Brake device

Abstract

To obtain, as one example, a brake device in which total amount of storable brake fluid can be increased.SOLUTION: A brake device comprises as one example a container and a guide portion. The container comprises; an inner flow channel which is positioned below a pump capable of transporting brake fluid in a hydraulic circuit and is positioned in a vertical clearance between the pump or a first component and a second component; an introduction passage which opens to the inner flow channel and is communicated with an exhaust passage arranged on the pump outside the hydraulic circuit; and a storage chamber which recesses downward from the inner flow channel at a position apart from the introduction passage in a horizontal direction, wherein the container can receive from the introduction passage, the brake fluid leaked into the exhaust passage from the hydraulic circuit in the inner flow channel. The guide portion is arranged in the container, and guides the brake fluid at a position between the introduction passage and the storage chamber in the inner flow channel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, in a hydraulic circuit of a braking device, a pump for transporting brake fluid may be provided. For example, various pumps such as a piston pump and a gear pump transport brake fluid.

[0003] In the pump, for example, a packing seals between the hydraulic circuit and the outside. However, the brake fluid in the hydraulic circuit may leak past the packing. For example, there is known a braking device provided with a space capable of storing the leaked brake fluid in order to prevent the leaked brake fluid from exiting the pump (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the conventional configuration, since the space capable of storing the leaked brake fluid is provided inside the pump, the volume of the space may be limited. Even when the space is provided outside the pump, the shape and arrangement of the space are restricted by the pump and other components, and the volume of the space may be limited.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a braking device capable of increasing the total amount of brake fluid that can be stored.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The braking device according to an embodiment of the present invention is, as an example, located below a pump capable of transporting the brake fluid of a hydraulic circuit, and is located in a vertical gap between the pump or a first component and a second component. It is provided with an internal flow path, an introduction path that opens into the internal flow path and communicates with a discharge path provided in the pump outside the hydraulic circuit, and a storage chamber that is recessed downward from the internal flow path at a position separated from the introduction path in the horizontal direction. A container capable of receiving the brake fluid leaked from the hydraulic circuit to the discharge path from the introduction path to the internal flow path, and a guide portion provided in the container for guiding the brake fluid between the introduction path and the storage chamber in the internal flow path are provided. , the container has an upper surface of the internal flow path facing downward and a lower surface of the internal flow path facing upward and facing the upper surface, and the guide portion is connected to at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface and has a wall extending between the introduction path and the storage chamber. Therefore, as an example, the braking device can increase the total amount of brake fluid that the container can store.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] (First Embodiment) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. In this specification, basically, vertically upward is defined as the upward direction, and vertically downward is defined as the downward direction. Also, in this specification, the components according to the embodiment and the description of the elements may be described in a plurality of expressions. The components and their descriptions are examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components may be specified by different names from those in this specification. Also, the components may be described by expressions different from those in this specification.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a brake device 10 according to the first embodiment. The brake device 10 is mounted on a vehicle 1 such as an automobile. Note that the brake device 10 may be mounted on other vehicles. The brake device 10 of the present embodiment is, for example, a hydraulic brake. Note that the energy transmission medium in the brake device 10 is not limited to oil and may be other liquids.

[0011] The brake device 10 includes a brake pedal 11, a brake ECU (electronic control unit) 12, and a hydraulic circuit 13. A master cylinder 14, wheel cylinders 15 for the front and rear wheels, and a pump 16 are provided in the hydraulic circuit 13. Note that the brake device 10 is not limited to this example.

[0012] The brake device 10 transports the brake fluid BF in the hydraulic circuit 13 and pressurizes or depressurizes the wheel cylinder 15 according to the operation of the brake pedal 11 or the control of the brake ECU 12. The wheel cylinder 15 brakes the corresponding front or rear wheel when pressurized.

[0013] The pump 16 is a so-called ESC (electric stability control) actuator and can individually adjust the hydraulic pressure of the wheel cylinder 15 according to the control of the brake ECU 12. The pump 16 performs various controls such as, for example, ABS (anti-lock braking system) control, skid prevention control, and traction control according to the control of the brake ECU 12.

[0014] As shown in the respective drawings, in this specification, for convenience, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are defined. The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis are perpendicular to each other. The X-axis is provided along the width of the pump 16. The Y-axis is provided along the depth of the pump 16. The Z-axis is provided along the height of the pump 16.

[0015] Furthermore, in this specification, the X-direction, Y-direction, and Z-direction are defined. The X-direction is the direction along the X-axis, including the +X direction indicated by the arrow of the X-axis and the -X direction opposite to the direction of the arrow of the X-axis. The Y-direction is the direction along the Y-axis, including the +Y direction indicated by the arrow of the Y-axis and the -Y direction opposite to the direction of the arrow of the Y-axis. The Z-direction is the direction along the Z-axis, including the +Z direction indicated by the arrow of the Z-axis and the -Z direction opposite to the direction of the arrow of the Z-axis.

