Control device, hydraulic pressure control unit and saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

To provide a control device capable of informing earlier than conventional devices that a hydraulic pressure control unit mounted on a saddle-ride type vehicle is in an overused state. [Solution] The control device of the present invention is a control device mounted on a saddle-type vehicle equipped with a hydraulic control unit capable of performing anti-lock brake control, and comprises an acquisition unit that acquires a first physical quantity indicating wear information of the hydraulic control unit and a threshold value, and a judgment unit that, by comparing the first physical quantity with the threshold value, determines that the wear information indicates that the hydraulic control unit has experienced wear exceeding a standard, and determines to output an alarm signal that causes an alarm device to perform an alarm operation.The acquisition unit is further configured to acquire a second physical quantity indicating information on the usage history of the saddle-type vehicle, and acquire the threshold value, which has a value that varies depending on the second physical quantity.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a control device mounted on a saddle-ride type vehicle, a hydraulic control unit including the control device, and a saddle-ride type vehicle including the control device. [Background technology]

[0002] Some conventional vehicles are equipped with a hydraulic control unit that controls the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in a hydraulic circuit filled with brake fluid (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, when the driver of the vehicle operates a brake input unit such as a brake lever, the hydraulic control unit increases or decreases the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the hydraulic circuit to adjust the braking force generated on the wheels and perform anti-lock brake control. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 220231 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Saddle-type vehicles, which are a type of vehicle, are expected to be used in a wider variety of environments than automobiles, such as four-wheeled vehicles, because they can enter places that automobiles, such as four-wheeled vehicles, cannot. For example, in rough road environments where automobiles, such as four-wheeled vehicles, are not expected to travel, the hydraulic control unit installed in the saddle-type vehicle may be overused. A hydraulic control unit that continues to be in such a state of possible overusage (hereinafter referred to as an "overused state") may be expected to wear out and have reduced controllability. For this reason, there is a need for a control device that can quickly notify that a hydraulic control unit capable of executing anti-lock brake control is in a state of overusage and enable early implementation of countermeasures.

[0005] The present invention has been made in light of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its first object to provide a control device that can notify earlier than conventional methods that a hydraulic control unit mounted on a saddle-ride type vehicle is in an overuse state. A second object of the present invention is to provide a hydraulic control unit equipped with such a control device. A third object of the present invention is to provide a saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with such a control device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The control device according to the present invention is a control device mounted on a saddle-type vehicle having a hydraulic control unit capable of performing anti-lock brake control, and comprises an acquisition unit that acquires a first physical quantity indicating wear information of the hydraulic control unit and a threshold value, and a determination unit that, by comparing the first physical quantity with the threshold value, determines that the wear information indicates that the hydraulic control unit has experienced wear exceeding a standard, and determines to output an alarm signal that causes an alarm device to perform an alarm operation. The acquisition unit is further configured to acquire a second physical quantity indicating information on the usage history of the saddle-type vehicle, and acquire the threshold value, which has a value that varies depending on the second physical quantity.

[0007] Moreover, the hydraulic control unit according to the present invention includes the control device according to the present invention.

[0008] A straddle-type vehicle according to the present invention is equipped with the control device according to the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] When comparing a first physical quantity indicating wear information of the hydraulic control unit with a threshold value, the control device of the present invention varies the threshold value depending on a second physical quantity indicating information on the usage history of the saddle-ride type vehicle, thereby enabling the control device of the present invention to quickly notify that the hydraulic control unit is in an overused state. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a saddle-ride type vehicle in which an engagement control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is mounted; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a brake system of a saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram illustrating a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of a method for acquiring a threshold value in the control device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of a method for acquiring a threshold value in the control device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a control flow diagram showing the operation of the control device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 10 is a diagram showing another example of a brake system of a saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A control device according to the present invention, a hydraulic control unit including the control device, and a straddle-type vehicle including the control device will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following, an example in which the control device according to the present invention is mounted on a motorcycle, which is an example of a saddle-ride type vehicle, will be described. However, the control device according to the present invention may also be mounted on other saddle-ride type vehicles other than motorcycles. Examples of other saddle-ride type vehicles other than motorcycles include bicycles (e.g., two-wheeled vehicles, three-wheeled vehicles, etc.), three-wheeled vehicles using at least one of an engine and an electric motor as a drive source, and buggies. Furthermore, a bicycle generally refers to any vehicle that can be propelled on a road by pedaling force applied to the pedals. In other words, bicycles include standard bicycles, electrically assisted bicycles, and electric bicycles. Furthermore, a motorcycle or three-wheeled vehicle refers to a so-called motorcycle, and motorcycles include motorcycles, scooters, electric scooters, etc.

[0012] In the following description, the brake system of a saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with a control device according to the present invention is a brake system having one hydraulic circuit system, but the number of hydraulic circuits in the brake system is not limited to one. The brake system of a saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with a control device according to the present invention may have two or more hydraulic circuits system.

[0013] Furthermore, the configurations, operations, etc. described below are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to such configurations, operations, etc. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same or similar members or parts may be assigned the same reference numerals or may not be assigned the reference numerals. Furthermore, detailed structures may be appropriately simplified or omitted from the illustration.

