motor 30, the battery 100, and the heat dissipation portion 54 are provided in this order from the downstream side of the pump 52 in the flow direction of the heat medium flowing through the main cooling path 51A.

As the heat medium, a fluid such as water or oil is used. The heat dissipation portion 54 is, for example, a heat sink or a structural member having a large surface area. In addition, a thermal mass portion 55 may be used instead of the heat dissipation portion 54. That is, in the cooling circuit 50, the heat medium can be actively cooled by the heat radiating portion 54, or the temperature change of the heat medium can be suppressed by the thermal mass portion 55. The thermal mass portion 55 is, for example, a tank having a predetermined heat capacity. The cooling capacity of the heat dissipating portion 54 and the heat capacity of the thermal mass portion 55 are appropriately set in consideration of the usage environment of the straddle electric vehicle 1, the management temperature of the motor control device 31, and the like, and the temperature of the motor control device 31 is set so as not to exceed a predetermined management temperature.

The cooling circuit 50 includes a bypass path 51B that bypasses the battery 100, and the bypass path 51B is connected to an upstream side connecting portion 51u located downstream of the motor 30 and upstream of the battery 100, and is connected to a downstream side connecting portion 51d located downstream of the battery 100 and upstream of the heat radiating portion 54.

A valve device 53 is provided in the upstream connecting portion 51u, and the valve device 53 controls the flow of the heat medium from the main cooling passage 51A to the bypass passage 51B. When the valve device 53 opens the valve to the battery side, the heat medium flowing through the main cooling passage 51A is supplied to the battery 100, and the supply to the bypass passage 51B is shut off. On the other hand, when the valve device 53 is opened toward the bypass path, the heat medium flowing through the main cooling path 51A is supplied to the bypass path 51B, and the supply to the battery 100 is shut off. The valve means is for example a three-way valve. In addition, two switching valves (opening and closing valves) may be used instead of the three-way valve.

In this way, since the battery 100 is provided in the main cooling path 51A of the cooling circuit 50 in addition to the motor 30 and the motor control device 31, the battery 100 can be appropriately cooled by opening the valve device 53 to the battery side when it is necessary to cool the battery 100, and the battery 100 can be appropriately heated when it is necessary to heat the battery 100.

When neither cooling nor heating of the battery 100 is required, the valve device 53 is opened to the bypass path side, whereby the supply of the heat medium to the battery 100 can be avoided. In particular, in the saddle-ride type electric vehicle 1, since the battery 100 can be cooled by the running wind, the cooling can be performed by using the cooling wind and the heat medium separately as necessary, and the loss by the pump 52 can be suppressed.

Further, since the motor 30 is provided downstream of the motor control device 31 in the flow direction of the heat medium flowing through the main cooling path 51A, the motor control device 31 having a lower management temperature than the motor 30 can be actively cooled.

Further, since the heat radiating portion 54 is provided downstream of the downstream side connecting portion 51d connecting the bypass passage 51B and the main cooling passage 51A and upstream of the motor control device 31, the motor control device 31 can be cooled more efficiently. The heat radiating portion 54 does not necessarily need to be provided downstream of the downstream side connecting portion 51d and upstream of the motor control device 31, and may be provided in the bypass path 51B, for example.

In the cooling circuit 50, a temperature detection unit (T)56 is provided downstream of the motor 30 and upstream of the valve device 53 in the flow direction of the heat medium flowing through the main cooling path 51A. Although the temperature detector 56 may be provided at any position of the main cooling path 51A, the flow of the high-temperature heat medium into the battery 100 can be accurately suppressed by controlling the valve device 53 in accordance with the temperature of the heat medium after cooling the motor 30.

The battery 100 is provided with a battery temperature acquisition unit (T)57 for acquiring the temperature of the battery 100. The battery temperature acquisition unit 57 is not limited to a temperature sensor provided in the battery 100, and may be configured to calculate and estimate the battery temperature from the voltage of the battery 100 and the outside air temperature. In fig. 2, reference numeral 59 is a check valve that allows the flow of the heat medium from the battery 100 side to the heat dissipation portion 54 side and blocks the flow of the heat medium from the heat dissipation portion 54 side to the battery 100 side.

