Motorcycle

Abstract

To enhance a high foot grounding property without degrading ride comfort.SOLUTION: A motorcycle 1 includes: a pair of right and left main frames 22, 22 extending backward from a head pipe 21 pivotally supporting a steering shaft 42; a pair of right and left seat frames 24, 24 extending backward from each of the pair of left and right main frames 22, 22 and fitted with a seat 6 seated with a user; connection parts 27 (Fig. 1) for connecting rotatably the seat frames 24 to the main frame 22, respectively; a second actuator 65 for rotating the seat frames 24 around the connection parts 27; and a controller 11 for controlling the second actuator 65 so that a position of the seat 6 is displaced to a first seat position during travelling and otherwise to a second seat position which is a seat position during stopping and is lower than the first seat position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a motorcycle with an adjustable seat height.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various motorcycles have been proposed that adjust the seat height to improve footrestability (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In the motorcycle described in Patent Document 1, the thickness of the seat is changed by attaching an adjustment member to an arbitrary step of a stepped portion provided inside the seat, thereby improving footrestability.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, when adjusting the footrestability by changing the thickness of the seat as in the motorcycle described in Patent Document 1 above, there is a risk that the riding comfort may deteriorate when the thickness of the seat is made thinner.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A motorcycle according to one aspect of the present invention includes a pair of left and right main frames extending rearward from a head pipe that pivotally supports a steering shaft, a pair of left and right seat frames extending rearward from each of the pair of left and right main frames and to which a seat on which a user sits is attached, a connecting portion that rotatably connects the seat frame to the main frame, an actuator that rotates the seat frame about the connecting portion, a first seat position during traveling, and a second seat position during parking, which is lower than the first seat position, and a control unit that controls the actuator so that the position of the seat is displaced between the first seat position and the second seat position. The seat has a front seat and a rear seat, and further includes a seat detection unit that detects whether an occupant is seated in the rear seat. When the seat detection unit detects that an occupant is seated in the rear seat, the control unit controls the actuator so that the seat position is lower than when no occupant is detected in the rear seat. . [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve foot placement without worsening ride comfort. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A left side view of a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the body frame of the motorcycle, seen from the rear. [Figure 3] A left side view illustrating the displacement of the seat position from the first seat position to the second seat position. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the main components of the on-board equipment installed on the motorcycle. [Figure 5] A flowchart illustrating an example of a seat height change process executed by the in-vehicle device controller. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 is a left side view of a motorcycle 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a perspective view of the vehicle frame 2 mounted on the motorcycle 1, viewed from the rear. For convenience, the front-rear direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction will be defined as shown in the figures below, and each part will be described according to these definitions.

[0009] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the motorcycle 1 is equipped with a body frame 2, which comprises a head pipe 21 that pivotally supports the steering shaft 42, a pair of left and right main frames 22, 22 extending rearward from the head pipe 21, a down frame 23 extending downward from the head pipe 21, and a pair of left and right seat frames 24, 24 extending diagonally upward and rearward from the rear ends of each of the left and right main frames 22, 22.

[0010] The left and right pair of main frames 22, 22 each comprises a left and right pair of main frame bodies 22a, 22a that extend rearward from the head pipe 21 and then bend and extend downward, and a left and right pair of branch frames 22b, 22b that branch off from the bent portions 22a1, 22a1 of the left and right pair of main frame bodies 22a, 22a and extend rearward. The main frame body 22a has a rearward extension portion 22a2 that extends rearward from the head pipe 21 and a downward extension portion 22a3 that extends downward from the bent portion 22a1. A first reinforcing member 25 extending in the left-right direction is installed on the inner surface of each of the left and right pair of downward extension portions 22a3, 22a3, and a second reinforcing member 26 extending in the left-right direction is installed on the inner surface of each of the left and right pair of branch frames 22b, 22b, thereby providing reinforcement against twisting and the like.

