Hydraulic control device

Abstract

As one example, we aim to obtain an electronically controlled unit that can suppress the increase in size. [Solution] An example of a hydraulic control device according to an embodiment includes a first motor, a first hydraulic pressure generating unit located on the axis of the first motor and driven by the first motor, a reservoir connected to the first hydraulic pressure generating unit, an electronic control unit that drives the first motor, and a housing that holds the first motor, the first hydraulic pressure generating unit, the reservoir, and the electronic control unit, wherein the housing has a top surface, a first outer surface facing a first direction, and a second outer surface located on the opposite side of the first outer surface, the reservoir is arranged on the first outer surface, the electronic control unit is arranged on the second outer surface, and the axis of the first motor extends through the portion of the housing between the first outer surface and the second outer surface and is spaced apart from the first outer surface and the second outer surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a hydraulic control device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a hydraulic control device having a rectangular parallelepiped housing with components arranged on each surface is known. For example, a reservoir is arranged on the upper surface of the housing, a motor is arranged on the front surface of the housing, and an electronic control unit is arranged on the rear surface of the housing (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the arrangement of each component in the conventional configuration, there is a risk that the hydraulic control device may become large depending on the design of each component.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides an electronic control unit capable of suppressing an increase in size.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention includes, as an example, a first motor, a first hydraulic pressure generating unit located on the axis of the first motor and configured to pressurize fluid when driven by the first motor, a reservoir configured to store the fluid and connected to the first hydraulic pressure generating unit, an electronic control unit configured to drive the first motor, and a housing that holds the first motor, the first hydraulic pressure generating unit, the reservoir, and the electronic control unit, wherein the housing has an upper surface provided at the upper end of the housing, a first outer surface facing a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, and a second outer surface located on the opposite side of the first outer surface, the reservoir is arranged on the first outer surface, the electronic control unit is arranged on the second outer surface, and the axis of the first motor extends through the portion of the housing between the first outer surface and the second outer surface and is spaced apart from the first outer surface and the second outer surface. Therefore, as one example, it is possible to prevent the hydraulic control device from becoming excessively large. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view showing a hydraulic control device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the hydraulic control device of the above embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a left side view showing the hydraulic control device of the above embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a right side view showing the hydraulic control device of the above embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the hydraulic control device of the above embodiment along the line F5-F5 in Figure 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the hydraulic control device of the above embodiment along the line F6-F6 in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] An embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. Note that in this specification, the components of an embodiment and their descriptions may be described using multiple expressions. The components and their descriptions are examples and are not limited by the expressions used herein. Components may also be identified by names different from those used herein. Furthermore, components may also be described using expressions different from those used herein.

[0009] In the following explanation, “suppress” is defined, for example, to prevent the occurrence of an event, action, or effect, or to reduce the degree of an event, action, or effect. Also, in the following explanation, “restrict” is defined, for example, to prevent movement or rotation, or to permit movement or rotation within a predetermined range while preventing movement or rotation beyond that predetermined range.

[0010] Figure 1 is a front view showing the hydraulic control device 11 according to this embodiment. In this embodiment, the hydraulic control device 11 is mounted on the brake system 10. The brake system 10 is mounted on a vehicle 1 such as a four-wheeled automobile. The hydraulic control device 11 may be mounted on other systems or devices. Also, the brake system 10 may be mounted on other devices such as a motorcycle.

[0011] The brake system 10 includes a hydraulic control device 11, a plurality of wheel cylinders 12, a fluid tank 13, and an external device 14. The brake system 10 may further include brake pads, sensors, and various other components.

[0012] The hydraulic control device 11 controls, for example, the pressure (hydraulic pressure) of the fluid (working fluid) in at least one of the multiple wheel cylinders 12. Each of the multiple wheel cylinders 12, for example, uses hydraulic pressure to press the brake pad against the disc rotor, thereby generating braking force for the vehicle 1.

[0013] The fluid tank 13 stores the fluid. The external device 14 is, for example, the electronic control unit (ECU) of the brake system 10, various sensors, or a power supply. Note that the external device 14 may be other devices.

[0014] The hydraulic control device 11 includes a housing 21, two electric cylinders 22 and 23, a reservoir 24, an electronic control unit (ECU) 25, and a number of pipes 26 and 27. The hydraulic control device 11 may further include other components such as a number of solenoid valves. The hydraulic control device 11 may also have one electric cylinder or three or more electric cylinders.

[0015] As shown in each drawing, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are defined herein for convenience. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are orthogonal to each other. The X-axis is provided along the width of the hydraulic control device 11. The Y-axis is provided along the depth of the hydraulic control device 11. The Z-axis is provided along the height of the hydraulic control device 11.

[0016] Furthermore, the X, Y, and Z directions are defined herein. The X direction is a direction along the X axis and includes the +X direction indicated by the X-axis arrow and the -X direction which is the opposite direction of the X-axis arrow. The Y direction is a direction along the Y axis and includes the +Y direction indicated by the Y-axis arrow and the -Y direction which is the opposite direction of the Y-axis arrow. The Z direction is a direction along the Z axis and includes the +Z direction indicated by the Z-axis arrow and the -Z direction which is the opposite direction of the Z-axis arrow.

[0017] The Z direction is the vertical direction of vehicle 1. For example, the Z direction is the vertical direction when vehicle 1 is positioned on a horizontal plane. Note that the Z direction may also be a direction that is inclined at an angle to the vertical direction. The +Z direction is upward, and the -Z direction is downward.

