Opening / closing mechanism

Abstract

To provide an opening / closing mechanism which is easily operated by a simple configuration.SOLUTION: An opening / closing mechanism (40) includes a base bracket (41) mounted on a vehicle body, a seat bracket (51) mounted on a seat (16), a first link (61) swingably connected to the base bracket, and a second link (65) swingably connected to the seat bracket. The seat bracket is swingably connected to the base bracket, and the first and second links are swingably and slidably connected to each other. When the seat bracket is swung in an open direction and the first and second links reach a change point, the first and second links are swing downward and bent in recessed shapes. In the first link, a stopper (62) for regulating swinging in a close direction of the seat bracket is formed. In a state in which the first and second links are bent in recessed shapes, the seat bracket abuts to the stopper.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening / closing mechanism for a seat.

Background Art

[0002] As an opening / closing mechanism for a seat of a straddle-type vehicle, one in which the lifting operation of the seat is assisted by a gas spring is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the opening / closing mechanism of the seat of Patent Document 1, a movable bracket provided on the seat and a fixed bracket provided on the vehicle body frame are connected via a hinge so as to be openable and closable. A gas spring is connected to the movable bracket, and a repulsive force of the gas spring is applied to the movable bracket in the opening direction when the seat is closed. The driver can open the seat by applying only a light upward force, and the seat is held in the open state by the repulsive force of the gas spring.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the straddle-type vehicle of Patent Document 1, the seat is held in the closed state by a lock mechanism, but there is a problem that the repulsive force of the gas spring also acts on the lock mechanism, making the unlocking operation difficult.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object thereof is to provide an opening / closing mechanism that has a simple configuration and is easy to operate.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The opening and closing mechanism according to one aspect of the present invention is an opening and closing mechanism for a seat that is openably and closably connected to the vehicle body of a straddle-type vehicle, and includes a base bracket attached to the vehicle body, a seat bracket attached to the seat, a first link swingably connected to the base bracket, and a second link swingably connected to the seat bracket. The seat bracket is swingably connected to the base bracket, the first and second links are swingably and slidably connected, and when the seat bracket swings in the opening direction and the first and second links reach the design point, the first and second links swing downward and bend into a concave shape. A stopper for restricting the swing of the seat bracket in the closing direction is formed on the first link, and the above problem is solved by the seat bracket abutting against the stopper in a state where the first and second links are bent into a concave shape.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the opening and closing mechanism of one aspect of the present invention, when the seat is opened, the seat bracket swings in the opening direction with respect to the base bracket. When the first and second links are extended and reach the design point, the first and second links swing downward with respect to each other and bend into a concave shape. By the concave bending of the first and second links, the seat bracket abuts against the stopper of the first link, so that the swing of the seat bracket in the closing direction is restricted and the seat is held in a self-standing posture. Therefore, in order to hold the seat in a self-standing posture, an additional member such as a gas spring is not required, and the unlocking operation of the locking mechanism is not made heavy by the additional member or the like.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] The opening and closing mechanism according to one aspect of the present invention is connected to the vehicle body of a straddle-type vehicle so that a seat can be opened and closed. In this seat opening and closing mechanism, a base bracket is attached to the vehicle body, a seat bracket is attached to the seat, and as the seat is opened, the seat bracket is swingably connected to the base bracket. A first link is swingably connected to the base bracket, a second link is swingably connected to the seat bracket, and the first and second links are swingably and slidably connected. When the seat bracket swings in the opening direction and the first and second links extend to reach the design point, the first and second links swing downward relative to each other and bend into a concave shape. A stopper is formed on the first link, and when the seat bracket abuts against the stopper of the first link due to the concave bending of the first and second links, the swinging of the seat bracket in the closing direction is restricted and the seat is held in a self-standing posture. Therefore, in order to hold the seat in a self-standing posture, an additional member such as a gas spring becomes unnecessary, and the unlocking operation of the locking mechanism does not become heavy due to the additional member or the like.

Example

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a left side view of the straddle-type vehicle of this embodiment. Also, in the following figures, arrow Fr indicates the front of the vehicle, arrow Re indicates the rear of the vehicle, arrow L indicates the left side of the vehicle, and arrow R indicates the right side of the vehicle, respectively.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the straddle-type vehicle 1 is configured by attaching various covers as vehicle exterior parts to an underbone-type vehicle body frame 10 (see FIG. 2). A front cover 11 is provided on the front side of the vehicle, and a front leg shield 12 for protecting the rider's feet is provided on the rear side of the front cover 11. A floor board 13 extends rearward from the lower end of the front leg shield 12, and a body cover 14 and a pair of side covers 15 are provided behind the floor board 13. A seat 16 with seat surfaces for the driver and the passenger lined up is installed on the upper part of the side cover 15.

