Saddle hinge for a saddle ride vehicle

Abstract

There is described a saddle hinge of a saddle ride vehicle which comprises an under-saddle body defining an object compartment. A saddle is rotatably mounted at the under-saddle body and is configured to switch selectively between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The saddle hinge includes a hinge mechanism comprising a first hinge portion fixed to the under-saddle body and a second hinge portion fixed to the saddle. The first hinge portion and the second hinge portion are rotatably connected to each other about a first hinge axis. The hinge mechanism further comprises a single-part hinge arm rotatably mounted on the first hinge portion about a second hinge axis; the single-part hinge arm comprises a connection opening. A connection element is mounted on the second hinge portion and is connected directly to the single-part hinge arm by means of said connection opening which allows a relative movement between the single-part hinge arm and the second hinge portion in the relative rotation of the second hinge portion with respect to the first hinge portion.

Description

SADDLE HINGE FOR A SADDLE RIDE VEHICLEDESCRIPTIONTECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a hinge structure for a saddle mounted on a saddle ride vehicle, such as a motorcycle, scooter or the like.BACKGROUND ART

[0002] The hinge for a saddle is commonly employed in vehicles such as motorcycles or the like comprising an object compartment in the central body below the saddle itself. The saddle is mounted by means of a hinge in order to open and close, providing access to the object compartment.

[0003] The hinges employed for this purpose have been developed to facilitate use by the user to keep the saddle open in a stable position in order to take or load objects from / into the compartment without the saddle tending to close and / or lose the position thereof, thus hindering the operations.

[0004] Document W02018180034 describes a saddle hinge which provides for the opening of the saddle in two separate angular positions. In particular, when the saddle is opened, it is rotated by a first angle in an opening direction up to reaching a first stable position. The saddle can further rotate from this first position up to reaching a second stable position.

[0005] The solution of W02018180034 employs a hinge mechanism comprising a plurality of mutually rotatably and slidingly interconnected elements, lacking in reliability over time. It has been found in particular that the hinge mechanism tends to jam at least partially with prolonged use over time. This aspect is due to the fact that its components tend to loosen and therefore the movement of the saddle both during opening and closing is less fluid. When closing the saddle, such a drawback can result in the lost alignment with the lock and therefore in difficulty in closing the saddle itself.SUMMARY

[0006] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a saddle hinge of a saddle ride vehicle which is constructionally easier and more reliable, with the functions being equal.

[0007] The aforesaid objects are now achieved by a saddle hinge of a saddle ride vehicle, where said saddle ride vehicle comprises an under-saddle body which defines an object compartment. A saddle is rotatably mounted at the under-saddle body and is configured to switch selectively between an open configuration, which allows access to the object compartment, and a closed configuration, which closes access to the object compartment.

[0008] The saddle hinge comprises a hinge mechanism. The hinge mechanism includes a first hinge portion shaped to be fixed integrally to the under-saddle body; a second hinge portion shaped to be fixed to the saddle. The first hinge portion and the second hinge portion are rotatably connected to each other about a first hinge axis to allow the relative rotation of the second hinge portion with respect to the first hinge portion in an opening and / or closing direction. Moreover, the hinge mechanism comprises: a single-part hinge arm rotatably mounted on said first hinge portion about a second hinge axis, where said single-part hinge arm further comprises a connection opening; a connection element mounted on said second hinge portion, where said connection element is connected directly to the single-part hinge arm by means of said connection opening, the connection opening allowing a relative movement between said single-part hinge arm and said second hinge portion in the relative rotation of the second hinge portion with respect to said first hinge portion.

[0009] The saddle hinge according to the present invention is thus constructionally simplified, comprising one less component, i.e., a single-part hinge arm, as compared to that of the prior art. Such a component is that subject to loosening over time and repeated used, causing a misalignment and therefore a malfunctioning when opening / closing the saddle.

[0010] Advantageously, the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion comprise respective first holes in which a first pin is mounted, which defines the rotatable coupling between the first hinge portion and the second hinge portion about the first hinge axis. The two hinge portions are thus connected to each other by means of a first through pin which rotatably connects them to each other. The first pin is the axis with respect to which the saddle rotates with respect to the vehicle body.

[0011] Since the hinge arm is made in a single part, said arm is thus not a jointed arm.

[0012] Preferably, the first hinge portion comprises respective second holes, spaced apart from the first holes. In particular, the single-part hinge arm comprises a connection hole obtained on a first end, where a second pin is mounted in the second holes and in the connection hole of the singlepart hinge arm and defines the rotatable coupling between the second hinge portion and the singlepart hinge arm about the second hinge axis. The single-part hinge arm which rotates with respect to a second pin is thus rotatably mounted on the first hinge portion.

