Seat structure

Abstract

To secure a sufficient capacity of a storage box without expanding a space below a seat.SOLUTION: In a seat structure for a saddle-type vehicle, a storage box (41) is accommodated below a seat (16) and the seat is connected to a vehicle body. The seat structure includes: base brackets (51, 52) attached to an upper part of the vehicle body; a seat bracket (61) attached to a lower part of the seat; and a repulsive member (71) that applies a repulsive force to the seat in an opening direction. The seat bracket is swingably connected to the base brackets, a tip end (72) of the repulsive member is swingably connected to the seat bracket, and a base end (73) of the repulsive member is swingably connected to the vehicle body in a position at the rear relative to the base bracket and the front relative to the storage box.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a seat structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] A known seat structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle uses a damper to assist in lifting the seat (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the seat structure described in Patent Document 1, a movable bracket attached to the front end of the seat and a fixed bracket attached to the vehicle body frame are connected via a hinge so that the seat can be opened and closed. A damper is connected to the middle of the seat in the fore-and-aft direction, and when the seat is closed, the repulsive force of the damper acts on the seat in an opening direction. Therefore, the seat can be opened by the driver simply applying a light upward force, and the repulsive force of the damper keeps the seat in the open position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-122172 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the seat structure described in Patent Document 1, the damper is located in the middle of the seat in the front-to-rear direction, making it impossible to effectively use the space below the seat. In straddle-type vehicles, a storage box is sometimes installed below the seat, but the damper may limit the size of the storage box.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and has as its object to provide a seat structure that can ensure sufficient capacity for a storage box without expanding the space below the seat. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the seat structure of the present invention is a seat structure for a saddle-type vehicle in which a seat is connected to a vehicle body, and comprises a storage box installed below the seat, a base bracket attached to the upper part of the vehicle body, a seat bracket attached to the lower part of the seat, and a repulsive member that applies a repulsive force to the seat in an opening direction, wherein the seat bracket is swingably connected to the base bracket, the tip end of the repulsive member is swingably connected to the seat bracket, and the base end of the repulsive member is swingably connected to the vehicle body rearward of the base bracket and in front of the storage box, thereby solving the above problem. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the seat structure of the present invention, when the seat is lifted and the seat bracket swings relative to the base bracket, the repulsive member pushes the seat in the opening direction via the seat bracket, assisting the lifting operation of the seat. Furthermore, by installing the repulsive member in the space in front of the storage box below the seat, the storage box and the repulsive member can be stored compactly below the seat. Because the repulsive member is installed near the seat bracket, the overall length of the repulsive member is shortened, reducing its weight, and the repulsive member is less likely to be exposed even when the seat is open, improving its appearance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a left side view of a saddle-ride type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the rear part of the vehicle body of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a top view of the rear part of the vehicle body of the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seat structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the seat structure of the present embodiment in a closed state. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the seat of the seat structure of the present embodiment in the middle of opening. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the seat structure of the present embodiment in an open state. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the seat of the seat structure of the first modified example in a closed state. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the seat of the seat structure of the second modified example is closed.

[0009] In one aspect of the seat structure of the present invention, a seat is connected to the body of a saddle-ride type vehicle, and a storage box is installed below the seat. A base bracket is attached to the upper part of the vehicle body, and a seat bracket is attached to the lower part of the seat, with the seat bracket swingably connected to the base bracket. A reaction force in the opening direction is applied to the seat from a repulsive member, and a tip end of the repulsive member is swingably connected to the seat bracket, with a base end of the repulsive member swingably connected to the vehicle body behind the base bracket and in front of the storage box. When the seat is lifted and the seat bracket swings relative to the base bracket, the repulsive member pushes the seat in the opening direction via the seat bracket, assisting the lifting operation of the seat. Furthermore, by installing the repulsive member below the seat and utilizing the space in front of the storage box, the storage box and the repulsive member can be compactly stored below the seat. Installing the repulsive member near the seat bracket shortens the overall length of the repulsive member, thereby reducing its weight, and also improves its appearance by preventing the repulsive member from being exposed even when the seat is open. [Example]

