Hydraulic pressure control unit and saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

The present invention obtains a hydraulic control unit for a straddle-type vehicle, the hydraulic control unit which can be mounted in a space where the mounting of a conventional hydraulic control unit would be difficult. This hydraulic control unit is for a brake system mounted in a straddle-type vehicle, the unit comprising: a base body in which a flow path for a brake fluid is formed; a motor that is the driving source of a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid; a fill valve that opens / closes the flow path; and a release valve that opens / closes the flow path, wherein the fill valve and the release valve are provided to a first side surface that is one side surface of the base body, and the motor is provided to a second side surface that is different from the first side surface and is one of two side surfaces of the base plate which face each other in the alignment direction of the fill valve and the release valve.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydraulic pressure control unit for a saddle-ride type vehicle, and to a saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with the hydraulic pressure control unit. [Background technology]

[0002] Some conventional vehicles are equipped with a hydraulic control unit that controls the pressure of brake fluid in a hydraulic circuit filled with brake fluid. For example, when a vehicle occupant operates an input device such as a brake lever, the hydraulic control unit increases or decreases the pressure of the brake fluid in the hydraulic circuit to adjust the braking force acting on the wheels and perform anti-lock brake control. Some such hydraulic control units combine a flow path that constitutes part of the hydraulic circuit, a motor that drives a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid in the flow path, and a hydraulic pressure adjustment valve that opens and closes the flow path into a single unit (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Specifically, a conventional unitized hydraulic control unit includes a base body in which a flow path for brake fluid is formed, a motor that is the driving source for a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid in the flow path, an inlet valve that opens and closes the flow path, and a release valve that opens and closes the flow path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-015077 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A straddle-type vehicle, which is a type of vehicle, has less freedom in terms of component layout and therefore less freedom in terms of mounting a hydraulic control unit than vehicles such as four-wheeled automobiles. For this reason, there has been a problem in that it is sometimes difficult to mount a conventional hydraulic control unit on a straddle-type vehicle.

[0006] The present invention has been made in light of the above-mentioned problems, and has as its first object to provide a hydraulic control unit for a saddle-ride type vehicle that can be installed in spaces where it is difficult to install conventional hydraulic control units. Also, the present invention has as its second object to provide a saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with such a hydraulic control unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The hydraulic control unit of the present invention is a hydraulic control unit for a brake system mounted on a saddle-type vehicle, and comprises a base body in which a flow path for brake fluid is formed, a motor that is the driving source of a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid, an inlet valve that opens and closes the flow path, and a release valve that opens and closes the flow path, wherein the inlet valve and the release valve are provided on a first side surface that is one of the side surfaces of the base, and the motor is provided on a second side surface that is one of two side surfaces of the base that are opposite to the first side surface in the arrangement direction of the inlet valve and the release valve.

[0008] A straddle-type vehicle according to the present invention includes the hydraulic pressure control unit according to the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In the hydraulic control unit according to the present invention, the inlet valve and the release valve are provided on a first side surface of the base. Furthermore, in the hydraulic control unit according to the present invention, the motor is provided on a second side surface, which is one of two side surfaces of the base that face each other in the direction in which the inlet valve and the release valve are arranged. This improves the feasibility of a hydraulic control unit according to the present invention that is long in the direction in which the inlet valve and the release valve are arranged and has a small width in the direction perpendicular to the arrangement. Therefore, the hydraulic control unit according to the present invention can be installed in spaces where it is difficult to install conventional hydraulic control units. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a straddle-type vehicle equipped with a brake system including a hydraulic pressure control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a brake system including a hydraulic pressure control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view showing a base body of a hydraulic control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which an inlet valve, a release valve, and a motor are provided on a base body in a hydraulic control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a hydraulic control unit according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A hydraulic pressure control unit and a saddle-ride type vehicle according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0012] While the following description will be given of the present invention as applied to a motorcycle, the present invention may also be applied to other straddle-type vehicles other than motorcycles. Examples of other straddle-type vehicles other than motorcycles include three-wheeled motor vehicles and buggies that use at least one of an engine and an electric motor as a drive source. Examples of other straddle-type vehicles other than motorcycles include bicycles. A bicycle generally refers to any vehicle that can be propelled along a road by applying pedal force to the pedals. In other words, bicycles include standard bicycles, electrically assisted bicycles, and electric bicycles. Furthermore, a two-wheeled motor vehicle or three-wheeled motor vehicle refers to a so-called motorcycle, which includes a motorcycle, a scooter, an electric scooter, and the like.

[0013] Furthermore, the configurations, operations, etc. described below are merely examples, and the hydraulic control unit and saddle-ride type vehicle according to the present invention are not limited to such configurations, operations, etc. For example, the following describes an example in which the hydraulic control unit controls the pressure of brake fluid in a hydraulic circuit that generates braking force on the front wheels. However, this is not limiting, and for example, the hydraulic control unit may control the pressure of brake fluid in a hydraulic circuit that generates braking force on the rear wheels. Furthermore, for example, the pressure of brake fluid in a hydraulic circuit that generates braking force on the front wheels and the pressure of brake fluid in a hydraulic circuit that generates braking force on the rear wheels may each be controlled by different hydraulic control units.