[0011] The seat frame 24 is connected to the downward extension 22a3 of the main frame body 22a and is held in a position extending diagonally upward and backward from the connection point 27 with the downward extension 22a3 by a second actuator 65, which will be described later. The seat frame 24 is connected to a step frame 29 to which a step 29a is attached, on which a passenger places their feet when seated in the seat 6. The step 29a is rotatably attached to the step frame 29 and can be rotated to align with the step frame 29 when there is no passenger (see Figure 1). The seat frame 24 and other components will be described in detail later.

[0012] In motorcycle 1, the engine 3 is supported by a main frame 22 and a down frame 23. Specifically, the engine 3 includes a crankcase 30, a cylinder block 31 mounted above the crankcase 30, a cylinder head 32 mounted above the cylinder block 31, and a cylinder head cover 33 covering the top of the cylinder head 32. In motorcycle 1, the front end of the crankcase 30 is supported by the end 23a of the down frame 23, and the left and right rear ends of the crankcase 30 are each supported by the lower ends 22a4 of the downward extension 22a3 of the main frame body 22a.

[0013] The cylinder block 31 has a cylinder formed therein that slidably houses a piston, and the cylinder block 31 and the cylinder head 32 constitute the combustion chamber of the cylinder. An intake port and an exhaust port are connected to the combustion chamber, and an exhaust pipe 34 is connected to the exhaust port via an exhaust valve. The exhaust pipe 34 is curved and extends to the rear, and a silencer 35 is attached to its rear end.

[0014] The front wheel 40 is rotatably supported at the lower ends of a pair of front forks 41, 41, and the front forks 41 are rotatably supported by the head pipe 21 via a steering shaft 42. A handlebar 43 is located above the steering shaft 42, and a headlight 44 and a turn signal 45 are located in front of the head pipe 21. An instrument panel 47 with instruments 46 is located between the handlebar 43 and the headlight 44.

[0015] A fuel tank 5 is positioned above the rear extension 22a2 of the main frame body 22a, and a seat 6 on which the user sits is positioned behind the fuel tank 5. The fuel tank 5 is supported by the rear extension 22a2 and the branch frame 22b, and the seat 6 is supported by the seat frame 24. The seat 6 is formed in a tandem type, having a front seat 61 on which the user sits and a rear seat 62 on which a passenger sits. Seating sensors (seating detection units) are attached to both the front seat 61 and the rear seat 62. Specifically, a first seating sensor 63 is attached to the front seat 61, and a second seating sensor 64 is attached to the rear seat 62. The first seating sensor 63 detects when a user sits on the front seat 61, and the second seating sensor 64 detects when a passenger sits on the rear seat 62.

[0016] The rear wheel 70 is rotatably supported at the rear end of the swing arm 71, and the tip of the swing arm 71 is rotatably supported by a pair of left and right pivot frames 73 connected to the lower end (rear end) 22a4 of the main frame body 22a. One end of an electronically controllable first actuator 72 is rotatably supported on the upper part of the swing arm 71, and the other end of the first actuator 72 is rotatably supported by a first reinforcing member 25 of the main frame body 22a. The first actuator 72 has an extendable and retractable suspension. The rear wheel 70 is configured to swing freely relative to the main frame body 22a by the first actuator 72 and the swing arm 71, and vibrations transmitted through the rear wheel 70 are absorbed by the first actuator 72 via the swing arm 71.

[0017] Incidentally, in the case of motorcycles, it is necessary to be able to stably support the vehicle when stopped, so the ability of the user to put their feet down when seated is important. In particular, with large motorcycles, the vehicle weight and seat height tend to be high, so the user's ability to put their feet down is a challenge. For example, if the user's ability to put their feet down is poor, the vehicle will become unstable when stopped, and maneuvering such as U-turns and switchbacks while straddling the vehicle will become difficult. If there is a passenger on the rear seat, the burden on the user to support the vehicle when the passenger gets on and off will increase, and the ease of getting on and off for the passenger may also worsen.

[0018] To address this, the seat thickness can be reduced and the seat height lowered to improve foot placement. However, reducing the seat thickness can worsen ride comfort and increase knee bend in the riding position (with feet on the footpegs), potentially leading to fatigue. Furthermore, there are limits to the adjustment range when lowering the vehicle height using the electronically controlled actuator of the rear suspension. Lowering the vehicle by replacing the suspension can lead to problems such as reduced cornering performance and footpegs touching the ground during cornering. In addition, raising and lowering the seat itself requires a complex lifting mechanism, which also presents challenges in emergency situations.