[0016] The pump 16 of this embodiment is arranged such that when the vehicle 1 is located on a horizontal ground and stationary, the +Z direction is vertically upward and the -Z direction is vertically downward. Note that the arrangement of the pump 16 is not limited to this example. The +Z direction and -Z direction may be inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0017] Also, the vertical direction and horizontal direction in this embodiment include directions slightly inclined with respect to the strict vertical direction and horizontal direction. For example, the horizontal direction in this embodiment may be inclined by up to a certain angle (for example, about 2°) with respect to the strict horizontal direction orthogonal to the strict vertical direction in which gravity acts.

[0018] The pump 16 is, for example, a piston pump. Note that the pump 16 may be other pumps such as a gear pump. The pump 16 has a housing 21, a plurality of pistons 22, a cam 23, a motor 24, and a plurality of seal members 25.

[0019] The housing 21 is provided with a liquid chamber 31, a cam chamber 32, and a discharge passage 33. The liquid chamber 31 is part of the hydraulic circuit 13. The piston 22 is slidably arranged across the liquid chamber 31 and the cam chamber 32.

[0020] The cam 23 is disposed in the cam chamber 32 so as to be able to contact the piston 22. The cam 23 is connected to, for example, the drive shaft of the motor 24. When the motor 24 controlled by the brake ECU 12 rotates the cam 23, the piston 22 in contact with the cam 23 slides. The sliding piston 22 transports the brake fluid BF in the fluid chamber 31 (hydraulic circuit 13).

[0021] The seal member 25 is attached to the piston 22, for example, and seals between the piston 22 and the inner surface of the housing 21. Thereby, the piston 22 and the seal member 25 seal between the fluid chamber 31 and the cam chamber 32, and suppress the brake fluid BF in the fluid chamber 31 from leaking into the cam chamber 32. However, due to the sliding of the piston 22, the brake fluid BF in the fluid chamber 31 may leak into the cam chamber 32 beyond the seal member 25.

[0022] The discharge passage 33 is provided in the housing 21 outside the fluid chamber 31 (hydraulic circuit 13) and communicates the cam chamber 32 with the outside of the housing 21. The discharge passage 33 extends downward from the cam chamber 32, for example, and opens to the lower surface 21a of the housing 21 facing downward. Note that the shape of the discharge passage 33 is not limited to this example. The discharge passage 33 discharges the brake fluid BF that has leaked from the fluid chamber 31 into the cam chamber 32.

[0023] The brake device 10 of the present embodiment further includes a bracket 41 and a container 42. The bracket 41 is an example of a second component. Note that the second component is not limited to the bracket 41 and may be other components.

[0024] The bracket 41 attaches the pump 16 to the vehicle body of the vehicle 1. For example, a part of the bracket 41 is fixed to the housing 21 of the pump 16, and another part of the bracket 41 is fixed to the vehicle body of the vehicle 1.

[0025] The bracket 41 has a horizontal plate 51 located below the housing 21 of the pump 16. The horizontal plate 51 is formed, for example, in a plate shape that extends in the horizontal direction. The horizontal plate 51 has an upper surface 51a that faces upward.

[0026] The housing 21 of the pump 16 and the horizontal plate 51 of the bracket 41 are vertically spaced apart from each other. For this reason, a vertical gap G1 is provided between the lower surface 21a of the housing 21 and the upper surface 51a of the horizontal plate 51.

[0027] The gap G1 extends horizontally between the housing 21 of the pump 16 and the horizontal plate 51 of the bracket 41. For this reason, the length of the gap G1 in the Z direction (vertical direction) is shorter than the length of the gap G1 in the X direction or the Y direction (horizontal direction).

[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the container 42 of the first embodiment. The container 42 is made of, for example, metal. The container 42 is at least partially disposed in the gap G1. For this reason, at least a part of the container 42 is located below the pump 16. The container 42 has a casing 61, an introduction pipe 62, and a storage tank 63. Note that the container 42 is not limited to this example.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1, the casing 61 is disposed in the gap G1 and is formed in a box shape that extends horizontally in the gap G1. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the casing 61 of the present embodiment is provided with a through hole 65 that penetrates the casing 61 in the vertical direction. For example, a part of the bracket 41 passes through the through hole 65 and supports the housing 21 of the pump 16.