[0010] The saddle-riding type vehicle of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a left side view of the saddle-riding type vehicle of this embodiment. In the following drawings, 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.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 1, a saddle-type vehicle 1 is configured by attaching various covers to an underbone-type body frame as the exterior of the vehicle. A front cover 11 is provided at the front of the vehicle, and a front leg shield 12 that protects the rider's legs is provided behind 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 a series of seating surfaces for the driver and passenger is provided above the side cover 15.

[0012] A handlebar 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 24 with a motor is provided below the side cover 15. The swing arm 24 is swingably connected to the body frame, and a rear wheel 25 is rotatably supported at the rear of the swing arm 24. The left side of the swing arm 24 is covered by a swing arm cover 26, and power is transmitted from a motor (not shown) to the rear wheel 25 via a belt-type continuously variable transmission (not shown) within the swing arm cover 26.

[0013] In this type of saddle-ride vehicle, the seat is connected to the vehicle body so that it can be opened and closed. In scooter-type saddle-ride vehicles, the seat is typically designed to open more than upright, preventing it from closing under its own weight. However, there are also types in which the seat is designed to open only slightly, preventing it from closing under its own weight by using resilient members such as dampers and springs. In this type of saddle-ride vehicle, the resilient force of the damper acts on the seat even when it is closed. Therefore, even if the seat is held closed by the locking mechanism, the resilient force of the damper also acts on the locking mechanism, making it difficult to unlock the seat.

[0014] Because a repulsive force acts on the seat in the opening direction, gaps are likely to form where the seat and covers meet, reducing watertightness. Furthermore, if dampers or other devices are installed only on one side of the seat, and only one side of the seat is supported by the dampers, the seat may tilt. To prevent gaps at the joints and seat tilting, the rigidity of the seat itself must be increased, which makes the seat heavier. Therefore, the seat structure of this embodiment uses the repulsive force of the dampers or other devices to hold the seat in place when the seat is open, and prevents the repulsive force of the dampers or other devices from acting on the seat when the seat is closed.

[0015] Furthermore, in straddle-type vehicles such as electric scooters, a storage box may be installed below the seat. In such cases, the size of the storage box may be restricted depending on the position of the damper, making it impossible to ensure sufficient capacity. This problem occurs not only in electric scooters but also in internal combustion vehicles. However, the storage box may be tilted backward to make it easier to store items, resulting in dead space near the hinge at the front end of the seat in front of the storage box. Therefore, the seat structure of this embodiment utilizes the dead space in front of the storage box to ensure the capacity of the storage box while compactly installing the storage box and damper.

[0016] The seat structure of a saddle-ride type vehicle will be described below with reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 4. 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 seat structure of this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the seat structure of this embodiment. Note that in Fig. 2 to Fig. 4, some members are indicated by two-dot chain lines or are omitted.

[0017] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, a pair of side frames 31 extend obliquely upward from the front to the rear at the rear of the body of the saddle-riding type vehicle 1. A box support frame 35 is fixed to the inside of the pair of side frames 31. The box support frame 35 is formed into a rectangular parallelepiped basket shape by combining vertical and horizontal frames. A storage box 41 is installed inside the box support frame 35, and various items such as helmets are stored inside the storage box 41. In a side view, the storage box 41 is tilted so that an upper front end 44 of the storage box 41 is rearward of a lower front end 43 (see Figure 5) of the storage box 41.

[0018] A seat support frame 37 is fixed to the lower front side of the box support frame 35, and extends upward from the lower part of the box support frame 35 along the body cover 14. The front end of the seat 16 is connected to the upper part of the seat support frame 37 via an opening / closing mechanism 50 equipped with a damper 71. A pair of side frames 31 are connected to the rear of the box support frame 35 via bridge brackets 32. A seat lock 33 is provided on the bridge bracket 32, and a seat striker 17 is provided on the rear end of the seat 16. When the seat 16 is closed, the seat striker 17 is locked by the seat lock 33.