[0019] Therefore, in the motorcycle 1 according to the present embodiment, the seat 6 is configured to be rotatable, and the rotation position of the seat 6 is configured to be controllable by an electronically controllable second actuator 65. Thereby, it is possible to improve the footrest performance when the motorcycle is stopped without providing a complicated mechanism or deteriorating the riding comfort. In order to satisfactorily realize such an improvement in footrest performance, in the present embodiment, the motorcycle 1 is configured as follows.

[0020] As described above, the vehicle body frame 2 of the motorcycle 1 includes a head pipe 21, a pair of left and right main frames 22, 22, a down frame 23, and a pair of left and right seat frames 24, 24. In the vehicle body frame 2 of the motorcycle 1, in addition to the above, the vehicle body frame 2 includes a pair of left and right connecting portions 27, 27 that rotatably connect the pair of left and right seat frames 24, 24 to the pair of left and right main frames 22, 22. That is, in the motorcycle 1, the pair of left and right seat frames 24, 24 are rotatably connected to the pair of left and right main frames 22, 22. In the vehicle body frame 2, these are formed of an aluminum alloy, have high rigidity, and are lightweight.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the pair of left and right main frame bodies 22a, 22a are formed in a plate shape, and the pair of left and right branch frames 22b, 22b branched from the bent portion 22a1 are formed in a pipe shape that extends integrally from each main frame body 22a. Note that the configuration of the main frame 2 is not limited to the above. For example, each main frame body 22a may be configured by a pipe member, and each branch frame 22b may be formed in a plate shape. Further, a configuration in which the pair of left and right branch frames 22b, 22b are not provided may be adopted, or the pair of left and right branch frames 22b, 22b may be extended to the rear end portion of the seat 6 along the lower edge of the seat 6 and used as seat frames. In this case, the pair of left and right branch frames 22b, 22b are rotatably connected to the pair of left and right main frame bodies 22a, 22a via the connecting portions.

[0022] Each sheet frame 24 is formed in a plate shape and, when viewed from the side, has a roughly triangular shape that tapers from the front to the rear. At its front end, each sheet frame 24 is connected to the downward extension 22a3 of each main frame body 22a via a connecting portion 27. The connecting portion 27 connects the downward extension 22a3 of each main frame body 22a and the front end of each sheet frame 24 so that each sheet frame 24 can rotate vertically around a pivot axis that penetrates the downward extension 22a3 and the sheet frame 24 in the thickness direction. By connecting the front end of the sheet frame 24 to the main frame body 22a, the front end of the sheet 6 attached to the sheet frame 24 is positioned near the connecting portion 27, thereby reducing the change in the height of the front end of the sheet 6 when the sheet 6 is rotated. Note that the configuration of each sheet frame is not limited to the above; for example, a roughly triangular shape when viewed from the side may be constructed using multiple pipe members.

[0023] A third reinforcing member 28, extending in the left-right direction, is installed on the inner surface of each of the left and right seat frames 24, 24, and the left and right seat frames 24, 24 are configured to rotate as a single unit by the third reinforcing member 28. Furthermore, the left and right seat frames 24, 24 are reinforced against left-right movement and twisting by the installation of the third reinforcing member 28.

[0024] One end of the second actuator 65 is rotatably connected to the upper surface of the third reinforcing member 28, and the other end of the second actuator 65 is rotatably connected to the lower surface of the second reinforcing member 26. The second actuator 65, provided in this manner, is electronically controllable and has an extendable suspension. The second actuator 65 has the same configuration as the first actuator 72 except for its size, and a known actuator can be used, so its description is omitted here.

[0025] The left and right seat frames 24, 24 are supported by the second actuator 65 so as to be fixed in an extended position diagonally upward and rearward while the vehicle is in motion. In other words, while the vehicle is in motion, the seat 6 is also fixed in an extended position diagonally upward and rearward, and this position of the seat 6 while the vehicle is in motion is called the first seat position.

