Opening / closing mechanism

Abstract

To provide an opening / closing mechanism which is easily operated by a simple configuration.SOLUTION: An opening / closing mechanism includes base brackets (51, 55 and 56) mounted on a vehicle body, a seat bracket (61) mounted on a seat, a stopper bracket (81) swingably connected to the base bracket, and a repulsion member (86) for generating repulsive force against the swinging of the stopper bracket. The seat bracket is swingably connected to the base bracket. When the seat bracket is swung in an open direction, the repulsive force of the repulsion member acts on the stopper bracket so as to maintain the initial attitude of the stopper bracket, and the stopper bracket is pressed against the seat bracket. In the seat bracket, a hook part (68) hooked on the stopper bracket in the initial attitude is formed when the seat bracket reaches an open position.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 simply applying an upward light 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 this 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 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 stopper bracket swingably supported by the base bracket, and a repulsion member that generates a repulsive force against the swing of the stopper bracket. The seat bracket is swingably connected to the base bracket, and when the seat bracket swings in the opening direction, the repulsive force of the repulsion member acts on the stopper bracket so as to maintain the initial posture of the stopper bracket, and the stopper bracket is pressed against the seat bracket. The seat bracket is formed with a hooking portion that is hooked on the stopper bracket in the initial posture when the seat bracket reaches the open position, thereby solving the above problems.

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 seat bracket swings in the opening direction, the stopper bracket is maintained in the initial posture by the repulsive force of the repulsion member, and the stopper bracket is pressed against the seat bracket. When the seat bracket reaches the open position, the hooking portion of the seat bracket is hooked on the stopper bracket in the initial posture, the swinging of the seat bracket in the closing direction is restricted, and the seat is held in the self-standing posture. Therefore, an additional member such as a gas spring is not required to hold the seat in the self-standing posture, 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 of one aspect of the present invention connects a seat to a vehicle body of a saddle-riding type vehicle so as to be openable and closable. 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 stopper bracket is swingably supported by the base bracket, and a repulsive force against the swing of the stopper bracket is generated in the repulsive member. When the seat bracket swings in the opening direction, the stopper bracket is maintained in the initial posture by the repulsive force of the repulsive member, and the stopper bracket is pressed against the seat bracket. Further, a hooking portion that is hooked to the stopper bracket in the initial posture is formed on the seat bracket. When the seat bracket reaches the open position, the hooking portion of the seat bracket is hooked to the stopper bracket in the initial posture, the swing of the seat bracket in the closing direction is restricted, and the seat is held in the self-standing posture. Therefore, an additional member such as a gas spring is not required to hold the seat in the self-standing posture, and the release operation of the lock mechanism is not made heavy by the additional member or the like.

Example

[0010] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, the saddle-riding type vehicle of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a left side view of the saddle-riding type vehicle of this embodiment. Also, in the following figures, the arrow Fr indicates the front of the vehicle, the arrow Re indicates the rear of the vehicle, the arrow L indicates the left side of the vehicle, and the 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 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 the motor 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, resulting in a structure where 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 gas spring or the like. In this type of straddle-type vehicle, a repulsive force such as that of a gas spring acts on the seat even when the seat is closed. Therefore, even when the seat is held in the closed state by a locking mechanism, there is a problem that the repulsive force of the gas spring or the like also acts on the locking 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 gas spring or the like is installed only on one side (left or right), there is a risk that the seat will tilt because only one side of the seat is supported by the gas spring 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 causes the seat to become heavy. Therefore, in the seat opening / closing mechanism of the present embodiment, a stopper that swings following the opening and closing of the seat is provided, and in the state where the seat is open, the swinging of the seat is restricted by the stopper so that the seat does not close under its own weight.