[0014] In addition, in each drawing, the same or similar members or parts are denoted by the same reference numerals or are omitted from the drawings. Detailed structures are appropriately simplified or omitted from the drawings. Duplicate descriptions are appropriately simplified or omitted from the drawings.

[0015] Embodiment <Configuration and Operation of Brake System for Saddle-Riding Vehicle> The configuration and operation of the brake system according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a saddle-ride type vehicle equipped with a brake system including a hydraulic pressure control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a brake system including a hydraulic pressure control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the brake system 10 is mounted on a saddle-riding vehicle 200, such as a motorcycle. The saddle-riding vehicle 200 includes a body 1, a handlebar 2 rotatably held by the body 1, a front wheel 3 rotatably held together with the handlebar 2 by the body 1, and a rear wheel 4 rotatably held by the body 1. The body 1 includes a body frame portion that forms the skeleton of the body 1. The body 1 also includes a cowl, a seat, a fuel tank, and the like, which are attached to the body frame portion. The body frame portion is, for example, a cradle frame, a diamond frame, a truss frame, or an aluminum frame. The front wheel 3 is held by the body 1 via a front fork. The rear wheel 4 is held by the body 1 via a swing arm. In this embodiment, the body frame portion, the front fork, the swing arm, and other components that form the skeleton of the saddle-riding vehicle 200 are collectively referred to as a frame 5.

[0017] The brake system 10 includes a brake lever 11, a first hydraulic circuit 12 filled with brake fluid, a brake pedal 13, and a second hydraulic circuit 14 filled with brake fluid. That is, the brake system 10 has two hydraulic circuits (the first hydraulic circuit 12 and the second hydraulic circuit 14). The brake lever 11 is provided on the handlebars 2 and is operated by the user's hand. The first hydraulic circuit 12 generates a braking force corresponding to the amount of operation of the brake lever 11 on a rotor 3a that rotates together with the front wheel 3. The brake pedal 13 is provided on the lower part of the body 1 and is operated by the user's foot. The second hydraulic circuit 14 generates a braking force corresponding to the amount of operation of the brake pedal 13 on a rotor 4a that rotates together with the rear wheel 4.

[0018] The brake lever 11 and the brake pedal 13 are examples of brake input units. For example, a brake pedal other than the brake pedal 13 provided on the body 1 may be used as a brake input unit instead of the brake lever 11. Also, for example, a brake lever other than the brake lever 11 provided on the handlebars 2 may be used as a brake input unit instead of the brake pedal 13. The first hydraulic circuit 12 may generate a braking force to the rotor 4a that rotates together with the rear wheel 4 in accordance with the amount of operation of the brake lever 11 or a brake pedal other than the brake pedal 13 provided on the body 1. The second hydraulic circuit 14 may generate a braking force to the rotor 3a that rotates together with the front wheel 3 in accordance with the amount of operation of the brake pedal 13 or a brake lever other than the brake lever 11 provided on the handlebars 2.

[0019] In this embodiment, the pressure of the brake fluid in the first hydraulic pressure circuit 12 is controlled by a hydraulic pressure control unit 100. Therefore, the configuration of the first hydraulic pressure circuit 12 of the brake system 10 will be described below. The first hydraulic circuit 12 includes a master cylinder 21 incorporating a piston (not shown), a reservoir 22 attached to the master cylinder 21, a brake caliper 23 having brake pads (not shown), and a wheel cylinder 24 that operates the brake pads (not shown) of the brake caliper 23.

[0020] A brake fluid flow path is formed in the base body 80 of the hydraulic control unit 100 provided in the first hydraulic circuit 12. In this embodiment, the base body 80 is formed with a main flow path 30 and a sub-flow path 35 as the brake fluid flow paths. The master cylinder 21 and the wheel cylinders 24 are in communication with each other via a fluid pipe 25 connected between the master cylinder 21 and a master cylinder port MP formed in the base body 80, the main flow path 30 formed in the base body 80, and a fluid pipe 26 connected between the wheel cylinder 24 and a wheel cylinder port WP formed in the base body 80. Brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24 is released to the main flow path 30 via the sub-flow path 35. Specifically, as described below, the main flow path 30 includes a first main flow path 31 and a second main flow path 32. Brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24 is released to the first main flow path 31 via the sub-flow path 35.

[0021] Furthermore, first hydraulic pressure circuit 12 is provided with a hydraulic pressure regulating valve that opens and closes the flow path of brake fluid. In this embodiment, first hydraulic pressure circuit 12 is provided with an inlet valve 41 and a release valve 42 as hydraulic pressure regulating valves. Inlet valve 41 and release valve 42 open and close the flow path of brake fluid formed in base body 80.

[0022] The inlet valve 41 is provided in the main flow path 30. More specifically, the main flow path 30 has a first main flow path 31 and a second main flow path 32. The first main flow path 31 is connected to the master cylinder port MP. The second main flow path 32 is connected to the wheel cylinder port WP. The inlet valve 41 is provided between the first main flow path 31 and the second main flow path 32. The opening and closing operation of the inlet valve 41 controls the flow rate of brake fluid flowing between the first main flow path 31 and the second main flow path 32. In addition, a fluid pressure sensor 48 is provided in the second main flow path 32 to detect the pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24.