[0026] Figure 3 is a left side view illustrating the displacement of the seat position from the first seat position to the second seat position. In Figure 3, the first seat position is shown by a solid line, and the second seat position is shown by a dashed line. As shown in Figure 3, the second actuator 65 displaces the position of the seat 6 between the first seat position while driving and the second seat position when the vehicle is stopped, which is lower than the first seat position. The second actuator 65 rotates a pair of left and right seat frames 24, 24 around a pair of left and right connecting parts 27, 27 by extending and retracting, thereby displacing the position of the seat 6. In this embodiment, in addition to the first and second seat positions, the second actuator 65 also displaces the position of the seat 6 to a third seat position which is lower than the second seat position. The third seat position is lower than the second seat position when there is no passenger in the rear seat 62.

[0027] Next, we will describe an on-board device 10 equipped with a controller (control unit) 11 that controls a second actuator 65 that rotates a pair of left and right seat frames 24, 24 configured as described above. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the main components of the on-board device 10 mounted on a motorcycle 1.

[0028] As shown in Figure 4, the on-board device 10 mainly consists of a controller 11 and an input / output unit 12 electrically connected to the controller 11. Actuators 13 and sensor groups 14 are connected to the on-board device 10. In the motorcycle 1, the on-board device 10 is incorporated into the meter panel 47.

[0029] The input / output unit 12 is a general term for devices that receive commands from a user riding the motorcycle 1 and output information to the user. For example, the input / output unit 12 includes various switches that the user inputs commands from by operating operating members, and a monitor that the user inputs information from by operating a touch panel or the like, or that displays various information. Commands input by the various switches include seat lock commands and release commands that fix the seat 6 in the first seat position, and information input by the user includes seat position change information that is input when changing the first to third seat positions, and seat position setting information that is input when setting the first to third seat positions. Information displayed on the monitor includes position information of the seat 6, such as the first to third seat positions.

[0030] The actuator 13 drives various devices mounted on the motorcycle 1 in response to commands from the controller 11. The actuator 13 includes first and second actuators 65 and 72. The first and second actuators 65 and 72 have extendable suspensions and are configured to be electronically controllable by the controller 11. Although not shown in the figures, the actuator 13 includes various actuators necessary for operating the motorcycle 1, such as a throttle actuator and a brake actuator.

[0031] The sensor group 14 is a collective term for multiple sensors that detect the state of the motorcycle 1. In addition to the first and second seating sensors 63 and 64 described above, the sensor group 14 includes a vehicle information detection sensor (vehicle information detection unit) 14a that detects vehicle information. When the first seating sensor 63 detects that a user has sat on the front seat 61, it outputs a front seat seating signal to the controller 11, and when the second seating sensor 64 detects that a passenger has sat on the rear seat 62, it outputs a rear seat seating signal to the controller 11.

[0032] Although not shown in the diagram, the vehicle information detection sensor 14a includes various sensors necessary for operating the motorcycle 1, such as a vehicle speed sensor for detecting vehicle speed, acceleration sensors for detecting acceleration in the longitudinal and lateral directions, a gyro sensor for detecting the tilt of the motorcycle 1, a rotation speed sensor for detecting the rotation speed of the engine 3, and a throttle sensor for detecting throttle operation, etc. The vehicle information detection sensor 14a outputs signals of this vehicle information to the controller 11.

[0033] The controller 11 is configured to include a computer having a storage unit 111 such as ROM, RAM, or hard disk, an arithmetic unit 112 such as a CPU, and other peripheral circuits (not shown).

[0034] The memory unit 111 stores various programs and data executed by the calculation unit 112. The memory unit 111 also stores control data for controlling the first and second actuators 65 and 72 based on vehicle information detected by the vehicle information detection sensor 141, as well as first to third seat position information.

[0035] The arithmetic unit 112 has, as a functional configuration, an information receiving unit 112a and an information output unit 112b.