[0030] The casing 61 has an upper wall 71, a lower wall 72, and an outer wall 73 shown in FIG. 1, and an inner wall 74 shown in FIG. 2. The outer wall 73 and the inner wall 74 are an example of walls.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the upper wall 71 and the lower wall 72 are each formed in a plate shape extending in the horizontal direction. The upper wall 71 is spaced upward from the lower wall 72. Therefore, the upper wall 71 and the lower wall 72 are arranged substantially parallel to each other.

[0032] The outer wall 73 is connected to the outer edges of the upper wall 71 and the lower wall 72. The inner wall 74 is connected to the inner edges of the upper wall 71 and the lower wall 72. The outer wall 73 and the inner wall 74 extend in the vertical direction.

[0033] An internal flow path 75 is provided inside the casing 61. The internal flow path 75 is a space in which the brake fluid BF can flow inside and the brake fluid BF can be stored. The internal flow path 75 extends in the horizontal direction. In other words, the internal flow path 75 extends in the horizontal direction.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the container 42 of the first embodiment with the upper wall 71 omitted. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the casing 61 has an upper surface 75a, a lower surface 75b, and side surfaces 75c, 75d of the internal flow path 75.

[0035] The upper surface 75a is the inner surface of the internal flow path 75 provided on the upper wall 71 and faces downward. The lower surface 75b is the inner surface of the internal flow path 75 provided on the lower wall 72 and faces upward. The upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b face each other with a space therebetween. The upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b extend horizontally in parallel to each other.

[0036] The side surface 75c is the inner surface of the internal flow path 75 provided on the outer wall 73. The side surface 75d is the inner surface of the internal flow path 75 provided on the inner wall 74. The side surfaces 75c, 75d face horizontally and face each other.

[0037] In the internal flow path 75, the distance between the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b is set to be substantially constant. For example, the distance between the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b is set to be about 1 to 2 mm. Note that the distance between the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b is not limited to this example. Also, in a part of the internal flow path 75, the distance between the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b may be different from that of other parts.

[0038] Since the casing 61 is located in the gap G1, at least a part of the internal flow path 75 is also located in the vertical gap G1 between the pump 16 and the bracket 41. Note that the casing 61 and the internal flow path 75 are not limited to this example, and they may be located in the vertical gap between two parts. In this case, one part is an example of the first part, and the other part is an example of the second part.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, the casing 61 includes an upper cover 61A and a lower cover 61B. The upper cover 61A has an upper wall 71, a part of the outer wall 73, and a part of the inner wall 74. The lower cover 61B has a lower wall 72, a part of the outer wall 73, and a part of the inner wall 74.

[0040] The upper cover 61A and the lower cover 61B are joined to each other in a liquid-tight manner, for example, by ultrasonic welding. Thereby, a box-shaped casing 61 is formed. Note that the casing 61 is not limited to this example.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of holes 77 are provided in the casing 61. The holes 77 penetrate the casing 61 in the vertical direction, for example, outside the internal flow path 75. For example, a screw 78 passes through the hole 77 to attach the casing 61 to the housing 21 of the pump 16.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the introduction pipe 62 is connected to the casing 61. For example, the introduction pipe 62 protrudes upward from the upper wall 71 of the casing 61. Note that the introduction pipe 62 is not limited to this example, and it may protrude horizontally or obliquely upward from the outer wall 73, for example. An introduction path 81 is provided in the introduction pipe 62. As shown in FIG. 1, the introduction path 81 opens to the upper surface 75a of the internal flow path 75.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the introduction passage 81 is located between side surfaces 75c and 75d of the internal flow passage 75. The introduction passage 81 is spaced apart from the side surfaces 75c and 75d. Note that the position of the introduction passage 81 is not limited to this example.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, the introduction pipe 62 is inserted into the discharge passage 33 of the pump 16. Thereby, the introduction passage 81 communicates with the discharge passage 33. The gap between the introduction pipe 62 and the inner surface of the discharge passage 33 is sealed by a seal member 82 such as an O-ring. Note that the introduction passage 81 may be indirectly communicated with the discharge passage 33 via another component such as a pipe.

[0045] In the pump 16, the brake fluid BF that has leaked from the fluid chamber 31 to the cam chamber 32 flows into the discharge passage 33. The brake fluid BF in the discharge passage 33 flows into the internal flow passage 75 through the introduction passage 81 of the introduction pipe 62 communicated with the discharge passage 33. That is, the container 42 can receive the brake fluid BF leaked from the fluid chamber 31 (hydraulic circuit 13) to the discharge passage 33 from the introduction passage 81 to the internal flow passage 75.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 2, the storage tank 63 is connected to the casing 61 at a position spaced apart from the introduction pipe 62 in the horizontal direction. The storage tank 63 protrudes downward from the lower wall 72 of the casing 61.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, a storage chamber 85 is provided in the storage tank 63. The storage chamber 85 is recessed downward from the internal flow passage 75. For this reason, the storage chamber 85 opens to the lower surface 75b of the internal flow passage 75.