[0018] - The -Y direction is an example of the first direction and is a direction that intersects (is orthogonal) to the Z direction. - The -X direction is an example of the second direction and is a direction that intersects (is orthogonal) to the Z direction and also intersects (is orthogonal) to the -Y direction. Note that the first direction and the second direction are not limited to these examples. For example, at least one of the first direction and the second direction may be a direction that intersects obliquely with respect to the vertical direction.

[0019] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the hydraulic control device 11 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a left side view showing the hydraulic control device 11 of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a right side view showing the hydraulic control device 11 of the present embodiment.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the housing 21 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Note that the housing 21 may be formed in other shapes. The housing 21 has an upper surface 21a, a front surface 21b, a rear surface 21c, and a left surface 21d shown in FIG. 3, and a right surface 21e shown in FIG. 1.

[0021] The front surface 21b is an example of the first outer surface. The rear surface 21c is an example of the second outer surface. The left surface 21d is an example of the third outer surface. The right surface 21e is an example of the fourth outer surface. Note that the front, rear, left, and right in the present embodiment are for convenience of naming and do not limit the direction, position, and usage mode.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the upper surface 21a is provided at the +Z direction (upward) end of the housing 21. The upper surface 21a is formed substantially flat and faces in the +Z direction. Note that the upper surface 21a may face in a direction obliquely inclined with respect to the +Z direction.

[0023] The front surface 21b, the rear surface 21c, the left surface 21d, and the right surface 21e each extend in the substantially -Z direction from the edge of the upper surface 21a. The front surface 21b, the rear surface 21c, the left surface 21d, and the right surface 21e are each formed substantially flat.

[0024] The front 21b faces in the -Y direction. The back 21c is located opposite the front 21b and faces in the +Y direction. The left side 21d faces in the -X direction. The right side 21e is located opposite the left side 21d and faces in the +X direction.

[0025] In this embodiment, the front surface 21b and the back surface 21c are each formed in a substantially square shape. That is, in the front surface 21b and the back surface 21c, the length in the X direction and the length in the Z direction are substantially equal.

[0026] On the other hand, the upper surface 21a is formed in a substantially rectangular shape extending in the X direction. That is, on the upper surface 21a, the length in the X direction is longer than the length in the Y direction. Therefore, the length (width) of the housing 21 in the X direction is longer than the length (depth) of the housing 21 in the Y direction.

[0027] Furthermore, the left surface 21d and the right surface 21e are formed as roughly rectangular shapes extending in the Z direction. That is, on the left surface 21d and the right surface 21e, the length in the Z direction is longer than the length in the Y direction. Therefore, the length (height) of the housing 21 in the Z direction is longer than the length (depth) of the housing 21 in the Y direction.

[0028] The shape and dimensions (length) of the housing 21 described above are examples in this embodiment. The shape and length of the housing 21 are not limited to the examples in this embodiment. For example, the housing 21 may be a cube or may include curved surfaces.

[0029] Furthermore, the front 21b, back 21c, left 21d, and right 21e are not limited to the examples above. For example, the front 21b, back 21c, left 21d, and right 21e may be oriented in a direction that is oblique to the X and Y directions. Also, other surfaces may be interposed between two of the top 21a, front 21b, back 21c, left 21d, and right 21e.

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the hydraulic control device 11 of this embodiment along the line F5-F5 in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 5, the housing 21 is provided with two fitting holes 31, 32, two output ports 33, 34, and a reservoir port 35.

[0031] The fitting holes 31 and 32 each penetrate the housing 21 in the X direction, for example. That is, the fitting holes 31 and 32 open on the left side 21d and the right side 21e, respectively. The fitting holes 31 and 32 are aligned in the Z direction. The fitting hole 32 is spaced apart from the fitting hole 31 in the -Z direction.

[0032] Output ports 33 and 34 are provided on the front surface 21b. For example, output port 33 connects the front surface 21b to the fitting hole 31. Output port 34 connects the front surface 21b to the fitting hole 32. Alternatively, output ports 33 and 34 may connect the front surface 21b to the fitting holes 31 and 32 via other components or the outside of the housing 21.

[0033] As shown in Figure 1, output port 33 is connected to one wheel cylinder 12 via piping 26. Output port 34 is connected to another wheel cylinder 12 via piping 27. Various components such as valves may be provided in piping 26 and 27.

[0034] Output port 34 is spaced apart from output port 33 in the -Z direction. The distance between output port 33 and the mating hole 31 is approximately equal to the distance between output port 34 and the mating hole 32. Note that output ports 33 and 34 may be located in other positions.

[0035] The reservoir port 35 is located on the front surface 21b. In the Z direction, the reservoir port 35 is located between the fitting hole 31 and the fitting hole 32. The reservoir port 35 may be located in other positions as well.

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a part of the hydraulic control device 11 of this embodiment along the line F6-F6 in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 6, the housing 21 is further provided with a recess 36, a screw hole 37, and a hole 38.

[0037] The recess 36 is a notch that opens to the upper surface 21a and the front surface 21b. That is, the recess 36 is provided on the upper surface 21a. The recess 36 may also be a depression spaced apart from the front surface 21b.

[0038] The screw hole 37 communicates with the recess 36. For example, the screw hole 37 extends in the -Z direction from the bottom of the recess 36 in the -Z direction. The screw hole 37 is provided with an internal thread (nut thread).