[0012] A handle 21 is provided above the front cover 11, and a front wheel 23 is rotatably supported below the front cover 11 via a pair of front forks 22. A swing arm 25 with a motor is provided below the side cover 15. The swing arm 25 is swingably connected to the vehicle body frame 10, and a rear wheel 26 is rotatably supported at the rear part of the swing arm 25. The left side surface of the swing arm 25 is covered with a swing arm cover 27, and power is transmitted from a motor (not shown) to the rear wheel 26 via a belt-type continuously variable transmission (not shown) inside the swing arm cover 27.

[0013] By the way, in this type of straddle-type vehicle, the seat is connected to the vehicle body so as to be openable and closable. In a scooter-type straddle-type vehicle, it is common for the seat to open more than upright, so that the seat does not close by its own weight. However, there is also a type in which the seat opening degree is small and the seat is structured not to close by its own weight by means of a damper, a spring, or the like. In this type of straddle-type vehicle, a repulsive force such as a damper acts on the seat even when the seat is closed. For this reason, even when the seat is held in the closed state by a lock mechanism, there is a problem that the repulsive force such as a damper also acts on the lock mechanism, making the unlocking operation difficult.

[0014] Since a repulsive force acts on the seat in the opening direction, a gap is likely to occur at the joint between the seat and the covers. Also, when a damper or the like is installed only on one side, there is a risk that the seat may tilt because only one side of the seat is supported by the damper or the like. To prevent the gap at the joint and the tilt of the seat, it is necessary to increase the rigidity of the seat itself, which makes the seat heavier. Therefore, in the opening / closing mechanism of the seat of this embodiment, a link mechanism that swings following the opening / closing of the seat is provided, and the movement of the link mechanism is restricted so that the seat does not close under its own weight when the seat is in the open state.

[0015] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5, the rear structure of the saddle-riding type vehicle will be described. FIG. 2 is a left side view of the rear part of the vehicle body of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view of the rear part of the vehicle body of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a side view of the opening / closing mechanism of the seat of this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the opening / closing mechanism of the seat in FIG. 4 cut along line A-A. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the seat, the cover, the floor board, etc. are shown by a two-dot chain line.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, at the rear part of the vehicle body of the saddle-riding type vehicle 1, a pair of side frames 35 extend obliquely upward from the front to the rear. Inside the pair of side frames 35, the battery 31 and the storage box 33 are installed side by side in the front-rear direction. The battery case of the battery 31 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in side view, and a plurality of cells (single batteries) are accommodated inside the battery case. The lower front corner of the battery 31 is the lowest in side view, the upper rear corner of the battery 31 is the highest, the upper front corner of the battery 31 is the most forward, and the lower rear corner of the battery 31 is the most rearward, so that the battery 31 is tilted forward.

[0017] A fixing bracket 36 projects upward from near the front rising of the pair of side frames 35, and a fixing bracket 37 projects downward from the middle position of the pair of side frames 35. The front end of the lower surface of the battery 31 is fixed to the front fixing bracket 36, and the rear end of the lower surface of the battery 31 is fixed to the rear fixing bracket 37. The pair of side frames 35 are fixed at a position where the rear end of the lower surface of the battery 31 is higher than the front end of the lower surface of the battery 31, and the battery 31 is supported from below in a forwardly inclined posture by the pair of side frames 35. An opening and closing mechanism 40 for connecting the seat 16 in an openable and closable manner is attached to the front end of the upper surface of the battery 31.

[0018] A flange 34 is provided around the opening on the upper surface of the storage box 33, and the lower surface of the storage box 33 is inclined so as to avoid interference with the rear wheel 26. The front side of the flange 34 covers the rear side of the upper surface of the battery 31, and the rear side of the flange 34 covers the rear ends of the pair of side frames 35. A fixing bracket 38 is provided at the rear ends of the pair of side frames 35, and the support surface of the fixing bracket 38 is located at substantially the same height as the upper corner portion on the rear side of the battery 31. The front side of the flange 34 is fixed to the upper corner portion on the rear side of the battery 31, and the rear side of the flange 34 is fixed to the fixing bracket 38 of the pair of side frames 35.