[0036] The information receiving unit 112a receives various commands and information input from the input / output unit 12, as well as various information transmitted from the sensor group 14. For example, the information receiving unit 112a receives seat lock commands and release commands, seat position change information and seat position setting information input from the input / output unit 12. The information receiving unit 112a also receives front seat occupancy information, rear seat occupancy information and vehicle information detected by the sensor group 14.

[0037] The information output unit 112b outputs predetermined signals to each unit based on various information received by the information receiving unit 112a. For example, when the information receiving unit 112a receives a seat lock command, the information output unit 112b outputs a seat lock signal to the second actuator 65. Upon receiving the seat lock signal, the second actuator 65 extends and retracts based on the first seat position information stored in the storage unit 111, rotating the left and right pair of seat frames 24, 24 so that the seat 6 is positioned at the first seat position, and then fixes the left and right pair of seat frames 24, 24 at the position corresponding to the first seat position. The second actuator 65 keeps the left and right pair of seat frames 24, 24 fixed at the position corresponding to the first seat position until it receives a lock release signal. This configuration eliminates the inconvenience of seat position displacement for users who do not need to change the position of the seat 6.

[0038] Furthermore, when the information receiving unit 112a receives seat position change information and seat position setting information, the information output unit 112b outputs the seat position change information and seat position setting information to the storage unit 111. Upon receiving the seat position change information, the storage unit 111 overwrites the previously stored seat position information (first to third seat position information) and stores it. In this way, for example, by configuring the first seat position to be changeable by the user, it becomes possible to change the seat position to a driving posture that suits the user or the user's preference, thereby reducing driving fatigue and making driving more enjoyable. Also, by configuring the second and third seat positions to be changeable by the user, it becomes possible to change the seat position to suit the individual user's body shape, thereby reducing the burden on the user when stopping or when passengers are getting in and out of the vehicle. Note that multiple first seat positions may be set, and by setting multiple first seat positions, it becomes possible to take on multiple driving postures according to the driving conditions. Upon receiving the seat position setting information, the storage unit 111 stores the received seat position setting information (first to third seat position information).

[0039] Furthermore, when the information receiving unit 112a receives front seat occupancy information, the information output unit 112b outputs a first control signal to the second actuator 65 based on the vehicle information (e.g., vehicle speed information) received by the information receiving unit 112a. This signal controls the second actuator 65 so that when the vehicle speed exceeds 20 km / h, the seat 6 is positioned in the first seat position. Upon receiving the first control signal, the second actuator 65 extends and retracts to position the seat 6 in the first seat position when the vehicle speed exceeds 20 km / h. At this time, the second actuator 65 extends and retracts gradually to position the seat 6 in the first seat position.

[0040] Furthermore, when the information receiving unit 112a receives front seat occupancy information, the information output unit 112b outputs a second control signal to the second actuator 65 based on the vehicle information (e.g., vehicle speed information) received by the information receiving unit 112a. When the vehicle speed falls below 20 km / h, the second actuator 65 controls the second actuator 65 so that the seat 6 is in the second seat position when the vehicle speed is 0 km / h. Upon receiving the second control signal, the second actuator 65 gradually extends and retracts, positioning the seat 6 in the second seat position when the vehicle speed is 0 km / h.

[0041] Furthermore, when the information receiving unit 112a receives front seat occupancy information, the information output unit 112b outputs a third control signal to the second actuator 65 to control the second actuator 65 so that the seat 6 is positioned in the second seat position if the vehicle speed is 0 km / h (the vehicle is stopped). Upon receiving the third control signal, the second actuator 65 extends or retracts so that the seat 6 is positioned in the second seat position.

[0042] Furthermore, when the information receiving unit 112a receives front seat occupancy information and rear seat occupancy information, the information output unit 112b outputs a fourth control signal to the second actuator 65 based on the vehicle information (e.g., vehicle speed information) received by the information receiving unit 112a. When the vehicle speed falls below 20 km / h, the second actuator 65 controls the second actuator 65 to position the seat 6 in the third seat position when the vehicle speed is 0 km / h. Upon receiving the fourth control signal, the second actuator 65 gradually extends and retracts, positioning the seat 6 in the third seat position when the vehicle speed is 0 km / h.