[0039] The hole 38 is provided on the front surface 21b. For example, the hole 38 is located below the reservoir port 35 and is recessed from the front surface 21b. The hole 38 may be located in other positions. Also, multiple holes 38 may be provided on the front surface 21b.

[0040] As shown in Figure 5, the electric cylinders 22 and 23 are substantially identical devices. However, the electric cylinders 22 and 23 may be different from each other. Each of the electric cylinders 22 and 23 has a motor 41 and a hydraulic pressure generating unit 42. The motor 41 and hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 of electric cylinder 22 are an example of a first motor and a first hydraulic pressure generating unit. The motor 41 and hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 of electric cylinder 23 are an example of a second motor and a second hydraulic pressure generating unit.

[0041] The motor 41 is mounted on the left side 21d of the housing 21. The motor 41 of the electric cylinder 22 or electric cylinder 23 may be mounted on the right side 21e. The motor 41 comprises a motor body 51, a shaft 52, and a flange 53.

[0042] The motor body 51 is located at least partially outside the housing 21. The motor body 51 of the electric cylinder 22 covers the fitting hole 31. The motor body 51 of the electric cylinder 23 covers the fitting hole 32. Therefore, the motor 41 of the electric cylinder 23 is located below the motor 41 of the electric cylinder 22. The motor body 51 has a stator, a rotor, and a case that houses the stator and rotor. The motor body 51 may further have other components such as sensors.

[0043] The shaft 52 is coupled to the rotor of the motor body 51. The shaft 52 protrudes from the motor body 51 in the +X direction. The shaft 52 of the electric cylinder 22 is located inside the fitting hole 31. The shaft 52 of the electric cylinder 23 is located inside the fitting hole 32.

[0044] The shaft 52 extends along the axis Ax of the motor 41. The axis Ax is, for example, the central axis of the shaft 52 and extends in the X direction. Note that the axis Ax includes not only the central axis inside the shaft 52 but also the extension of that central axis. The motor 41 rotates the shaft 52 around the axis Ax when an electrical signal is supplied to the stator of the motor body 51.

[0045] The flange 53 protrudes from the case of the motor body 51 in a direction approximately perpendicular to the axis Ax. The flange 53 is supported on the left side 21d. For example, a gasket is interposed between the flange 53 and the left side 21d to create a watertight seal between the flange 53 and the left side 21d. The flange 53 is attached to the left side 21d, for example, by screws. This holds the motor 41 in the housing 21.

[0046] The motor 41 may be attached to the left side 21d by other means. For example, the motor body 51 may be attached to the left side 21d by being fitted into a fitting hole 31 or fitting hole 32 so as to protrude from the left side 21d.

[0047] The hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 includes, for example, a cylinder 61, a linear motion member 62, a rotating member 63, a seal 64, and a reduction mechanism 65. The hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 may further include other components.

[0048] The cylinder 61 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending along the axis Ax. The end of the cylinder 61 in the +X direction is closed. The cylinder 61 of the electric cylinder 22 is held in the housing 21 by being fitted into the fitting hole 31. The cylinder 61 of the electric cylinder 23 is held in the housing 21 by being fitted into the fitting hole 32. For this reason, the hydraulic pressure generating section 42 of the electric cylinder 23 is located below the hydraulic pressure generating section 42 of the electric cylinder 22.

[0049] A portion of the cylinder 61 protrudes from the right side surface 21e. Therefore, a portion of the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 is provided on the right side surface 21e. Alternatively, the entire cylinder 61 may be located inside the housing 21.

[0050] The cylinder 61 has an inner circumferential surface 61a. The inner circumferential surface 61a is a cylindrical curved surface that extends along the axis Ax and faces the axis Ax. The inner circumferential surface 61a defines the internal space 67 of the cylinder 61. The linear motion member 62, the rotating member 63, the seal 64, and the reduction mechanism 65 are located in the internal space 67 of the cylinder 61.

[0051] The linear motion member 62 is positioned in the internal space 67 so as to be movable in the axial direction along the axis Ax. The linear motion member 62 is restricted from rotating about the axis Ax by, for example, the locking of protrusions and recesses. The linear motion member 62 has, for example, a piston 71 and a screw shaft 72.

[0052] The piston 71 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, for example, extending along the axis Ax. The screw shaft 72 extends from the piston 71 in a substantially -X direction along the axis Ax. The screw shaft 72 is provided with an external thread (bolt thread).

[0053] The piston 71 partitions a portion of the internal space 67 of the cylinder 61 as a fluid chamber 68. The fluid chamber 68 is located between the piston 71 and the end of the cylinder 61 in the +X direction. The seal 64 seals the gap between the inner circumferential surface 61a of the cylinder 61 and the piston 71.

[0054] As schematically shown by the dashed line in Figure 5, output port 33 communicates with the liquid chamber 68 of the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 of the electric cylinder 22. Output port 34 communicates with the liquid chamber 68 of the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 of the electric cylinder 23.

[0055] By moving in the +X direction, the piston 71 reduces the volume of the fluid chamber 68. This allows the electric cylinders 22 and 23 to increase the hydraulic pressure in the fluid chamber 68 and the wheel cylinder 12.

[0056] Meanwhile, the piston 71 moves in the -X direction, thereby increasing the volume of the fluid chamber 68. This allows the electric cylinders 22 and 23 to reduce the hydraulic pressure in the fluid chamber 68 and the wheel cylinder 12.