[0019] A fixing bracket 39 projects downward from near the front rising of the pair of side frames 35, and a swing arm 25 is swingably supported on the fixing bracket 39 via a pivot 28. The base end portion of the swing arm 25 forms a motor case 29, and a motor (not shown) is installed inside the motor case 29. The rear wheel 26 is supported at the rear end of the swing arm 25 and a rear suspension (not shown) is connected thereto. By positioning the motor near the pivot 28 of the swing arm 25, the vibration transmitted to the motor during the swinging of the swing arm 25 is suppressed.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the opening / closing mechanism 40 of the seat 16 is constituted by a four-bar link mechanism having first and second base brackets 41 and 45, a seat bracket 51, and first and second links 61 and 65. The base end portion of the first base bracket 41 and the second base bracket 45 are swingably connected to the base end portion of the seat bracket 51. One end portion of the first link 61 is swingably connected to the tip end portion of the first base bracket 41, and one end portion of the second link 65 is swingably connected to the tip end portion of the seat bracket 51. The other end portions of the first and second links 61 and 65 are swingably and slidably connected.

[0021] A support portion 32 protrudes upward from the front side of the upper surface of the battery 31, and the first base bracket 41 is attached to the support portion 32 of the battery 31. The first base bracket 41 is formed by punching and bending a metal plate into a predetermined shape and functions as a fixed link of the four-bar link mechanism. The lower plate 42 of the first base bracket 41 extends in the vehicle width direction along the upper surface of the support portion 32, and the lower plate 42 is screwed to the upper surface of the support portion 32. A front plate 43 along the front surface of the support portion 32 is continuous with the front edge of the lower plate 42 of the first base bracket 41, and the front plate 43 is screwed to the front surface of the support portion 32.

[0022] A side plate 44 rises from one side edge (left side edge) of the lower plate 42 of the first base bracket 41, and the side plate 44 extends rearward from the fixed portion of the lower plate 42. Also, a second base bracket 45 is attached to the other side edge side (right side) of the lower plate 42 of the first base bracket 41. The second base bracket 45 is spaced apart in the vehicle width direction so as to face the side plate 44 of the first base bracket 41. The seat bracket 51 is swingably connected to the side plate 44 of the first base bracket 41 and the second base bracket 45 via a seat rotation shaft 71. Note that the first and second base brackets 41 and 45 may be integrally formed.

[0023] The attachment portion 18 protrudes downward from the front side of the lower surface of the seat plate 17 of the sheet 16, and a seat bracket 51 is attached to the attachment portion 18 of the sheet 16. The seat bracket 51 is formed by punching and bending a metal plate into a predetermined shape and functions as a driving link of a four-bar link mechanism. The upper plate 52 of the seat bracket 51 extends in the vehicle width direction along the lower surface of the attachment portion 18, and the upper plate 52 is screwed to the lower surface of the attachment portion 18. A pair of side plates 53 are connected to both side edges of the upper plate 52 of the seat bracket 51, and one side plate 53 overlaps the side plate 44 of the first base bracket 41 from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] A regulating piece 54 extends forward from the front edge of the upper plate 52 of the seat bracket 51, and the fact that the regulating piece 54 faces the front plate 43 of the first base bracket 41 prevents excessive opening of the sheet 16. As the sheet 16 swings in the opening direction, the regulating piece 54 approaches the front plate 43 of the first base bracket 41, and as the sheet 16 swings in the closing direction, the regulating piece 54 separates from the front plate 43 of the first base bracket 41. An operation piece (operation portion) 55 protrudes rearward (rearward and obliquely downward in FIG. 4) from the base end portion of one side plate 53 of the seat bracket 51. Although details will be described later, when the sheet 16 is opened more than the upright position, the first link 61 is pushed up by the operation piece 55.

[0025] The first link 61 is formed by punching a metal plate into a predetermined long shape and functions as a driven link of a four-bar link mechanism. One end portion (the lower end portion in FIG. 4) of the first link 61 overlaps the tip portion of the side plate 44 of the first base bracket 41 from the outside in the vehicle width direction, and the overlapping portion of the lower portion of the first link 61 and the rear portion of the side plate 44 is connected via the first joint 72. A mountain-shaped seat stopper 62 extends forward from approximately half of the other end portion side of the first link 61, and the sheet 16 is held in the self-standing posture by the seat stopper 62. A first sliding piece 63 extends rearward from the other end portion of the first link 61, and the upper corner portion of the first sliding piece 63 is rounded and notched.