[0019] A fixed bracket 34 projects downward from near the rising portion on the front side of the pair of side frames 31, and the swing arm 24 is swingably supported by the fixed bracket 34 via a pivot 27. The base end of the swing arm 24 forms a motor case 28, and a motor (not shown) is installed inside the motor case 28. The rear end of the swing arm 24 supports the rear wheel 25 and is connected to a rear suspension (not shown). By positioning the motor closer to the pivot 27 of the swing arm 24, vibrations transmitted to the motor when the swing arm 24 swings are suppressed.

[0020] 3 and 4, the opening / closing mechanism 50 of the seat structure has first and second base brackets 51 and 52, a seat bracket 61, and a damper (repulsion member) 71. The seat bracket 61 is connected to the first and second base brackets 51 and 52 via a seat rotation shaft 75, and the box support frame 35 is connected to the seat bracket 61 via the damper 71. As the seat 16 opens or closes, the seat bracket 61 swings relative to the first and second base brackets 51 and 52, and the damper 71 expands and contracts as the seat bracket 61 swings, applying a repulsive force to the seat 16 in the opening direction.

[0021] A flat support plate 38 is provided at the upper end of the seat support frame (vehicle body) 37, and a first base bracket 51 is screwed to the upper surface of the support plate 38. A lower plate 53 of the first base bracket 51 extends in the vehicle width direction, and a side plate 54 rises from one side edge (left edge) of the lower plate 53 of the first base bracket 51. A second base bracket 52 is attached to the other side edge (right edge) of the lower plate 53 of the first base bracket 51. The second base bracket 52 rises from the lower plate 53 of the first base bracket 51, and faces the side plate 54 of the first base bracket 51 with a gap between them.

[0022] A seat bracket 61 is attached to a seat plate 18 on the underside of the seat 16. A hook 19 protrudes downward from the front side of the underside of the seat plate 18, and an opening 63 in the center of an upper plate 62 of the seat bracket 61 is hooked onto the hook 19. Four elongated holes 64 are formed around the periphery of the opening 63 in the upper plate 62, and the seat bracket 61 is screwed to the seat plate 18 through these elongated holes 64. A pair of side plates 65, 66 are connected to both side edges of the upper plate 62 of the seat bracket 61, and the pair of side plates 65, 66 overlap the side plates 54 of the first base bracket 51 and the second base bracket 52 from the outer sides in the vehicle width direction.

[0023] The overlapping portion of the side plate 54 of the first base bracket 51 and the side plate 65 of the seat bracket 61, and the overlapping portion of the second base bracket 52 and the side plate 66 of the seat bracket 61 are connected via a seat rotation shaft 75. The side plate 66 of the seat bracket 61 protrudes rearward beyond the side plate 65, and a connecting pin 76 protrudes from the protruding portion of the side plate 66 toward the inside in the vehicle width direction. The connecting pin 76 is provided in a position eccentric to the seat rotation shaft 75, and swings between a rearward position and an upper position of the seat rotation shaft 75 as the seat 16 is opened or closed. A tip portion 72 of a damper 71 is swingably connected to the seat bracket 61 via the connecting pin 76.

[0024] A base end 73 of the damper 71 is connected to the vehicle body rearward of the first base bracket 51 and in front of the storage box 41. More specifically, a support bracket 36 is provided on the upper front side of the box support frame 35, and the base end 73 of the damper 71 is swingably connected to the support bracket 36 via a connecting pin 77. The seat bracket 61 is connected to the box support frame 35 via the damper 71, and as the seat bracket 61 swings, the damper 71 expands and contracts while swinging around the base end 73 as a fulcrum. In this way, the damper 71 is installed below the seat 16, utilizing the dead space in front of the storage box 41.