[0057] The rotating member 63 has a nut 75. The nut 75 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending along the axis Ax. The nut 75 is provided with an internal thread. The nut 75 is attached to the screw shaft 72 by the internal thread of the nut 75 engaging with the external thread of the screw shaft 72. The hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 may have a ball screw with a ball interposed between the screw shaft 72 and the nut 75. Alternatively, the linear motion member 62 may have a nut and the rotating member 63 may have a screw shaft.

[0058] The reduction gear 65 is provided between the motor 41 and the rotating member 63. The reduction gear 65 transmits rotation between the shaft 52 of the motor 41 and the rotating member 63 of the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42. The reduction gear 65 is, for example, a planetary gear mechanism and has a sun gear, a planetary carrier, a plurality of planetary gears, and a ring gear.

[0059] The sun gear is mounted on the shaft 52. The planetary carrier is attached to the nut 75. Multiple planetary gears are mounted on the planetary carrier spaced apart from each other around the axis Ax. The ring gear is mounted on the cylinder 61.

[0060] The reduction mechanism 65 may be provided on the motor 41, or it may be another reduction mechanism. Alternatively, the reduction mechanism 65 may be omitted, and the shaft 52 of the motor 41 may be directly coupled to the rotating member 63.

[0061] The motor 41 rotates the shaft 52, causing the rotating member 63 to rotate around the axis Ax via the reduction mechanism 65. As a result, the linear member 62 moves in the +X direction or the -X direction depending on the rotation direction of the shaft 52, pressurizing or depressurizing the fluid in the fluid chamber 68. In other words, the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 is driven by the motor 41 to pressurize or depressurize the fluid.

[0062] The motor 41 and the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 are arranged coaxially. Specifically, the shaft 52 of the motor 41 and the linear motion member 62 and rotating member 63 of the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 are arranged coaxially. That is, the central axis of the shaft 52, the central axis of the linear motion member 62, and the central axis of the rotating member 63 substantially coincide with the axis Ax. In addition, the shaft 52 and the rotating member 63 rotate around the axis Ax.

[0063] The hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 is positioned coaxially with the motor 41, so that it lies on the axis Ax of the motor 41. However, as long as the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 is positioned on the axis Ax of the motor 41, the motor 41 and the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 do not need to be coaxial.

[0064] The axis Ax of electric cylinder 22 and the axis Ax of electric cylinder 23 are parallel to each other. Furthermore, the axis Ax of electric cylinders 22 and 23 extends parallel to the front surface 21b and the rear surface 21c, and also extends through the left surface 21d and the right surface 21e. Therefore, the axis Ax of electric cylinders 22 and 23 extends through the portion of the housing 21 between the front surface 21b and the rear surface 21c, and is spaced apart from the front surface 21b and the rear surface 21c. In other words, the axis Ax does not pass through either the front surface 21b or the rear surface 21c.

[0065] The distance between the axis Ax and the front surface 21b in the electric cylinder 22 is approximately equal to the distance between the axis Ax and the front surface 21b in the electric cylinder 23. Similarly, the distance between the axis Ax and the rear surface 21c in the electric cylinder 22 is approximately equal to the distance between the axis Ax and the rear surface 21c in the electric cylinder 23.

[0066] The axis Ax may extend diagonally with respect to the X direction. That is, the axis Ax does not have to be parallel to the front surface 21b and the back surface 21c. Also, the axis Ax in electric cylinder 22 and the axis Ax in electric cylinder 23 do not have to be parallel. However, the axis Ax extends so as not to pass through either the front surface 21b or the back surface 21c.

[0067] As shown in Figure 6, the reservoir 24 has a reservoir body 81, an upper projection 82, a lower projection 83, and a fitting tube 84. The upper projection 82 is an example of a fitting portion. The reservoir body 81 is formed in the shape of a rectangular box. However, the reservoir body 81 may be formed in other shapes.

[0068] The reservoir body 81 is supported on the front surface 21b of the housing 21. That is, the reservoir 24 is positioned on the front surface 21b. The front surface 21b faces the reservoir 24. Other components may be positioned between the reservoir 24 and the front surface 21b.

[0069] The upper projection 82, the lower projection 83, and the fitting tube 84 protrude from the reservoir body 81 in approximately the +Y direction. The upper projection 82 is provided, for example, at the end of the reservoir 24 in the +Z direction. The upper projection 82 fits into a recess 36 that opens on the front surface 21b.

[0070] The upper projection 82 fits into the recess 36, thereby restricting the movement of the reservoir 24 in the +X, -X, and -Z directions. The +X, -X, and -Z directions are directions along the front surface 21b.

[0071] In the Z direction, the thickness of the upper projection 82 is less than the depth of the recess 36. Therefore, the upper projection 82 is housed in the recess 36 and does not protrude from the upper surface 21a. Note that the upper projection 82 is not limited to this example. For example, the upper projection 82 may partially protrude from the upper surface 21a. Alternatively, the recess 36 may be omitted, and the upper projection 82 may be placed on the upper surface 21a.

[0072] The upper projection 82 is attached to the housing 21, for example, by a screw 85. The screw 85 passes through the upper projection 82 and is fitted into the screw hole 37. This holds the reservoir 24 in place in the housing 21. The reservoir 24 may also be attached to other parts of the housing 21.

[0073] The lower projection 83 is located below the upper projection 82. For example, the lower projection 83 is provided at the end of the reservoir 24 in the -Z direction. The lower projection 83 fits into the hole 38. By fitting into the hole 38, the lower projection 83 restricts the movement of the reservoir 24 in the X and Z directions.