[0015] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6, 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 the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a top view of the rear part of the vehicle body of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the seat opening / closing mechanism of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a side view of the seat opening / closing mechanism of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a front view of the seat opening / closing mechanism of the present embodiment. In FIGS. 2 and 3, the seat, the cover, the floor board, etc. are shown by a two-dot chain line. In FIG. 4, the second base bracket is 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 housed inside the battery case. The battery 31 is tilted forward such that 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.

[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 50 of the seat 16 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. The front side of the flange 34 is fixed to the upper rear corner of the battery 31. At the rear side of the storage box 33, the pair of side frames 35 are connected by a bridge bracket 38, and a seat lock 41 is provided on the bridge bracket 38. Further, a seat striker 42 is provided at the rear end of the seat 16, and the seat striker 42 is locked to the seat lock 41 in the closed state of the seat 16.

[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 50 of the seat 16 has first to third base brackets 51, 55, 56, a seat bracket 61, and a stopper bracket 81. The base end portions of the first and second base brackets 51 and 55 are swingably connected to the base end portion of the seat bracket 61 via a seat rotation shaft (swing shaft) 75. The stopper bracket 81 is swingably supported via a stopper rotation shaft 77 on the upper portions of the second and third base brackets 55 and 56. A return prevention structure for the seat 16 is formed by the second and third base brackets 55 and 56, the stopper bracket 81, and the seat bracket 61 on the right side of the vehicle body.

[0021] A support portion 32 protrudes upward from the front side of the upper surface of the battery 31, and the first base bracket 51 is attached to the support portion 32 of the battery 31. The lower plate 52 of the first base bracket 51 extends in the vehicle width direction along the upper surface of the support portion 32, and the lower plate 52 is screwed to the upper surface of the support portion 32. A front plate 53 that follows the front surface of the support portion 32 is continuous with the front edge of the lower plate 52 of the first base bracket 51, and the front plate 53 is screwed to the front surface of the support portion 32. Further, a side plate 54 rises from one side edge (left side edge) of the lower plate 52 of the first base bracket 51.

[0022] The second and third base brackets 55 and 56 are attached to the other side edge side (right side edge side) of the lower plate 52 of the first base bracket 51. The second and third base brackets 55 and 56 stand up from the lower plate 52 of the first base bracket 51, and the second and third base brackets 55 and 56 are provided in parallel to the side plate 54 of the first base bracket 51. The second base bracket 55 faces the side plate 54 of the first base bracket 51 with a sufficient interval in the vehicle width direction, and the third base bracket 56 faces the second base bracket 55 with a slight interval. Note that the first to third base brackets 51, 55, and 56 may be integrally formed.

[0023] A seat bracket 61 is attached to the seat plate 45 on the lower surface of the sheet 16. A hook 46 protrudes downward from the front side of the lower surface of the seat plate 45, and an opening 63 in the center of the upper plate 62 of the seat bracket 61 is hooked on the hook 46. Four long holes 64 are formed around the opening 63 of the upper plate 62, and the seat bracket 61 is screwed to the seat plate 45 through these long holes 64. A pair of side plates 65 and 66 are connected to both side edges of the upper plate 62 of the seat bracket 61, and the pair of side plates 65 and 66 overlap the side plates 54 of the first base bracket 51 and the second base bracket 55 from the outside in the vehicle width direction.

[0024] The overlapping portions of the side plate 54 of the first base bracket 51 and the side plate 65 of the seat bracket 61, and the overlapping portions of the side plate 55 of the second base bracket 55 and the side plate 66 of the seat bracket 61 are connected via a seat rotation shaft 75. The right side plate 66 of the seat bracket 61 enters between the second and third base brackets 55 and 56. A curved edge 67 with a radius R centered on the seat rotation shaft 75 is formed on the side plate 66, and a part of the curved edge 67 protrudes radially outward to form a hook portion 68. Further, on the side plate 66, a push-up piece (push-up portion) 71 is formed on the closing direction side of the curved edge 67, and a push-down piece (push-down portion) 72 is formed on the opening direction side of the curved edge 67.