[0048] The storage chamber 85 is provided at a position spaced apart from the introduction passage 81 in the horizontal direction. For example, a through hole 65 is provided between the introduction passage 81 and the storage chamber 85 in the horizontal direction. Note that the position of the storage chamber 85 is not limited to this example.

[0049] The storage chamber 85 is located below the housing 21 of the pump 16. However, the storage chamber 85 is horizontally spaced apart from the bracket 41. That is, the storage chamber 85 is located outside the vertical gap G1 between the pump 16 and the bracket 41.

[0050] The storage tank 63 has a bottom surface 85a of the storage chamber 85 and a plurality of side surfaces 85b, 85c, 85d, 85e, 85f, 85g. The bottom surface 85a faces upward. The bottom surface 85a of the storage chamber 85 and the upper surface 75a of the internal flow path 75 face each other with a gap therebetween. The side surfaces 85b to 85g extend between the edge of the bottom surface 85a and the lower surface 75b of the internal flow path 75. The side surfaces 85b to 85g extend in the horizontal direction.

[0051] The side surfaces 85b, 85d, 85f extend in the X direction. The side surface 85b and the side surface 85d face each other with a gap therebetween. Further, the side surface 85b and the side surface 85f face each other with a gap therebetween.

[0052] The side surfaces 85c, 85e extend in the Y direction. The side surface 85c connects one end of the side surface 85b and one end of the side surface 85d. The side surface 85e connects the other end of the side surface 85d and one end of the side surface 85f.

[0053] The side surface 85g connects the other end of the side surface 85b and the other end of the side surface 85f. The side surface 85c and the side surface 85g face each other with a gap therebetween. Further, the side surface 85e and the side surface 85g face each other with a gap therebetween.

[0054] The distance between the side surfaces 85b, 85d, the distance between the side surfaces 85b, 85f, the distance between the side surfaces 85c, 85g, and the distance between the side surfaces 85e, 85g are each longer than the distance between the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b of the internal flow path 75. Further, the distance between the bottom surface 85a of the storage chamber 85 and the upper surface 75a of the internal flow path 75 is longer than the distance between the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b of the internal flow path 75. For this reason, the volume of the storage chamber 85 is set to be relatively large.

[0055] The container 42 further has two ribs 91, 92. The ribs 91, 92 are an example of a wall. The ribs 91, 92 are connected to at least one of the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b of the internal flow path 75. For example, the ribs 91, 92 protrude from the lower surface 75b. Note that the ribs 91, 92 are not limited to this example.

[0056] The ribs 91, 92 support the upper wall 71 and the lower wall 72 between the upper wall 71 and the lower wall 72. Therefore, the ribs 91, 92 can suppress the deformation (collapse) of the upper wall 71 and the lower wall 72 approaching each other when the container 42 is pressurized in the vertical direction. In other words, the ribs 91, 92 can reinforce the container 42.

[0057] The rib 91 extends between the introduction path 81 and the inner wall 74. For example, one end of the rib 91 is disposed substantially at the center of the introduction path 81. The other end of the rib 91 is connected to the inner wall 74. The rib 91 has a side surface 91a facing in the horizontal direction. The side surface 91a of the rib 91 is connected to the upper surface 75a, the lower surface 75b, and the side surface 75d of the internal flow path 75.

[0058] The rib 92 extends between the storage chamber 85 and the inner wall 74. For example, one end of the rib 92 is disposed above the storage chamber 85. The other end of the rib 92 is connected to the inner wall 74. The rib 92 has a side surface 92a facing in the horizontal direction. The side surface 92a of the rib 92 is connected to the upper surface 75a, the lower surface 75b, and the side surface 75d of the internal flow path 75.

[0059] The container 42 further has three lipophilic parts 95, 96, 97. The lipophilic part 95 is partially provided on the upper surface 75a of the internal flow path 75. That is, the upper surface 75a includes the lipophilic part 95 and other parts. Further, the lipophilic part 96 is partially provided on the lower surface 75b of the internal flow path 75. That is, the lower surface 75b includes the lipophilic part 96 and other parts. Note that the lipophilic parts 95, 96 may be provided only on one of the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b. The lipophilic part 97 is provided on the side surface 75d of the internal flow path 75.