[0074] The fitting tube 84 is located below the upper projection 82. For example, the fitting tube 84 is located near the end of the reservoir 24 in the -Z direction. The fitting tube 84 fits into the reservoir port 35 which opens to the front 21b. For example, a grommet 86 seals the gap between the housing 21 and the fitting tube 84 in a watertight manner.

[0075] The upper projection 82 is attached to the housing 21, and the resulting moment presses the end of the reservoir body 81 in the -Z direction against the front surface 21b. This allows the front surface 21b to stably support the reservoir 24. Furthermore, the lower projection 83 and the fitting tube 84 are prevented from coming out of the hole 38 and the reservoir port 35.

[0076] The reservoir 24 is provided with a reservoir chamber 91 as shown in Figure 6 and two ports 92 and 93 as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 6, the reservoir chamber 91 is located inside the reservoir body 81. The reservoir 24 stores fluid in the reservoir chamber 91. The capacity of the reservoir 24 is smaller than the capacity of the fluid tank 13.

[0077] Port 92 is provided in the fitting pipe 84 and communicates with the end of the reservoir chamber 91 in the -Z direction. Port 92 connects the reservoir chamber 91 and the reservoir port 35. The reservoir port 35 communicates with the liquid chamber 68, for example, via a solenoid valve. That is, the reservoir 24 is connected to the liquid chamber 68 of the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 of the electric cylinder 22. Also, the reservoir 24 is connected to the liquid chamber 68 of the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 of the electric cylinder 23.

[0078] When the solenoid valve is opened, the reservoir chamber 91 and the liquid chamber 68 are in communication with each other. When the solenoid valve is closed, the connection between the reservoir chamber 91 and the liquid chamber 68 is blocked. The reservoir port 35 may also be in direct communication with the liquid chamber 68. Alternatively, the connection between the reservoir chamber 91 and the liquid chamber 68 may be blocked or blocked by, for example, a seal 64 and a piston 71.

[0079] As shown in Figure 1, port 93 is spaced apart from port 92 in the +Z direction. Port 93 is connected to the fluid tank 13, for example, via piping. The fluid can flow freely between the fluid tank 13 and the reservoir chamber 91. The fluid tank 13 is open to the atmosphere, for example. Therefore, the fluid in the fluid tank 13 and the reservoir 24 is kept at atmospheric pressure. Note that the fluid tank 13 may be omitted.

[0080] As shown in Figure 3, the ECU 25 has an ECU body 101 and a connector 102. The ECU body 101 is supported on the rear surface 21c of the housing 21. That is, the ECU 25 is positioned on the rear surface 21c. The rear surface 21c faces the ECU 25. Other components may be positioned between the ECU 25 and the rear surface 21c. The ECU body 101 is attached to the rear surface 21c, for example, by screws. In this way, the ECU 25 is held by the housing 21.

[0081] In the Z-direction, the ECU body 101 is longer than the housing 21. For example, a portion of the ECU body 101 protrudes upward beyond the upper surface 21a of the housing 21. Note that the length of the ECU body 101 is not limited to this example.

[0082] The ECU body 101 includes, for example, an electronic circuit board, various electronic components mounted on the electronic circuit board, and a case that houses the electronic circuit board and electronic components. The case may further cover, for example, the solenoid valve mentioned above.

[0083] The ECU unit 101 is electrically connected to the motor 41. The ECU unit 101 drives the motor 41 by supplying an electrical signal (current) to the stator of the motor body 51 of the motor 41. The ECU unit 101 can drive the motor 41 of the electric cylinder 22 and the motor 41 of the electric cylinder 23 individually.

[0084] The connector 102 is provided at the end of the ECU body 101 in the +Z direction. The connector 102 protrudes from the ECU body 101 in the -Y direction and is located above the upper surface 21a. That is, the connector 102 covers the upper surface 21a. Also, the connector 102 is located above the upper projection 82.

[0085] As shown in Figure 1, the connector 102 is electrically connected to the external device 14, for example, via wiring. This allows the ECU unit 101 and the external device 14 to communicate via the connector 102. The ECU unit 101 is also supplied with power through the connector 102.

[0086] For example, the ECU 25 receives commands from an external device 14, which is the ECU of the brake system 10, in accordance with the stroke of the brake pedal. The ECU 25 may also acquire signals related to the stroke of the brake pedal from the external device 14, which is a sensor.

[0087] The ECU 25 drives the motor 41 in response to the above command or signal. As a result, the hydraulic control device 11 controls the hydraulic pressure of the wheel cylinder 12, for example, in response to the driver's operation of the brake pedal.

[0088] The hydraulic control device 11 in this embodiment includes two electric cylinders 22 and 23. Therefore, one hydraulic control device 11 can control the hydraulic pressure of two wheel cylinders 12. Alternatively, each of the two electric cylinders 22 and 23 may be connected to two wheel cylinders 12. In this case, one hydraulic control device 11 can control the hydraulic pressure of four wheel cylinders 12.

[0089] In conventional hydraulic control devices, a single motor for an electric cylinder is often located on the front, along with multiple output ports. However, when multiple output ports are provided on the front, and multiple motors are arranged on the front as in this embodiment, the front surface area becomes large. In other words, the hydraulic control device becomes larger.

[0090] Furthermore, in conventional hydraulic control devices, the motor is sometimes positioned at the front and coaxially with the hydraulic pressure generating unit, while the ECU is positioned at the rear. In other words, the motor, hydraulic pressure generating unit, and ECU are arranged in the axial direction. In this case, the hydraulic control device becomes larger in the axial direction. Moreover, if the hydraulic control device is expanded axially, for example to increase its capacity, it will interfere with the ECU.

