Reservoir tank and brake fluid pressure generating device

Abstract

To obtain a reservoir tank capable of improving a degree of freedom of design as an example.SOLUTION: As an example, a reservoir tank according to an embodiment includes: an upper case; a lower case connected to the upper case; a partition wall extending from the upper case to the lower case and partitioning in a horizontal direction a first chamber and a second chamber included in internal spaces of the upper case and the lower case connected to each other; and a partition member including a first wall covering the first chamber from downward, and a second wall projecting upward from the first wall and contacting the partition wall. The partition wall is provided with a first slit opened in a lower edge of the partition wall and communicating between the first chamber and the second chamber. At least the edge of the first slit and the second wall communicate through the first chamber and the second chamber, and a first hole located in an upper position than the first wall is formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a reservoir tank and a brake fluid pressure generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a reservoir tank whose internal space is divided into a plurality of chambers has been known (see Patent Document 1). For example, the plurality of chambers individually store liquid or communicate with each other so that the liquid flows in a desired path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-69977 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional configuration, the arrangement of the hole connecting the two chambers is sometimes limited. For example, when the hole is formed by injection molding using a slide core, the design of the reservoir tank is limited to provide a portion where the slide core can move.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above, and provides a reservoir tank and a brake fluid pressure generating device that can improve the degree of freedom in design. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006]

[0013] As an example, a reservoir tank according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an upper case, a lower case located below the upper case and coupled to the upper case, a partition wall extending from the upper case toward the lower case and horizontally separating a first chamber and a second chamber included in an internal space of the coupled upper case and lower case, and a partition member including a first wall covering the first chamber from below, and a second wall protruding upward from the first wall and abutting the partition wall, wherein the partition wall has a first slit opening at a lower edge of the partition wall and connecting the first chamber and the second chamber, and at least an edge of the first slit and the second wall form a first hole connecting the first chamber and the second chamber and located above the first wall. Thus, as an example, the reservoir tank can have a first hole with a high degree of freedom in location formed by combining the first slit and the partition member. Therefore, the reservoir tank can have an improved degree of freedom in design. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a brake fluid pressure generating device according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the reservoir tank of the embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a cross section of the reservoir tank of the embodiment taken along line F3-F3 in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the inner cap of the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of the reservoir tank of the embodiment from the opposite side to FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] One embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. In this specification, the vertically upward direction is basically defined as the upward direction, and the vertically downward direction is basically defined as the downward direction. In addition, in this specification, components according to the embodiment and their descriptions may be described using multiple expressions. The components and their descriptions are merely examples and are not limited by the expressions in this specification. The components may also be identified by names different from those in this specification. The components may also be described using expressions different from those in this specification.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram that schematically shows a brake fluid pressure generating device 10 according to this embodiment. The brake fluid pressure generating device 10 is mounted on a vehicle 1 such as an automobile. The brake fluid pressure generating device 10 generates brake fluid pressure (hydraulic pressure) in a hydraulic line of a brake device of the vehicle 1. However, the brake fluid pressure generating device 10 is not limited to this example.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 1, the brake fluid pressure generating device 10 includes a hydrobooster 11, a reservoir tank 12, a brake pedal 13, and a master cylinder 14. The hydrobooster 11 is an example of a pressure adjusting device. Note that the pressure adjusting device may be another component capable of pressurizing or depressurizing the brake fluid, such as the master cylinder 14. The brake fluid pressure generating device 10 may further include various devices, such as a pump.

[0011] The hydrobooster 11 is a brake booster and is connected to a fluid path of the brake device. The hydrobooster 11 amplifies the depression force of a brake pedal 13 and pressurizes the brake fluid in a master cylinder 14.

[0012] For example, the master cylinder 14 is connected to a plurality of wheel cylinders 15 via hydraulic lines of the brake device. When the brake fluid in the master cylinder 14 is pressurized, the brake pads connected to the wheel cylinders 15 are pressed against the brake discs, thereby exerting braking force. Note that the brake hydraulic pressure generating device 10 is not limited to being installed in disc brakes, and may be installed in other brake devices such as drum brakes.

[0013] The reservoir tank 12 is connected to the hydrobooster 11. The reservoir tank 12 stores brake fluid therein. The brake fluid in the reservoir tank 12 is supplied to the hydrobooster 11. Brake fluid discharged from the hydrobooster 11 can also be stored in the reservoir tank 12. The reservoir tank 12 may further be connected to a master cylinder 14 and other devices such as a pump.