[0025] The layout of the damper and the opening and closing operation of the seat will be described below with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the seat of the seat structure of this embodiment in a closed state. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the seat of the seat structure of this embodiment in the middle of opening. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the seat of the seat structure of this embodiment in an open state.

[0026] As shown in Figure 5, the box support frame 35 is installed in a rearward tilted state below the seat 16. As a result, the storage box 41 is also tilted rearward, forming a space shaped like an inverted triangle in a side view below the seat 16 and in front of the storage box 41. The seat support frame 37 extends along the front hypotenuse of this space, and the first and second base brackets 51, 52 and a seat bracket 61 are connected at the top of the seat support frame 37 via a seat rotation shaft 75. A tip end 72 of a damper 71 is connected to a connecting pin 76 of the seat bracket 61, and a base end 73 of the damper 71 is connected to a connecting pin 77 at the top of the box support frame 35.

[0027] The base end 73 of the damper 71 is located rearward of the lower end 43 of the front face of the storage box 41 and forward of the upper end 44 of the front face of the storage box 41. To ensure space behind the storage box 41, the storage box 41 is moved forward, but the damper 71 can be installed by utilizing the narrow space in front of the storage box 41. In addition, the base end 73 of the damper 71 is located below the upper end 44 of the front face of the storage box 41 and above the lower end 43 of the front face of the storage box 41. The damper 71 does not protrude above or below the storage box 41, so installation space for peripheral parts is ensured above and below the storage box 41 and the thickness of the sheet 16 is also ensured.

[0028] Furthermore, when the seat 16 is closed, the tip end 72 and base end 73 of the damper 71 are positioned at approximately the same height so that the damper 71 is in a horizontal position. More specifically, the height of the swing center C1 (center of the connecting pin 76) of the tip end 72 of the damper 71 and the height of the swing center C2 (center of the connecting pin 77) of the base end 73 of the damper 71 are approximately the same. By extending the damper 71 horizontally behind the seat bracket 61 and positioning the damper 71 high, storage space for electronic devices, cables, etc. is secured below the damper 71.

[0029] Furthermore, the swing center C1 of the tip end 72 of the damper 71 is located on a straight line L1 that connects the swing center C3 of the seat bracket 61 (the center of the seat rotation shaft 75) and the swing center C2 of the base end 73 of the damper 71. When the seat 16 is closed, the seat bracket 61 and the damper 71 stop with the swing centers C1-C3 aligned in a line, and the repulsive force of the damper 71 does not act on the seat 16. This prevents the seat lock 33 from becoming difficult to unlock and prevents gaps from forming in the areas where the seat 16 and covers, etc., meet, preventing a decrease in waterproofing.

[0030] As shown in Figure 6, when the seat 16 is opened from a closed state, the seat bracket 61 begins to swing in the opening direction relative to the first and second base brackets 51, 52, with the seat rotation shaft 75 as the fulcrum. As the seat bracket 61 swings, the damper 71 swings diagonally upward with the connecting pin 77 as the fulcrum. At this time, the swing center C1, which is the point of action of the damper 71, swings upward from the straight line L1, and the repulsive force of the damper 71 begins to act on the seat 16 via the seat bracket 61. The repulsive force of the damper 71 pushes the seat 16 upward in the opening direction, assisting the lifting operation of the seat 16.