[0091] In contrast to the conventional hydraulic control devices described above, the hydraulic control device 11 of this embodiment has the motor 41 located on the left side 21d, the ECU 25 located on the rear side 21c, and the reservoir 24 located on the front side 21b. Furthermore, the hydraulic control device 11 has an output port 33 on the front side 21b.

[0092] The side on which the motor 41 is located (left side 21d) is different from the side on which the output ports 33 and 34 are provided (front side 21b). Therefore, the output ports 33 and 34 can be easily positioned in the design of the hydraulic control device 11. In addition, the connection work between the output ports 33 and 34 and the piping 26 and 27 is made easier.

[0093] A predetermined space is provided around the output ports 33 and 34 for the connection work between the output ports 33 and 34 and the piping 26 and 27. On the other hand, the reservoir 24 in this embodiment is located on the front 21b together with the output ports 33 and 34. The reservoir 24 has few constraints on shape as long as it can store fluid. In other words, the reservoir 24 has a greater degree of freedom in shape compared to the motor 41 which has a rotor and stator. For this reason, the reservoir 24 can be designed to have a reservoir chamber 91 with sufficient capacity while being located with a predetermined space away from the output ports 33 and 34.

[0094] The hydraulic control device 11 can prevent the space around the front 21b from becoming dead space by positioning the reservoir 24 on the front 21b. This improves the efficiency of the layout, for example, in the engine compartment of vehicle 1.

[0095] Because the reservoir 24 is positioned on the front 21b, both of the electric cylinders 22 and 23 are located near the reservoir 24. Therefore, in the design of the hydraulic control device 11, the flow path between the reservoir 24 and the two hydraulic generating units 42 can be easily designed.

[0096] Furthermore, if the reservoir 24 were located on the left side 21d together with the motor 41, or on the right side 21e together with the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42, the area of ​​the left side 21d and the right side 21e would increase. Also, if the reservoir 24, motor 41, and hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 were arranged in the axial direction, the hydraulic pressure control device 11 would become larger in the axial direction. However, by locating the reservoir 24 on the front side 21b rather than the left side 21d and the right side 21e, the increase in size of the hydraulic pressure control device 11 can be suppressed.

[0097] The motor 41 and the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 are arranged coaxially. However, the reservoir 24 and ECU 25 are located outside the axis Ax of the motor 41. Therefore, the hydraulic pressure control device 11 can be prevented from becoming larger in the axial direction. Furthermore, even if the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 is expanded in the axial direction, interference with the reservoir 24 and ECU 25 can be prevented.

[0098] The connector 102 is located above the upper surface 21a. On the other hand, the ECU 25, motor 41, hydraulic pressure generating unit 42, and reservoir body 81 are not located on the upper surface 21a. Therefore, the hydraulic pressure control device 11 can position the connector 102 near the upper surface 21a. Consequently, the hydraulic pressure control device 11 can avoid becoming too large in the Z direction and can be mounted, for example, in a shallow engine compartment. Furthermore, the hydraulic pressure control device 11 can reduce the length of a portion of the ECU body 101 that protrudes beyond the upper surface 21a, thereby preventing damage to the ECU body 101 due to vibration, for example. Note that the motor 41 and hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 may be located on the upper surface 21a.

[0099] In the hydraulic control device 11 according to the embodiment described above, the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 is located on the axis Ax of the motor 41. The reservoir 24 is located on the front 21b. The ECU 25 is located on the rear 21c. The axis Ax of the motor 41 extends through the portion of the housing 21 between the front 21b and the rear 21c, and is spaced apart from the front 21b and the rear 21c.

[0100] Therefore, as an example, the axis Ax of the motor 41 extends without passing through either the front 21b or the back 21c. That is, the reservoir 24 and ECU 25 can be arranged so as to be spaced apart from the axis Ax of the motor 41. As a result, the hydraulic control device 11 does not need to arrange the motor 41, the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42, and at least one of the reservoir 24 and ECU 25 side by side, and consequently, it can prevent the hydraulic control device from becoming larger in the axial direction along the axis Ax of the motor 41. Furthermore, even if the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 is expanded axially to increase its capacity, for example, the hydraulic control device 11 can prevent interference between the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 and the reservoir 24 and ECU 25.

[0101] Furthermore, the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 can be positioned to extend along the front surface 21b. Therefore, the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 can be positioned near the reservoir 24 located on the front surface 21b. Consequently, the hydraulic pressure control device 11 can shorten and simplify the flow path between the reservoir 24 and the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42, thereby preventing it from becoming larger due to the flow path design. Moreover, the reservoir 24 is positioned on the front surface 21b rather than the top surface 21a. Therefore, the hydraulic pressure control device 11 can be prevented from becoming larger in the Z direction.

[0102] Furthermore, the reservoir 24 and the motor 41 or hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 are not located on the same surface. Therefore, the hydraulic pressure control device 11 does not need to have a large surface area on its front 21b, and consequently, its size can be kept down.

[0103] The axis Ax of the motor 41 of the electric cylinder 23 extends through the portion of the housing 21 between the front 21b and the rear 21c, and is spaced apart from the front 21b and the rear 21c. The motor 41 of the electric cylinder 22 and the motor 41 of the electric cylinder 23 are each mounted on the left side 21d. The hydraulic pressure generating section 42 of the electric cylinder 23 is located below the hydraulic pressure generating section 42 of the electric cylinder 22.