[0014] Embodiment <Configuration and Operation of Brake System for Saddle-Riding Vehicle> The configuration and operation of a brake system for a saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with a control device according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a brake system of a saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] 1 and 2, the brake system 10 is mounted on a saddle-riding vehicle 200. The saddle-riding vehicle 200 is, for example, a motorcycle with an engine as a drive source 5. The drive source 5 of the saddle-riding vehicle 200 may be a motor. The saddle-riding vehicle 200 includes a body 1, a handlebar 2 rotatably held by the body 1, a front wheel 3 rotatably held together with the handlebar 2 by the body 1, and a rear wheel 4 rotatably held by the body 1.

[0016] The brake system 10 includes a brake lever 11 and a hydraulic circuit 12 filled with brake fluid. The brake lever 11 is provided on the steering wheel 2 and is operated by the driver's hand. The hydraulic circuit 12 generates a braking force in a rotor 3a that rotates together with the front wheels 3 according to the amount of operation of the brake lever 11. The rotor 4a that rotates together with the rear wheels 4 generates a braking force according to the amount of operation of a brake pedal 13. The brake pedal 13 is provided on the lower part of the body 1 and is operated by the driver's foot. The mechanism that generates a braking force according to the amount of operation of the brake pedal 13 may be a mechanism that generates a braking force by increasing the pressure of the brake fluid, or may be a mechanism that generates a braking force mechanically (for example, a mechanism that generates a braking force by generating tension in a wire).

[0017] Here, the brake lever 11 and the brake pedal 13 are examples of a brake input unit. For example, a brake pedal other than the brake pedal 13 provided on the body 1 may be used as a brake input unit replacing the brake lever 11. Furthermore, for example, a brake lever other than the brake lever 11 provided on the handlebars 2 may be used as a brake input unit replacing the brake pedal 13. In the following, of the brake input units provided in the saddle-riding type vehicle 200, the brake input unit connected to the hydraulic control unit 60 described below will be referred to as the brake input unit 14. In the present embodiment, the brake lever 11 serves as the brake input unit 14.

[0018] The hydraulic circuit 12 includes a master cylinder 21 incorporating a piston (not shown), a reservoir 22 attached to the master cylinder 21, a brake caliper 23 having brake pads (not shown), and a wheel cylinder 24 that operates the brake pads (not shown) of the brake caliper 23.

[0019] An internal flow path 40 that connects the wheel cylinders 24 and the master cylinder 21 is formed in a base 61 of the hydraulic control unit 60. That is, the internal flow path 40 is a flow path through which brake fluid flows. Specifically, the internal flow path 40 connects with the master cylinder 21 via a fluid pipe 15 (described later), and connects with the wheel cylinders 24 via a fluid pipe 16 (described later). In this embodiment, the base 61 has a main flow path 41 and a sub-flow path 42 formed as the internal flow path 40. The hydraulic control unit 60 also has a hydraulic pressure adjustment valve 25 that opens and closes the internal flow path 40. In this embodiment, the hydraulic control unit 60 has an inlet valve 26 and a release valve 27 as the hydraulic pressure adjustment valve 25.

[0020] Specifically, in the hydraulic circuit 12, the master cylinder 21 and the wheel cylinders 24 are in communication with each other via a fluid pipe 15 connected between the master cylinder 21 and a master cylinder port MP formed in the base body 61, a main flow path 41 formed in the base body 61, and a fluid pipe 16 connected between the wheel cylinders 24 and wheel cylinder ports WP formed in the base body 61. The brake fluid in the wheel cylinders 24 is released via a sub-flow path 42 to a main flow path intermediate portion 41a, which is an intermediate portion of the main flow path 41.

[0021] An inlet valve 26 is provided in a region of the main flow path 41 closer to the wheel cylinder 24 than the main flow path intermediate portion 41a. Opening and closing of the inlet valve 26 opens and closes the portion of the main flow path 41 where the inlet valve 26 is provided, thereby controlling the flow rate of brake fluid flowing through this region. The secondary flow path 42 is provided with, in order from upstream to downstream, a release valve 27, an accumulator 28 for storing brake fluid, and a pump 50. Opening and closing of the release valve 27 opens and closes the portion of the secondary flow path 42 where the release valve 27 is provided, thereby controlling the flow rate of brake fluid flowing through this region. The pump 50 applies pressure to the brake fluid in the secondary flow path 42 to move the brake fluid. In other words, the pump 50 moves the brake fluid in the internal flow path 40. Specifically, the pump 50 returns the brake fluid released from the wheel cylinder 24 to the internal flow path 40 to the master cylinder 21.

[0022] A master cylinder hydraulic pressure sensor 30 for detecting the hydraulic pressure of brake fluid in master cylinder 21 is provided in a region of main flow path 41 closer to master cylinder 21 than inlet valve 26. A wheel cylinder hydraulic pressure sensor 31 for detecting the hydraulic pressure of brake fluid in wheel cylinder 24 is provided in a region of main flow path 41 closer to wheel cylinder 24 than inlet valve 26.