[0014] As shown in the drawings, for convenience, an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis are defined in this specification. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are perpendicular to one another. The X-axis is set along the width of the reservoir tank 12. The Y-axis is set along the length of the reservoir tank 12. The Z-axis is set along the height of the reservoir tank 12.

[0015] Furthermore, in this specification, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are defined. 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 opposite to 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 opposite to 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 opposite to the Z axis arrow.

[0016] The following description will be given of the reservoir tank 12 when the vehicle 1 is placed on a horizontal surface. In this case, the +Z direction is the upward direction, and the -Z direction is the downward direction. Note that the reservoir tank 12 may be mounted on the brake fluid pressure generating device 10 so that the Z direction is slightly different from the vertical direction.

[0017] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the reservoir tank 12 of this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a cross section of the reservoir tank 12 of this embodiment taken along line F3-F3 in Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the reservoir tank 12 has an upper case 21, a lower case 22, an inner cap 23, multiple filters 24, and a float 25. The inner cap 23 is an example of a partition member.

[0018] The upper case 21, the lower case 22, the inner cap 23, and the filter 24 are made of synthetic resin such as polypropylene and polyethylene. However, at least one of the upper case 21, the lower case 22, the inner cap 23, and the filter 24 may be made of another material.

[0019] The upper case 21, the lower case 22, the inner cap 23, and the filter 24 are joined to one another by, for example, welding. For example, the upper case 21 and the inner cap 23 are joined to one another, and the lower case 22 and the filter 24 are joined to one another. Furthermore, the upper case 21 is joined to the lower case 22 located below the upper case 21. The joined upper case 21 and lower case 22 are formed in a box shape, and a space S is provided inside.

[0020] 1, the upper case 21 has an upper wall 31, a side wall 32, and a plurality of partition walls 33 and 34. The upper wall 31, the side wall 32, and the partition walls 33 and 34 are integrally formed. Note that the upper wall 31, the side wall 32, and the partition walls 33 and 34 may be made of different members.

[0021] An oil filler port 35 is provided in the upper wall 31. The oil filler port 35 penetrates the upper wall 31 substantially in the Z direction, and connects the space S to the outside of the reservoir tank 12. The reservoir tank 12 can be supplied with brake fluid through the oil filler port 35. The oil filler port 35 is closed, for example, by a cap.

[0022] The side wall 32 extends substantially in the -Z direction from the edge of the upper wall 31. That is, the side wall 32 extends from the upper case 21 toward the lower case 22. The side wall 32 extends endlessly from the edge of the upper wall 31 along the edge of the upper wall 31. In other words, the side wall 32 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The side wall 32 surrounds the space S.

[0023] The edge 32a of the side wall 32 in the -Z direction (downward) is inclined obliquely with respect to the horizontal direction. In this embodiment, the edge 32a of the side wall 32 in the -Z direction is inclined obliquely downward with respect to the -Y direction and extends obliquely downward and to the right in FIG. 1. The edge 32a of the side wall 32 in the -Z direction is provided on approximately the same plane. However, the edge 32a of the side wall 32 in the -Z direction is not limited to this example.

[0024] The partition walls 33, 34 extend substantially in the -Z direction from the top wall 31. That is, the partition walls 33, 34 extend from the upper case 21 toward the lower case 22. The partition walls 33, 34 may extend in a direction obliquely inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Each of the partition walls 33, 34 divides the portion of the space S inside the upper case 21 into a plurality of rooms in the horizontal direction.

[0025] 3, the partition 33 is spaced apart from the side wall 32. The partition 33 is formed in a generally elliptical cylindrical shape that is long in the Y direction. For example, the partition 33 has two arc-shaped portions 37 and two linear portions 38 located between the two arc-shaped portions. The shape of the partition 33 is not limited to this example. The partition 34 extends, for example, between the side wall 32 and the partition 33.

[0026] 1, the lower case 22 has a bottom wall 41, a side wall 42, and a plurality of partition walls 43. The bottom wall 41, the side wall 42, and the partition walls 43 are integrally formed. Note that the bottom wall 41, the side wall 42, and the partition walls 43 may be made of different members.