[0025] As the sheet 16 swings in the opening direction, when the push-up piece 71 approaches the stopper bracket 81, the push-down piece 72 moves away from the stopper bracket 81. As the sheet 16 swings in the closing direction, when the push-down piece 72 approaches the stopper bracket 81, the push-up piece 71 moves away from the stopper bracket 81. Although details will be described later, when the sheet 16 is fully opened, the stopper bracket 81 is pushed up by the push-up piece 71, and when the sheet 16 is about to close, the stopper bracket 81 is pushed down by the push-down piece 72. Further, a regulating piece (regulating portion) 73 extends forward from the front edge of the upper plate 62 of the seat bracket 61.

[0026] A stopper bracket 81 is inserted between the second and third base brackets 55 and 56, and the stopper bracket 81 is supported by the second and third base brackets 55 and 56 via a stopper rotation shaft 77. An uneven abutting portion 82 that abuts against the side plate 66 of the seat bracket 61 is formed at the front end portion of the stopper bracket 81. The rear half portion of the stopper bracket 81 is bifurcated by an upper short piece 83 and a lower long piece 84. The long piece 84 protrudes greatly rearward from the stopper bracket 81 and is formed so as to be able to abut against a rotation prevention claw piece 59 formed on the third base bracket 56.

[0027] Hooking holes 57 (the hooking hole of the third base bracket 56 is not shown) are formed in the second and third base brackets 55 and 56, and a recess 85 is formed between the short piece 83 and the long piece 84 of the stopper bracket 81. Both ends of a double torsion spring (rebounding member) 86 are hooked on the hooking holes 57 of the second and third base brackets 55 and 56, and the middle portion of the double torsion spring 86 is hooked on the recess 85 of the stopper bracket 81. A rebounding force against the swinging of the stopper bracket 81 is generated in the double torsion spring 86, and the stopper bracket 81 is maintained in a predetermined posture by the rebounding force of the double torsion spring 86.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a rubber cushioning material 91 is attached to the first base bracket 51. The front surface and the upper surface of the installation surface for the cushioning material 91 are formed by the front plate 53 and the lower plate 52 of the first base bracket 51. The main body portion 92 of the cushioning material 91 is in contact with the front plate 53 of the first base bracket 51, and an extending portion 93 (see FIG. 7(A)) extending rearward from the main body portion 92 of the cushioning material 91 is in contact with the upper plate 62 of the first base bracket 51. The main body portion 92 of the cushioning material 91 is not fixed to the front plate 53, but a fixing protrusion 94 (see FIG. 7(A)) protruding downward from the extending portion 93 of the cushioning material 91 is fixed to the fixing hole of the upper plate 62.

[0029] The seat rotation shaft 75 is located on the front end side of the seat 16, and the main body portion 92 of the cushioning material 91 is provided in front of the seat rotation shaft 75. A regulating piece 73 that can be separated from and contacted with the cushioning material 91 is formed on the seat bracket 61, and the regulating piece 73 contacts the cushioning material 91 when the seat bracket 61 swings in the opening direction. When the regulating piece 73 contacts the cushioning material 91, the momentum of the seat 16 in the opening direction is received by the cushioning material 91, and the operability is improved. By providing the cushioning material 91 near the seat rotation shaft 75, the size of the cushioning material 91 can be reduced, and a highly elastic material can be used for the cushioning material 91.

[0030] At this time, before the seat bracket 61 reaches the open position where the seat bracket 61 swings in the opening direction and the seat 16 is held in the self-standing posture, the regulating piece 73 starts to contact the cushioning material 91 (see Fig. 7(B)). When the regulating piece 73 starts to contact the cushioning material 91, the seat rotation shaft 75 is pressed against the inner edge of the shaft hole by the reaction force of the cushioning material 91, and rattling is suppressed. In addition, the resistance when the cushioning material 91 is crushed makes it easier for the seat bracket 61 to stop at the open position. The regulating piece 73 is formed to be narrower in width and tapered than the cushioning material 91, and the regulating piece 73 easily bites into the cushioning material 91, reducing the lateral play of the seat bracket 61.