[0031] In this case, the seat bracket 61 is installed at the center of the seat 16 in the vehicle width direction, and the damper 71 is located inside both ends of the seat bracket 61 in the vehicle width direction (see FIG. 3). Therefore, when the seat 16 is opened, the repulsive force of the damper 71 is applied equally to the left and right sides of the seat 16 via the seat bracket 61, preventing the seat 16 from tilting left and right. In addition, the damper 71 pushes up the seat 16 without twisting the seat bracket 61. In this way, because the damper 71 is not installed offset to one side in the vehicle width direction, the repulsive force of the damper 71 is transmitted smoothly to the seat 16.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 7, when the seat 16 is further opened, the seat 16 approaches an upright position. As the seat 16 is opened, the moment at which the seat 16 falls under its own weight decreases. The moment caused by the repulsive force of the damper 71 becomes greater than the moment at which the seat 16 falls under its own weight, and the repulsive force of the damper 71 keeps the seat 16 in an open position. When the seat 16 is in an open position, the storage box 41 opens upward, and the damper 71 is located forward of the opening of the storage box 41. Therefore, the damper 71 does not obstruct the storage of items, improving the convenience of the storage box 41.

[0033] As described above, according to the seat structure of this embodiment, when the seat 16 is lifted and the seat bracket 61 swings relative to the first and second base brackets 51, 52, the damper 71 pushes the seat 16 in the opening direction via the seat bracket 61, thereby assisting the lifting operation of the seat 16. Furthermore, by installing the damper 71 below the seat 16 using the space in front of the storage box 41, the storage box 41 and the damper 71 can be stored compactly below the seat 16. Because the damper 71 is installed near the seat bracket 61, the overall length of the damper 71 is shortened to reduce its weight, and the damper 71 is less likely to be exposed even when the seat 16 is open, improving the appearance.

[0034] Next, the seat structure of Modified Example 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. The seat structure of Modified Example 1 differs from the seat structure of this embodiment in that the damper is tilted forward. Therefore, a description of the seat structure of Modified Example 1 that is similar to the seat structure of this embodiment will be omitted. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the seat of the seat structure of Modified Example 1 in a closed state.

[0035] As shown in Figure 8, first and second base brackets 86, 87 are fixed to the upper part of the seat support frame 82, and a seat bracket 88 is connected to the first and second base brackets 86, 87 via a seat rotation shaft 95. When the seat 80 is closed, a part of the seat bracket 88 extends downward beyond the first base bracket 86, and a connecting pin 96 is provided on an extending part 89 of the seat bracket 88. A tip end 92 of a damper 91 is connected to the connecting pin 96 of the seat bracket 88, and a base end 93 of the damper 91 is connected to a connecting pin 97 located in the middle of the box support frame 81 in the height direction.

[0036] The base end 93 of the damper 91 is located rearward of the lower end 84 of the front face of the storage box 83 and forward of the upper end 85 of the front face of the storage box 83, and the base end 93 of the damper 91 is located below the upper end 85 of the front face of the storage box 83 and above the lower end 84 of the front face of the storage box 83. The damper 91 is installed using the narrow space in front of the storage box 83, and installation space for peripheral components is secured above and below the storage box 83. In addition, the base end 93 of the damper 91 is positioned lower than the tip end 92 of the damper 91 so that the damper 91 is in a forward-leaning position, and storage space for electronic devices and cables is secured above the damper 91 in a forward-leaning position.

[0037] When the seat 80 is closed, the swing center C4 of the tip end 92 of the damper 91 is located on the line L2 that connects the swing center C6 of the seat bracket 88 and the swing center C5 of the base end 93 of the damper 91. The swing centers C4-C6 are aligned diagonally downward, and the repulsive force of the damper 91 does not act on the seat 80 via the seat bracket 88. This prevents the seat lock from becoming difficult to unlock, and prevents gaps from forming where the seat 80 and covers meet, preventing a decrease in waterproofing.

[0038] As described above, in the seat structure of Modification 1, the lifting operation of the seat 80 is also assisted by the damper 91. In addition, the storage box 83 and the damper 91 are housed compactly below the seat 80.

[0039] Next, the seat structure of Modified Example 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The seat structure of Modified Example 2 differs from the seat structure of this embodiment in that the damper stands upright. Therefore, a description of the seat structure of Modified Example 2 that is similar to the seat structure of this embodiment will be omitted. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the seat of the seat structure of Modified Example 2 in a closed state.