[0027] The lower wall 41 is located lower than the upper case 21. The side wall 42 extends from an edge of the lower wall 41 in approximately the +Z direction. The side wall 42 extends endlessly from the edge of the lower wall 41 along the edge of the lower wall 41. In other words, the side wall 42 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The side wall 42 surrounds the space S.

[0028] The edge 42a of the side wall 42 in the +Z direction (upward direction) is inclined obliquely with respect to the horizontal direction along the edge 32a of the side wall 32 of the upper case 21. The edge 42a of the side wall 42 in the +Z direction is provided on approximately the same plane. However, the edge 42a of the side wall 42 in the +Z direction is not limited to this example.

[0029] An edge 42a of the side wall 42 abuts against an edge 32a of the side wall 32. The edge 32a of the side wall 32 and the edge 42a of the side wall 42 are welded to each other, thereby joining the upper case 21 and the lower case 22 to each other. Note that the upper case 21 and the lower case 22 may be joined to each other by other methods.

[0030] A plurality of ports 48 are provided in the bottom wall 41 and the side wall 42. Each of the ports 48 penetrates the bottom wall 41 or the side wall 42, and connects the space S to the outside of the reservoir tank 12. The ports 48 are connected to the master cylinder 14 or the hydrobooster 11, for example, via a fluid path of a brake device. Note that at least one of the plurality of ports 48 may be connected to another device.

[0031] The partition walls 43 extend substantially in the +Z direction from the bottom wall 41. The partition walls 43 may extend in a direction inclined obliquely with respect to the vertical direction. Each of the partition walls 43 divides the portion of the space S inside the lower case 22 into a plurality of rooms in the horizontal direction.

[0032] The inner cap 23 is disposed in the space S. The inner cap 23 is inserted, for example, from below into the inside of the partition wall 33 of the upper case 21. Note that the inner cap 23 is not limited to this example.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing the inner cap 23 of this embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the inner cap 23 has a bottom wall 51, a peripheral wall 52, and a plurality of ribs 53. The bottom wall 51 is an example of a first wall. The peripheral wall 52 is an example of a second wall.

[0034] The bottom wall 51 is formed in the shape of a generally elliptical plate that is long in the Y direction. The bottom wall 51 has an inclined portion 61 and a horizontal portion 62. The inclined portion 61 is inclined obliquely downward with respect to the +Y direction and is generally parallel to the edges 32a, 42a of the side walls 32, 42. The horizontal portion 62 extends generally in the +Y direction from the end of the inclined portion 61 in the +Y direction.

[0035] The peripheral wall 52 protrudes upward from the bottom wall 51, for example, toward the top wall 31 of the upper case 21. In this embodiment, the peripheral wall 52 protrudes from the edge of the bottom wall 51 in approximately the +Z direction and extends endlessly along the edge of the bottom wall 51 and the partition wall 33. In other words, the peripheral wall 52 is formed in the shape of a substantially elliptical cylinder that is long in the Y direction. For example, the peripheral wall 52 has two arc-shaped portions 65 and two linear portions 66 located between the two arc-shaped portions.

[0036] 2, the partition wall 33 has a first inner surface 33a, a lower edge 33b, an outer surface 33c, a second inner surface 33d, and a step 33e. The lower edge 33b is an example of a downward edge of the partition wall.

[0037] The first inner surface 33a is a generally elliptical cylindrical curved surface facing the inside of the cylindrical partition wall 33. The lower edge 33b is the edge of the partition wall 33 in the -Z direction. The lower edge 33b is inclined obliquely with respect to the horizontal direction along the edge 32a of the side wall 32. The lower edge 33b is provided on generally the same plane as the edge 32a of the side wall 32. However, the lower edge 33b is not limited to this example.

[0038] The outer surface 33c is a generally elliptical cylindrical curved surface facing outward from the cylindrical partition wall 33. The outer surface 33c is located opposite the first inner surface 33a. The end of the outer surface 33c in the -Z direction is connected to the lower edge 33b. On the other hand, the end of the first inner surface 33a in the -Z direction is located above the lower edge 33b.

[0039] The second inner surface 33d is located opposite the outer surface 33c and at least partially below the first inner surface 33a. The second inner surface 33d has a substantially elliptical cylindrical curved surface that faces inward of the cylindrical partition wall 33. An end of the second inner surface 33d in the -Z direction is connected to the lower edge 33b.