[0043] Furthermore, when the information receiving unit 112a receives vehicle information during driving, the information output unit 112b outputs control signals to the first and second actuators 65 and 72 based on the control data stored in the storage unit 111, so that the information receiving unit 112a performs damping operation or enters a damped state appropriate to the vehicle information received by the information receiving unit 112a. For example, it outputs control signals according to the speed so that damping operation appropriate for straight driving and cornering can be performed.

[0044] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a seat height change process performed by the controller 11 of the in-vehicle device 10. The process shown in this flowchart starts, for example, when the controller 11 receives an ignition ON signal and continues until it receives an ignition OFF signal.

[0045] First, in step S1, the information receiving unit 112a processes to determine whether or not a front seat occupancy signal has been received. If the result in step S1 is positive, the process proceeds to step S2, where it is determined whether or not the motorcycle 1 is stopped. On the other hand, if the result in step S1 is negative, the process returns to step S1. If the result in step S2 is positive, the process proceeds to step S3, where the information output unit 112b processes to output a third control signal. On the other hand, if the result in step S2 is negative, the process proceeds to step S4.

[0046] Next, in step S4, the information receiving unit 112a processes to determine whether the vehicle speed is 20 km / h or higher. If the result in step S4 is positive, the process proceeds to step S5, where the information output unit 112b processes to output the first control signal. On the other hand, if the result in step S4 is negative, the process returns to step S2. Next, in step S6, the information receiving unit 112a processes to determine whether the vehicle speed is less than 20 km / h. If the result in step S6 is positive, the process proceeds to step S7, where the information receiving unit 112a processes to determine whether a rear seat occupancy signal has been received.

[0047] Next, if it is determined in step S7 that a rear seat occupancy signal has been received, the process proceeds to step S8, where the information output unit 112b outputs a fourth control signal. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that a rear seat occupancy signal has not been received, the process proceeds to step S9, where the information output unit 112b outputs a second control signal.

[0048] Next, in step S10, the information receiving unit 112a determines whether the vehicle speed is stopped (whether it is 0 km / h or not). If the result in step S10 is positive, the process proceeds to step S11, where the information receiving unit 112a determines whether an ignition OFF signal has been received. If the result in step S10 or step S11 is negative, the process returns to step S2 and repeats. On the other hand, if the result in step S11 is positive, the seat height change process is terminated.

[0049] The operation of the motorcycle 1 according to this embodiment can be summarized as follows: When the user places their feet on the footrest of the motorcycle 1, which is parked in a tilted position using its side stand, and straddles the seat 6, and turns the ignition switch ON, the seat 6 rotates and is displaced to the second seat position (steps S1 to S3). This improves the user's ability to put their feet down and makes it easier to handle the motorcycle 1. In this state, when the side stand is removed and the motorcycle 1 is started to move, the position of the seat 6 gradually rises, and when the vehicle speed exceeds 20 km / h, the seat 6 returns to the first seat position (steps S4, S5). This allows the user to assume a riding posture that is suitable for them.

[0050] Subsequently, when the user stops the motorcycle 1, first, when the vehicle speed falls below 20 km / h, the seat 6 gradually lowers, and when the motorcycle stops, the seat 6 moves to the second seat position (steps S6-S8). With the seat 6 in the second seat position, the user can stably support the stopped motorcycle 1.

[0051] At this time, if there is a passenger in the rear seat 62, when the vehicle is stopped, the seat 6 will be in the third seat position (step S9). Since the third seat position is lower than the second seat position, it becomes easier for the passenger to get out, and the burden on the user to support the motorcycle 1 when the passenger gets out is also reduced.

[0052] On the other hand, after the vehicle speed drops below 20 km / h, if the vehicle speed increases to 20 km / h or higher without stopping (step S10, step S4), seat 6 returns to the first seat position, allowing the user to once again assume a driving posture suitable for the user.