[0023] The release valve 42 is provided in the secondary flow path 35. The secondary flow path 35 also includes an accumulator 43 that stores brake fluid and a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid in the secondary flow path 35. In this embodiment, the pump is a trochoid pump 45. Specifically, the secondary flow path 35 includes a first secondary flow path 36, a second secondary flow path 37, and a third secondary flow path 38. The first secondary flow path 36 is connected to the second main flow path 32 of the main flow path 30. The third secondary flow path 38 is connected to the first main flow path 31 of the main flow path 30. The second secondary flow path 37 is a flow path in the secondary flow path 35 between the first secondary flow path 36 and the third secondary flow path 38. The release valve 42 is provided between the first secondary flow path 36 and the second secondary flow path 37. The opening and closing operation of the release valve 42 controls the flow rate of brake fluid flowing between the first secondary flow path 36 and the second secondary flow path 37. The accumulator 43 is provided in the second sub-path 37. The trochoid pump 45 is provided between the second sub-path 37 and the third sub-path 38. The trochoid pump 45 is driven by a motor 60. That is, the motor 60 is the drive source of the trochoid pump 45. A check valve 39 is provided in the third sub-path 38. The check valve 39 regulates the flow of brake fluid from the master cylinder 21 through the third sub-path 38 to the trochoid pump 45.

[0024] In other words, the main flow path 30 connects the master cylinder port MP and the wheel cylinder port WP via the inlet valve 41. The sub-flow path 35 is defined as a part or all of the flow path that releases the brake fluid from the wheel cylinder 24 to the master cylinder 21 via the release valve 42.

[0025] The inlet valve 41 is driven by an inlet valve coil 51. The release valve 42 is driven by a release valve coil 52. For example, when the inlet valve coil 51 is de-energized, the inlet valve 41 allows the flow of brake fluid in both directions. When the inlet valve coil 51 is energized, the inlet valve 41 is closed and blocks the flow of brake fluid. That is, in this embodiment, the inlet valve 41 is an electromagnetic valve that is open when de-energized. For example, when the release valve coil 52 is de-energized, the release valve 42 blocks the flow of brake fluid. When the release valve coil 52 is energized, the release valve 42 is open and allows the flow of brake fluid toward the accumulator 43. That is, in this embodiment, the release valve 42 is an electromagnetic valve that is closed when de-energized.

[0026] The hydraulic control unit 100 is made up of the base body 80, the components provided on the base body 80 (accumulator 43, inlet valve 41, release valve 42, trochoid pump 45, hydraulic pressure sensor 48, inlet valve coil 51, release valve coil 52, motor 60, etc.), and a control device (ECU) 101. When the hydraulic control unit 100 is mounted on the saddle-ride type vehicle 200, the hydraulic control unit 100 is attached to the frame 5, for example.

[0027] The control device 101 may be a single device or may be divided into multiple devices. The control device 101 may be attached to the base 80, or may be attached to a member other than the base 80. Part or all of the control device 101 may be configured, for example, as a microcomputer, a microprocessor unit, or the like, or may be configured with updatable firmware or the like, or may be a program module executed by commands from a CPU or the like. In this embodiment, at least a part of the control device 101 is configured as a control board 102, as described below.

[0028] For example, under normal conditions, the inlet valve coil 51 and the release valve coil 52 are controlled to a non-energized state by the control device 101. When the brake lever 11 is operated in this state, the piston (not shown) of the master cylinder 21 is pushed in the first hydraulic circuit 12, increasing the pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24, and the brake pads (not shown) of the brake caliper 23 are pressed against the rotor 3a of the front wheel 3, thereby braking the front wheel 3.

[0029] The outputs of the various sensors (hydraulic pressure sensor 48, wheel speed sensor, acceleration sensor, etc.) are input to the control device 101. In response to these outputs, the control device 101 outputs commands that govern the operation of the motor 60, various valves, etc., and executes anti-lock brake control, etc.

[0030] For example, when the brake fluid pressure in the wheel cylinder 24 of the first hydraulic pressure circuit 12 is excessive or there is a possibility of excessive pressure, the control device 101 executes an operation to reduce the pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24 of the first hydraulic pressure circuit 12. In this case, the control device 101 controls the inlet valve coil 51 and the release valve coil 52 in the first hydraulic pressure circuit 12 to be energized, and drives the motor 60. By driving the motor 60, the trochoid pump 45 applies pressure to the brake fluid in the secondary flow path 35 in a direction that causes the brake fluid to flow from the second secondary flow path 37 to the third secondary flow path 38. This generates a flow of brake fluid from the second main flow path 32 of the main flow path 30 into the secondary flow path 35. The brake fluid that flows from the second main flow path 32 of the main flow path 30 into the secondary flow path 35 is then stored in the accumulator 43. As a result, the hydraulic pressure control unit 100 can reduce the pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24 of the first hydraulic pressure circuit 12, and can perform anti-lock brake control of the first hydraulic pressure circuit 12.