[0060] The lipophilic portions 95 and 96 are portions that extend between the introduction passage 81 and the storage chamber 85 along the rib 91, the inner wall 74, and the rib 92 on either the upper surface 75a or the lower surface 75b. Note that the lipophilic portions 95 and 96 may extend between the introduction passage 81 and the storage chamber 85 at positions away from the rib 91, the inner wall 74, and the rib 92 on either the upper surface 75a or the lower surface 75b.

[0061] For example, a surfactant is applied to the lipophilic portions 95 to 97. The surfactant reduces the interfacial tension at the interface between the lipophilic portions 95 to 97 and the brake fluid BF, making it easier for wetting of the brake fluid BF to occur in the lipophilic portions 95 to 97. For this reason, the lipophilic portions 95 to 97 are more likely to be wetted by the brake fluid BF than other portions of the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b.

[0062] For example, when the brake fluid BF adheres to the lipophilic portion 95 and other portions of the upper surface 75a under the same conditions, the contact angle between the brake fluid BF and the lipophilic portion 95 is smaller than the contact angle between the brake fluid BF and other portions of the upper surface 75a. Similarly, the contact angle between the brake fluid BF and the lipophilic portion 96 is smaller than the contact angle between the brake fluid BF and other portions of the lower surface 75b.

[0063] The lipophilic portions 95 to 97 are not limited to the above example. For example, no surfactant may be applied to the lipophilic portions 95 to 97, and a water-repellent substance may be applied to other portions of the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b. In this case, the lipophilic portions 95 to 97 are more likely to be wetted by the brake fluid BF than other portions of the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b.

[0064] Also, the surface roughness of the lipophilic portions 95 to 97 may be greater than the surface roughness of other portions of the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b. In this case, the lipophilic portions 95 to 97 are more likely to be wetted by the brake fluid BF than other portions of the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b.

[0065] The brake device 10 of the present embodiment further includes a guide portion 100. The guide portion 100 can guide the brake fluid BF between the introduction passage 81 and the storage chamber 85 in the internal flow path 75. The guide portion 100 includes the inner side wall 74 of the container 42, the ribs 91 and 92, and the lipophilic portions 95 to 97. That is, the guide portion 100 is provided in the container 42.

[0066] The rib 91, the inner side wall 74, and the rib 92 form a continuous wall 101 that extends between the introduction passage 81 and the storage chamber 85. The wall 101 is included in the guide portion 100. As described above, the ribs 91 and 92 are connected to at least one of the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b of the internal flow path 75. Similarly, the outer side wall 73 and the inner side wall 74 are also connected to at least one of the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b of the internal flow path 75. Therefore, the wall 101 is connected to at least one of the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b of the internal flow path 75.

[0067] When the brake fluid BF received from the introduction passage 81 into the internal flow path 75 adheres to the wall 101, it is suppressed from separating from the wall 101 due to the interfacial tension. Therefore, the brake fluid BF is suppressed from flowing to a position separated from the wall 101 in the internal flow path 75.

[0068] For example, due to an increase in the brake fluid BF received in the internal flow path 75 or an inclination of the container 42, the brake fluid BF advances from the introduction passage 81 toward the storage chamber 85 while adhering to the wall 101. When the brake fluid BF reaches the end of the rib 92, it flows down from the wall 101 into the lower storage chamber 85. In this way, the wall 101 guides the brake fluid BF between the introduction passage 81 and the storage chamber 85 in the internal flow path 75.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a part of the container 42 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the distance between the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b of the internal flow path 75 is relatively narrow. Therefore, when the brake fluid BF adheres to the side surfaces 91a, 75d, and 92a of the wall 101, it simultaneously adheres to the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b, forming a meniscus.

[0070] The upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b, and the side surfaces 91a, 75d, 92a form recesses. For this reason, the brake fluid BF received from the introduction passage 81 into the internal flow passage 75 can flow from the introduction passage 81 toward the storage chamber 85 in the recesses due to capillary action.

[0071] In addition, the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b, and the side surfaces 91a, 75d, 92a form (define, delimit) a guide gap 102. The guide gap 102 is a part of the internal flow passage 75 extending along the wall 101. In the guide gap 102, the distance between the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b is constant.

[0072] As described above, the brake fluid BF is guided by the wall 101 and flows from the introduction passage 81 to the storage chamber 85. For this reason, the brake fluid BF flows from the introduction passage 81 to the storage chamber 85 through the guide gap 102 in the internal flow passage 75.

[0073] Since the guide portion 100 guides the brake fluid BF from the introduction passage 81 to the storage chamber 85, the brake fluid BF is preferentially stored in the storage chamber 85 in the container 42. Note that the brake fluid BF may stay in the internal flow passage 75 before being stored in the storage chamber 85. Also, even if the storage chamber 85 is filled with the brake fluid BF, the internal flow passage 75 can store the brake fluid BF.