[0013] In particular, the first hinge portion comprises a bottom wall from which side walls arranged on opposite sides extend. The first holes for the first pin and the second holes for the second pin are obtained spaced apart on the side walls.

[0014] In detail, the second hinge portion is "L"-shaped.

[0015] The second hinge portion also comprises a bottom wall and side walls which extend from opposite sides with respect to the bottom wall. The first holes are obtained on the side walls, and when the second hinge portion is coupled to the first hinge portion, they coincide with those of the first hinge portion and accommodate the first pin.

[0016] Preferably, at least one spring is mounted on the second pin, an end of which is coupled in a recess obtained on the single-part hinge arm, the at least one spring generating an elastic force which promotes the rotation of the single-part hinge arm in an opening direction.

[0017] In particular, there is provided a pair of springs arranged on opposite sides with respect to said single-part hinge arm, with respective ends connected in the recess of the single-part hinge arm. The single spring or pair of springs on the single-part hinge arm generates an elastic force which tends to promote the opening of the saddle.In particular, the connection element is a bridge-shaped or substantially "U"-shaped element which comprises a first end and a second end opposite to each other which rotatably connect to said second hinge portion, a central portion which extends cantilevered with respect to the first and second ends and which is inserted into the connection opening of the single-part hinge arm.

[0018] Thereby, the connection element thus shaped makes the direct connection between the second hinge portion and the single-part hinge arm possible, simplifying the mechanism according to the prior art which includes an additional interposed element.In addition to being a constructional advantage, this solution has a further functional advantage which increases the reliability and lifespan of the saddle hinge according to the present invention.

[0019] In the closed configuration of the hinge, the substantially passive moments acting on the saddle components, and in particular on the first hinge portion integral with the vehicle body, are cancelled. Indeed, in the closed configuration, a substantial alignment is obtained between the coupling points of the connection element and the line joining the first rotation pin with the end of the central portion of the connection element. The alignment of the connection element along this joining line reduces the arm which results in a torque acting passively on the first hinge portion. By reducing such an arm, i.e., by obtaining a substantial alignment of the components, the passivemoment is reduced and therefore the hinge is less affected by the passive forces which can cause the loosening or malfunctioning of the hinge itself over time.

[0020] Preferably, the bridge-shaped element is filiform and is made of metal material or metal alloy.

[0021] Advantageously, at least one element selected from: said first hinge portion, said second hinge portion, said single-part hinge arm or said connection element, or a combination thereof, defines a first abutment which limits the rotation of the second hinge portion in the opening direction by a first angle, keeping the saddle in a first stable position.

[0022] Advantageously, at least one element selected from: said first hinge portion, said second hinge portion, said single-part hinge arm or said connection element, or a combination thereof, defines a second abutment which limits the rotation of the second hinge portion in the opening direction by a second angle, where the second angle is greater than the first angle, keeping said saddle in a second stable position.

[0023] Preferably, said first abutment is obtained on the single-part hinge arm.

[0024] Advantageously, said second abutment is obtained in combination on the first hinge portion and on the second hinge portion.

[0025] In particular, said first abutment on the single-part hinge arm is shaped as a flat portion which, once it has reached the first angle, stably abuts against a bottom wall of the first hinge portion.

[0026] In particular, said second abutment on the second hinge portion is shaped as a flat portion which, once it has reached the second angle, stably abuts against a front portion of the first hinge portion.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSFurther advantages and additional features of the present invention are highlighted by the following description of some embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Figure 1 shows a side view of a saddle ride vehicle, in particular a scooter, having an undersaddle body and a saddle in an open configuration;Figure 2 shows a side view of the saddle with the object compartment of the vehicle in Figure 1 diagrammatically shown;Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a saddle hinge according to the present invention;Figure 4 shows a section view of the saddle hinge in Figure 3 in a first opening position;Figure 5 shows a section view of the saddle hinge in Figure 3 in a second opening position; Figure 6 shows a section view of the saddle hinge in Figure 3 in a closing position;Figure 7 shows a perspective top view of the scooter, in which the saddle is in the first opening position in Figure 4;Figures 8 and 9 show a perspective view and a side view, respectively, of the scooter in which the saddle is in the second opening position in Figure 5.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The following description of one or more embodiments of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings identify identical or similar elements. The subject of the invention is defined by the appended claims. The technical details, structures, or features of the solutions described below can be mutually combined in any manner.