[0040] The second inner surface 33d is located between the first inner surface 33a and the outer surface 33c in the horizontal direction. That is, the portion of the partition wall 33 between the second inner surface 33d and the outer surface 33c is thinner than the portion between the first inner surface 33a and the outer surface 33c.

[0041] The step 33e is connected to the end of the first inner surface 33a in the -Z direction and the end of the second inner surface 33d in the +Z direction. The step 33e is a substantially horizontal plane and faces substantially in the -Z direction. Note that the step 33e may be inclined obliquely with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0042] The peripheral wall 52 is fitted inside the second inner surface 33d and abuts against the step 33e. The peripheral wall 52 has an inner surface 52a, an upper edge 52b, and an outer surface 52c.

[0043] The inner surface 52a is a generally elliptical cylindrical curved surface that faces inward of the cylindrical peripheral wall 52. The upper edge 52b is the edge of the peripheral wall 52 in the +Z direction. The upper edge 52b is a generally horizontal plane that faces generally in the +Z direction. The upper edge 52b abuts against the step 33e of the partition wall 33.

[0044] The upper edge 52b of the peripheral wall 52 and the step 33e of the partition wall 33 may be partially inclined obliquely relative to the horizontal direction along the edge 32a of the side wall 32 of the upper case 21. In this case, welding of the upper case 21, the lower case 22, and the inner cap 23 becomes easier.

[0045] The outer surface 52c is a substantially elliptical cylindrical curved surface facing outward from the cylindrical peripheral wall 52. The outer surface 52c is located opposite the inner surface 52a and abuts against the second inner surface 33d of the partition wall 33. A gap may be provided between the outer surface 52c and the second inner surface 33d.

[0046] The portion of the partition wall 33 between the second inner surface 33d and the outer surface 33c surrounds the peripheral wall 52. In other words, the partition wall 33 and the peripheral wall 52 at least partially overlap in the horizontal direction. Note that the partition wall 33 does not necessarily have to overlap with the peripheral wall 52.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 4, the rib 53 is formed in a substantially triangular plate shape and connects the inclined portion 61 of the bottom wall 51 and the peripheral wall 52. The rib 53 is connected to, for example, a linear portion 66 of the peripheral wall 52. This allows the rib 53 to prevent the linear portion 66 from collapsing. However, the rib 53 is not limited to this example.

[0048] 3, the filter 24 is disposed in the space S. For example, the filter 24 is inserted from above into a portion of the space S between the side wall 42 of the lower case 22 and the partition wall 43. However, the filter 24 is not limited to this example.

[0049] The filter 24 has a filtering wall 71 and a peripheral wall 72. The filtering wall 71 is disposed substantially horizontally. The filtering wall 71 is at least partially formed in a mesh shape. The brake fluid is filtered by the filtering wall 71 and can pass through the filtering wall 71. The peripheral wall 72 extends from an edge of the filtering wall 71 in substantially the −Z direction. For example, a protrusion protruding from the peripheral wall 72 is fitted into a notch provided in the partition wall 43. In this way, the lower case 22 supports the filter 24.

[0050] The space S includes an introduction chamber Ci, a filter chamber Cf, and a bypass chamber Cb. The introduction chamber Ci is an example of a first chamber. The filter chamber Cf is an example of a third chamber. The bypass chamber Cb is an example of a second chamber.

[0051] The introduction chamber Ci is a part of the space S provided inside the partition wall 33 and the peripheral wall 52. The partition wall 33 and the peripheral wall 52 surround the introduction chamber Ci. The filter chamber Cf and the bypass chamber Cb are each outside the partition wall 33 and are part of the space S provided between the side wall 32 and the partition wall 33.

[0052] The partition wall 33 and the peripheral wall 52 horizontally separate the introduction chamber Ci from the filter chamber Cf. The partition wall 33 and the peripheral wall 52 also horizontally separate the introduction chamber Ci from the bypass chamber Cb. One of the multiple partition walls 34 also horizontally separates the filter chamber Cf from the bypass chamber Cb.

[0053] 2, the bottom wall 51 of the inner cap 23 covers the introduction chamber Ci from below. The introduction chamber Ci is formed (compartmentalized, defined) by the upper wall 31, the partition wall 33, and the bottom wall 51. Note that the introduction chamber Ci is not limited to this example. The introduction chamber Ci communicates with the outside of the reservoir tank 12 via the oil inlet 35.