[0026] The second link 65 is formed by punching a metal plate into an L shape and functions as an intermediate link of a four-bar link mechanism. One end portion (the front end portion in FIG. 4) of the second link 65 overlaps the tip portion of one side plate 53 of the seat bracket 51 from the inside, and the overlapping portion of the other end portion of the second link 65 and the tip portion of the side plate 53 is connected via a second joint 73. The other end portion (the rear end portion in FIG. 4) of the second link 65 overlaps the other end portion (the upper end portion in FIG. 4) of the first link 61 from the inside, and the overlapping portion of the other end portions (the upper end portion in FIG. 4) of the first and second links 61 and 65 is connected via a third joint 74.

[0027] In this case, a long hole 66 is formed in the other end portion of the second link 65 along the extending direction of the second link 65. The third joint 74 fixed to the first link 61 is slidably installed with respect to the long hole 66 of the second link 65. With such a configuration, the first and second links 61 and 65 are connected so as to be swingable and slidable, and the connection position of the first and second links 61 and 65 can be moved by sliding. Further, a second sliding piece 67 extends upward from the other end portion of the second link 65. A braking protrusion (braking portion) 68 slightly protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction from the outer surface of the second sliding piece 67.

[0028] With reference to FIGS. 6 to 8, the opening and closing operation of the seat will be described. FIGS. 6 and 7 are transition diagrams of the opening operation of the seat in this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a transition diagram of the release of the swing restriction and the closing operation of the seat in this embodiment.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 6(A), when the sheet 16 is in the closed and collapsed position, the first link 61 is substantially upright with respect to the first base bracket 41, and the seat bracket 51 and the second link 65 are aligned in a straight line obliquely upward to the rear. That is, a substantially right-angled triangle is formed by the first base bracket 41, the seat bracket 51, and the first and second links 61, 65. Also, a straight line L1 connecting the first and third joints 72, 74 and a straight line L2 connecting the second and third joints 73, 74 intersect at an acute angle. The third joint 74 is located in the middle of the long hole 66 of the second link 65.

[0030] As shown in Fig. 6(B), when the collapsed sheet 16 is opened, the seat bracket 51 swings in the opening direction about the seat rotation axis 71 as a fulcrum with respect to the first base bracket 41. Also, the second link 65 swings obliquely downward to the rear about the second joint 73 as a fulcrum, and the first link 61 swings obliquely downward to the front about the first joint 72 as a fulcrum. The first and second links 61, 65 extend and the convex bending angles of the first and second links 65 gradually increase. When the seat bracket 51 becomes upright with respect to the first base bracket 41, the second link 65 becomes parallel to the first base bracket 41 and the first link 61 tilts forward.