[0023] In other words, the main flow path 41 connects the master cylinder port MP and the wheel cylinder port WP via the inlet valve 26. The secondary flow path 42 is defined as a part or all of the flow path that releases the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24 to the master cylinder 21 via the release valve 27. In other words, the secondary flow path 42 also connects the master cylinder port MP and the wheel cylinder port WP.

[0024] The inlet valve 26 is a solenoid valve that switches the flow of brake fluid at its location from open to closed when it changes from a non-energized state to an energized state. The release valve 27 is a solenoid valve that switches the flow of brake fluid to the accumulator 28 via its location from closed to open when it changes from a non-energized state to an energized state.

[0025] The pump 50 of the hydraulic circuit 12 is driven by a motor 51. That is, the motor 51 is a drive source of the pump 50.

[0026] The hydraulic control unit 60 is composed of a base 61, the various components provided on the base 61 (hydraulic pressure regulating valve 25, accumulator 28, master cylinder hydraulic pressure sensor 30, wheel cylinder hydraulic pressure sensor 31, pump 50, motor 51, etc.), and a control device (ECU) 100.

[0027] The control device 100 controls the hydraulic pressure regulating valve 25 and the motor 51. There may be one control device 100, or there may be multiple separate control devices. The control device 100 may be attached to the base 61, or may be attached to a member other than the base 61. Some or all of the control device 100 may be configured, for example, by a microcomputer, a microprocessor unit, or the like, or may be configured with updatable firmware, or may be a program module executed by commands from a CPU, or the like.

[0028] For example, under normal conditions, the control device 100 controls the inlet valve 26 and the release valve 27 to be in a non-energized state. When the brake lever 11 is operated in this state, the piston (not shown) of the master cylinder 21 is pushed in, increasing the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24, and the brake pads (not shown) of the brake caliper 23 are pressed against the rotor 3a of the front wheel 3, thereby braking the front wheel 3.

[0029] The outputs of the various sensors (master cylinder hydraulic pressure sensor 30, wheel cylinder hydraulic pressure sensors 31, wheel speed sensors, acceleration sensors, etc.) are input to the control device 100. In response to the outputs, the control device 100 outputs commands that govern the operation of the hydraulic pressure regulating valve 25 and the motor 51, thereby executing pressure reduction control, etc.

[0030] For example, when the brake fluid pressure in the wheel cylinders 24 is excessive or potentially excessive, the control device 100 executes a pressure reduction control operation to reduce the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinders 24 of the hydraulic circuit 12. In this case, the control device 100 controls the inlet valve 26 and the release valve 27 in the hydraulic circuit 12 to an energized state, while driving the motor 51. As a result, the brake fluid in the wheel cylinders 24 flows into the secondary flow path 42 through the main flow path 41, reducing the hydraulic pressure in the wheel cylinders 24. The brake fluid that flows from the wheel cylinders 24 into the secondary flow path 42 then flows into the accumulator 28 through the release valve 27 and is stored in the accumulator 28. The brake fluid stored in the accumulator 28 is returned to the master cylinder 21 by the pump 50 driven by the motor 51.

[0031] In other words, the hydraulic pressure control unit 60 can control the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinders 24 to perform anti-lock brake control. Note that some conventional hydraulic pressure control units perform automatic pressure increase control by sending brake fluid from a master cylinder to the wheel cylinders using a pump. The hydraulic pressure control unit 60 according to this embodiment may be configured to perform such automatic pressure increase control.

[0032] Saddle-ride vehicles, which are a type of vehicle, are expected to be used in a wider variety of environments than automobiles, for example, being able to enter places that automobiles, etc., cannot enter. For example, in rough road environments where automobiles, etc., are not expected to travel, the hydraulic control unit mounted on the saddle-ride vehicle may be used excessively. A hydraulic control unit that continues to be in such a state where it may be used excessively (hereinafter referred to as an "excessive use state") may be expected to wear out and have reduced controllability. Specifically, a hydraulic control unit that continues to be in an excessive use state may be expected to have reduced controllability, for example, as follows:

[0033] A hydraulic control unit is designed with an expected operating time and number of operations until the end of its life. Therefore, if the hydraulic control unit is continuously overused, the hydraulic pressure regulating valve may open and close more than expected. If the hydraulic pressure regulating valve opens and closes excessively in this way, the hydraulic pressure regulating valve may not be able to completely close the internal flow path, which may result in a decrease in controllability of the hydraulic control unit. Furthermore, if the hydraulic control unit is continuously overused, the pump of the hydraulic control device may operate for a longer period of time than expected. If the pump is operated for an excessive period of time in this way, brake fluid may leak from the sliding parts of the pump, etc., which may result in a decrease in controllability of the hydraulic control unit.

[0034] Therefore, in order to prevent the deterioration of the controllability of the hydraulic control unit, it is desirable to notify the hydraulic control unit that it is in an overuse state early so that early countermeasures can be implemented. Therefore, the control device 100 according to this embodiment is configured as follows.