[0031] As described above, the main body portion 92 of the cushioning material 91 is not fixed to the front plate 53 of the first base bracket 51. Therefore, when the cushioning material 91 is crushed by the regulating piece 73, the cushioning material 91 is deformed downward to reduce unnecessary stress, improving durability. The contact surface of the main body portion 92 of the cushioning material 91 that the regulating piece 73 contacts is inclined obliquely downward to the front, and the regulating piece 73 is inclined obliquely downward to the front at the position where the regulating piece 73 starts to contact the cushioning material 91 (see Fig. 7(B)). Since the contact surface between the cushioning material 91 and the regulating piece 73 is directed obliquely downward, the cushioning material 91 is easily deformed smoothly downward.

[0032] Further, a reinforcing portion 47 protrudes downward from the seat plate 45 of the seat 16, and the reinforcing portion 47 is positioned on the back side of the regulating piece 73 of the seat bracket 61. Even when the seat bracket 61 (seat 16) receives an excessive input in the opening direction and a strong reaction force is applied to the regulating piece 73 from the cushioning material 91, the regulating piece 73 is supported from the back side by the reinforcing portion 47, and deformation of the regulating piece 73 is suppressed. Note that the inclination angle of the regulating piece 73 with respect to the seat bracket 61 and the thickness of the main body portion 92 of the cushioning material 91 are appropriately set according to the amount of crushing of the main body portion 92, the opening position (angle) of the seat bracket 61, and the like.

[0033] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the opening and closing operation of the seat will be described. FIG. 7 is a transition diagram 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.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 7(A), in the case where the seat 16 is in the closed and lying posture, the stopper bracket 81 is supported in the initial posture via the stopper rotation shaft 77 by the second and third base brackets 55 and 56. In the initial posture of the stopper bracket 81, the longitudinal direction of the stopper bracket 81 is directed substantially horizontally. The side plate 66 of the seat bracket 61 deeply enters between the second and third base brackets 55 and 56, and the stopper bracket 81 is positioned directly below the pressing piece 72 of the seat bracket 61. Further, the abutting portion 82 on the front end side of the stopper bracket 81 is in contact with the curved edge 67 of the seat bracket 61.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 7(B), when the sheet 16 is lifted from the fallen posture, the seat bracket 61 swings in the opening direction with respect to the first and second base brackets 51 and 55. When the seat bracket 61 swings in the opening direction, the repulsive force of the double torsion spring 86 acts on the stopper bracket 81 so that the stopper bracket 81 maintains its initial posture. Due to the repulsive force of the double torsion spring 86, the abutting portion 82 of the stopper bracket 81 is pressed against the curved edge 67 of the seat bracket 61, and the abutting portion 82 of the stopper bracket 81 moves along this curved edge 67. Also, the regulating piece 73 of the seat bracket 61 begins to contact the cushion material 91.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 7(C), when the sheet 16 is further lifted, the seat bracket 61 swings toward the open position. When the seat bracket 61 reaches the open position, the abutting portion 82 of the stopper bracket 81 gets over the hook portion 68 protruding from the curved edge 67 of the seat bracket 61. When getting over the hook portion 68, the abutting portion 82 of the stopper bracket 81 hits against the curved edge 67 to generate a striking sound, enabling the operator to be aware that the sheet 16 has finished opening. Then, the abutting portion 82 of the stopper bracket 81 in the initial posture is hooked on the hook portion 68 of the seat bracket 61, and the sheet 16 is held in the self-standing posture.