[0053] This embodiment can provide the following effects and advantages. (1) The motorcycle 1 comprises a pair of left and right main frames 22, 22 extending rearward from a head pipe 21 that pivotally supports a steering shaft 42, a pair of left and right seat frames 24, 24 extending rearward from each of the left and right main frames 22, 22 and to which a seat 6 on which the user sits is attached, a connecting part 27 (Figure 1) that rotatably connects the seat frame 24 to the main frame 22, a second actuator 65 that rotates the seat frame 24 around the connecting part 27, and a controller 11 that controls the second actuator 65 so that the position of the seat 6 is displaced to a first seat position while driving and a second seat position which is lower than the first seat position when the motorcycle is stopped (Figures 1, 3 and 4).

[0054] This configuration improves the user's ability to put their feet down when the motorcycle 1 is stopped, without reducing the thickness of the seat 6. As a result, the user can stably support the vehicle when stopped. In particular, even when riding a large motorcycle with a heavy weight and high seat height, the user can stably support the vehicle when stopped, and the vehicle can be easily maneuvered.

[0055] (2) The seat 6 has a front seat 61 and a rear seat 62. The motorcycle 1 further includes a second seating sensor 64 that detects when an occupant is seated on the rear seat 62 (Figure 1). When the controller 11 detects that an occupant is seated on the rear seat 62 by the second seating sensor 64, it controls the second actuator 65 so that the position of the seat 6 is lower than when no occupant is detected on the rear seat 62 (Figures 3 and 4).

[0056] With this configuration, when a passenger is seated in the rear seat 62, the seat 6 will be positioned at a third seat position, which is even lower than the second seat position, when the vehicle is stopped, making it easier for the passenger to disembark. In particular, even in motorcycles with seats that have a significant height difference between the seat surface of the front seat 61 and the seat surface of the rear seat 62, displacing the seat to the third seat position makes it easier for the passenger to disembark.

[0057] (3) The second actuator 65 has an extendable suspension. The motorcycle 1 is further equipped with a vehicle information detection sensor that detects vehicle information while it is in motion. The controller 11 controls the second actuator so that the suspension extends and retracts based on the vehicle information detected by the vehicle information detection sensor while it is in motion, and the suspension is held in a predetermined extended or retracted state when the motorcycle is stopped. With this configuration, the second actuator 65 can be used not only to displace the position of the seat 6, but also to improve the ride comfort.

[0058] (4) The seat 6 is attached to a pair of left and right seat frames 24, 24 such that its front end is located near the connecting portion 27. This configuration minimizes the change in height of the front end of the seat 6, even when the change in height of the rear end of the seat 6 is large. For example, even when the seat 6 is positioned in the third seat position to make it easier for passengers to get in and out of the rear seat 62, if the user is seated on the front side of the front seat 61, the change in seat position height will not differ significantly from when the seat 6 is positioned in the second seat position. This makes it possible to maintain good footing in the second seat position and reduces the burden on the user who supports the vehicle when passengers get in and out.

[0059] The above embodiment can be modified into various forms. Modifications will be described below.

[0060] In the above embodiment, a single second actuator 65 is used to rotate a pair of left and right seat frames 24, 24 together. However, it is also possible to use two second actuators 65, 65 to rotate each seat frame 24 individually. For example, a load sensor for detecting load in the left-right direction may be provided on the front seat 61. When the vehicle is stopped, if the user places their right foot on the ground (heavier load on the right side), the right second actuator 65 may be controlled to lower the right seat frame 24. Similarly, if the user places their left foot on the ground (heavier load on the left side), the left second actuator 65 may be controlled to lower the left seat frame 24.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the controller 11 controlled the second actuator 65 based on the reception status of the front seat occupancy signal, but the configuration may also control the second actuator 65 based on the reception status of the ignition signal. That is, the configuration may allow control of the second actuator 65 even when the user is not straddling the front seat 61. For example, when the controller 11 detects an ignition ON signal, it may control the second actuator 65 so that the seat 6 is displaced to the second seat position, regardless of the reception status of the front seat occupancy signal. By controlling in this way, the burden on the user when getting on the motorcycle 1 (when straddling the seat 6) can be reduced. For example, when a user straddles the seat 6, they swing their legs high behind them to avoid contact with the rear seat 62, but if the seat height is high, there is a risk that their legs will come into contact with the rear seat 62. However, if the seat position is displaced to the second seat position in advance, the risk of the legs coming into contact with the rear seat 62 can be avoided.