[0031] A straight line L1 connecting the first and third joints 72, 74 and a straight line L2 connecting the second and third joints 73, 74 intersect at an obtuse angle. The third joint 74 moves to the front edge of the long hole 66 of the second link 65 and the intermediate link becomes shorter. In such a positional relationship, the corner of the first sliding piece 63 is rounded and notched so as to avoid the braking projection 68 of the second sliding piece 67. During the swinging of the seat bracket 51 in the opening direction, the braking projection 68 of the second sliding piece 67 passes through above the notch of the first sliding piece 63, and the braking projection 68 of the second sliding piece 67 is disengaged from the first sliding piece 63. The seat 16 can be smoothly opened without applying a braking force to the first sliding piece 63.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 6(C), when the sheet 16 is further opened, as the sheet bracket 51 swings in the opening direction, the second link 65 swings obliquely downward to the rear and the first link 61 swings obliquely downward to the front. Due to the swinging of the first and second links 61 and 65, the first and second links 61 and 65 extend to the maximum extent and the first and second links 61 and 65 are aligned in a straight line to reach the design point. At this time, the angle formed by the straight line L1 connecting the first and third joints 72 and 74 and the straight line L2 connecting the second and third joints 73 and 74 becomes 180 degrees, and the first, second, and third joints 72, 73, and 74 are arranged in a row.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 7(A), when the first and second links 61 and 65 reach the design point, the second link 65 swings obliquely downward to the rear and the first link 61 swings obliquely downward to the front, and the first and second links 65 are bent slightly in a concave shape. In this case, since the first and second links 61 and 65 are slidable, that is, the third joint 74 is movable within the long hole 66, the first and second links 61 and 65 swing by their own weight while slightly changing the relative connection position without swinging the sheet bracket 51. Due to the downward movement of the first link 61, the mountain-shaped sheet stopper 62 is brought closer to the sheet bracket 51.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 7(B), when the hand is released from the sheet 16, the sheet 16 begins to swing in the closing direction by its own weight. The sheet bracket 51 also begins to swing in the closing direction integrally with the sheet 16. As the sheet bracket 51 swings, the first and second links 61 and 65 swing downward and the concave bending becomes larger. When the sheet bracket 51 hits the sheet stopper 62 in the state where the first and second links 61 and 65 are bent in a concave shape, the swinging of the sheet bracket 51 in the closing direction is restricted by the sheet stopper 62 and the sheet 16 is held in a self-standing posture. At this time, the braking projection 68 contacts the upper edge of the first link 61 and the upward swinging of the first link 61 is restricted.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 8(A), when the sheet 16 moves from the self-standing position to the closing operation, the seat bracket 51 is slightly moved in the opening direction with the seat rotation axis 71 as the fulcrum with respect to the first base bracket 41. When the seat bracket 51 moves away from the seat stopper 62 in the opening direction, the first link 61 is pushed up by the operation piece 55 of the seat bracket 51. The first link 61 swings obliquely forward upward with the first joint 72 as the fulcrum, and the second link 65 swings obliquely backward upward with the second joint 73 as the fulcrum. The first and second links 61 and 65 are bent convexly, and the swing restriction of the seat bracket 51 in the closing direction is released.

[0036] At this time, as the seat bracket 51 swings in the opening direction, the second link 65 slides forward with respect to the first link 61, and the third joint 74 moves toward the trailing edge of the long hole 66. By the sliding of the second link 65 with respect to the first link 61, the corner of the first sliding piece 63 hits the braking protrusion 68 of the second sliding piece 67, and a tactile sensation is transmitted to the operator. Since the first and second sliding pieces 63 and 67 extend cantilevered from the first and second links 61 and 65, the first and second sliding pieces 63 and 67 are formed so as to bend slightly in the vehicle width direction with respect to the first and second links 61 and 65, respectively.

[0037] As shown in Fig. 8(B), when further force is applied to open the sheet 16, the second link 65 slides further forward with respect to the first link 61, and the third joint 74 is positioned at the trailing edge of the long hole 66. When the third joint 74 hits the trailing edge of the long hole 66, the seat bracket 51 is pulled by the first and second links 61 and 65, and the swing in the opening direction is stopped. The first sliding piece 63 rides on the braking protrusion 68 of the second sliding piece 67, and the braking protrusion 68 makes frictional contact with the first sliding piece 63. The first link 61 is supported from below by the operation piece 55, and the downward swing of the first and second links 61 and 65 is suppressed by the braking force of the braking protrusion 68.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 8(C), when the seat 16 is closed with the first and second links 61 and 65 bent convexly, as the seat bracket 51 swings in the closing direction, the second link 65 swings obliquely rearward upward and the first link 61 swings obliquely forward upward. While reducing the bending angles of the first and second links 61 and 65, the seat bracket 51 is swung in the closing direction with respect to the first base bracket 41. Due to the frictional contact between the braking projection 68 and the first sliding piece 63, the first and second links 61 and 65 do not swing downward under their own weights, and are maintained in a convexly bent state, and the seat 16 is smoothly closed.

[0039] Then, as shown in FIG. 6(A), the seat 16 is closed to the lying posture. In the lying posture of the seat 16, the first and second links 61 and 65 are bent at acute angles, and the braking projection 68 of the second sliding piece 67 is greatly disengaged from the first sliding piece 63. Therefore, when the seat 16 is to be opened next, the braking force of the braking projection 68 is not applied to the first link 61, and the seat 16 can be smoothly opened.