The cooling circuit 50 is controlled by a control device 60. The control device 60 is, for example, a microcontroller. More specifically, the temperature of the heat medium detected by the temperature detection unit 56 and the temperature of the battery 100 acquired by the battery temperature acquisition unit 57 are input to the control device 60. The control device 60 controls the valve device 53 based on the temperature of the heat medium detected by the temperature detection unit 56 and the temperature of the battery 100 acquired by the battery temperature acquisition unit 57. The control device 60 can control the valve device 53 based on the temperature of the heat medium detected by the temperature detection unit 56, regardless of the temperature of the battery 100 acquired by the battery temperature acquisition unit 57, but can more appropriately adjust the temperature of the battery 100 by controlling the valve device 53 based on two temperatures.

Next, two examples of the control method of the cooling circuit 50 will be explained.

(control method of Cooling Circuit of first example)

Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a control method of the cooling circuit 50 of the first example.

First, control device 60 detects whether or not external power is being supplied to straddle-type electric vehicle 1 (S1). As a result, if the straddle-type electric vehicle 1 is being supplied with external power (yes in S1), the control device 60 acquires the temperature of the battery 100 (S2, battery temperature acquisition process). Next, control device 60 determines whether or not the temperature of battery 100 is equal to or lower than the first output drop temperature (S3). The first output drop temperature is a threshold temperature on the low temperature side where the output of the battery 100 is limited or a threshold temperature at which the battery 100 needs to be heated, for example, 10 ℃. If the temperature of the battery 100 is higher than the first output drop temperature (no in S3), the process ends. On the other hand, if the temperature of the battery 100 is equal to or lower than the first output drop temperature (yes in S3), the controller 60 energizes the motor controller 31, the motor 30, and the pump 52 (S4, heat medium heating step).

Here, the charging device CHR is configured to be able to supply power to the motor 30, the motor control device 31, and the pump 52. Therefore, even if the main power supply of the straddle electric vehicle 1 is cut off, the motor 30, the motor control device 31, and the pump 52 can be energized without using the electric power of the battery 100. By energizing the pump 52, the heat medium can be circulated in the cooling circuit 50. The heat medium can be heated by energizing the motor 30 and the motor control device 31. The energization of the motor 30 and the motor control device 31 is for heating the heat medium, and is different from the energization for causing the motor 30 to output the running torque.

Next, the valve device 53 is opened to the battery side (S5). Thereby, the heat medium is supplied to battery 100. By using the motor 30 and the motor control device 31 as heat generating bodies and using a heat medium in this way, the battery 100 can be appropriately heated at the time of low-temperature charging.

Next, the control device 60 acquires the temperature of the heat medium (S6). After step S6, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the heat medium is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature (S7). The first predetermined temperature is a threshold temperature of the heat medium required to heat the battery 100. As a result, if the temperature of the heat medium is equal to or higher than the first predetermined temperature (yes in S7), the energization to the motor 30 and the motor control device 31 is ended (S8).

After the energization of the motor 30 and the motor control device 31 is ended in step S8 and when the temperature of the heat medium is lower than the first predetermined temperature in step S7 (no in S7), the control device 60 acquires the temperature of the battery 100 again (S9, battery temperature acquisition process). Next, control device 60 determines whether or not the temperature of battery 100 is equal to or higher than the first output drop temperature (S10). As a result, if the temperature of the battery 100 is equal to or higher than the first output drop temperature (yes in S10), the energization of the pump 52 is terminated, and the valve device 53 is opened to the bypass path side (S11). If the temperature of the battery 100 is lower than the first output drop temperature (no in S10), the processes of steps S6 to S10 are repeated until the temperature of the battery 100 is above the first output drop temperature. That is, in steps S4 to S7, when the temperature of the heat medium is lower than the first predetermined temperature while the external power is being supplied to the straddle electric vehicle 1, the heat medium is heated by energizing the motor 30 and the motor control device 31.

In this way, when the temperature of the battery 100 is equal to or lower than the first output drop temperature while the straddle-type electric vehicle 1 is being supplied with the external power, the control device 60 controls the valve device 53 to flow the heat medium to the battery 100 (S5, S19), so that the battery 100 can be appropriately heated even when the straddle-type electric vehicle 1 is being supplied with the external power in a low-temperature environment, and the output drop of the battery 100 can be suppressed.