[0037] Also, the cushion material 91 is crushed by the regulating piece 73 of the seat bracket 61, and an appropriate sense of resistance is given to the sheet 16 by the elastic force of the cushion material 91. By the regulating piece 73 biting into the cushion material 91, the rattling of the seat rotation shaft 75 and the seat bracket 61 is suppressed by the cushion material 91. Also, since the main body portion 92 of the cushion material 91 is not fixed to the first base bracket 51, the cushion material 91 is deformed downward while being crushed by the regulating piece 73. Thereby, unnecessary stress on the cushion material 91 is reduced and the durability is improved.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 8(A), when the sheet 16 moves from the self-standing position to the closing operation, the seat bracket 61 is slightly moved in the opening direction with the seat rotation axis 75 as a fulcrum with respect to the first and second base brackets 51 and 55. When the seat bracket 61 swings in the opening direction beyond the open position and the seat bracket 61 swings to the limit, the front end side of the stopper bracket 81 is pushed up by the pushing piece 71 of the seat bracket 61. Thus, when the sheet 16 is further opened from the self-standing position, the stopper bracket 81 is pushed up by the pushing piece 71 of the seat bracket 61 and the latching of the seat bracket 61 is released.

[0039] Also, the long piece 84 of the stopper bracket 81 abuts against the claw piece 59 of the third base bracket 56, and the stopper bracket 81 swings from the initial position to the release position. When the stopper bracket 81 is in the release position, the repulsive force of the double torsion spring 86 acts on the stopper bracket 81 so as to maintain the release position of the stopper bracket 81. By maintaining the stopper bracket 81 in the release position, it is possible to prevent the stopper bracket 81 from returning to the initial position and being latched again. Also, when the seat bracket 61 swings to the limit, the regulating piece 73 is parallel to the front plate 53 of the first base bracket 51.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 8(B), when the seat bracket 61 is closed from the self-standing position, the seat bracket 61 swings in the closing direction with respect to the first and second base brackets 51 and 55. Before the seat bracket 61 is fully closed, that is, before the seat striker 42 (see FIG. 2) is locked to the seat lock 41 (see FIG. 2), the stopper bracket 81 in the release position is pushed down by the pressing piece 72. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(C), the stopper bracket 81 swings from the release position to the initial position. Before the sheet 16 is completely closed, the stopper bracket 81 is returned to the initial position so that the sheet 16 can be reopened.

[0041] As described above, according to the opening and closing mechanism 50 of the seat 16 in this embodiment, when the seat 16 is opened, the seat bracket 61 swings in the opening direction with respect to the first and second base brackets 51 and 55. When the seat bracket 61 swings in the opening direction, the stopper bracket 81 is maintained in the initial posture by the repulsive force of the double torsion spring 86, and the stopper bracket 81 is pressed against the seat bracket 61. When the seat bracket 61 reaches the open position, the engaging portion 68 of the seat bracket 61 is hooked on the stopper bracket 81 in the initial posture, and the swinging of the seat bracket 61 in the closing direction is restricted, and the seat 16 is held in the self-supporting posture. Therefore, an additional member such as a gas spring is not required to hold the seat 16 in the self-supporting posture, and the unlocking operation of the locking mechanism is not made heavy by the additional member or the like.

[0042] In this embodiment, a double torsion spring is exemplified as the repulsive member, but the repulsive member is not particularly limited as long as it is a member that generates a repulsive force against the swinging of the stopper bracket.

[0043] Also, in this embodiment, a part of the curved edge of the seat bracket protrudes radially outward to form the engaging portion, but the engaging portion may be formed so that the stopper bracket in the initial posture can be hooked. For example, a part of the curved edge of the seat bracket may be recessed radially inward to form the engaging portion.

[0044] Also, in this embodiment, the contact surface of the regulating piece and the cushion material is inclined obliquely downward forward in a state where the regulating piece is in contact with the cushion material, but at least one of the contact surfaces of the regulating piece and the cushion material may be inclined obliquely downward forward.

[0045] Also, 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.