[0040] As described above, according to the opening and closing mechanism 40 of the seat 16 of the present embodiment, when the seat 16 is opened, the seat bracket 51 swings in the opening direction with respect to the first base bracket 41. When the first and second links 61 and 65 are extended to reach the design point, the first and second links 61 and 65 swing downward with respect to each other and bend concave. Due to the concave bending of the first and second links 61 and 65, the seat bracket 51 abuts against the seat stopper 62 of the first link 61, thereby restricting the swinging of the seat bracket 51 in the closing direction and holding the seat 16 in the standing posture. Therefore, in order to hold the seat 16 in the standing posture, an additional member such as a gas spring becomes unnecessary, and the unlocking operation of the locking mechanism is not made heavy by the additional member or the like.

[0041] In addition, in this embodiment, a braking projection is provided on the second sliding piece of the second link. However, the braking projection may be provided on the first link, or the braking projection may be provided on both the first and second links. That is, the braking projection may be provided on at least one of the first and second links. Further, in this embodiment, the braking projection is exemplified as the braking portion, but the braking portion may be formed in any manner as long as it can apply a braking force by friction contact.

[0042] In addition, in this embodiment, the base bracket is attached to the battery, but the base bracket may be attached to the vehicle body. For example, the base bracket may be attached to the vehicle body frame.

[0043] In addition, in this embodiment, a long hole is formed in the second link, but the long hole may be formed in the first link instead of the second link.

[0044] In addition, in this embodiment, a torsion spring that applies a rocking force to push down the first link obliquely forward and downward may be provided, or a torsion spring that applies a rocking force to push down the second link obliquely backward and downward may be provided.

[0045] In addition, in this embodiment, although the opening / closing mechanism of the seat that is connected to the vehicle body of the straddle-type vehicle so as to be openable / closable has been described, the opening / closing mechanism of this embodiment can also be applied to other than the seat. For example, an opening / closing mechanism that connects a first member and a second member so as to be openable / closable may be used. In this case, the opening / closing mechanism includes a fixed bracket attached to the first member, a movable bracket attached to the second member, a first link swingably connected to the fixed bracket, and a second link swingably connected to the movable bracket. The movable bracket is swingably connected to the fixed bracket, and the first and second links are swingably and slidably connected. When the movable bracket swings in the opening direction and the first and second links reach the design point, the first and second links swing downward and bend into a concave shape. A stopper for restricting the swing of the movable bracket in the closing direction is formed on the first link, and the movable bracket abuts against the stopper in a state where the first and second links are bent into a concave shape.

[0046] In addition, the seat opening / closing device of this embodiment is not limited to the above-described straddle-type vehicle, and can also be applied to other vehicles such as ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) and personal watercraft. Note that the straddle-type vehicle is not limited to all vehicles in which the driver rides in a posture straddling the seat, and also includes scooter-type vehicles in which the driver rides without straddling the seat.

[0047] As described above, the first aspect is an opening / closing mechanism (40) of a seat (16) that is openably / closably connected to the vehicle body (battery 31) of a straddle-type vehicle (1), including a base bracket (first base bracket 41) attached to the vehicle body, a seat bracket (51) attached to the seat, a first link (61) swingably connected to the base bracket, and a second link (65) swingably connected to the seat bracket. The seat bracket is swingably connected to the base bracket, and the first and second links are swingably and slidably connected. When the seat bracket swings in the opening direction and the first and second links reach the design point, the first and second links swing downward and bend into a concave shape. A stopper (seat stopper 62) that restricts the swing of the seat bracket in the closing direction is formed on the first link, and the seat bracket abuts against the stopper in a state where the first and second links are bent into a concave shape. According to this configuration, when the seat is opened, the seat bracket swings in the opening direction with respect to the base bracket. When the first and second links are extended and reach the design point, the first and second links swing downward with respect to each other and bend into a concave shape. The concave bending of the first and second links causes the seat bracket to abut against the stopper of the first link, thereby restricting the swing of the seat bracket in the closing direction and holding the seat in an upright posture. Therefore, in order to hold the seat in an upright posture, additional members such as gas springs are not required, and the unlocking operation of the locking mechanism is not made heavy by additional members or the like.

[0048] The second aspect is, in the first aspect, that an operation portion (operation piece 55) for pushing up the first link is formed on the seat bracket when the seat bracket moves away from the stopper in the opening direction. According to this configuration, when the seat is further opened from the upright posture, the first link is pushed up by the operation portion of the seat bracket, and the first and second links bend into a convex shape. The convex bending of the first and second links separates the seat bracket from the stopper, and the restriction on the swing of the seat bracket in the closing direction is released.