As a result of step S1, if the straddle electric vehicle 1 is not being supplied with external power (no in S1), the control device 60 detects whether the straddle electric vehicle 1 is traveling (S12). If the straddle electric vehicle 1 is not running (no in S12), the process is ended. On the other hand, if the straddle electric vehicle 1 is traveling, the control device 60 acquires the temperature of the heat medium (S13, heat medium temperature detection process). After step S13, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the heat medium is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature (S14). As a result, if the temperature of the heat medium is equal to or higher than the first prescribed temperature (yes in S14), the pump 52 is energized (S15). On the other hand, if the temperature of the heat medium is lower than the first prescribed temperature (no in S14), the processes of step S13 and step S14 are repeated until the temperature of the heat medium is equal to or higher than the first prescribed temperature. When the straddle electric vehicle 1 is running, the heat medium is heated by heat generation of the motor 30 and the motor control device 31, and the like.

After step S15, control device 60 acquires the temperature of battery 100 (S16, battery temperature acquisition process). Next, it is determined whether or not the temperature of battery 100 is equal to or lower than the first output drop temperature (S17). When the temperature of the battery 100 is higher than the first output drop temperature (no in S17), the valve device 53 is opened to the bypass path side (S18, valve device control step). On the other hand, if the temperature of the battery 100 is equal to or lower than the first output drop temperature, the valve device 53 is opened to the battery side (S19, valve device control process), and the processes of step S16, step S17, and step S19 are repeated until the temperature of the battery 100 is higher than the first output drop temperature.

In this way, when the temperature of the battery 100 is equal to or lower than the first output drop temperature while the straddle electric vehicle 1 is traveling, the control device 60 controls the valve device 53 to flow the heat medium to the battery 100 (S5, S19), so that the battery 100 can be appropriately heated even when the straddle electric vehicle 1 is traveling in a low-temperature environment, and the output drop of the battery 100 can be suppressed.

(control method of Cooling Circuit of second example)

In the control method of the cooling circuit 50 of the first example, the control when the battery 100 is heated by the cooling circuit 50 is mainly described, but in the control method of the cooling circuit 50 of the second example, the control when the battery 100 is cooled by the cooling circuit 50 during traveling is also described.

Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a control method of the cooling circuit 50 of the second example.

In the control method of the cooling circuit 50 of the second example, first, if it is detected in step S12 that the straddle electric vehicle 1 is traveling (yes in S12), the control device 60 acquires the temperature of the battery 100 (S21, battery temperature acquisition process). Next, control device 60 determines whether or not the temperature of battery 100 is equal to or lower than the first output drop temperature (S22). This first output drop temperature is a threshold temperature on the low temperature side where the output of the battery 100 is limited or a threshold temperature at which the battery 100 needs to be heated, as in the first example.

As a result, if the temperature of battery 100 is equal to or lower than the first output drop temperature (yes in S22), control device 60 acquires the temperature of the heat medium (S23, heat medium temperature detection process). After step S23, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the heat medium is equal to or higher than a first predetermined temperature (S24). As a result, if the temperature of the heat medium is lower than the first prescribed temperature (no in S24), the processes of step S23 and step S24 are repeated until the temperature of the heat medium is equal to or higher than the first prescribed temperature. In the present embodiment, the pump 52 is energized to cool the motor 30 and the motor control device 31 when the straddle electric vehicle 1 is running, but if the temperature of the heat medium is equal to or higher than the first predetermined temperature as a result of step S24, a step of energizing the pump 52 separately for confirming the energization may be provided as step S25.

On the other hand, if the temperature of the heat medium is equal to or higher than the first predetermined temperature (yes in S24), the control device 60 opens the valve device 53 to the battery side (S26, valve device control step), and then acquires the temperature of the battery 100 (S27, battery temperature acquisition step). Next, it is determined whether or not the temperature of battery 100 is equal to or higher than the first output drop temperature (S28). When the temperature of the battery 100 is equal to or higher than the first output drop temperature (yes in S28), the valve device 53 is opened to the bypass path side (S29, valve device control step). On the other hand, if the temperature of the battery 100 is lower than the first output drop temperature (no in S28), the processes of step S27 and step S28 are repeated until the temperature of the battery 100 is equal to or higher than the first output drop temperature.