[0074] In the above example, one storage chamber 85 is provided in the container 42. However, a plurality of storage chambers 85 may be provided in the container 42. In this case, a guide portion 100 for guiding the brake fluid BF between the introduction passage 81 and each of the plurality of storage chambers 85 is provided in the container 42.

[0075] Also, in the above example, the rib 91 extends between the introduction passage 81 and the inner wall 74. However, the guide portion 100 may have a rib extending between the introduction passage 81 and the outer wall 73. In this case, the guide portion 100 can guide the brake fluid BF from the introduction passage 81 to the storage chamber 85 along the rib and the outer wall 73.

[0076] In the braking device 10 according to the first embodiment described above, the container 42 is located below the pump 16. The container 42 is provided with an internal flow path 75 located in the vertical gap G1 between the pump 16 and the bracket 41, an introduction path 81 opening into the internal flow path 75, and a storage chamber 85 recessed downward from the internal flow path 75 at a position spaced apart from the introduction path 81 in the horizontal direction. The introduction path 81 communicates with a discharge path 33 provided in the pump 16 outside the hydraulic circuit 13. The container 42 can receive the brake fluid BF leaking from the hydraulic circuit 13 to the discharge path 33 from the introduction path 81 into the internal flow path 75. For example, due to the shape and arrangement of the pump 16 and the bracket 41, the shape and arrangement of the internal flow path 75 may be restricted. On the other hand, the storage chamber 85 does not need to be located between the pump 16 and the bracket 41. Therefore, the storage chamber 85 is not restricted by the shape and arrangement of the pump 16 and the bracket 41 and can have a volume for storing more brake fluid BF than the internal flow path 75. For this reason, the container 42 can store more brake fluid BF by flowing the brake fluid BF into the storage chamber 85. However, generally, due to the above restrictions on the shape and arrangement of the internal flow path 75, there is a risk that the brake fluid BF will not easily flow from the introduction path 81 to the storage chamber 85. For example, when the internal flow path 75 extends in the horizontal direction, the brake fluid BF is less likely to flow from the introduction path 81 to the storage chamber 85 than when the internal flow path 75 extends from above downward. However, in the braking device 10 of the present embodiment, the guide portion 100 provided in the container 42 guides the brake fluid BF between the introduction path 81 and the storage chamber 85 in the internal flow path 75. Thereby, the braking device 10 can flow the brake fluid BF from the introduction path 81 to the storage chamber 85 and store more brake fluid BF in the storage chamber 85. Therefore, the braking device 10 can increase the total amount of brake fluid BF that the container 42 can store and extend the life (service life) of the braking device 10.

[0077] The internal flow path 75 extends in the horizontal direction. Therefore, even when the gap G1 between, for example, the pump 16 and the bracket 41 is narrow, the volume of the internal flow path 75 can be made larger. On the other hand, when the internal flow path 75 extends in the horizontal direction, there is a risk that the brake fluid BF will not easily flow from the introduction path 81 to the storage chamber 85. However, in the brake device 10 of the present embodiment, the guide portion 100 allows the brake fluid BF to flow from the introduction path 81 to the storage chamber 85.

[0078] The container 42 has an upper surface 75a of the internal flow path 75 facing downward and a lower surface 75b of the internal flow path 75 facing upward and facing the upper surface 75a. The guide portion 100 has a wall 101 that is connected to at least one of the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b and extends between the introduction path 81 and the storage chamber 85. The brake fluid BF received in the internal flow path 75 from the introduction path 81 can adhere by interfacial tension to the wall 101 and at least one of the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b to which the wall 101 is connected. Since the wall 101 extends between the introduction path 81 and the storage chamber 85, the brake fluid BF can flow from the introduction path 81 to the storage chamber 85 along the wall 101. Thereby, the guide portion 100 can guide the brake fluid BF from the introduction path 81 to the storage chamber 85 in the internal flow path 75.

[0079] Brake fluid BF may adhere to the wall 101, the upper surface 75a, and the lower surface 75b. When the distance between the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b is non-uniform, the flow of the brake fluid BF through the wall 101 may be obstructed. For example, if the distance between the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b is long, it becomes difficult for the brake fluid BF to adhere to both the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b. Therefore, when the brake fluid BF reaches a location where the distance between the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b is long, there is a risk that it will not separate from the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b due to the interfacial tension with the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b and the surface tension in the brake fluid BF, and will remain at a position where it can maintain adhesion to the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b. On the other hand, in the brake device 10 of the present embodiment, the internal flow path 75 has a guide gap 102 that extends along the wall 101 and has a constant distance between the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b. Therefore, in the guide gap 102, the brake fluid BF can maintain a state of adhering to the wall 101, the upper surface 75a, and the lower surface 75b, and smoothly flow from the introduction path 81 to the storage chamber 85 along the wall 101.