[0028] Figure 1 shows a saddle ride vehicle 100, in particular in the form of a scooter. As is known, scooter 100 comprises a front steering wheel 2, controlled by means of a handlebar 30, and a rear driving wheel 4. Moreover, it comprises an under-saddle body or central fairing 12, in which an object compartment 11 (better visible in Figure 2) is obtained. A saddle 10 shaped to house a driver and a passenger is rotatably connected to the under-saddle body 12, and in particular to a coupling base 13 on which the hinge 20 is mounted. In particular, the saddle hinge 20 comprises a hinge mechanism 20'.

[0029] The hinge mechanism 20' includes a first hinge portion 21, shaped to be fixed integrally to the coupling base 13, and a second hinge portion 22, shaped to be fixed integrally to the saddle 10, in particular to a flat base 10a obtained on the saddle 10 on the inner side facing the object compartment 11. The first hinge portion 21 comprises fixing holes 28 in which fastening screws are inserted for the connection to the coupling base 13. Similarly, the second hinge portion 22 comprises fixing holes 29 for making with respective screws with the saddle 10.

[0030] The first hinge portion 21 and the second hinge portion 22 are rotatably connected to each other about a first hinge axis a-a to allow the relative rotation of the second hinge portion 22 with respect to the first hinge portion 21 in an opening direction T1 and in a closing direction T2 which are opposite to each other (Fig. 3). Moreover, the hinge mechanism 20' comprises a single-part hinge arm 24 rotatably mounted on the first hinge portion 21 about a second hinge axis b-b. In particular, the single-part hinge arm 24 rotates with respect to a second pin 23 which defines the second hinge axis b-b.

[0031] The single-part hinge arm 24 is a non-jointed monolithic or single-piece element. The singlepart hinge arm 24 comprises a connection opening 24b. A connection element 25 is rotatably mounted on the second hinge portion 22 and is connected directly to the single-part hinge arm 24 by means of the connection opening 24b. The connection opening 24b thus allows a relative movement between the single-part hinge arm 24 and the connection element 25 and accordingly a relative movement with the second hinge portion 22. This connection allows a relative rotation of the second hinge portion 22 with respect to the first hinge portion 21 in the opening direction T1 in addition to the closing direction T2. In particular, the connection opening is a slot 24b which defines respective end of stroke abutments24b', 24b” opposite to each other.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the first hinge portion 21 and the second hinge portion 22 comprise respective first holes 21g, 22g in which a first pin 26 is mounted, which defines the rotatable coupling between the first hinge portion 21 and the second hinge portion 22 about the first hinge axis a-a. Constructionally, the first through holes 21g, 22g are obtained on opposite ends of the respective hinge portion 21, 22. The second hinge portion 22 is thus coupled to the first hinge portion 21 overlapping the latter on the inner side so that the first through holes 21g, 22g mutually overlap to allow the insertion of the first pin 26.

[0033] Again in a preferred embodiment, the first hinge portion 21 comprises second holes 21f. In greater detail, the single-part hinge arm 24 comprises a first end 24' provided with a connection hole 24f in which the second pin 23 is inserted. The single-part hinge arm 24 comprises a second end 24”, on the opposite side with respect to the first end 24', which comprises the connection opening 24b. The second pin 23 is inserted into the second holes 21f and into the connection hole 24f to define the rotatable coupling between the second hinge portion 22 and the single-part hinge arm 24 about the second hinge axis b-b. In constructional details, as shown in Figure 3, the first hinge portion 21 comprises a bottom wall 21a from which side walls 21b arranged on mutually opposite sides extend. The first holes 21g for the first pin 26 and the second holes 21f for the second pin 23 are obtained mutually spaced apart on the side walls 21b. In detail, the second hinge portion 22 is "L"-shaped. The second hinge portion 22 also comprises a bottom wall 22a and side walls 22b which extend from mutually opposite sides with respect to the bottom wall 22a. The first holes 22g are obtained on the side walls 22b and when the second hinge portion 22 is coupled to the first hinge portion 21, they coincide with the first holes 21g of the latter and accommodate the first pin

[0034] A spring 27 which promotes the rotation of the single-part hinge arm 24 in the opening direction T1 is mounted on the second pin 23. Preferably, there is provided a pair of springs 27 mounted on opposite sides with respect to the single-part hinge arm 24. The springs 27 comprise respective ends 27' which are abuttingly locked in a recess 24d obtained on the single-part hinge arm 24. The ends l’ of the springs 27 are thus rotationally constrained about the second pin 23, allowing the springs 27 to apply an elastic force which facilitates the rotation of the saddle 10 in the opening direction Tl. The springs 27 thus mounted generate an elastic force which tends to push the single-part hinge arm 24 and thus accompany the opening of saddle 10 in the opening direction Tl.