[0062] Furthermore, the controller 11 may be configured to, for example, when it detects an ignition off signal while the vehicle is stopped (vehicle speed 0 km / h), control the second actuator 65 so that the seat 6 is displaced to the first seat position after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, 10 minutes). This ensures that even if the seat 6 is in the second seat position when the rider dismounts, the seat 6 returns to the first seat position after a predetermined time has elapsed, making the parked motorcycle 1 look stylish.

[0063] In the above embodiment, an engine 3 was used as the driving source for the motorcycle 1, but the motorcycle may also be configured to use an electric motor as the driving source. For example, when an electric motor is used as the driving source, the motorcycle comprises an electric motor housed in a motor case and a battery that supplies power to the electric motor and is housed in a battery case. In the motorcycle according to this modified example, the battery case is provided between a pair of left and right main frames, and the pair of left and right main frames are fixed so as to sandwich the battery case. The motor case is also provided between a pair of left and right main frames and is fixed so as to be sandwiched between a pair of left and right pivot frames. Furthermore, a pair of left and right seat frames are rotatably connected to a pair of left and right pivot frames. In other words, in this modified example, a pair of left and right seat frames are rotatably connected to a pair of left and right main frames via a pair of left and right pivot frames, and the pair of left and right pivot frames constitute the connecting part.

[0064] In this way, by fixing the left and right pair of main frames and left and right pair of pivot frames so as to sandwich the highly rigid motor case and battery case, the support rigidity of the left and right pair of main frames and left and right pair of pivot frames relative to the left and right pair of seat frames can be improved.

[0065] The above description is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and modifications described above, as long as the features of the present invention are not impaired. It is also possible to arbitrarily combine one or more of the above embodiments and modifications, and to combine modifications with each other. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 1 Motorcycle, 2 Body frame, 6 Seat, 11 Controller, 21 Head pipe, 22 Main frame, 24 Seat frame, 27 Connecting section, 42 Steering shaft, 61 Front seat, 62 Rear seat, 64 Second seat sensor, 65 Second actuator

Claims

1. A pair of left and right main frames extending rearward from the head pipe that pivotally supports the steering shaft, A pair of left and right seat frames extending rearward from each of the aforementioned left and right main frames, to which a seat on which the user sits is attached, A connecting portion that rotatably connects the seat frame to the main frame, An actuator that rotates the seat frame around the aforementioned connecting portion, The system includes a control unit that controls the actuator so that the seat position is displaced to a first seat position while the vehicle is in motion and a second seat position while the vehicle is stationary, which is lower than the first seat position. The aforementioned seat has a front seat and a rear seat, The rear seat is further equipped with a seating detection unit that detects whether an occupant is seated in the rear seat. The motorcycle is characterized in that, when the seating detection unit detects that an occupant is seated in the rear seat, the control unit controls the actuator so that the position of the rear seat becomes lower than when no occupant is detected in the rear seat.

2. In the motorcycle according to Claim 1, The actuator has an extendable suspension, It further includes a vehicle information detection unit that detects vehicle information while the vehicle is in motion. The control unit controls the actuator so that the suspension extends and retracts based on vehicle information detected by the vehicle information detection unit while the vehicle is in motion, and the suspension is held in a predetermined extended or retracted state while the vehicle is stopped.

3. In the motorcycle according to claim 1 or 2, A motor case housing an electric motor which is a driving source and a battery case housing a battery which supplies power to the electric motor are provided between the pair of left and right main frames. The system further includes a swingarm that rotatably supports the rear wheel and a pair of left and right pivot frames that connect to each of the aforementioned pair of left and right main frames, The pair of left and right main frames support the battery case by sandwiching it, and their rear ends are connected to the pair of left and right pivot frames. The pair of left and right pivot frames are connected to the motor case so as to sandwich the motor case, The motorcycle is characterized in that the connecting portion is composed of the pair of left and right pivot frames.

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