[0054] The space S further includes a plurality of lower chambers Cl. The lower chambers Cl are part of the space S provided inside the lower case 22. The bottom wall 51 of the inner cap 23 vertically separates the introduction chamber Ci from at least one of the plurality of lower chambers Cl. The filtration wall 71 of the filter 24 vertically separates the filter chamber Cf from at least one of the plurality of lower chambers Cl. The filter chamber Cf and the lower chamber Cl are in communication with each other through the mesh of the filtration wall 71. The bypass chamber Cb is in communication with at least one of the plurality of lower chambers Cl. At least one of the plurality of lower chambers Cl is in communication with the outside of the reservoir tank 12 via a port 48.

[0055] The float 25 is disposed in the lower chamber Cl. The float 25 is located between the lower wall 41 and the horizontal portion 62 of the bottom wall 51. The float 25 floats on the brake fluid stored in the reservoir tank 12. The horizontal portion 62 abuts against the float 25, thereby restricting the movement of the float 25 in the +Z direction.

[0056] For example, a magnet is attached to the float 25. The brake fluid pressure generator 10 further includes a sensor that detects the position of the float 25 in the vertical direction based on the magnetic force of the magnet. By detecting the position of the float 25, the brake fluid pressure generator 10 can detect the level of the brake fluid stored in the reservoir tank 12.

[0057] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion of the reservoir tank 12 of this embodiment from the opposite side to Fig. 2. A first slit 81 shown in Fig. 5 and a second slit 82 shown in Fig. 2 are provided in the partition wall 33. Each of the first slit 81 and the second slit 82 opens at the lower edge 33b of the partition wall 33 and extends from the lower edge 33b in approximately the +Z direction. Note that the first slit 81 and the second slit 82 may extend in other directions.

[0058] The first slit 81 and the second slit 82 each penetrate the partition wall 33 in a substantially horizontal direction, and open to the first inner surface 33a, the outer surface 33c, the second inner surface 33d, and the step 33e of the partition wall 33.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 3, the first slit 81 communicates between the introduction chamber Ci and the bypass chamber Cb. The rib 53 is located between the first slit 81 and the horizontal portion 62 in the Y direction. The second slit 82 communicates between the introduction chamber Ci and the filter chamber Cf. The second slit 82 is located between the horizontal portion 62 and the partition wall 34 that separates the filter chamber Cf and the bypass chamber Cb in the Y direction. Furthermore, the rib 53 is located between the second slit 82 and the horizontal portion 62 in the Y direction.

[0060] As described above, the peripheral wall 52 of the inner cap 23 abuts against the second inner surface 33d and the step 33e. Therefore, the peripheral wall 52 closes the portion of the first slit 81 that opens to the second inner surface 33d and the portion that opens to the step 33e.

[0061] 2, at least the edge 81a of the first slit 81 and the upper edge 52b of the peripheral wall 52 form a first hole 85. The first hole 85 is a part of the first slit 81. That is, the peripheral wall 52 narrows the first slit 81, thereby forming the first hole 85.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 5, a second hole 86 is provided in the peripheral wall 52. The second hole 86 penetrates the peripheral wall 52 in a substantially horizontal direction and opens to the inner surface 52a and the outer surface 52c. The second hole 86 is provided at a position adjacent to the bottom wall 51 and located below the upper edge 52b of the peripheral wall 52. The second hole 86 communicates with the portion of the second slit 82 that opens to the second inner surface 33d. The second hole 86 communicates between the introduction chamber Ci and the filter chamber Cf via the second slit 82.

[0063] The second hole 86 is spaced downward from the upper edge 52b of the peripheral wall 52. Therefore, the portion of the peripheral wall 52 adjacent to the upper edge 52b is not interrupted by the second hole 86 and extends endlessly, preventing a decrease in strength.

[0064] At least the edge 82a of the second slit 82 and the upper edge 52b of the peripheral wall 52 form a third hole 87. The third hole 87 is a part of the second slit 82. That is, the peripheral wall 52 narrows the second slit 82, thereby forming the third hole 87.

[0065] The first hole 85 communicates the introduction chamber Ci with the bypass chamber Cb, similar to the first slit 81. The third hole 87 communicates the introduction chamber Ci with the filter chamber Cf, similar to the second slit .