[0104] Therefore, as an example, the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 of the electric cylinder 23 can be arranged to extend along the front surface 21b, alongside the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 of the electric cylinder 22. As a result, the hydraulic pressure generating units 42 of the electric cylinder 22 and the electric cylinder 23 can be arranged at approximately equal distances from the reservoir 24 located on the front surface 21b. Consequently, the hydraulic pressure control device 11 can shorten and simplify the flow path between the reservoir 24 and the hydraulic pressure generating units 42 of the electric cylinder 22 and the electric cylinder 23, thereby preventing the device from becoming larger due to the flow path design.

[0105] Output ports 33 and 34, which communicate with the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42, are provided on the front surface 21b. Therefore, for example, pipes 26 and 27 connected to the output ports 33 and 34 can extend alongside the reservoir 24. In other words, the reservoir 24 can be positioned alongside the pipes 26 and 27. A predetermined space is provided around the output ports 33 and 34 for the work of attaching the pipes 26 and 27 to the output ports 33 and 34. By positioning the reservoir 24 alongside the pipes 26 and 27 with a minimum amount of this space remaining, it is possible to prevent dead space from being created around the front surface 21b. Therefore, the hydraulic pressure control device 11 can effectively utilize the space in which it is mounted.

[0106] Furthermore, the reservoir 24 offers a high degree of design flexibility in terms of shape, as long as it can store the desired volume of fluid. For this reason, the front surface 21b allows the output ports 33 and 34 to be positioned in a way that shortens and simplifies the flow path between the output ports 33 and 34 and the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42, even while the reservoir 24 is mounted on it.

[0107] The ECU 25 is configured to connect to the external device 14 and has a connector 102 located above the top surface 21a. For example, compared to the case where the connector 102 is located below the housing 21, the connection work to the external device 14 is easier and the risk of water damage can be suppressed. Also, since the reservoir 24 is located on the front surface 21b rather than the top surface 21a, the hydraulic pressure control device 11 does not need to place the connector 102 and the reservoir 24 side by side, and consequently the size of the device in the Z direction can be suppressed.

[0108] A recess 36 is provided on the upper surface 21a. The reservoir 24 has an upper projection 82 that fits into the recess 36, thereby restricting the movement of the reservoir 24 in the direction along the upper surface 21a. For example, because the upper projection 82 fits into the recess 36, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the hydraulic control device 11 in the Z direction. Also, if the connector 102 is located above the upper surface 21a, the upper projection 82 can be prevented from interfering with the connector 102 or the external device 14, thereby making the connection work between the connector 102 and the external device 14 easier.

[0109] In the above embodiment, the hydraulic pressure generating unit 42 is included in the electric cylinder 22 (23) and has a piston 71. However, the hydraulic pressure generating unit may be a pump. When the pump is arranged coaxially with the motor 41, the rotor of the pump and the shaft 52 of the motor 41 are arranged coaxially. Note that the pump does not need to be arranged coaxially with the motor 41 as long as it is located on the axis Ax of the motor 41.

[0110] A hydraulic control device according to at least one embodiment described above, as an example, comprises a first motor, a first hydraulic pressure generating unit located on the axis of the first motor and configured to pressurize fluid when driven by the first motor, a reservoir configured to store the fluid and connected to the first hydraulic pressure generating unit, an electronic control unit configured to drive the first motor, and a housing that holds the first motor, the first hydraulic pressure generating unit, the reservoir, and the electronic control unit, wherein the housing has an upper surface provided at the upper end of the housing, a first outer surface facing a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, and a second outer surface located on the opposite side of the first outer surface, the reservoir is arranged on the first outer surface, the electronic control unit is arranged on the second outer surface, and the axis of the first motor extends through the portion of the housing between the first outer surface and the second outer surface and is spaced apart from the first outer surface and the second outer surface. Therefore, as an example, the axis of the first motor extends without passing through either the first outer surface or the second outer surface. That is, the reservoir and electronic control unit can be arranged so as to be spaced apart from the axis of the first motor. This eliminates the need for the hydraulic control device to arrange the first motor, the first hydraulic pressure generating unit, and at least one of the reservoir and electronic control unit side by side, thereby preventing the device from becoming larger in the axial direction along the axis of the first motor. Furthermore, even if the first hydraulic pressure generating unit is expanded axially to increase its capacity, for example, interference between the first hydraulic pressure generating unit and the reservoir and electronic control unit can be prevented.

[0111] Furthermore, the first hydraulic pressure generating unit may be positioned to extend along the first outer surface. Therefore, the first hydraulic pressure generating unit can be positioned near a reservoir located on the first outer surface. Consequently, the hydraulic pressure control device can shorten and simplify the flow path between the reservoir and the first hydraulic pressure generating unit, thereby preventing the device from becoming excessively large due to the flow path design. Moreover, the reservoir is positioned on the first outer surface rather than the top surface. Therefore, the hydraulic pressure control device can be prevented from becoming excessively large in the vertical direction.

[0112] Furthermore, the reservoir and the first motor or the first hydraulic pressure generating unit are not located on the same surface. Therefore, the hydraulic pressure control device does not need to have a large surface area on its first outer surface, and consequently, its size can be kept from increasing.