[0035] <Control device configuration> Fig. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 shows the functional parts of the control device 100 that are used to provide early warning that the hydraulic control unit 60 is in an overuse state. The control device 100 includes an acquisition unit 110 and a determination unit 120 as functional units.

[0036] The acquisition unit 110 is a functional unit that acquires information used to determine whether the hydraulic control unit 60 is in an excessive use state. The acquisition unit 110 includes a first physical quantity acquisition unit 111, a second physical quantity acquisition unit 112, and a threshold value acquisition unit 113.

[0037] The first physical quantity acquisition unit 111 is a functional unit that acquires a first physical quantity that indicates wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60. The wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60 is information that serves as an index of how much the hydraulic control unit 60 has worn out. In this embodiment, a physical quantity that indicates the accumulated motor drive time is used as the first physical quantity that indicates the wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60. The accumulated motor drive time is the accumulated time that the motor 51, which is the drive source of the pump 50, has been driven.

[0038] The second physical quantity acquisition unit 112 is a functional unit that acquires a second physical quantity that indicates information about the usage history of the saddle riding type vehicle 200. The information about the usage history of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 is information that serves as an index of how long the saddle riding type vehicle 200 has been used (how long it has been traveled). In this embodiment, a physical quantity that indicates the travel distance of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 is used as the second physical quantity that indicates information about the usage history of the saddle riding type vehicle 200.

[0039] The threshold value acquiring unit 113 is a functional unit that acquires a threshold value to be compared with the first physical quantity in the determining unit 120. The threshold value acquiring unit 113 acquires a threshold value that varies depending on the second physical quantity acquired by the second physical quantity acquiring unit 112.

[0040] The determination unit 120 is a functional unit that compares the first physical quantity acquired by the first physical quantity acquisition unit 111 with the threshold value acquired by the threshold value acquisition unit 113. The determination unit 120 is also a functional unit that determines whether the wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60 is information indicating that wear exceeding a standard has occurred in the hydraulic control unit 60. The determination unit 120 is also a functional unit that determines to output an alarm signal, which is a signal that causes the alarm device 201 to perform an alarm operation, when it is determined that the wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60 is information indicating that wear exceeding a standard has occurred in the hydraulic control unit 60.

[0041] In this embodiment, when the determination unit 120 determines to output a notification signal, the notification device 201 issues a notification as follows. The control device 100 according to this embodiment includes an execution unit 130 as a functional unit. When the determination unit 120 determines to output a notification signal, the execution unit 130 outputs the notification signal to the notification device 201. The notification device 201 then notifies the driver of the saddle-riding type vehicle 200 that the hydraulic control unit 60 is in an overused state. The notification method used by the notification device 201 is not particularly limited as long as it can be recognized by the driver. For example, the notification method may be a method of displaying characters or a mark. For example, the notification method may be a method of turning on or blinking a light source. For example, the notification method may be a method of outputting a sound such as a voice. The notification device 201 is also not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the notification device 201 is a device provided in the saddle-riding type vehicle 200. The notification device 201 is not limited to this, and may be a device other than a device provided on the saddle-ride type vehicle 200, such as a smart helmet worn by the driver.

[0042] A specific example of how the threshold value acquisition unit 113 acquires the threshold value according to the second physical quantity and a specific example of how the determination unit 120 determines the threshold value will be described below.

[0043] When antilock brake control is executed by the hydraulic control unit 60, the motor 51 of the hydraulic control unit 60 is driven. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the hydraulic control unit 60 is in an overused state based on the accumulated motor drive time, which is the accumulated time that the motor 51 is driven. That is, for example, if the accumulated motor drive time is equal to or greater than a specified time, it can be determined that the hydraulic control unit 60 is in an overused state.

[0044] Here, regardless of whether the hydraulic pressure control unit 60 is in an overused state, the longer the mileage of the saddle riding type vehicle 200, which indicates the usage history of the saddle riding type vehicle 200, the more times anti-lock brake control is executed, and therefore the longer the cumulative motor drive time. For this reason, if the above-mentioned specified time is a fixed value, it is not possible to determine whether the hydraulic pressure control unit 60 is in an overused state. For example, if the above-mentioned specified time is short, and the mileage of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 is long, it will be determined that the hydraulic pressure control unit 60 is in an overused state even though the hydraulic pressure control unit 60 is not in an overused state. Also, for example, if the above-mentioned specified time is long, and the mileage of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 is short, it will be determined that the hydraulic pressure control unit 60 is not in an overused state even though the hydraulic pressure control unit 60 is in an overused state.

[0045] Therefore, in order to quickly determine whether the hydraulic control unit 60 is in an excessive use state, it is advisable to lengthen the above-mentioned specified time period for determining whether the hydraulic control unit 60 is in an excessive use state as the mileage of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 indicating the use history of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 increases. In other words, in order to quickly determine whether the hydraulic control unit 60 is in an excessive use state as the mileage of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 indicating the use history of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 decreases, it is advisable to shorten the above-mentioned specified time period for determining whether the hydraulic control unit 60 is in an excessive use state as the mileage of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 indicating the use history of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 decreases. Based on this concept, the threshold value acquisition unit 113 acquires threshold values ​​that differ in accordance with the second physical quantity that indicates information about the use history of the saddle riding type vehicle 200.