[0066] Each of the first hole 85 and the third hole 87 is located above the bottom wall 51 and above the upper edge 52b of the peripheral wall 52, with the lower end being the upper edge 52b. Furthermore, each of the first hole 85 and the third hole 87 is located above the lower edge 33b of the partition wall 33. The second hole 86 is located below the first hole 85 and the third hole 87. Note that, instead of the above example, the upper end of the second hole 86 may extend to the upper edge 52b of the peripheral wall 52, for example. That is, the second hole 86 may have a slit shape with an open upper end.

[0067] 4, the inner cap 23 further has a protrusion 91 that protrudes substantially horizontally from the outer surface 52c of the peripheral wall 52. The protrusion 91 fits into the portion of the second slit 82 that opens to the second inner surface 33d. The protrusion 91 assists in positioning the inner cap 23.

[0068] For example, brake fluid is supplied to the introduction chamber Ci from the oil inlet 35. The brake fluid in the introduction chamber Ci flows out into the filter chamber Cf through the second hole 86. However, because the first hole 85 and the third hole 87 are located above the upper edge 52b of the peripheral wall 52, the brake fluid does not normally flow out of the introduction chamber Ci from the first hole 85 and the third hole 87.

[0069] The brake fluid in the filter chamber Cf passes through the filtering wall 71 and is supplied to at least one of the lower chambers Cl. The brake fluid in the lower chamber Cl is supplied from the port 48 to the master cylinder 14, the hydrobooster 11, or other devices.

[0070] On the other hand, for example, if the filter 24 becomes clogged, it becomes difficult for the brake fluid in the filter chamber Cf to pass through the filtering wall 71. In this case, the brake fluid accumulates in the filter chamber Cf and the inlet chamber Ci, and the level of the brake fluid in the inlet chamber Ci rises.

[0071] When the brake fluid level in the inlet chamber Ci rises above the upper edge 52b of the peripheral wall 52, the brake fluid flows through the first hole 85 into the bypass chamber Cb. The brake fluid in the bypass chamber Cb is supplied to the lower chamber Cl without being filtered. In this way, even if the filter 24 becomes clogged, the brake fluid in the inlet chamber Ci can be supplied to the lower chamber Cl. This prevents the master cylinder 14 and the hydrobooster 11 from running out of brake fluid.

[0072] 1, an upper limit scale Mu is provided on the upper case 21. The upper limit scale Mu is provided at approximately the same height as the upper edge 52b of the peripheral wall 52. The user can prevent unfiltered brake fluid from being supplied to the lower chamber Cl by supplying brake fluid to the oil inlet 35 so that the level of the brake fluid in the introduction chamber Ci does not exceed the upper limit scale Mu.

[0073] Furthermore, a lower limit scale Ml is provided on the lower case 22. When the level of the brake fluid in the space S drops, the position of the float 25 also drops. For example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) of the vehicle 1 can determine whether the level of the brake fluid in the space S has dropped below the lower limit scale Ml based on detection of the position of the float 25 by a sensor.

[0074] 3, a fourth hole 95 may be provided in the partition wall 34 that separates the filter chamber Cf and the bypass chamber Cb. The fourth hole 95 is provided at approximately the same height as the first hole 85 and connects the filter chamber Cf and the bypass chamber Cb. If the filter 24 becomes clogged, the brake fluid that has accumulated in the filter chamber Cf can flow through the fourth hole 95 into the bypass chamber Cb.

[0075] In the brake fluid pressure generating device 10 according to the embodiment described above, the partition wall 33 extends from the upper case 21 toward the lower case 22 and horizontally separates the introduction chamber Ci and the bypass chamber Cb contained in the space S inside the joined upper case 21 and lower case 22. The inner cap 23 has a bottom wall 51 and a peripheral wall 52. The bottom wall 51 covers the introduction chamber Ci from below. The peripheral wall 52 protrudes upward from the bottom wall 51 and abuts against the partition wall 33. The partition wall 33 is provided with a first slit 81 that opens to a lower edge 33b of the partition wall 33 and connects the introduction chamber Ci and the bypass chamber Cb. At least an edge 81a of the first slit 81 and the peripheral wall 52 form a first hole 85 that connects the introduction chamber Ci and the bypass chamber Cb and is located above the bottom wall 51. The vertical distance between the bottom wall 51 and the first hole 85 can be easily changed by, for example, changing the length of the peripheral wall 52. On the other hand, if the hole connecting the introduction chamber Ci and the bypass chamber Cb is formed by, for example, injection molding using a slide core, the design of the reservoir tank 12 is limited to providing a portion in which the slide core can move (a space for the slide core to move). However, the reservoir tank 12 can form the first hole 85, which has a high degree of freedom in placement, by combining the first slit 81 and the inner cap 23. Therefore, the reservoir tank 12 can improve the design freedom. For example, the structure of this embodiment is particularly useful when it is difficult to ensure the above-described space for the slide core to move, such as when the portion of the space S on the outer periphery of the peripheral wall 52 above the upper edge 52b is narrower in the horizontal direction than the portion below the upper edge 52b.