In this way, when the temperature of the battery 100 is equal to or lower than the first output drop temperature while the straddle electric vehicle 1 is running, the control device 60 controls the valve device 53 to flow the heat medium to the battery 100 (S26), so that the battery 100 can be appropriately heated even when the straddle electric vehicle 1 is running in a low temperature environment, and the output drop of the battery 100 can be suppressed.

On the other hand, if the temperature of the battery 100 is higher than the first output drop temperature in step S22 (no in S22), the control device 60 then determines whether the temperature of the battery 100 is equal to or higher than the second output drop temperature (S30). The second output drop temperature is a threshold temperature on the high-temperature side where the output of the battery 100 is limited or a threshold temperature at which the battery 100 needs to be cooled, for example, 50 ℃. As a result, if the temperature of battery 100 is lower than the second output drop temperature (no in S30), it is determined that neither heating nor cooling of battery 100 is necessary, and control device 60 ends the process.

If the temperature of the battery 100 is equal to or higher than the second output drop temperature (yes in S30), the temperature of the heat medium is acquired (S32, heat medium temperature detection step). In the present embodiment, the pump 52 is energized to cool the motor 30 and the motor control device 31 when the straddle electric vehicle 1 is running, but if the temperature of the battery 100 is equal to or higher than the second output drop temperature as a result of step S30, a step of energizing the pump 52 separately for confirmation of energization may be provided as step S31. After step S32, control device 60 determines whether or not the temperature of the heat medium is equal to or lower than a second predetermined temperature (S33). The second predetermined temperature is a threshold temperature of the heat medium necessary for cooling battery 100.

As a result, if the temperature of the heat medium is higher than the second predetermined temperature (no in S33), the valve device 53 is opened toward the bypass path (S34, valve device control step). Thereby, the supply of the heat medium of high temperature to battery 100 is avoided. On the other hand, when the temperature of the heat medium is equal to or lower than the second predetermined temperature (yes in S33), the valve device 53 is opened toward the battery side (S35, valve device control step). In this way, when the temperature of the battery 100 is equal to or higher than the second output drop temperature while the straddle electric vehicle 1 is traveling, the control device 60 controls the valve device 53 to flow the heat medium to the battery 100 (S35), whereby the battery 100 can be appropriately cooled even when the straddle electric vehicle 1 is traveling in a high-temperature environment, and the output drop of the battery 100 can be suppressed.

Next, the controller 60 acquires the temperature of the battery 100 (S36, battery temperature acquisition step). Next, control device 60 determines whether or not the temperature of battery 100 is equal to or lower than the second output drop temperature (S37). As a result, if the temperature of the battery 100 is equal to or lower than the second output drop temperature (yes in S37), the valve device 53 is opened to the bypass path side (S34). On the other hand, if the temperature of the battery 100 is higher than the second output drop temperature (no in S37), the processes of step S36 and step S37 are repeated until the temperature of the battery 100 is below the second output drop temperature.

(modification example)

Fig. 5 shows a cooling circuit 50 according to a modification.

In addition to the configuration of the cooling circuit 50 of the first embodiment, the cooling circuit 50 of the second embodiment further includes a sub-cooling path 51C that connects a position downstream of the upstream-side connecting portion 51u and upstream of the battery 100 and a position downstream of the battery 100 and upstream of the downstream-side connecting portion 51d in the flow direction of the heat medium flowing through the main cooling path 51A. The sub-cooling passage 51C includes: a battery 100; a second pump 52A for discharging the heat medium; and at least one of the second heat sink member 54A and the second thermal mass member 55A.

This allows battery 100 to be cooled by a different route from motor 30 and motor controller 31.

< second embodiment >

Fig. 6 shows a straddle-type electric vehicle 1 of the second embodiment.

The straddle-type electric vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment is a light and small straddle-type vehicle having a low floor 80 on which a driver places his feet, the motor 30 is disposed coaxially with the pivot shaft 17, the battery 100 and the charging device 70 are provided below the seat 8, the pump 52, the valve device 53, and the control device 60 are provided inside the low floor 80, and the heat dissipation portion 54 is provided in the front cover 81. Note that, since the cooling circuit 50 and the control method thereof are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

< third embodiment >

Fig. 7 shows a straddle-type electric vehicle 1 of a third embodiment.