[0046] For example, the first physical quantity indicating wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60 is a physical quantity that increases as wear of the hydraulic control unit 60 increases. In other words, the first physical quantity is a physical quantity that increases as the cumulative motor drive time increases. For example, if the first physical quantity and the cumulative motor drive time are proportional to each other as shown in the following equation (1), the first physical quantity is a physical quantity that increases as wear of the hydraulic control unit 60 increases. A = k × C…(1) Here, A is the first physical quantity, C is wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60, that is, the cumulative motor driving time, and k is a coefficient. In such a case, the threshold value acquiring unit 113 varies the threshold value to be compared with the first physical quantity depending on the second physical quantity, as shown in FIG. 4 below, for example.

[0047] 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for acquiring a threshold value in a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The horizontal axis of FIG. 4 represents the second physical quantity B. The vertical axis of FIG. 4 represents the threshold value T. One of the second physical quantities B is designated as a first second physical quantity B1. Of the second physical quantities B, a second physical quantity B that indicates a state in which the usage history is longer than the first second physical quantity B1 is designated as a second second physical quantity B2. In the present embodiment, the second second physical quantity B2 indicates a state in which the saddle-riding type vehicle 200 has traveled a longer distance than the first second physical quantity B1. As shown in FIG. 4 , in a configuration in which the first physical quantity increases as wear on the hydraulic control unit 60 increases, the value of the threshold value T1 acquired by the threshold value acquisition unit 113 of the acquisition unit 110 when the first second physical quantity B1 is acquired by the threshold value acquisition unit 113 of the acquisition unit 110 is smaller than the value of the threshold value T2 acquired by the threshold value acquisition unit 113 of the acquisition unit 110 when the second second physical quantity B2 is acquired by the threshold value acquisition unit 113 of the acquisition unit 110.

[0048] Then, when the first physical quantity is equal to or greater than the threshold value T, or when the first physical quantity is greater than the threshold value T, the judgment unit 120 judges that the wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60 is information indicating that wear in the hydraulic control unit 60 exceeds the standard, and determines to output an alarm signal.

[0049] 4, the threshold value T increases linearly as the second physical quantity B increases. However, the threshold value T may increase in a curved manner or in a stepwise manner as the second physical quantity B increases.

[0050] Furthermore, for example, the first physical quantity indicating wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60 is a physical quantity that decreases as wear of the hydraulic control unit 60 increases. In other words, the first physical quantity is a physical quantity that decreases as the cumulative motor drive time increases. For example, if the first physical quantity and the cumulative motor drive time are in an inversely proportional relationship as shown in the following equation (2), the first physical quantity is a physical quantity that decreases as wear of the hydraulic control unit 60 increases. A=k / C…(2) In such a case, the threshold value acquiring unit 113 varies the threshold value to be compared with the first physical quantity depending on the second physical quantity, as shown in FIG. 5 below, for example.

[0051] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for acquiring a threshold value in the control device according to the embodiment of the present invention. In a configuration in which the first physical quantity becomes smaller as wear on the hydraulic control unit 60 increases, the value of the threshold T1 acquired by the threshold acquisition unit 113 of the acquisition unit 110 when the first second physical quantity B1 is acquired by the threshold acquisition unit 113 of the acquisition unit 110 is larger than the value of the threshold T2 acquired by the threshold acquisition unit 113 of the acquisition unit 110 when the second second physical quantity B2 is acquired by the threshold acquisition unit 113 of the acquisition unit 110.

[0052] Then, when the first physical quantity is equal to or less than the threshold value T, or when the first physical quantity is smaller than the threshold value T, the judgment unit 120 judges that the wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60 is information indicating that wear in the hydraulic control unit 60 exceeds the standard, and determines to output an alarm signal.

[0053] 5, the threshold value T decreases linearly as the second physical quantity B increases. However, the threshold value T may decrease in a curved manner or in a stepwise manner as the second physical quantity B increases.

[0054] Here, when a control device other than the control device 100 is installed in the saddle-riding type vehicle 200, at least some of the acquisition unit 110, the determination unit 120, and the execution unit 130 may be provided in the control device other than the control device 100. In other words, the control device including the acquisition unit 110, the determination unit 120, and the execution unit 130 may be a control device other than the control device 100 among the control devices installed in the saddle-riding type vehicle 200.

[0055] <Control device operation> FIG. 6 is a control flow diagram showing the operation of the control device according to the embodiment of the present invention. When the conditions for starting the operation shown in Fig. 6 are met, in step S1 the control device 100 starts the operation shown in Fig. 6. The start condition for the operation is, for example, when the drive source 5 of the saddle riding vehicle 200 is turned on. When the drive source 5 of the saddle riding vehicle 200 is turned on, for example, if the drive source 5 is an engine, the ignition of the saddle riding vehicle 200 is turned on. Also, for example, when the drive source 5 of the saddle riding vehicle 200 is turned on, for example, if the drive source 5 is an engine, the engine is started. Also, for example, when the drive source 5 of the saddle riding vehicle 200 is turned on, for example, if the drive source 5 is a motor, the main power supply of the saddle riding vehicle 200 is turned on. Also, for example, when the drive source 5 of the saddle riding vehicle 200 is turned on, for example, if the drive source 5 is a motor, the motor is driven.