[0035] In particular, the connection element 25 is a bridge-shaped or "U"-shaped element and comprises a first end 25' and a second end 25'' opposite to each other, which rotatably connect to the second hinge portion 22. The respective ends 25', 25'' are mounted in respective holes 25g to result in a rotatable coupling. The connection element 25 comprises a central portion 25c which is inserted into the connection opening 24b of the single-part hinge arm 24. The central portion 25c extends cantilevered with respect to the ends 25', 25''. The central portion 25c is thus offset with respect to the ends 25', 25'' which define the points of connection with the second hinge portion 22. The central portion 25c extends in the direction of the single-part hinge arm 24 to connect inside the connection opening 24b thereof.

[0036] In particular, the connection element 25 is filiform and is made of metal material or metal alloy.

[0037] In other constructional aspects, at least one element selected from: the first hinge portion 21, the second hinge portion 22, the single-part hinge arm 24, or the connection element 25, defines a first abutment 24c which limits the rotation of the second hinge portion 22 in the opening direction Tl by a first angle 01 (Fig. 4).

[0038] Advantageously, at least one element selected from: the first hinge portion 21, the second hinge portion 22, the single-part hinge arm 24, or the connection element 25, defines a second abutment 21g, 22g which limits the rotation of the second hinge portion 22 in the opening direction Tl by a second angle 02 (Fig. 5), where the second angle 02 is greater than the first angle 01.

[0039] Preferably, the single-part hinge arm 24 comprises the first abutment 24c which limits the rotation in the opening direction by the first angle 01 and keeps saddle 10 in a first stable position. Again in a preferred manner, the first hinge portion 21 and the second hinge portion 22 define thesecond abutment 21d, 22d therebetween, which limits the rotation in the opening direction T1 by the second angle 02 (Fig. 5) and keeps saddle 10 in a second stable position.

[0040] In particular, as better shown in Figure 4, the first abutment 24c on the single-part hinge arm 24 is shaped as a flat portion which, once it has reached the first angle 01 , stably abuts against the bottom wall 21c of the first hinge portion 21.

[0041] In particular, as better shown in Figure 5, the second abutment is shaped as a head portion 21d obtained on the first hinge portion 21 against which an end portion 22d of the second hinge portion 22 comes into contact. When the end portion 22d reaches the second angle 02 in the relative rotation about the first pin 26, it abuts against the head portion 21d, actually locking the rotation. Such a position defines a second stable position of saddle 10 (visible in Figures 8 and 9).

[0042] The opening operation of saddle 10 by means of the hinge 20 according to the present invention allows obtaining two possible positions of the saddle 10. A first opening position A in which the saddle is open by the first angle 01, keeping a first stable position (Fig. 4). The first opening position A is advantageous when the saddle 10 can also be opened with the steering handlebar 30 in a rotated configuration Pl with the steering lock enabled. In this position, the handlebar 30 and the front wheel 2 take a position rotated by about 45° with respect to the position aligned with the front wheel 2 being straight. In this case, as shown in Figure 7, in the first opening position A, saddle 10 does not interfere with handlebar 30 in the steering locked configuration, allowing in any case an opening of saddle 10 and a complete access to the object compartment 11. Starting from this configuration, saddle 10 can be further rotated in the opening direction Tl. This occurs upon the release of the steering lock, thus bringing the handlebar 30 back to a straight position P2. The further rotation brings saddle 10 up to reaching a second stable position B (see Figures 5, 8 and 9). A complete access to the object compartment 11 is configured in the second position B since the saddle 10 is rotated beyond the vertical. In the second stable position B, also in this case the saddle 10 does not interfere in contact with handlebar 30.

[0043] In further constructional advantages, as diagrammatically shown in Figure 6, it should be noted that in the closing configuration C of the hinge mechanism 20', the arm defined by the connection element 25 and the arm joining the connection points 25', 25'' of the connection element 25 with the first rotation pin 26 are substantially mutually aligned with respect to the straight line ideally joining the first pin 26 and the end of the connection element 25 to each other.

[0044] The substantial alignment of these arms implies a reduction in the passive moment which is discharged onto the first hinge portion 21 and in particular onto the fixing elements 28 of the latterwith the coupling base 13. Since the arm "d" is reduced, the torque acting on the first fixing portion 21 is reduced accordingly and negligible. The hinge 20 according to the present invention is more reliable, avoiding loosening or misalignments due to passive forces acting on the components from occurring during prolonged use.