[0031] <Configuration of hydraulic control unit> Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a base of a hydraulic control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a state in which an inlet valve, a release valve, and a motor are provided on the base of a hydraulic control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a hydraulic control unit according to the present invention. Note that Fig. 5 does not show the main flow path 30 and the sub-flow path 35 formed in the base 80. For the main flow path 30 and the sub-flow path 35, please refer to Fig. 2.

[0032] The base 80 is made of a metal such as an aluminum alloy and has, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Each side surface of the base 80 may be flat, may include a curved portion, or may include a step.

[0033] Inlet valve 41 and release valve 42 are provided on a first side surface 81, which is one of the side surfaces, of base body 80. In hydraulic control unit 100 according to the present embodiment, inlet valve 41 and release valve 42 are provided on first side surface 81 of base body 80 as follows.

[0034] The base 80 is formed with an inlet valve recess 96 that opens to the first side surface 81. Of the brake fluid flow paths formed in the base 80, the first main flow path 31 and the second main flow path 32 shown in FIG. 2 are connected to the inlet valve recess 96. The inlet valve 41 is provided in the inlet valve recess 96. A valve element reciprocates within the inlet valve 41 to open and close the first main flow path 31 and the second main flow path 32. When the inlet valve 41 is provided in the inlet valve recess 96, a portion of the inlet valve 41 protrudes outside the base 80 from the opening of the inlet valve recess 96. The inlet valve coil 51, which is the drive source for the inlet valve 41, is provided on the first side surface 81 of the base 80 so as to surround the portion of the inlet valve 41 that protrudes outside the base 80.

[0035] The base 80 is also formed with a release valve recess 97 that opens to the first side surface 81. The release valve recess 97 is connected to the first sub-path 36 and the second sub-path 37 shown in FIG. 2 , which are among the brake fluid paths formed in the base 80. The release valve 42 is provided in the release valve recess 97. The first sub-path 36 and the second sub-path 37 are opened and closed by a valve element reciprocating within the release valve 42. Note that, when the release valve 42 is provided in the release valve recess 97, a portion of the release valve 42 protrudes outside the base 80 from the opening of the release valve recess 97. The release valve coil 52, which is the drive source of the release valve 42, is provided on the first side surface 81 of the base 80 so as to surround the portion of the release valve 42 that protrudes outside the base 80.

[0036] Here, in describing the hydraulic control unit 100, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction are defined as follows: The direction in which the inlet valve 41 and the release valve 42 are arranged is defined as the X direction. Of the directions perpendicular to the X direction, the direction parallel to the normal to the first side surface 81 is defined as the Z direction. The direction perpendicular to the X direction and the Z direction is defined as the Y direction.

[0037] When the X direction is defined as described above, the base 80 has two side surfaces other than the first side surface 81 that face the X direction, which is the arrangement direction of the inlet valve 41 and the release valve 42. The motor 60 is provided on the second side surface 82, which is one of the two side surfaces that face the X direction.

[0038] Conventional hydraulic control units have been configured to be approximately cubic. Furthermore, straddle-type vehicles, which are a type of vehicle, have less flexibility in component layout and therefore less flexibility in mounting a hydraulic control unit than vehicles such as four-wheeled automobiles. For this reason, it has sometimes been difficult to mount conventional hydraulic control units on straddle-type vehicles. On the other hand, by providing the inlet valve 41, the release valve 42, and the motor 60 on the base 80, as in the hydraulic control unit 100 according to the present embodiment, it is possible to improve the feasibility of a hydraulic control unit 100 that is long in the X direction and narrow in the Y and Z directions. This may make it possible, for example, to mount the hydraulic control unit 100 on the frame 5 so that the X direction is aligned with the frame 5. In other words, the hydraulic control unit 100 according to the present embodiment can be mounted in a space where mounting a conventional hydraulic control unit is difficult.

[0039] Furthermore, in hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, the X direction is the longitudinal direction of base body 80. That is, inlet valve 41 and release valve 42 are aligned along the longitudinal direction of base body 80. This further reduces the widths of hydraulic control unit 100 in the Y and Z directions. That is, this improves the feasibility of installing hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment in spaces where it would be difficult to install a conventional hydraulic control unit.

[0040] In the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, the motor 60 is provided on the second side surface 82 of the base body 80 as follows. The following also describes the configuration of the hydraulic control unit 100 around the motor 60.

[0041] The motor 60 includes an electric motor 61. The electric motor 61 includes a stator 62 and a rotor 63. The stator 62 has a substantially cylindrical through-hole formed therein. The rotor 63 also has a substantially cylindrical shape and is disposed within the through-hole of the stator 62 so as to be rotatable relative to the stator 62. When the control device 101 controls a coil (not shown) of the stator 62 to be energized, a current flows through the coil and a magnetic field is generated. This magnetic field acts on the rotor 63, causing it to rotate.