[0040] As shown in Figure 9, first and second base brackets 106, 107 are fixed to the upper part of the seat support frame 102, and a seat bracket 108 is connected to the first and second base brackets 106, 107 via a seat rotation shaft 115. A U-shaped piece 109 is attached to the seat bracket 108, and when the seat 100 is closed, the lower end of the U-shaped piece 109 is inserted directly below the first base bracket 106. A tip end 112 of a damper 111 is connected to a connecting pin 116 at the lower end of the U-shaped piece 109 below the first base bracket 106 and forward of the rear end of the first base bracket 106, and a base end 113 of the damper 111 is connected to a connecting pin 117 at the lower end of the box support frame 101.

[0041] The base end 113 of the damper 111 is located rearward of the lower end 104 of the front face of the storage box 103 and forward of the upper end 105 of the front face of the storage box 103, and the base end 113 of the damper 111 is located below the upper end 105 of the front face of the storage box 103 and above the lower end 104 of the front face of the storage box 103. The damper 111 is installed using the narrow space in front of the storage box 103, and installation space for peripheral components is secured above and below the storage box 103. In addition, the base end 113 of the damper 111 is positioned lower than the tip end 112 of the damper 111 so that the damper 111 is in an upright position overlapping the seat support frame 102. Space to store electronic devices and cables is secured behind the damper 111 in the upright position.

[0042] When the seat 100 is closed, the swing center C7 of the tip end 112 of the damper 111 is located slightly below the straight line L3 that connects the swing center C9 of the seat bracket 108 and the swing center C8 of the base end 113 of the damper 111. At this time, the damper 111 is connected to the seat 100 via the U-shaped piece 109 and the seat bracket 108, but the repulsive force of the damper 111 does not act in the opening direction of the seat 100. As a result, the seat lock does not become difficult to unlock, and gaps are unlikely to form where the seat 100 and covers, etc. are joined, preventing a decrease in waterproofing properties.

[0043] As shown by the two-dot chain line, when the seat 100 is opened from a closed state, the seat bracket 108 swings in the opening direction relative to the first and second base brackets 106 and 107, with the seat rotation axis 115 as the fulcrum. As the seat bracket 108 swings, the damper 111 swings obliquely upward with the connecting pin 117 as the fulcrum. At this time, the swing center C7, which is the point of action of the damper 111, swings upward from the line L3, and the repulsive force of the damper 111 acts on the seat 100 via the seat bracket 108. The repulsive force of the damper 111 pushes the seat 100 upward in the opening direction, assisting the lifting operation of the seat 100.

[0044] As described above, in the seat structure of Modification 2, the damper 111 also assists the lifting operation of the seat 100. Furthermore, the storage box 103 and the damper 111 are housed compactly below the seat 100.

[0045] In this embodiment and each of the modified examples, the base end of the damper is connected to the box support frame, but the base end of the damper may be connected to the vehicle body rearward of the base bracket and forward of the storage box. For example, the base end of the damper may be connected to a body cover such as a side cover or to the body frame.

[0046] Furthermore, in this embodiment and each of the modified examples, the first and second base brackets are formed as separate bodies, but the first and second base brackets may be formed as a single body.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment and each of the modified examples, the storage box is inclined, but the storage box does not have to be inclined.

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment and each modified example, a damper has been described as an example of the repulsive member, but the repulsive member may be a spring as long as it is capable of applying a repulsive force to the seat in the opening direction.

[0049] In addition, in this embodiment and the modified example, the seat is designed not to open until it is upright, but the seat may be opened beyond that. If the seat is opened beyond the upright position, it will not close due to its own weight, but this prevents the seat from closing unexpectedly due to wind pressure or external force.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment and Modification 1, a configuration has been described in which the pivot center of the tip of the damper is located on a line connecting the pivot center of the seat bracket and the pivot center of the base end of the damper when the seat is closed, but this configuration is not limited thereto. The pivot center of the tip of the damper may be located below the line connecting the pivot center of the seat bracket and the pivot center of the base end of the damper when the seat is closed. Even with this configuration, the damper's repulsive force is prevented from being applied to the seat in the opening direction when the seat is closed. Furthermore, by being attracted to the seat and the cover, gaps are less likely to form, improving watertightness.