[0076] The peripheral wall 52 protrudes from the edge of the bottom wall 51 and extends endlessly along the edge of the bottom wall 51 to surround the introduction chamber Ci. In other words, the peripheral wall 52 protrudes from approximately the entire edge of the bottom wall 51. This allows the peripheral wall 52 to prevent, for example, brake fluid present in the introduction chamber Ci from leaking out of the introduction chamber Ci from undesired locations. Furthermore, the peripheral wall 52 can improve the rigidity of the peripheral wall 52.

[0077] The peripheral wall 52 horizontally separates the filter chamber Cf and the introduction chamber Ci, both of which are included in the space S. A second hole 86 is provided in the peripheral wall 52. The second hole 86 connects the introduction chamber Ci and the filter chamber Cf and is located lower than the first hole 85. This allows the brake fluid present in the introduction chamber Ci to flow from the introduction chamber Ci to the filter chamber Cf through the second hole 86. On the other hand, when the level of the brake fluid present in the introduction chamber Ci becomes higher than the upper edge of the peripheral wall 52, the brake fluid flows from the introduction chamber Ci to the bypass chamber Cb through the first hole 85. In other words, the first hole 85 allows the brake fluid to be discharged from the introduction chamber Ci to the bypass chamber Cb when the level of the brake fluid present in the introduction chamber Ci exceeds a predetermined level. Therefore, the reservoir tank 12 can prevent the level of the brake fluid in the introduction chamber Ci from exceeding a desired level. Furthermore, the desired liquid level can be easily changed, for example, by changing the length of the peripheral wall 52.

[0078] The partition wall 33 horizontally separates the introduction chamber Ci from the filter chamber Cf. The partition wall 33 is provided with a second slit 82 that opens to a lower edge 33b of the partition wall 33 and connects the introduction chamber Ci to the filter chamber Cf. At least an edge 82a of the second slit 82 and the peripheral wall 52 form a third hole 87 that connects the introduction chamber Ci to the filter chamber Cf. This prevents the size of the holes (second hole 86 and third hole 87) connecting the introduction chamber Ci to the filter chamber Cf from being limited by the length of the peripheral wall 52. Furthermore, because the third hole 87 is formed by combining the second slit 82 with the inner cap 23, the reservoir tank 12 offers greater design freedom than when the holes connecting the introduction chamber Ci to the filter chamber Cf are formed in the partition wall 33 by, for example, injection molding using a slide core.

[0079]

[0013] The reservoir tank according to at least one embodiment described above includes, for example, an upper case, a lower case located below the upper case and coupled to the upper case, a partition wall extending from the upper case toward the lower case and horizontally separating a first chamber and a second chamber included in an interior space of the coupled upper case and lower case, and a partition member including a first wall covering the first chamber from below, and a second wall protruding upward from the first wall and abutting the partition wall, wherein the partition wall has a first slit opening at a lower edge of the partition wall and connecting the first chamber to the second chamber, and at least an edge of the first slit and the second wall form a first hole connecting the first chamber to the second chamber and positioned above the first wall. Thus, for example, the vertical distance between the first wall and the first hole can be easily changed by, for example, changing the length of the second wall. On the other hand, if the hole connecting the first chamber and the second chamber is formed by injection molding using a slide core, for example, the design of the reservoir tank is limited to providing a portion through which the slide core can move. However, the reservoir tank allows for a high degree of freedom in placement of the first hole by combining a first slit and a partition member. Therefore, the reservoir tank can have improved design freedom.