[0042] The motor 60 also includes a drive shaft 64. The drive shaft 64 is fixed to the rotor 63 and transmits the driving force of the electric motor 61 to one of the gears constituting the trochoid pump 45. Conventional hydraulic control units use a piston pump as a pump for applying pressure to the brake fluid. In contrast, the hydraulic control unit 100 according to the present embodiment uses a trochoid pump 45 as a pump for applying pressure to the brake fluid. By using the trochoid pump 45 as a pump for applying pressure to the brake fluid, the torque required by the motor for driving the pump is reduced compared to when a piston pump is used as a pump for applying pressure to the brake fluid. In other words, the hydraulic control unit 100 according to the present embodiment can use a smaller motor as the motor 60, which serves as the drive source for the pump, compared to conventional hydraulic control units. Therefore, the hydraulic control unit 100 according to the present embodiment is more likely to be able to further reduce the widths in the Y and Z directions. That is, the feasibility of installing the hydraulic pressure control unit 100 according to this embodiment in a space where it is difficult to install a conventional hydraulic pressure control unit is improved.

[0043] Furthermore, when comparing a case where a piston pump is used as the pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid with a case where a trochoid pump 45 is used, the dimension in the direction perpendicular to the drive shaft 64 of the motor 60 is smaller for the trochoid pump 45. Therefore, by using the trochoid pump 45 as the pump that applies pressure to the rake fluid, the widths of the hydraulic control unit 100 in the Y and Z directions can be further reduced. In other words, this improves the feasibility of installing the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment in a space where it would be difficult to install a conventional hydraulic control unit.

[0044] Furthermore, the hydraulic pressure control unit 100 according to this embodiment can use a smaller motor 60 than conventional hydraulic pressure control units, and therefore the cost of the motor 60 can be reduced.

[0045] The motor 60 configured as described above includes a motor cover 65 provided on the outside of the electric unit 61. The motor cover 65 has, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape. The motor cover 65 also includes a motor cover flange 66 that protrudes outward from the outer circumferential surface of the motor cover 65. Meanwhile, the base 80 is formed with a motor recess 91 that opens to the second side surface 82 and accommodates at least a portion of the motor 60. The motor recess 91 also has a plastic deformation portion 92 formed on its inner circumferential surface. The plastic deformation portion 92 according to this embodiment is a step that shifts the inner circumferential surface of the motor recess 91 in a direction away from the outer circumferential surface of the motor cover 65. For example, the plastic deformation portions 92 are arranged at 90° intervals on the inner circumferential surface of the motor recess 91.

[0046] When fixing the motor 60 to the base 80, the motor 60 is inserted into the motor recess 91. Then, in this state, a jig is inserted from above into the space inside the motor recess 91 that faces the outer periphery of the motor cover 65, and the jig applies pressure to the upper surface of the plastic deformation portion 92, thereby plastically deforming it. As a result, the plastic deformation portion 92 deforms to cover the upper surface of the motor cover flange 66, that is, a portion of the end surface of the motor cover flange 66 facing the opening of the motor recess 91. As a result, the motor cover flange 66 of the motor cover 65 is sandwiched between the plastic deformation portion 92 formed on the inner periphery of the motor recess 91 and the bottom of the motor recess 91, and the motor 60 is fixed to the base 80. In other words, the motor 60 is fixed to the base 80 by caulking. By fixing the motor 60 to the base 80 by crimping in this way, compared to fixing the motor 60 to the base 80 by bolting, no bolts are required to fix the motor 60, and it is also unnecessary to form a female thread portion in the base 80 into which the bolts are screwed. Therefore, by fixing the motor 60 to the base 80 by crimping in this way, the widths of the hydraulic control unit 100 in the Y and Z directions can be further reduced. In other words, this improves the feasibility of installing the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment in a space where it would be difficult to install a conventional hydraulic control unit.

[0047] The motor cover flange 66 may be directly or indirectly sandwiched between the plastically deformed portion 92 and the bottom of the motor recess 91. "Directly sandwiching the motor cover flange 66 between the plastically deformed portion 92 and the bottom" refers to a state in which only the motor cover flange 66 is sandwiched between the plastically deformed portion 92 and the bottom. "Indirectly sandwiching the motor cover flange 66 between the plastically deformed portion 92 and the bottom" refers to a state in which the motor cover flange 66 and other components are sandwiched between the plastically deformed portion 92 and the bottom.

[0048] The trochoid pump 45 includes an outer rotor 46 and an inner rotor 47. The outer rotor 46 is an internally toothed gear. The inner rotor 47 is an externally toothed gear, and is disposed on the inner periphery of the outer rotor 46, meshing with the outer rotor 46. The drive shaft 64 of the motor 60 is connected to the inner rotor 47. When the rotor 63 in the electric motor 61 of the motor 60 rotates, the drive shaft 64 fixed to the rotor 63 rotates. This causes the inner rotor 47 connected to the drive shaft 64 and the outer rotor 46 meshing with the inner rotor 47 to rotate, and pressure is applied to the brake fluid present between the inner rotor 47 and the outer rotor 46.