[0056] Step S2 following step S1 is an acquisition step. In step S2, the acquisition unit 110 of the control device 100 acquires information used to determine whether the hydraulic control unit 60 is in an overused state. Specifically, the first physical quantity acquisition unit 111 of the acquisition unit 110 acquires a first physical quantity indicating wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60. The second physical quantity acquisition unit 112 of the acquisition unit 110 acquires a second physical quantity indicating information on the usage history of the saddle riding type vehicle 200. The threshold acquisition unit 113 of the acquisition unit 110 acquires a threshold to be compared with the first physical quantity in the determination unit 120. At this time, as described above, the threshold acquisition unit 113 acquires a threshold of a different value depending on the second physical quantity acquired by the second physical quantity acquisition unit 112.

[0057] Step S3 following step S2 is a notification determination step. In step S3, the determination unit 120 compares the first physical quantity with a threshold value and determines whether the wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60 is information indicating that wear has exceeded the standard in the hydraulic control unit 60. If the determination unit 120 determines that the wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60 is information indicating that wear has exceeded the standard in the hydraulic control unit 60, it determines to output a notification signal. If the determination unit 120 determines to output a notification signal, the control device 100 proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if the determination unit 120 determines that the wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60 is not information indicating that wear has exceeded the standard in the hydraulic control unit 60, it determines not to output a notification signal. If the determination unit 120 determines not to output a notification signal, the control device 100 proceeds to step S5.

[0058] Step S4 is a notification step. In step S4, the execution unit 130 outputs a notification signal to the notification device 201. As a result, the notification device 201 notifies the driver of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 that the hydraulic control unit 60 is in an overuse state.

[0059] Step S5 is an end determination step. In step S5, the control device 100 determines whether or not an end condition for the operation has been met. The end condition for the operation is, for example, when the drive source 5 of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 is turned off. When the drive source 5 of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 is turned off, for example, if the drive source 5 is an engine, the ignition of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 is turned off. When the drive source 5 of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 is turned off, for example, if the drive source 5 is a motor, the main power supply of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 is turned off. If the end condition for the operation has been met, the control device 100 proceeds to step S6 and ends the operation shown in FIG. 6. On the other hand, if the end condition for the operation has not been met, the control device 100 returns to step S2.

[0060] <Modification> In this embodiment, a physical quantity indicating the cumulative drive time of the motor is used as the first physical quantity. Also, in this embodiment, a physical quantity indicating the travel distance of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 is used as the second physical quantity. However, the first physical quantity may be any physical quantity indicating wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60, and is not limited to a physical quantity indicating the cumulative drive time of the motor. Similarly, the second physical quantity may be any physical quantity indicating information on the usage history of the saddle riding type vehicle 200, and is not limited to a physical quantity indicating the travel distance of the saddle riding type vehicle 200. Below, examples of other physical quantities that can be used as the first physical quantity and examples of other physical quantities that can be used as the second physical quantity are introduced.

[0061] For example, a physical quantity indicating the cumulative number of motor rotations may be used as the first physical quantity indicating wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60. The cumulative number of motor rotations is the cumulative number of rotations of the motor 51, which is the drive source of the pump 50.

[0062] When the motor 51 rotates at a low rotational speed and drives the pump 50, the hydraulic control unit 60 suffers little wear. For this reason, for example, a physical quantity indicating the cumulative time of the motor in a specified driving state may be used as the first physical quantity indicating wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60. The cumulative time of the motor in a specified driving state is the cumulative time during which the motor 51, which is the driving source of the pump 50, is driven at a rotational speed equal to or higher than the specified rotational speed.

[0063] Furthermore, for example, a physical quantity indicating the cumulative number of hydraulic pressure regulating valve operations may be used as the first physical quantity indicating wear information of the hydraulic pressure control unit 60. The cumulative number of hydraulic pressure regulating valve operations is the cumulative number of times that the hydraulic pressure regulating valve 25 has operated. Note that, if the hydraulic pressure control unit 60 is equipped with a plurality of hydraulic pressure regulating valves 25, the cumulative number of hydraulic pressure regulating valve operations may be the cumulative number of times that a specific hydraulic pressure regulating valve 25 has operated, or may be the cumulative number of times that all hydraulic pressure regulating valves 25 have operated.

[0064] The hydraulic pressure regulating valve 25 changes between a closed state and an open state when energized. That is, the hydraulic pressure regulating valve 25 operates when energized. For this reason, for example, a physical quantity indicating a hydraulic pressure regulating valve cumulative energization time may be used as the first physical quantity indicating wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60. The hydraulic pressure regulating valve cumulative energization time is the cumulative time that the hydraulic pressure regulating valve 25 is energized. Note that, when the hydraulic control unit 60 includes a plurality of hydraulic pressure regulating valves 25, the hydraulic pressure regulating valve cumulative energization time may be the cumulative time that a specific hydraulic pressure regulating valve 25 is energized, or may be the cumulative time that all hydraulic pressure regulating valves 25 are energized.