The saddle-ride type electric vehicle 1 according to the present embodiment is a street (naked) type saddle-ride type vehicle, the motor 30 is disposed coaxially with the pivot shaft 17, the pump 52, the valve device 53, and the charging device 70 are provided below the seat 8, and the battery 100 and the heat dissipation portion 54 are provided in front of the charging device 70. Note that, since the cooling circuit 50 and the control method thereof are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and modifications, improvements, and the like can be appropriately made. For example, in the above-described embodiment, the electric motorcycle using the motor as the drive source is exemplified as the electric straddle-type Vehicle according to the present invention, but the electric motorcycle may be an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) or a hybrid-type electric straddle-type Vehicle using the motor and the engine as the drive source.

In addition, at least the following matters are described in the present specification. Although the corresponding components and the like in the above-described embodiments are shown in parentheses, the present invention is not limited to these.

(1) A saddle-ride type electric vehicle (saddle-ride type electric vehicle 1) is provided with:

a battery (battery 100);

a motor (motor 30) that receives electric power from the battery and drives wheels (rear wheels 4); and

a motor control device (motor control device 31) that controls the motor, wherein,

the straddle electric vehicle further includes:

a cooling circuit (50) that supplies a heat medium to the battery, the motor, and the motor control device; and

a control device (control device 60) that controls the cooling circuit,

the cooling circuit has:

a pump (pump 52) that discharges the heat medium;

a main cooling path (main cooling path 51A) provided with the battery, the motor control device, and the pump;

a bypass path (bypass path 51B) that bypasses the battery;

a valve device (valve device 53) that controls the inflow of the heat medium to the bypass path; and

a temperature detection unit (temperature detection unit 56) that detects the temperature of the heat medium in the main cooling path,

the control device controls the valve device according to the temperature of the temperature detection portion.

According to (1), the battery is provided in the main cooling path of the cooling circuit in addition to the motor and the motor control device, and therefore, when it is necessary to cool the battery, the battery can be appropriately cooled, and when it is necessary to heat the battery, the battery can be appropriately heated. Further, since the cooling circuit is provided with the bypass path that bypasses the battery, it is possible to avoid the supply of the heat medium to the battery when the battery does not need to be cooled nor heated. In particular, in the saddle-ride type electric vehicle, the battery can be cooled by the running wind, and therefore, the cooling by the wind and the cooling by the heat medium can be distinguished and used as necessary, and the loss by the pump can be suppressed.

(2) The straddle-type electric vehicle according to (1), wherein,

the motor is provided downstream of the motor control device in a flow direction of the heat medium flowing through the main cooling path.

According to (2), the motor control device having a lower management temperature than the motor can be actively cooled.

(3) The straddle-type electric vehicle according to (2), wherein,

the temperature detection unit is provided downstream of the motor and upstream of the valve device in a flow direction of the heat medium flowing through the main cooling path.

According to (3), the valve device is controlled by using the temperature of the heat medium after cooling the motor, whereby the flow of the high-temperature heat medium into the battery can be accurately suppressed.

(4) The straddle-type electric vehicle according to (2) or (3), wherein,

at least one of a heat radiating portion (heat radiating portion 54) and a thermal mass portion (thermal mass portion 55) is provided downstream of a downstream side connecting portion (downstream side connecting portion 51d) connecting the bypass path and the main cooling path and upstream of the motor control device in a flow direction of the heat medium flowing through the main cooling path.

According to (4), the motor control device can be cooled more efficiently.

(5) The straddle-type electric vehicle according to any one of (1) to (4),

the saddle-ride type electric vehicle further includes a battery temperature acquisition unit (battery temperature acquisition unit 57) that acquires the temperature of the battery,

when the temperature of the battery acquired by the battery temperature acquisition unit is equal to or lower than an output drop temperature (first output drop temperature) of the battery,

the control device controls the valve device so that the heat medium flows to the battery.

According to (5), when the battery needs to be heated, the battery can be appropriately heated, and the output reduction of the battery can be suppressed.

(6) The straddle-type electric vehicle according to (5), wherein,

the saddle-ride type electric vehicle further includes a charging device (charging device 70) for supplying external power to the battery,

the charging device is configured to be able to energize the motor, the motor control device, and the pump,

when the temperature of the heat medium is lower than a predetermined temperature (first predetermined temperature) at which heating of the heat medium is not required when external power is supplied to the battery,

the control device controls the motor and the motor control device to heat the heat medium.