[0049] At this time, some of the brake fluid pressurized between the inner rotor 47 and the outer rotor 46 tends to leak along the drive shaft 64 of the motor 60 toward the electric unit 61. For this reason, the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment includes a seal ring 75 and a support block 70. The support block 70 is disposed between the electric unit 61 of the motor 60 and the trochoid pump 45 and holds the seal ring 75. The support block 70 has, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape. The drive shaft 64 of the motor 60 is inserted into the seal ring 75, and the seal ring 75 seals the outer periphery of the drive shaft 64. The seal ring 75 and the support block 70 can prevent some of the brake fluid pressurized between the inner rotor 47 and the outer rotor 46 from leaking toward the electric unit 61. In other words, the seal ring 75 and the support block 70 can prevent brake fluid from leaking from the secondary flow path 35 to the outside of the first hydraulic circuit 12. Therefore, by providing the seal ring 75 and the support block 70, the accuracy of controlling the pressure of the brake fluid in the wheel cylinder 24 is improved.

[0050] Furthermore, in the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, the seal ring 75 is held by the support block 70 as follows. A seal ring recess 71 is formed in the support block 70, which opens toward the electric motor 61 of the motor 60, for example. At least a portion of the seal ring 75 is fitted into the seal ring recess 71. This allows the seal ring 75 to be held by the support block 70. When the seal ring 75 is held by the support block 70 in this manner, there is a possibility that the seal ring 75 will be pushed by the brake fluid flowing from the trochoid pump 45 toward the seal ring 75 and will come out of the seal ring recess 71. For this reason, the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment is provided with a pressing plate 76 that presses the seal ring 75 from the opening side of the seal ring recess 71.

[0051] Furthermore, the pressure plate 76 is sandwiched between the motor 60 and the support block 70. By fixing the pressure plate 76 in this manner, the pressure plate 76 can be fixed by assembling the motor 60 and the support block 70. Therefore, by fixing the pressure plate 76 in this manner, the number of steps required to fasten the pressure plate 76 to the support block 70 with bolts can be reduced, and the number of steps required to assemble the hydraulic control unit 100 can be reduced. As a result, the cost of the hydraulic control unit 100 can be reduced.

[0052] Furthermore, in the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the support block 70 fits into the inner peripheral surface of the motor cover 65. With this configuration, the drive shaft 64 of the motor 60 and the seal ring 75 can be aligned by inserting the support block 70 into the motor cover 65 and fitting the outer peripheral surface of the support block 70 into the inner peripheral surface of the motor cover 65. Therefore, with this configuration, it is easy to align the drive shaft 64 of the motor 60 and the seal ring 75.

[0053] Furthermore, to improve the reliability of the seal ring 75 in suppressing brake fluid leakage, it is important to align the axis of the drive shaft 64 and the center of the seal ring 75 as accurately as possible. In this case, by configuring the outer peripheral surface of the support block 70 to fit into the inner peripheral surface of the motor cover 65, the support block 70 is the only part interposed between the motor 60 and the seal ring 75 for aligning the drive shaft 64 and the seal ring 75. Therefore, by configuring the outer peripheral surface of the support block 70 to fit into the inner peripheral surface of the motor cover 65, the positional accuracy of the seal ring 75 relative to the drive shaft 64 is improved, and the reliability of the seal ring 75 in suppressing brake fluid leakage is improved.

[0054] In addition, in the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, the support block 70 includes a support block flange 72 that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface of the support block 70. In the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, the motor cover flange 66 and the support block flange 72 are sandwiched between the plastic deformation portion 92 and the bottom of the motor recess 91, thereby fixing the motor 60 and support block 70 to the base 80. This configuration allows both the motor 60 and the support block 70 to be fixed to the base 80 in a single crimping operation, reducing the number of steps required to assemble the hydraulic control unit 100. As a result, the cost of the hydraulic control unit 100 can be reduced.

[0055] Furthermore, in the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, a pump recess 93 is formed in the bottom of the motor recess 91 of the base 80. The second sub-path 37 and the third sub-path 38 are connected to this pump recess 93. The trochoid pump 45 is housed in this pump recess 93. As a result, the trochoid pump 45 is provided between the second sub-path 37 and the third sub-path 38. Furthermore, in the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, the lower surface of the support block 70 contacts the bottom of the motor recess 91 and covers the opening of the pump recess 93.

[0056] When the lower surface of the support block 70 contacts the bottom of the motor recess 91, the installation angle of the drive shaft 64 of the motor 60 is affected by the flatness of the lower surface of the support block 70. For this reason, it is preferable that the lower surface of the support block 70 have a high degree of flatness. On the other hand, to prevent brake fluid pressurized by the trochoid pump 45 from leaking from the trochoid pump 45, the clearance between the part covering the opening of the pump recess 93 and the trochoid pump 45 is important. Specifically, it is preferable that the clearance between the part covering the opening of the pump recess 93 and the trochoid pump 45 be as small as possible within the range in which the outer rotor 46 and the inner rotor 47 can rotate. For this reason, it is preferable that the part covering the opening of the pump recess 93 also has a high degree of flatness.