[0051] In addition, in the second modification, a configuration was described in which the pivot center of the tip of the damper is located below the line connecting the pivot center of the seat bracket and the pivot center of the base end of the damper when the seat is closed, but this configuration is not limited to this. The pivot center of the tip of the damper may be located on the line connecting the pivot center of the seat bracket and the pivot center of the base end of the damper when the seat is closed. This configuration also prevents the damper from exerting a repulsive force in the opening direction on the seat when the seat is closed.

[0052] Furthermore, the seat structure of this embodiment is not limited to the saddle-ride type vehicle described above, but can also be applied to other vehicles such as ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles), jet skis, etc. Note that the saddle-ride type vehicle is not limited to all vehicles in which the driver rides while straddling the seat, but also includes scooter-type vehicles in which the driver does not straddle the seat.

[0053] As described above, the first aspect is a seat structure for a saddle-type vehicle in which a seat (16) is connected to a vehicle body, and includes a storage box (41) installed below the seat, base brackets (first and second base brackets 51, 52) attached to the upper part of the vehicle body (seat support frame 37), a seat bracket (61) attached to the lower part of the seat, and a repulsive member (damper 71) that applies a repulsive force to the seat in an opening direction. The seat bracket is pivotally connected to the base bracket, a tip end (72) of the repulsive member is pivotally connected to the seat bracket, and a base end (73) of the repulsive member is pivotally connected to the vehicle body (box support frame 35) behind the base bracket and in front of the storage box. With this configuration, when the seat is lifted and the seat bracket pivots relative to the base bracket, the repulsive member pushes the seat in the opening direction via the seat bracket, thereby assisting the lifting operation of the seat. Furthermore, by installing the repulsive member below the seat using the space in front of the storage box, the storage box and the repulsive member can be stored compactly below the seat. Since the repulsive member is installed near the seat bracket, the overall length of the repulsive member is shortened to reduce its weight, and the repulsive member is less likely to be exposed even when the seat is opened, improving the appearance.

[0054] In the second embodiment, the storage box of the first embodiment is tilted so that the upper front edge (43) of the storage box is behind the lower front edge (44), and the base end of the repulsive member is positioned behind the lower front edge of the storage box and ahead of the upper front edge of the storage box. This configuration makes it easier to store items by tilting the storage box. Even if the storage box is moved forward, a bumper can be installed by utilizing the narrow space in front of the storage box.

[0055] In a third aspect, in the first or second aspect, the repulsive member is positioned below the upper end of the front face of the storage box and above the lower end of the front face. With this configuration, the repulsive member does not protrude above or below the storage box, ensuring installation space for peripheral components above and below the storage box and ensuring the thickness of the seat.

[0056] In a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the storage box is open upward and the repulsive member is located forward of the opening of the storage box. With this configuration, the repulsive member does not obstruct the storage of items, improving the convenience of the storage box.

[0057] The fifth aspect is any one of the first to fourth aspects, in which, when the seat is closed, the pivot center (C1, C4, C7) of the tip of the repulsive member is located on or below the line connecting the pivot center (C3, C6, C9) of the seat bracket and the pivot center (C2, C5, C8) of the base end of the repulsive member. With this configuration, when the seat is closed, the repulsive force of the repulsive member does not act in the direction of opening the seat. Therefore, the repulsive force of the repulsive member does not make it difficult to unlock the seat lock. Gaps are less likely to form at the joints between the seat and covers, etc., preventing a decrease in watertightness.