According to (6), the pump can be energized even during charging, and the heat medium can be circulated through the cooling circuit. Further, by using the motor and the motor control device as the heat generating body, the battery can be appropriately heated at the time of low-temperature charging.

(7) The straddle-type electric vehicle according to any one of (1) to (6),

the cooling circuit further includes:

a second pump (second pump 52A) that discharges the heat medium;

at least one of a second heat sink member (second heat sink member 54A) and a second thermal mass member (second thermal mass member 55A); and

and a sub-cooling path (sub-cooling path 51C) in which the battery, the second pump, and at least one of the second heat radiating portion and the second thermal mass are provided.

According to (7), the battery can be cooled by a path different from that of the motor and the motor control device.

(8) The straddle-type electric vehicle according to any one of (1) to (7),

the motor is arranged coaxially with a pivot (pivot shaft 17) that holds a swing arm (swing arm 40) swingably,

the motor control device and the motor are connected and integrated via a bus.

According to (8), the main cooling path can be shortened by integrating the motor and the motor control device.

(9) A control method for a saddle-ride type electric vehicle, the saddle-ride type electric vehicle comprising:

a battery (battery 100);

a motor (motor 30) that receives electric power from the battery and drives wheels (rear wheels 4);

a motor control device (motor control device 31) that controls the motor; and

a cooling circuit (cooling circuit 50) that supplies a heat medium to the battery, the motor, and the motor control device,

the cooling circuit has:

a pump (pump 52) that discharges the heat medium;

a main cooling path (main cooling path 51A) provided with the battery, the motor control device, and the pump;

a bypass path (bypass path 51B) that bypasses the battery; and

a valve device (valve device 53) that controls inflow of the heat medium to the bypass path, wherein,

the control method of the straddle electric vehicle includes:

a heat medium temperature detection step (S13, S23, S32) for detecting the temperature of the heat medium in the main cooling path; and

and a valve device control step (S18, S19, S26, S29, S34, S35) for controlling the valve device in accordance with the temperature of the heat medium.

According to (9), the battery is provided in the main cooling path of the cooling circuit in addition to the motor and the motor control device, and therefore, when it is necessary to cool the battery, the battery can be appropriately cooled, and when it is necessary to heat the battery, the battery can be appropriately heated. Further, since the cooling circuit is provided with the bypass path that bypasses the battery, it is possible to avoid the supply of the heat medium to the battery when the battery does not need to be cooled nor heated. In particular, in the saddle-ride type electric vehicle, the battery can be cooled by the traveling wind, and therefore, the cooling can be performed by separately using the wind cooling and the heat medium as necessary, and the loss due to the pump can be suppressed.

(10) The control method of a saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to (9),

the control method of the saddle-ride type electric vehicle further includes a battery temperature acquisition step (S16) of acquiring the temperature of the battery,

in the valve device controlling process (S19),

when the temperature of the battery is equal to or lower than an output drop temperature (first output drop temperature) of the battery, the heat medium is allowed to flow into the battery.

According to (10), when the battery needs to be heated, the battery can be appropriately heated, and the output reduction of the battery can be suppressed.

(11) The control method of a saddle-ride type electric vehicle according to (10),

the method for controlling a saddle-ride type electric vehicle further includes a heat medium heating step (S4) for raising the temperature of the heat medium,

in the heat medium heating step, the heat medium is heated,

when the temperature of the heat medium is lower than a predetermined temperature at which heating of the heat medium is not required when external power is supplied to the battery, the motor and the motor control device are controlled to heat the heat medium.

According to (11), when the straddle-type electric vehicle is being supplied with external power, the heat medium can be heated when the temperature of the heat medium is low.

Description of reference numerals:

1 straddle type electric vehicle

4 rear wheel (vehicle wheel)

17 Pivot

30 motor

31 motor control device

40 swing arm

51A Main Cooling Path

51B bypass path

51C auxiliary cooling path

51d downstream side connection part

52 pump

52A second Pump

53 valve device

54 heat sink

54A second Heat sink piece

55 thermal mass part

55A second thermal mass part

56 temperature detecting part

57 battery temperature acquisition unit

60 control device

70 charging device

100 batteries.