[0080] The guide portion 100 is partially provided on at least one of the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b, and has lipophilic portions 95, 96 that extend between the introduction path 81 and the storage chamber 85. The lipophilic portions 95, 96 are more wettable with the brake fluid BF than other portions of the upper surface 75a and the lower surface 75b. Thereby, the brake fluid BF received from the introduction path 81 into the internal flow path 75 gets wet at the lipophilic portions 95, 96 and can flow from the introduction path 81 to the storage chamber 85. Thereby, the guide portion 100 can guide the brake fluid BF from the introduction path 81 to the storage chamber 85 in the internal flow path 75.

[0081] In the above embodiment, the lipophilic portions 95 to 97 are provided along the wall 101. However, the lipophilic portions may be provided separated from the wall 101. In this case, the brake fluid BF flows from the introduction path 81 to the storage chamber 85 along the lipophilic portions separated from the wall 101. Also, the lipophilic portions 95 to 97 may be omitted. In this case as well, the brake fluid BF flows from the introduction path 81 to the storage chamber 85 along the wall 101.

[0082] (Second Embodiment) The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 5. In the description of the following embodiments, components having the same functions as the already described components may be given the same reference numerals as those of the already described components, and the description may be omitted. Also, a plurality of components given the same reference numerals do not necessarily have all functions and properties in common, and may have different functions and properties according to each embodiment.

[0083] FIG. 5 is a side view schematically showing a part of the brake device 10 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the brake device 10 of the second embodiment further has a component 201. The component 201 is an example of the first component.

[0084] The component 201 is located between the pump 16 and the casing 61 of the container 42 in the vertical direction. Note that the component 201 may be separated from the pump 16 in the horizontal direction. In the second embodiment, at least a part of the container 42 is located in the vertical gap G2 between the component 201 and the horizontal plate 51 of the bracket 41. Therefore, at least a part of the internal flow path 75 is also located in the gap G2.

[0085] When the introduction pipe 62 is separated from the discharge path 33, the relay pipe 202 connects the introduction pipe 62 and the discharge path 33. Therefore, the introduction path 81 communicates indirectly with the discharge path 33 via the relay pipe 202.

[0086] As in the second embodiment described above, the internal flow path 75 may be located in the vertical gap G1 between the pump 16 and the bracket 41, or may be located in the vertical gap G2 between a component 201 different from the pump 16 and the bracket 41.

[0087] The braking device according to at least one embodiment described above is, as an example, located below a pump capable of transporting the brake fluid of a hydraulic circuit, and is located in a vertical gap between the pump or the first component and the second component. It is provided with an internal flow path, an introduction path that opens into the internal flow path and communicates with a discharge path provided in the pump outside the hydraulic circuit, and a storage chamber that depresses downward from the internal flow path at a position separated from the introduction path in the horizontal direction. A container capable of receiving the brake fluid leaked from the hydraulic circuit to the discharge path from the introduction path to the internal flow path, and a guide portion provided in the container for guiding the brake fluid between the introduction path and the storage chamber in the internal flow path. For example, depending on the shape and arrangement of the pump or the first component and the second component, the shape and arrangement of the internal flow path may be restricted. On the other hand, the storage chamber does not need to be located between the pump or the first component and the second component. Therefore, the storage chamber is not restricted by the shape and arrangement of the pump or the first component and the second component, and can have a volume for storing more brake fluid than the internal flow path. For this reason, the container can store more brake fluid by flowing the brake fluid into the storage chamber. However, due to the above restrictions on the shape and arrangement of the internal flow path, there is a possibility that the brake fluid will not easily flow from the introduction path to the storage chamber. For example, when the internal flow path extends substantially horizontally, the brake fluid does not easily flow from the introduction path to the storage chamber compared to when the internal flow path extends from above to below. However, in the above braking device, the guide portion provided in the container guides the brake fluid between the introduction path and the storage chamber in the internal flow path. Thereby, the braking device can flow the brake fluid from the introduction path to the storage chamber and store more brake fluid in the storage chamber. Therefore, the braking device can increase the total amount of brake fluid that the container can store and extend the life (service life) of the braking device.

[0088] In the above-described braking device, as an example, the internal flow path extends in the horizontal direction. Therefore, as an example, the braking device can increase the volume of the internal flow path even when, for example, the gap between the pump or the first component and the second component is narrow. On the other hand, when the internal flow path extends in the horizontal direction, there is a possibility that the brake fluid will not easily flow from the introduction path to the storage chamber. However, in the braking device of the present embodiment, the guide portion allows the brake fluid to flow from the introduction path to the storage chamber.