[0057] Here, by configuring the lower surface of the support block 70 to contact the bottom of the motor recess 91 and cover the opening of the pump recess 93, the lower surface portion of the support block 70, which is machined to a high degree of flatness, can be used as a component covering the opening of the pump recess 93. This allows components that require a high degree of flatness to be consolidated, reducing the number of components and reducing the cost of the hydraulic control unit 100. In the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, an O-ring 77 is provided between the lower surface of the support block 70 and the bottom of the motor recess 91. This O-ring 77 prevents brake fluid from leaking out of the first hydraulic circuit 12 from between the lower surface of the support block 70 and the bottom of the motor recess 91.

[0058] In the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, a drive shaft recess 94 is formed in the bottom of the pump recess 93. The drive shaft 64 of the motor 60 has a middle portion connected to one of the gears (the inner rotor 47 in this embodiment) constituting the trochoid pump 45, and its tip end is rotatably inserted in the drive shaft recess 94. Brake fluid flows into the drive shaft recess 94 formed in the bottom of the pump recess 93. Therefore, the drive shaft recess 94 can function as a sliding bearing that rotatably supports the tip end of the drive shaft 64 of the motor 60, using the brake fluid as a lubricant. Therefore, by rotatably inserting the tip end of the drive shaft 64 into the drive shaft recess 94 formed in the bottom of the pump recess 93, a ball bearing that supports the tip end of the drive shaft 64 is not required. Therefore, by rotatably inserting the tip end of the drive shaft 64 into the drive shaft recess 94 formed in the bottom of the pump recess 93, the hydraulic control unit 100 can be manufactured at low cost.

[0059] The base body 80 is also formed with a master cylinder port MP and wheel cylinder ports WP. As described above, the master cylinder port MP communicates with the main flow path 30, and is connected to the fluid pipe 25 that communicates with the master cylinder 21. The wheel cylinder port WP communicates with the main flow path 30, and is connected to the fluid pipe 26 that communicates with the wheel cylinder 24. In the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, the master cylinder port MP and the wheel cylinder ports WP open to a side surface 83 that is connected to a first side surface 81 and a second side surface 82, among the side surfaces of the base body 80. As shown in FIG. 2 , the base body 80 is only formed with a brake fluid flow path for one hydraulic circuit (first hydraulic circuit 12). Therefore, the base body 80 is formed with only one master cylinder port MP and one wheel cylinder port WP.

[0060] When mounting the hydraulic control unit 100 on the saddle-ride type vehicle 200, the mounting space for the hydraulic control unit 100 requires not only a space for installing the hydraulic control unit 100 but also a space for arranging the hydraulic pipes 25 and 26 connected to the hydraulic control unit 100. Generally, in a hydraulic control unit, a control board constituting at least a part of the control device is disposed on the opposite side of the base body 80 with respect to the inlet valve and the release valve. In the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, the control board 102 is also disposed on the opposite side of the base body 80 with respect to the inlet valve 41 and the release valve 42. Generally, in a hydraulic control unit, the inlet valve 41, the release valve, the control board, etc. are covered by a housing. In the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, the inlet valve 41, the release valve 42, and the control board 102 are also covered by a housing 110.

[0061] For this reason, the dimension of hydraulic control unit 100 in the Z direction, which is the direction in which inlet valve 41 and release valve 42 face control board 102, is likely to be larger than the dimension in the Y direction. Here, by opening master cylinder port MP and wheel cylinder ports WP to side surface 83, hydraulic pipes 25 and 26 connected to hydraulic control unit 100 face hydraulic control unit 100 in the Y direction. Therefore, by opening master cylinder port MP and wheel cylinder ports WP to side surface 83, the installation space for hydraulic control unit 100 can be reduced, taking into account the arrangement space for hydraulic pipes 25 and 26. In other words, this improves the feasibility of installing hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment in spaces where it would be difficult to install a conventional hydraulic control unit.

[0062] The base body 80 is also provided with an accumulator 43. The accumulator 43 is provided on a side surface 84 of the side surfaces of the base body 80. The side surface 84 is a side surface that faces the second side surface 82 in the X direction, which is the arrangement direction of the inlet valve 41 and the release valve 42. Specifically, the base body 80 is formed with an accumulator recess 98 that opens to the side surface 84. The accumulator recess 98 is a recess that constitutes the accumulator 43. The opening of the accumulator recess 98 is closed with a lid 99. As a result, the inside of the accumulator recess 98 becomes the accumulator 43. In the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, the accumulator 43 is provided with a piston 43a and a spring 43b to push the brake fluid stored in the accumulator 43 out of the accumulator 43. The piston 43a is housed in the accumulator 43 so as to be able to reciprocate freely. The spring 43b presses the piston 43a in a direction to push the brake fluid stored in the accumulator 43 out of the accumulator 43.

[0063] The accumulator recess 98 constituting the accumulator 43 requires a certain dimension in the depth direction. Therefore, the base 80 is likely to be large in the depth direction of the accumulator recess 98. In this case, by providing the accumulator 43 on the side surface 84 of the base 80, the accumulator recess 98 opens to the side surface 84, and the depth direction is the X direction, which is the arrangement direction of the inlet valve 41 and the release valve 42. Therefore, by providing the accumulator 43 on the side surface 84 of the base 80, the widths of the hydraulic control unit 100 in the Y direction and the Z direction can be further reduced. In other words, the feasibility of installing the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment in a space where it is difficult to install a conventional hydraulic control unit is improved.