[0065] The saddle riding type vehicle 200 starts to travel after the driving source 5 is turned on. For this reason, for example, a physical quantity indicating the number of times the driving source 5 of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 has been turned on may be used as the second physical quantity indicating information about the usage history of the saddle riding type vehicle 200.

[0066] When the saddle riding type vehicle 200 is traveling, the driving source 5 is in an on state. For this reason, for example, a physical quantity indicating the cumulative time the driving source is in an on state may be used as the second physical quantity indicating information about the usage history of the saddle riding type vehicle 200. The cumulative time the driving source is in an on state is the cumulative time during which the driving source 5 of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 is in an on state.

[0067] There is a proportional relationship between the travel distance of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 and the number of times the brake input device 14 is operated. For this reason, for example, a physical quantity indicating the number of times the brake input device 14 of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 is operated may be used as the second physical quantity indicating information about the usage history of the saddle riding type vehicle 200. Note that if multiple brake input devices 14 are connected to the hydraulic control unit 60, the number of times the brake input device 14 is operated may be the number of times a specific brake input device 14 is operated, or may be the number of times all of the brake input devices 14 are operated.

[0068] Similarly, there is a proportional relationship between the travel distance of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 and the cumulative time that the brake input device 14 is operated. For this reason, for example, a physical quantity indicating the cumulative braking time may be used as the second physical quantity indicating information about the usage history of the saddle riding type vehicle 200. The cumulative braking time is the cumulative time that the brake input device 14 of the saddle riding type vehicle 200 is operated. Note that if multiple brake input devices 14 are connected to the hydraulic control unit 60, the cumulative braking time may be the cumulative time that a specific brake input device 14 is operated, or may be the cumulative time that all brake input devices 14 are operated.

[0069] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of a brake system of a saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Some conventional hydraulic control units are configured to return brake fluid released from the wheel cylinders to the internal flow path to the master cylinder without a pump. The hydraulic control unit 60 of the brake system 10 provided in the saddle-ride vehicle 200 on which the control device 100 is mounted may also be configured to return brake fluid released from the wheel cylinders 24 to the internal flow path 40 to the master cylinder 21 without a pump. Such a hydraulic control unit 60 may be configured, for example, as shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, the hydraulic control unit 60 does not include a pump 50 or a motor 51 that drives the pump 50. In the hydraulic control unit 60 configured as described above, when the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the accumulator 28 becomes higher than the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in the master cylinder 21, the brake fluid in the accumulator 28 returns to the master cylinder 21 due to the pressure difference.

[0070] <Effects of the control device> The effects of the control device according to this embodiment will be described.

[0071] The control device 100 according to this embodiment is a control device mounted on a saddle-ride type vehicle 200 that includes a hydraulic control unit 60 capable of executing antilock brake control. The control device 100 includes an acquisition unit 110 and a determination unit 120. The acquisition unit 110 acquires a first physical quantity indicating wear information of the hydraulic control unit 60 and a threshold value. The determination unit 120 compares the first physical quantity with the threshold value and determines that the hydraulic control unit 60 wear information indicates that wear exceeding a standard has occurred in the hydraulic control unit 60, and determines to output an alarm signal that causes an alarm device 201 to perform an alarm operation. The acquisition unit 110 is further configured to acquire a second physical quantity indicating information about the usage history of the saddle-ride type vehicle 200, and to acquire a threshold value that varies depending on the second physical quantity.

[0072] As described above, the control device 100 configured in this manner can quickly notify the driver that the hydraulic pressure control unit 60 is in an overloaded state. Therefore, the control device 100 configured in this manner enables early implementation of measures to prevent the hydraulic pressure control unit 60 from being overloaded. For example, a technician performing maintenance on the saddle-riding vehicle 200 can quickly inspect whether sensors such as wheel speed sensors used to determine whether to execute anti-lock brake control are operating correctly. Furthermore, if a sensor such as a wheel speed sensor is not operating correctly, causing the hydraulic pressure control unit 60 to be overloaded, the technician performing maintenance on the saddle-riding vehicle 200 can repair the sensor so that it operates correctly. Furthermore, if the sensors such as the wheel speed sensor are operating correctly, the technician performing maintenance on the saddle-riding vehicle 200 can advise the driver of the saddle-riding vehicle 200 on how to drive the saddle-riding vehicle 200 so as to prevent the hydraulic pressure control unit 60 from being overloaded, such as by advising the driver not to suddenly operate the brake input unit 14.