[0080] In the reservoir tank, for example, the second wall protrudes from an edge of the first wall and extends endlessly along the edge of the first wall to surround the first chamber. Therefore, for example, by protruding from approximately the entire periphery of the edge of the first wall, the second wall can prevent, for example, liquid present in the first chamber from leaking out of the first chamber to an undesired location. Furthermore, the second wall can improve the rigidity of the second wall.

[0081] In the reservoir tank, for example, the second wall horizontally separates a third chamber and the first chamber included in the space, and a second hole is provided that connects the first chamber and the third chamber and is located below the first hole. Therefore, for example, liquid present in the first chamber flows from the first chamber to the third chamber through the second hole. On the other hand, when the liquid level in the first chamber becomes higher than the upper edge of the second wall, the liquid flows from the first chamber to the second chamber through the first hole. That is, the first hole can discharge liquid from the first chamber to the second chamber when the liquid level in the first chamber exceeds a predetermined level. Therefore, the reservoir tank can prevent the liquid level in the first chamber from exceeding a desired level. Furthermore, the desired liquid level can be easily changed, for example, by changing the length of the second wall.

[0082] In the reservoir tank, for example, the partition wall horizontally separates the first chamber from the third chamber, and the partition wall has a second slit that opens to a lower edge of the partition wall and connects the first chamber to the third chamber, and at least the edge of the second slit and the second wall form a third hole that connects the first chamber to the third chamber. Therefore, for example, the reservoir tank can prevent the size of the holes (the second hole and the third hole) connecting the first chamber to the third chamber from being limited by the length of the second wall. Furthermore, because the reservoir tank forms the third hole by combining the second slit and a partition member, design freedom can be improved compared to when the hole connecting the first chamber to the third chamber is formed by, for example, injection molding using a slide core.

[0083] The reservoir tank according to at least one embodiment described above includes, for example, a pressure regulator capable of pressurizing or depressurizing brake fluid, and the reservoir tank connected to the pressure regulator and capable of storing the brake fluid. Therefore, for example, the reservoir tank can improve design freedom.

[0084] In the above description, suppression is defined as, for example, preventing an event, action, or effect from occurring or reducing the magnitude of an event, action, or effect.

[0085] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments and modifications are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above-described embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the configurations and shapes of each embodiment and each modification can be partially interchanged. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 10...Brake fluid pressure generating device, 11...Hydrobooster (pressure adjusting device), 12...Reservoir tank, 21...Upper case, 22...Lower case, 23...Inner cap (compartment member), 33...Partition wall, 33b...Lower edge (edge), 51...Bottom wall (first wall), 52...Peripheral wall (second wall), 81...First slit, 81a...Edge, 82...Second slit, 82a...Edge, 85...First hole, 86...Second hole, 87...Third hole, S...Space, Ci...Inlet chamber (first chamber), Cb...Bypass chamber (second chamber), Cf...Filter chamber (third chamber).

Claims

1. Upper case and a lower case located below the upper case and coupled to the upper case; a partition wall extending from the upper case toward the lower case and horizontally separating a first chamber and a second chamber included in an internal space of the upper case and the lower case joined to each other; a partition member having a first wall covering the first chamber from below and a second wall protruding upward from the first wall and abutting against the partition wall; Equipped with a first slit is provided in the partition wall, the first slit opening at a lower edge of the partition wall and connecting the first chamber and the second chamber; At least an edge of the first slit and the second wall form a first hole that communicates the first chamber with the second chamber and is located above the first wall. Reservoir tank.

2. the second wall projects from an edge of the first wall and extends endlessly along the edge of the first wall to surround the first chamber; The reservoir tank of claim 1.

3. the second wall horizontally separates a third room included in the space from the first room, and a second hole communicating between the first room and the third room and positioned below the first hole is provided in the second wall; The reservoir tank of claim 2.

4. the partition wall horizontally separates the first chamber and the third chamber, a second slit is provided in the partition wall, the second slit opening at a lower edge of the partition wall and connecting the first chamber and the third chamber; At least an edge of the second slit and the second wall form a third hole that communicates the first chamber with the third chamber. The reservoir tank according to claim 3.

5. a pressure adjusting device capable of increasing or decreasing the pressure of the brake fluid; a reservoir tank according to any one of claims 1 to 4, connected to the pressure regulating device and capable of storing the brake fluid; A brake fluid pressure generating device comprising:

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