[0049] In a third aspect, in the first aspect or the second aspect, at least one of the first and second links is provided with a braking portion (braking protrusion 68) that makes frictional contact with at least the other of the first and second links during the swinging of the seat bracket in the closing direction. According to this configuration, when closing the seat, the first and second links bend convexly. However, since the first and second links are in frictional contact, they do not swing downward and bend concavely. The convex bending of the first and second links is maintained, and the seat can be closed smoothly.

[0050] In a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, the braking portion is disengaged from at least the other of the first and second links during the swinging of the seat bracket in the opening direction. According to this configuration, when opening the seat, no braking force is applied to at least the other of the first and second links, and the seat can be opened smoothly.

[0051] The fifth aspect is an opening and closing mechanism for connectably coupling a first member and a second member in an openable and closable manner, including a fixed bracket attached to the first member, a movable bracket attached to the second member, a first link swingably connected to the fixed bracket, and a second link swingably connected to the movable bracket. The movable bracket is swingably connected to the fixed bracket, the first and second links are swingably and slidably connected, and when the movable bracket swings in the opening direction and the first and second links reach the design point, the first and second links swing downward and bend into a concave shape. A stopper for restricting the swing of the movable bracket in the closing direction is formed on the first link, and the movable bracket abuts against the stopper in a state where the first and second links are bent into a concave shape. According to this configuration, when the second member is opened, the movable bracket swings in the opening direction with respect to the fixed bracket. When the first and second links are extended and reach the design point, the first and second links swing downward with respect to each other and bend into a concave shape. The concave bending of the first and second links causes the movable bracket to abut against the stopper of the first link, thereby restricting the swing of the movable bracket in the closing direction and holding the second member in a self-standing posture. Therefore, in order to hold the second member in a self-standing posture, an additional member such as a gas spring becomes unnecessary, and the unlocking operation of the locking mechanism is not made heavy by the additional member or the like.

[0052] Although this embodiment has been described, as another embodiment, a combination of the above embodiment and modification examples in whole or in part may be used.

[0053] In addition, the technology of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the technical idea. Furthermore, if the technical idea can be realized in another way by the progress of technology or another derived technology, it may be implemented using that method. Therefore, the scope of the claims covers all embodiments that can be included within the scope of the technical idea.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0054] 1: Straddle-type vehicle 16: Seat 31: Battery (vehicle body) 40: Opening / closing mechanism 41: First base bracket (base bracket) 51: Seat bracket 55: Operating piece (operating part) 61: First link 62: Seat stopper (stopper) 65: Second link 68: Braking projection (braking part) 71: Seat rotation axis

Claims

1. An opening and closing mechanism for a seat that is connected to a vehicle body of a saddle-riding type vehicle so as to be openable and closable, a base bracket attached to the vehicle body, a seat bracket attached to the seat, a first link swingably connected to the base bracket, a second link swingably connected to the seat bracket, and the seat bracket is swingably connected to the base bracket, the first and second links are swingably and slidably connected, when the seat bracket swings in the opening direction and the first and second links reach a thought point, the first and second links swing downward and bend into a concave shape, a stopper for restricting the swing of the seat bracket in the closing direction is formed on the first link, and the opening and closing mechanism is characterized in that the seat bracket abuts against the stopper in a state where the first and second links are bent into a concave shape.

2. The opening and closing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein an operation portion for pushing up the first link is formed on the seat bracket when the seat bracket moves away from the stopper in the opening direction.

3. The opening and closing mechanism according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one of the first and second links is provided with a braking portion that comes into frictional contact with at least the other of the first and second links during the swing of the seat bracket in the closing direction.

4. The opening and closing mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the braking portion disengages from at least the other of the first and second links during the swing of the seat bracket in the opening direction.

5. An opening and closing mechanism for connecting a first member and a second member so as to be openable and closable, a fixed bracket attached to the first member, a movable bracket attached to the second member, a first link swingably connected to the fixed bracket, a second link swingably connected to the movable bracket, and the movable bracket is swingably connected to the fixed bracket, the first and second links are swingably and slidably connected, when the movable bracket swings in the opening direction and the first and second links reach a thought point, the first and second links swing downward and bend into a concave shape, The first link is formed with a stopper that restricts the swing of the movable bracket in the closing direction, and the movable bracket abuts against the stopper in a state where the first and second links are bent in a concave shape. An opening and closing mechanism characterized by this.

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