[0046] Also, in this embodiment, the opening and closing mechanism of the seat that is connected to the vehicle body of the straddle-type vehicle so as to be openable and closable has been described. However, the opening and closing mechanism of this embodiment can also be applied to other components than the seat. For example, an opening and closing mechanism that connects a first member and a second member so as to be openable and closable may be used. In this case, the opening and closing mechanism includes a fixed bracket attached to the first member, a movable bracket attached to the second member, a stopper bracket swingably supported by the fixed bracket, and a repulsion member that generates a repulsive force against the swing of the stopper bracket. The movable bracket is swingably connected to the fixed bracket. When the movable bracket swings in the opening direction, the repulsive force of the repulsion member acts on the stopper bracket so that the stopper bracket maintains its initial posture, and the stopper bracket is pressed against the movable bracket. The movable bracket is formed with a hooking portion that is hooked on the stopper bracket in the initial posture when the movable bracket reaches the open position.

[0047] Further, the seat opening and closing device of this embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned straddle-type vehicle, and can also be applied to other vehicles such as ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) and personal watercraft. 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.

[0048] As described above, the first aspect is an opening / closing mechanism (50) of a seat (16) that is openably and closably connected to a vehicle body (battery 31) of a straddle-type vehicle (1), including a base bracket (first to third base brackets 51, 55, 56) attached to the vehicle body, a seat bracket (61) attached to the seat, a stopper bracket (81) swingably supported by the base bracket, and a repulsive member (double torsion spring 86) that generates a repulsive force against the swing of the stopper bracket. The seat bracket is swingably connected to the base bracket. When the seat bracket swings in the opening direction, the repulsive force of the repulsive member acts on the stopper bracket to maintain the initial posture of the stopper bracket, and the stopper bracket is pressed against the seat bracket. The seat bracket is formed with a hooking portion (68) that is hooked on the stopper bracket in the initial posture when the seat bracket reaches the open position. 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 seat bracket swings in the opening direction, the stopper bracket is maintained in the initial posture by the repulsive force of the repulsive member, and the stopper bracket is pressed against the seat bracket. When the seat bracket reaches the open position, the hooking portion of the seat bracket is hooked on the stopper bracket in the initial posture, the swing of the seat bracket in the closing direction is restricted, and the seat is held in the self-supporting posture. Therefore, an additional member such as a gas spring is not required to hold the seat in the self-supporting posture, and the unlocking operation of the locking mechanism is not made heavy by the additional member or the like.

[0049] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the seat bracket is formed with a pushing portion (pushing piece 71) that pushes up the stopper bracket when the seat bracket swings in the opening direction beyond the open position. The pushing portion swings the stopper bracket from the initial posture to the released posture, and the repulsive force of the repelling member acts on the stopper bracket so as to maintain the released posture of the stopper bracket. According to this configuration, when the seat is further opened from the self-standing posture, the stopper bracket is pushed up by the pushing portion of the seat bracket, and the latching of the seat bracket is released. Further, since the stopper bracket is maintained in the released posture by the repulsive force of the repelling member, it is possible to prevent the stopper bracket from returning to the initial posture and being latched again.

[0050] In a third aspect, in the first aspect or the second aspect, the seat bracket is formed with a pushing-down portion (pushing-down piece 72) that pushes down the stopper bracket in the released posture when the seat bracket swings in the closing direction. The pushing-down portion swings the stopper bracket from the released posture to the initial posture. According to this configuration, when the seat is closed, the stopper bracket can be returned from the released posture to the initial posture.

[0051] In a fourth aspect, in the third aspect, before the seat bracket is fully closed, the pushing-down portion swings the stopper bracket from the released posture to the initial posture. According to this configuration, before the seat is completely closed, the stopper bracket is returned to the initial posture, so that the seat can be reopened.