[0089] In the above-described braking device, as an example, the container has an upper surface of the internal flow path facing downward and a lower surface of the internal flow path facing upward and facing the upper surface. The guide portion has a wall that is connected to at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface and extends between the introduction path and the storage chamber. Therefore, as an example, the brake fluid received in the internal flow path from the introduction path can adhere by interfacial tension to the wall and at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface to which the wall is connected. Since the wall extends between the introduction path and the storage chamber, the brake fluid can flow from the introduction path to the storage chamber along the wall. Thereby, the guide portion can guide the brake fluid from the introduction path to the storage chamber in the internal flow path.

[0090] In the above-described braking device, as an example, the internal flow path has a guide gap that extends along the wall and has a constant distance between the upper surface and the lower surface. Brake fluid may adhere to the wall, the upper surface, and the lower surface. If the distance between the upper surface and the lower surface is non-uniform, the flow of the brake fluid along the wall may be obstructed. For example, if the distance between the upper surface and the lower surface is long, it becomes difficult for the brake fluid to adhere to both the upper surface and the lower surface. Therefore, when the brake fluid reaches a location where the distance between the upper surface and the lower surface is long, there is a risk that the brake fluid will not separate from the upper surface and the lower surface due to the interfacial tension with the upper surface and the lower surface and the surface tension in the brake fluid, and will remain at a position where it can maintain adhesion to the upper surface and the lower surface. On the other hand, in the above-described braking device, the internal flow path has a guide gap that extends along the wall and has a constant distance between the upper surface and the lower surface. Therefore, in the guide gap, the brake fluid can maintain a state of adhering to the wall, the upper surface, and the lower surface, and smoothly flow from the introduction path to the storage chamber along the wall.

[0091] In the above-described braking device, as an example, the container has an upper surface of the internal flow path facing downward and a lower surface of the internal flow path facing upward and facing the upper surface, and the guide portion is partially provided on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface, extends between the introduction path and the storage chamber, and has a lipophilic portion that is more wettable with the brake fluid than other portions of the upper surface and the lower surface. Therefore, as an example, the brake fluid received from the introduction path into the internal flow path is wetted by the lipophilic portion and can flow from the introduction path to the storage chamber. Thereby, the guide portion can guide the brake fluid from the introduction path to the storage chamber in the internal flow path.

[0092] In the above description, suppression is defined as, for example, preventing the occurrence of an event, action, or influence, or reducing the degree of an event, action, or influence. Also, in the above description, restriction is defined as, for example, preventing movement or rotation, or allowing movement or rotation within a predetermined range and preventing movement or rotation exceeding the predetermined range.

[0093] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been exemplified above, the above 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, replacements, combinations, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. Also, the configurations and shapes of each embodiment and each modification can be partially interchanged and implemented.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0094] 10…Brake device, 13…Hydraulic circuit, 16…Pump, 33…Discharge path, 41…Bracket (second component), 42…Container, 73…Outer wall (wall), 74…Inner wall (wall), 75…Internal flow path, 75a…Upper surface, 75b…Lower surface, 81…Introduction path, 85…Reservoir chamber, 91, 92…Rib (wall), 95, 96…Lipophilic part, 100…Guide part, 101…Wall, 102…Guide gap, 201…Component (first component), G1, G2…Gap, BF…Brake fluid.

Claims

1. A container is provided, which is located below a pump capable of transporting brake fluid in a hydraulic circuit, is located in a vertical gap between the pump or a first component and a second component, and has an internal flow path, an introduction path that opens into the internal flow path and communicates with a discharge path provided in the pump outside the hydraulic circuit, and a storage chamber that is recessed downward from the internal flow path at a position horizontally spaced from the introduction path, and is capable of receiving the brake fluid leaked from the hydraulic circuit to the discharge path from the introduction path into the internal flow path. A guide portion provided in the container for guiding the brake fluid between the introduction path and the storage chamber in the internal flow path. Comprising: The container has an upper surface of the internal flow path facing downward and a lower surface of the internal flow path facing upward and facing the upper surface. The guide portion has a wall that is connected to at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface and extends between the introduction path and the storage chamber. A braking device.

2. The braking device according to claim 1, wherein the internal flow path extends horizontally.

3. The braking device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the internal flow path has a guide gap that extends along the wall and has a constant distance between the upper surface and the lower surface.

4. The guide portion has a lipophilic portion that is partially provided on at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface, extends between the introduction path and the storage chamber, and is more wettable by the brake fluid than other portions of the upper surface and the lower surface. The braking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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