[0058] In a sixth aspect, in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the repulsive member is positioned inward of both ends of the seat bracket in the vehicle width direction. With this configuration, when the seat is opened, the repulsive force of the repulsive member is applied equally to the left and right sides of the seat via the seat bracket, preventing the seat from tilting left and right. In addition, the repulsive member pushes up the seat without twisting the seat bracket.

[0059] A seventh aspect is any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the tip and base ends of the repulsive member are positioned at the same height so that the repulsive member is in a horizontal position when the seat is closed. With this configuration, it is possible to ensure storage space for electronic devices and cables below the repulsive member in the horizontal position.

[0060] In an eighth aspect, in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the base end of the repulsive member is positioned lower than the tip end so that the repulsive member is in a forward tilted position when the seat is closed. With this configuration, it is possible to secure storage space for electronic devices and cables above the repulsive member in a forward tilted position.

[0061] A ninth aspect is any one of the first to sixth aspects, in which the base end of the repulsive member is positioned lower than the tip end so that the repulsive member is in an upright position when the seat is closed. With this configuration, it is possible to secure storage space for electronic devices and cables behind the upright repulsive member.

[0062] Although the present embodiment has been described, other embodiments may be made by combining the above-described embodiments and modifications in whole or in part.

[0063] 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. Furthermore, if the technical idea can be realized in a different way due to technological advances or other derived technologies, it may be implemented using that method. Therefore, the claims cover all embodiments that may fall within the scope of the technical idea. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1: Saddle-type vehicle 16, 80, 100: Sheets 35, 81, 101: Box support frame (body) 37, 82, 102: Seat support frame (body) 41, 83, 103: Storage box 43, 84, 104: Lower front edge 44, 85, 105: Front top edge 51, 86, 106: First base bracket (base bracket) 52, 87, 107: Second base bracket (base bracket) 61, 88, 108: Seat bracket 71, 91, 111: Damper (repulsion member) 72, 92, 112: Tip of damper 73, 93, 113: Base end of damper 78: Attachment / detachment trajectory

Claims

1. A seat structure for a saddle-ride type vehicle in which a seat is connected to a vehicle body, a storage box installed below the seat; a base bracket attached to an upper portion of the vehicle body; a seat bracket attached to a lower portion of the seat; a repulsive member that applies a repulsive force to the seat in an opening direction, The seat bracket is pivotally connected to the base bracket, a tip end of the rebound member is swingably connected to the seat bracket, A seat structure characterized in that a base end of the repulsive member is swingably connected to the vehicle body rearward of the base bracket and in front of the storage box.

2. The storage box is tilted so that the upper end of the front face of the storage box is located rearward of the lower end of the front face of the storage box, 2. The seat structure according to claim 1, wherein the base end of the repulsive member is located rearward of the lower end of the front face of the storage box and forward of the upper end of the front face of the storage box.

3. 3. The seat structure according to claim 1, wherein the repulsive member is positioned below an upper end of a front surface of the storage box and above a lower end of the front surface of the storage box.

4. The storage box is open upward, 3. The seat structure according to claim 1, wherein the repulsive member is located forward of the opening of the storage box.

5. A seat structure as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that when the seat is closed, the pivot center of the tip end of the rebound member is located on or below the straight line connecting the pivot center of the seat bracket and the pivot center of the base end of the rebound member.

6. 3. The seat structure according to claim 1, wherein the repulsive member is located inward of both ends of the seat bracket in the vehicle width direction.

7. 3. A seat structure as described in claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that when the seat is closed, the tip and base ends of the repulsive member are positioned at the same height so that the repulsive member is in a horizontal position.

8. 3. The seat structure according to claim 1, wherein when the seat is closed, the base end of the repulsive member is positioned lower than the tip end of the repulsive member so that the repulsive member is in a forward-leaning position.

9. 3. The seat structure according to claim 1, wherein when the seat is closed, the base end of the repulsive member is positioned lower than the tip end of the repulsive member so that the repulsive member is in an upright position.

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