[0073] Although the control device 100 according to the present embodiment has been described above, the control device according to the present invention is not limited to the description of the present embodiment. The control device according to the present invention may be implemented by implementing only a part of the present embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 fuselage, 2 handle, 3 front wheel, 3a rotor, 4 rear wheel, 4a rotor, 5 drive source, 10 brake system, 11 brake lever, 12 hydraulic circuit, 13 brake pedal, 14 brake input section, 15 hydraulic pipe, 16 hydraulic pipe, 21 master cylinder, 22 reservoir, 23 brake caliper, 24 wheel cylinder, 25 hydraulic pressure adjustment valve, 26 inlet valve, 27 release valve, 28 accumulator, 30 master cylinder hydraulic pressure sensor, 31 wheel cylinder hydraulic pressure sensor, 40 internal flow path, 41 main flow path, 41a main flow path intermediate section, 42 secondary flow path, 50 pump, 51 motor, 60 hydraulic pressure control unit, 61 base, 100 control device, 110 acquisition section, 111 first physical quantity acquisition section, 112 second physical quantity acquisition section, 113 threshold acquisition section, 120 Determination unit, 130 execution unit, 200 saddle-ride type vehicle, 201 notification device, MP master cylinder port, WP wheel cylinder port.

Claims

1. A control device (100) mounted on a saddle-ride type vehicle (200) equipped with a hydraulic control unit (60) capable of performing antilock brake control, an acquisition unit (110) that acquires a first physical quantity indicating wear information of the hydraulic pressure control unit (60) and a threshold value (T); a determination unit (120) that, when it is determined by comparing the first physical quantity with the threshold value (T) that the wear information is information indicating that wear exceeding a standard has occurred in the hydraulic pressure control unit (60), determines to output an alarm signal that is a signal that causes an alarm device (201) to perform an alarm operation; Equipped with The acquisition unit (110) Furthermore, a second physical quantity (B) indicating information on the usage history of the saddle riding type vehicle (200) is acquired, The threshold value (T) is configured to be different depending on the second physical quantity (B). Control device (100).

2. the first physical quantity is a physical quantity that increases as wear of the hydraulic pressure control unit (60) increases, One of the second physical quantities (B) is a first second physical quantity (B1), When the second physical quantity (B) indicating a state in which the usage history is longer than that of the first second physical quantity (B1) is defined as a second second physical quantity (B2), the value of the threshold (T1) acquired by the acquisition unit (110) when the first second physical quantity (B1) is acquired by the acquisition unit (110) is smaller than the value of the threshold (T2) acquired by the acquisition unit (110) when the second second physical quantity (B2) is acquired by the acquisition unit (110); The control device (100) of claim 1.

3. the first physical quantity is a physical quantity that decreases as wear of the hydraulic pressure control unit (60) increases, One of the second physical quantities (B) is a first second physical quantity (B1), When the second physical quantity (B) indicating a state in which the usage history is longer than that of the first second physical quantity (B1) is defined as a second second physical quantity (B2), the value of the threshold (T1) acquired by the acquisition unit (110) when the first second physical quantity (B1) is acquired by the acquisition unit (110) is larger than the value of the threshold (T2) acquired by the acquisition unit (110) when the second second physical quantity (B2) is acquired by the acquisition unit (110); The control device (100) of claim 1.

4. The second physical quantity (B) is a physical quantity indicating a travel distance of the saddle riding type vehicle (200). The control device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

5. The second physical quantity (B) is a physical quantity indicating the number of times the drive source (5) of the saddle riding type vehicle (200) is turned on. The control device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

6. The second physical quantity (B) is a physical quantity indicating a driving source on-state cumulative time, which is the cumulative time during which the driving source (5) of the saddle riding type vehicle (200) is in an on-state. The control device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

7. The second physical quantity (B) is a physical quantity indicating the number of times a brake input portion (14) of the saddle-ride type vehicle (200) has been operated. The control device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

8. The second physical quantity (B) is a physical quantity indicating a braking cumulative time, which is a cumulative time during which a brake input unit (14) of the saddle-ride type vehicle (200) is operated. The control device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

9. The hydraulic control unit (60) includes a motor (51) that is a drive source for the pump (50), The first physical quantity is a physical quantity indicating a motor cumulative driving time, which is a cumulative time during which the motor (51) is driven. The control device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

10. The hydraulic control unit (60) includes a motor (51) that is a drive source for the pump (50), The first physical quantity is a physical quantity indicating a cumulative number of rotations of the motor, which is a cumulative number of rotations of the motor. The control device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

11. The hydraulic control unit (60) includes a motor (51) that is a drive source for the pump (50), The first physical quantity is a physical quantity indicating a cumulative time of a motor in a specified driving state, which is a cumulative time during which the motor (51) is driven at a specified rotation speed or more. The control device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

12. The hydraulic control unit (60) includes a hydraulic pressure regulating valve (25) that opens and closes a flow path (40) through which brake fluid flows, The first physical quantity is a physical quantity indicating a cumulative number of hydraulic pressure regulating valve operations, which is a cumulative number of times the hydraulic pressure regulating valve (25) has operated. The control device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

13. The hydraulic control unit (60) includes a hydraulic pressure regulating valve (25) that opens and closes a flow path (40) through which brake fluid flows, The first physical quantity is a physical quantity indicating a hydraulic pressure regulating valve cumulative energization time, which is an accumulation of time during which the hydraulic pressure regulating valve (25) is energized. The control device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2.

14. The control device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2 is provided. Hydraulic control unit (60).

15. The control device (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2 is provided. Saddle-type vehicle (200).

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