[0052] The fifth aspect is that in any one of the first to fourth aspects, a cushioning material (cushioning material 91) provided in front of the swing axis of the seat bracket (seat rotation axis 75) is provided, the swing axis of the seat bracket is located on the front end side of the seat, and a regulation portion that contacts the cushioning material when the seat bracket swings in the opening direction is formed on the seat bracket. According to this configuration, the momentum in the opening direction of the seat is received by the cushioning material, improving the operability. By providing the cushioning material near the swing axis of the seat bracket, the size of the cushioning material can be reduced and a highly elastic material can be used for the cushioning material.

[0053] The sixth aspect is that in the fifth aspect, before the seat bracket reaches the open position, the regulation portion (regulation piece 73) begins to contact the cushioning material. According to this configuration, the reaction force of the cushioning material presses the seat rotation axis against the inner edge of the shaft hole, suppressing rattling. Also, due to the resistance feeling of the cushioning material, it becomes easier to stop the seat bracket at the open position.

[0054] The seventh aspect is that in the fifth or sixth aspect, the regulation portion is formed to be tapered. According to this configuration, it becomes easier for the regulation portion to bite into the cushioning material, reducing the left - right rattling of the seat bracket.

[0055] The eighth aspect is that in any one of the fifth to seventh aspects, the installation surface for the cushioning material is composed of the front surface and the upper surface, the main body portion (92) of the cushioning material is in contact with the front surface, and the extending portion (93) extending rearward from the main body portion is fixed to the upper surface. According to this configuration, since the cushioning material is not fixed to the front surface, when the cushioning material is crushed by the regulation portion, the cushioning material can be deformed downward to reduce unnecessary stress, improving durability.

[0056] The ninth aspect is that in the eighth aspect, the contact surface of the main body portion of the cushioning material that the regulation portion contacts is inclined obliquely downward to the front. According to this configuration, it becomes easier to smoothly deform the cushioning material downward.

[0057] In the tenth aspect, in the eighth or ninth aspect, at the position where the regulating part starts to contact the cushion material, the regulating part is inclined obliquely downward. According to this configuration, it becomes easier to smoothly deform the cushion material downward.

[0058] In the eleventh aspect, in any one of the fifth to tenth aspects, a reinforcing part (47) is formed on the back side of the regulating part on the seat. According to this configuration, even if the seat bracket receives an excessive input in the opening direction, deformation of the regulating part can be suppressed.

[0059] The twelfth aspect is an opening / closing mechanism for connecting the first member and the second member so as to be openable and closable, including a fixed bracket attached to the first member, a movable bracket attached to the second member, a stopper bracket swingably supported by the fixed bracket, and a repulsive member that generates a repulsive force against the swing of the stopper bracket. The movable bracket is swingably connected to the fixed bracket. When the movable bracket swings in the opening direction, the repulsive force of the repulsive member acts on the stopper bracket so that the stopper bracket maintains its initial posture, and the stopper bracket is pressed against the movable bracket. The movable bracket is formed with a hooking part that is hooked on the stopper bracket in the initial posture when the movable bracket reaches the open position. 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 movable bracket swings in the opening direction, the stopper bracket is maintained in the initial posture by the repulsive force of the repulsive member, and the stopper bracket is pressed against the movable bracket. When the movable bracket reaches the open position, the hooking part of the movable bracket is hooked on the stopper bracket in the initial posture, the swing of the movable bracket in the closing direction is restricted, and the second member is held in the self-supporting posture. Therefore, an additional member such as a gas spring is not required to hold the second member in the self-supporting posture, and the unlocking operation of the locking mechanism is not made heavy by the additional member or the like.

[0060] In addition, although the present embodiment has been described, as another embodiment, the above-described embodiment and modification examples may be combined in whole or in part.