[0113] As an example, the above-described hydraulic control device further comprises a second motor and a second hydraulic pressure generating unit located on the axis of the second motor and configured to pressurize the fluid when driven by the second motor, the housing further comprises a third outer surface facing a second direction that intersects the vertical direction and the first direction, and a fourth outer surface located on the opposite side of the third outer surface, and holds the second motor and the second hydraulic pressure generating unit, the reservoir is connected to the second hydraulic pressure generating unit, the axis of the second motor extends through the portion of the housing between the first outer surface and the second outer surface and is spaced apart from the first outer surface and the second outer surface, the first motor and the second motor are each attached to the third outer surface or the fourth outer surface, and the second hydraulic pressure generating unit is located below the first hydraulic pressure generating unit. Therefore, as an example, the second hydraulic pressure generating unit may be arranged alongside the first hydraulic pressure generating unit, extending along the first outer surface. Thus, the first and second hydraulic pressure generating units can be positioned at approximately equidistant distances from the reservoir located on the first outer surface. Consequently, the hydraulic pressure control device can shorten and simplify the flow path between the reservoir and the first and second hydraulic pressure generating units, thereby preventing the device from becoming oversized due to flow path design.

[0114] In the hydraulic control device described above, as an example, an output port communicating with the first hydraulic pressure generating unit is provided on the first outer surface. Therefore, as an example, the piping connected to the output port can extend alongside the reservoir. In other words, the reservoir can be positioned alongside the piping. A predetermined space is provided around the output port for the work of attaching the piping to the output port. By positioning the reservoir alongside the piping with, for example, a minimum amount of such space remaining, it is possible to prevent dead space from being created around the first outer surface. Therefore, the hydraulic control device can effectively utilize the space in which it is mounted.

[0115] Furthermore, the reservoir offers a high degree of design flexibility in terms of shape, as long as it can store the desired volume of fluid. Therefore, the first outer surface can accommodate the output port in a position that shortens and simplifies the flow path between the output port and the first hydraulic pressure generating unit, even while the reservoir is mounted.

[0116] In the above-described hydraulic control device, for example, the electronic control unit is configured to connect to an external device and has a connector located above the top surface. Therefore, for example, compared to the case where the connector is located below the housing, the connection work to the external device is easier and the risk of water damage can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the reservoir is located on the first outer surface rather than the top surface, the hydraulic control device does not need to have the connector and reservoir placed side by side, and consequently, the size of the device in the vertical direction can be suppressed.

[0117] In the above-described hydraulic control device, as an example, a recess is provided on the upper surface, and the reservoir has a fitting portion that restricts the movement of the reservoir in the direction along the upper surface by fitting into the recess. Therefore, as an example, because the fitting portion fits into the recess, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the hydraulic control device in the vertical direction. Furthermore, if a connector is located above the upper surface, the fitting portion can be prevented from interfering with the connector or external device, thereby making the connection work between the connector and the external device easier.

[0118] Although embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated above, these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the configurations and shapes of each embodiment and modification can be partially replaced. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 11...Hydraulic control device, 14...External device, 21...Housing, 21a...Top surface, 21b...Front (first outer surface), 21c...Rear (second outer surface), 21d...Left side (third outer surface), 21e...Right side (fourth outer surface), 24...Reservoir, 25...Electronic control unit (ECU), 33...Output port, 36...Recess, 41...Motor (first motor, second motor), 42...Hydraulic pressure generating unit (first hydraulic pressure generating unit, second hydraulic pressure generating unit), 82...Upper projection (fitting part), 102...Connector, Ax...Axis.

Claims

1. The first motor and A first hydraulic pressure generating unit is located on the axis of the first motor and is configured to pressurize the fluid when driven by the first motor, A reservoir configured to store the aforementioned fluid and connected to the first hydraulic pressure generating unit, An electronic control unit configured to drive the first motor, A housing that holds the first motor, the first hydraulic pressure generating unit, the reservoir, and the electronic control unit, It is equipped with, The housing has an upper surface provided at the upper end of the housing, a first outer surface facing a first direction intersecting the vertical direction, and a second outer surface located on the opposite side of the first outer surface. The reservoir is located on the first outer surface, The electronic control unit is arranged on the second outer surface, The axis of the first motor extends through the portion of the housing between the first outer surface and the second outer surface, and is spaced apart from the first outer surface and the second outer surface. Hydraulic pressure control device.

2. The second motor, A second hydraulic pressure generating unit is located on the axis of the second motor and is configured to pressurize the fluid when driven by the second motor, Furthermore, it is equipped with, The housing further has a third outer surface facing a second direction that intersects the vertical direction and the first direction, and a fourth outer surface located on the opposite side of the third outer surface, and holds the second motor and the second hydraulic pressure generating unit. The reservoir is connected to the second hydraulic pressure generating unit, The axis of the second motor extends through the portion of the housing between the first outer surface and the second outer surface, and is spaced apart from the first outer surface and the second outer surface. The first motor and the second motor are each mounted on the third outer surface or the fourth outer surface, The second hydraulic pressure generating unit is located below the first hydraulic pressure generating unit. A hydraulic pressure control device according to claim 1.

3. An output port communicating with the first hydraulic pressure generating unit is provided on the first outer surface. A hydraulic pressure control device according to claim 1.

4. The electronic control unit is configured to be connected to an external device and has a connector located above the top surface. A hydraulic pressure control device according to claim 1.

5. A recess is provided on the upper surface, The reservoir has a fitting portion that, by fitting into the recess, restricts the movement of the reservoir in the direction along the upper surface. A hydraulic pressure control device according to claim 1.

Images