The claims (modification according to treaty clause 19)

(modified) a straddle-type electric vehicle (1) comprising:

a battery (100);

a motor (30) that receives electric power from the battery (100) and drives the wheels (4); and

a motor control device (31) that controls the motor (30), wherein,

the straddle-type electric vehicle (1) is further provided with:

a cooling circuit (50) that supplies a heat medium to the battery (100), the motor (30), and the motor control device (31);

a control device (60) that controls the cooling circuit (50);

a battery temperature acquisition unit (57) that acquires the temperature of the battery (100); and

a charging device (70) that supplies external power to the battery (100),

the cooling circuit (50) has:

a pump (52) that discharges the heat medium;

a main cooling path (51A) in which the battery (100), the motor (30), the motor control device (31), and the pump (52) are provided;

a bypass path (51B) that bypasses the battery (100);

a valve device (53) that controls the inflow of the heat medium into the bypass path (51B); and

a temperature detection unit (56) that detects the temperature of the heat medium in the main cooling path (51A),

the control device (60) controls the valve device (53) according to the temperature of the heat medium detected by the temperature detection unit (56),

the charging device (70) is configured to be able to energize the motor (30), the motor control device (31), and the pump (52),

when the temperature of the battery (100) acquired by the battery temperature acquisition unit (57) is equal to or lower than the output drop temperature of the battery (100),

the control device (60) controls the valve device (53) so that the heat medium flows into the battery (100),

when external power is supplied to the battery (100) and the temperature of the heat medium is lower than a predetermined temperature at which heating of the heat medium is not required,

the control device (60) controls the motor (30) and the motor control device (31) to heat the heat medium.

2. The straddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to claim 1,

the motor (30) is provided downstream of the motor control device (31) in the flow direction of the heat medium flowing through the main cooling path (51A).

3. The straddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to claim 2,

the temperature detection unit (56) is provided downstream of the motor (30) and upstream of the valve device (53) in the flow direction of the heat medium flowing through the main cooling path (51A).

4. The straddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to claim 2 or 3,

at least one of a heat dissipation portion (54) and a thermal mass portion (55) is provided downstream of a downstream side connection portion (51d) connecting the bypass path (51B) and the main cooling path (51A) and upstream of the motor control device (31) in the flow direction of the heat medium flowing through the main cooling path (51A).

(deletion)

(deletion)

(modified) the straddle-type electric vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein,

the cooling circuit (50) further includes:

a second pump (52A) that discharges the heat medium;

at least one of a second heat dissipation portion (54A) and a second thermal mass portion (55A); and

and a sub-cooling path (51C) in which the battery (100), the second pump (52A), and at least one of the second heat dissipation portion (54A) and the second thermal mass portion (55A) are provided.

(modified) the straddle electric vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and 7, wherein,

the motor (30) is arranged coaxially with a pivot (17) that holds a swing arm (40) so as to be capable of swinging,

the motor control device (31) and the motor (30) are connected and integrated through a bus.

(modified) a control method of a straddle-type electric vehicle, the straddle-type electric vehicle comprising:

a battery (100);

a motor (30) that receives electric power from the battery (100) and drives the wheels (4);

a motor control device (31) for controlling the motor (30); and

a cooling circuit (50) that supplies a heat medium to the battery (100), the motor (30), and the motor control device (31),

the cooling circuit (50) has:

a pump (52) that discharges the heat medium;

a main cooling path (51A) in which the battery (100), the motor (30), the motor control device (31), and the pump (52) are provided;

a bypass path (51B) that bypasses the battery (100); and

a valve device (53) that controls inflow of the heat medium to the bypass path (51B), wherein,

the control method of the straddle electric vehicle includes:

a heat medium temperature detection step (S13, S23, S32) for detecting the temperature of the heat medium in the main cooling path (51A);

a valve device control step (S18, S19, S26, S29, S34, S35) for controlling the valve device (53) in accordance with the temperature of the heat medium;

a battery temperature acquisition step (S16) for acquiring the temperature of the battery (100); and

a heat medium heating step (S4) for raising the temperature of the heat medium,

in the valve device controlling process (S19),

allowing the heat medium to flow into the battery (100) when the temperature of the battery (100) is equal to or lower than the output drop temperature of the battery (100),

in the heat medium heating step (S4),

when external power is supplied to the battery (100), the motor (30) and the motor control device (31) are controlled to heat the heat medium when the temperature of the heat medium is lower than a predetermined temperature at which heating of the heat medium is not required.

(deletion)

(deletion)