[0045] The above description of one or more specific embodiments is capable of showing the invention from a conceptual point of view so that others, using the prior art, will be able to change and / or adapt the embodiments in various applications without further research and without departing from the inventive concept, and therefore it is understood that such adaptations and changes will be considerable as equivalents of the specific embodiment. The means and materials for carrying out the various functions described can be of various nature without departing from the scope of the invention. It is understood that the expressions or terms used have a merely descriptive and thus non-limiting purpose.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A saddle hinge (20) for a saddle ride vehicle (100), wherein said saddle ride vehicle (100) comprises an under-saddle body (12, 13) which defines an object compartment (11), a saddle(10) rotatably mounted at the under-saddle body (12, 13), wherein the saddle (10) is configured to switch selectively between an open configuration (A, B), which allows access to the object compartment (11), and a closed configuration (C), which closes access to the object compartment(11), wherein said saddle hinge (20) has a hinge mechanism (20') comprising: a first hinge portion (21) shaped to be integrally fixed to the under-saddle body (13); a second hinge portion (22) shaped to be integrally fixed to said saddle (10); wherein the first hinge portion (21) and the second hinge portion (22) are rotatably connected to each other about a first hinge axis (a-a) to allow the relative rotation of the second hinge portion (22) with respect to the first hinge portion (21); wherein said hinge mechanism (20') further comprises: a single-part hinge arm (24) rotatably mounted on said first hinge portion (21) about a second pin (23) which defines a second hinge axis (b-b), wherein the single-part hinge arm (24) comprises a first end (24'), provided with a connection hole (24f) in which the second pin (23) is inserted, and a second end (24"), opposite to the first end (24), provided with the connection opening (24b); a connection element (25) mounted on said second hinge portion (22); wherein said connection element (25) is connected directly to the single-part hinge arm (24) by means of said connection opening (24b), the connection opening (24b) allowing a relative movement between the single-part hinge arm (24) and the second hinge portion (22) in the relative rotation of the second hinge portion (22) with respect to said first hinge portion (21); wherein at least one spring (27) is mounted on the second pin (23), an end (27') of which is coupled in a recess (24d) obtained on the single-part hinge arm (24), said at least one spring (27) generating an elastic force which promotes the rotation of the single-part hinge arm (24) in an opening direction (Tl). A saddle hinge (20) according to claim 1, wherein the first hinge portion (21) and the second hinge portion (22) comprise respective first holes (21g, 22g) in which a first pin (26) is mounted,which defines the rotatable coupling between the first hinge portion (21) and the second hinge portion (22) about the first hinge axis (a-a), and wherein the first hinge portion (21) comprises second holes (21f), spaced apart from the first holes (21g, 22g), and the single-part hinge arm (24) comprises the connection hole (24f), and wherein the second pin (23) is mounted in the second holes (21f) and in the connection hole (24f) to define the rotatable coupling of the single-part hinge arm (24) with respect to the first hinge portion (21) about the second hinge axis (b-b). A saddle hinge (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein there is provided a pair of springs (27) arranged on opposite sides with respect to said single-part hinge arm (24). A saddle hinge (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection element (25) is a bridge-shaped element comprising: a first end (25') and a second end (25") opposite to each other which rotatably connect to said second hinge portion (22), a central portion (25c) which extends cantilevered with respect to said first end (25') and second end (25"), said central portion (25c) passing through said connection opening (24b) of the single-part hinge arm (24). A saddle hinge (20) according to claim 4, wherein said connection opening (24b) is a slot which defines end of strokes abutments (24b', 24b") opposite to each other for the central portion (25c) of the connection element (25). A saddle hinge (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said connection element (25) is filiform and is made of metal material or metal alloy. A saddle hinge (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one element selected from: said first hinge portion (21), said second hinge portion (22), said single-part hinge arm (24), said connection element (25), or a combination thereof, defines a first abutment (24c) which limits the rotation of the second hinge portion (22) in the opening direction (Tl) by a first angle (01). A saddle hinge (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one element selected from: said first hinge portion (21), said second hinge portion (22), said single-part hinge arm (24), said connection element (25), or a combination thereof, defines a second abutment (21d, 22d) which limits the rotation of the second hinge portion (22) in the opening direction (Tl) by a second angle (02), wherein the second angle (02) is greater than the first angle (01).

9. A saddle hinge (20) according to claims 7 and 8, wherein the single-part hinge arm (24) comprises said first abutment (24c) which limits the rotation in the opening direction (Tl) by the first angle (01), keeping said saddle (10) in a first stable position, and wherein in combination said first hinge portion (21) and said second hinge portion (22) comprise said second abutment (21d, 22d) which limits the rotation in the opening direction (Tl) by the second angle (02), keeping said saddle (10) in a second stable position.

Images