[0061] Furthermore, the technology of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the technical idea. Moreover, if the technical idea can be realized in another way by the progress of technology or another derived technology, that method may be used for implementation. Therefore, the scope of the claims covers all embodiments that can be included within the scope of the technical idea.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0062] 1: Straddle-type vehicle 16: Seat 31: Battery (vehicle body) 50: Opening / closing mechanism 47: Reinforcing portion 50: Opening / closing mechanism 51: First base bracket 55: Second base bracket 56: Third base bracket 61: Seat bracket 68: Hanging portion 71: Pushing-up piece (pushing-up portion) 72: Pushing-down piece (pushing-down portion) 73: Restraining piece (restraining portion) 75: Seat rotation shaft (oscillation shaft) 81: Stopper bracket 86: Double torsion spring (rebounding member) 91: Cushion material 92: Body portion 93: Extended portion

Claims

1. An opening and closing mechanism for a seat that is connected to the vehicle body of a saddle-riding type vehicle so as to be openable and closable, comprising: a base bracket attached to the vehicle body; a seat bracket attached to the seat; a stopper bracket swingably supported by the base bracket; a repelling member that generates a repulsive force against the swing of the stopper bracket; and the seat bracket is swingably connected to the base bracket, when the seat bracket swings in the opening direction, the repulsive force of the repelling member acts on the stopper bracket so as to maintain the initial posture of the stopper bracket, and the stopper bracket is pressed against the seat bracket, the seat bracket is formed with a hooking portion that is hooked on the stopper bracket in the initial posture when the seat bracket reaches the open position, characterized in that the opening and closing mechanism.

2. the seat bracket is formed with a pressing portion that pushes up the stopper bracket when the seat bracket swings in the opening direction beyond the open position, the pressing portion swings the stopper bracket from the initial posture to the released posture, the opening and closing mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the repulsive force of the repelling member acts on the stopper bracket so as to maintain the released posture of the stopper bracket.

3. the seat bracket is formed with a pressing portion that pushes down the stopper bracket in the released posture when the seat bracket swings in the closing direction, the opening and closing mechanism according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the pressing portion swings the stopper bracket from the released posture to the initial posture.

4. the opening and closing mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that the pressing portion swings the stopper bracket from the released posture to the initial posture before the seat bracket is fully closed.

5. comprising a cushioning material provided in front of the swing axis of the seat bracket, the swing axis of the seat bracket is located on the front end side of the seat, the seat bracket is formed with a restricting portion that contacts the cushioning material when the seat bracket swings in the opening direction, characterized in that the opening and closing mechanism according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The opening and closing mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the restricting portion starts to contact the cushioning material before the seat bracket reaches the open position.

7. The opening and closing mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the restricting portion is formed to be tapered.

8. The installation surface for the cushioning material is composed of a front surface and an upper surface, The main body portion of the cushioning material is in contact with the front surface, and an extending portion extending rearward from the main body portion is fixed to the upper surface. The opening and closing mechanism according to claim 5 is characterized by this.

9. The opening and closing mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the contact surface of the main body portion of the cushioning material that the restricting portion contacts is inclined obliquely downward.

10. The opening and closing mechanism according to claim 8, wherein at the position where the restricting portion starts to contact the cushioning material, the restricting portion is inclined obliquely downward.

11. The opening and closing mechanism according to claim 5, wherein a reinforcing portion is formed on the back side of the restricting portion on the seat.

12. An opening and closing mechanism for connecting a first member and a second member in an openable and closable manner, A fixed bracket attached to the first member, A movable bracket attached to the second member, A stopper bracket swingably supported by the fixed bracket, A repelling member that generates a repelling force against the swing of the stopper bracket, and is provided with The movable bracket is swingably connected to the fixed bracket, When the movable bracket swings in the opening direction, the repelling force of the repelling member acts on the stopper bracket so that the stopper bracket maintains its initial posture, and the stopper bracket is pressed against the movable bracket. The opening and closing mechanism is characterized in that a hooking portion is formed on the movable bracket to be hooked on the stopper bracket in the initial posture when the movable bracket reaches the open position.

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