[0064] <Effects of the hydraulic control unit> The effects of the hydraulic pressure control unit 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0065] The hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment is a hydraulic control unit for a brake system 10 mounted on a saddle-ride type vehicle 200. The hydraulic control unit 100 includes a base 80 in which a flow path for brake fluid is formed, a motor 60 that is a drive source for a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid, an inlet valve 41 that opens and closes the flow path, and a release valve 42 that opens and closes the flow path. The inlet valve 41 and the release valve 42 are provided on a first side surface 81 that is one of the side surfaces of the base 80. The motor 60 is provided on a second side surface 82 that is one of two side surfaces of the base 80 that face each other in the arrangement direction of the inlet valve 41 and the release valve 42, unlike the first side surface 81.

[0066] Hydraulic pressure control unit 100 configured in this manner improves the feasibility of hydraulic pressure control unit 100 that is long in the X direction, which is the arrangement direction of inlet valve 41 and release valve 42, and has small widths in the Y and Z directions perpendicular to the X direction. As a result, hydraulic pressure control unit 100 according to this embodiment can be installed in spaces where it is difficult to install conventional hydraulic control units.

[0067] Preferably, the hydraulic control unit 100 includes a trochoid pump 45 as a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid. The hydraulic control unit 100 configured in this manner can further reduce the width in the Y and Z directions. That is, the hydraulic control unit 100 configured in this manner improves the feasibility of installing the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment in a space where it would be difficult to install a conventional hydraulic control unit.

[0068] Preferably, a master cylinder port MP and wheel cylinder ports WP are formed in the base body 80. The master cylinder port MP communicates with the main flow path 30 and is connected to a fluid pipe 25 that communicates with the master cylinder 21. The wheel cylinder port WP communicates with the main flow path 30 and is connected to a fluid pipe 26 that communicates with the wheel cylinder 24. The master cylinder port MP and the wheel cylinder ports WP open to a side surface 83 that connects to the first side surface 81 and the second side surface 82 of the base body 80. With the hydraulic control unit 100 configured in this manner, the installation space for the hydraulic control unit 100 can be reduced, taking into account the arrangement space for the fluid pipes 25 and 26. In other words, with the hydraulic control unit 100 configured in this manner, it is more likely that the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment can be installed in a space where it would be difficult to install a conventional hydraulic control unit.

[0069] Preferably, accumulator 43, which stores brake fluid, is provided on side surface 84 of base body 80, which faces second side surface 82 in the X direction, which is the alignment direction of inlet valve 41 and release valve 42. Hydraulic pressure control unit 100 configured in this manner can further reduce the widths in the Y and Z directions. In other words, hydraulic pressure control unit 100 configured in this manner improves the feasibility of installing hydraulic pressure control unit 100 according to the present embodiment in spaces where it is difficult to install a conventional hydraulic control unit.

[0070] Preferably, the inlet valve 41 and the release valve 42 are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the base 80. The hydraulic control unit 100 configured in this manner can further reduce the width in the Y and Z directions. That is, the hydraulic control unit 100 configured in this manner improves the feasibility of installing the hydraulic control unit 100 according to the present embodiment in a space where it would be difficult to install a conventional hydraulic control unit.

[0071] Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the description of the embodiments. For example, the present invention may be implemented with only a part of the description of the embodiments. Furthermore, for example, the present invention may be implemented with a hydraulic control unit controlling the pressure of brake fluid in a hydraulic circuit that generates braking force on the rear wheels. Furthermore, for example, the pressure of brake fluid in a hydraulic circuit that generates braking force on the front wheels and the pressure of brake fluid in a hydraulic circuit that generates braking force on the rear wheels may be controlled by different hydraulic control units. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1 fuselage, 2 handle, 3 front wheel, 3a rotor, 4 rear wheel, 4a rotor, 5 frame, 10 brake system, 11 brake lever, 12 first hydraulic circuit, 13 brake pedal, 14 second hydraulic circuit, 21 master cylinder, 22 reservoir, 23 brake caliper, 24 wheel cylinder, 25 fluid pipe, 26 fluid pipe, 30 main flow path, 31 first main flow path, 32 second main flow path, 35 secondary flow path, 36 first secondary flow path, 37 second secondary flow path, 38 third secondary flow path, 39 check valve, 41 inlet valve, 42 release valve, 43 accumulator, 43a piston, 43b spring, 45 trochoid pump, 46 outer rotor, 47 inner rotor, 48 hydraulic pressure sensor, 51 inlet valve coil, 52 release valve coil, 60 motor, 61 Electric part, 62 stator, 63 rotor, 64 drive shaft, 65 motor cover, 66 motor cover flange, 70 support block, 71 seal ring recess, 72 support block flange, 75 seal ring, 76 retainer plate, 77 O-ring, 80 base, 81 first side surface, 82 second side surface, 83 side surface, 84 side surface, 91 motor recess, 92 plastic deformation portion, 93 pump recess, 94 drive shaft recess, 96 inlet valve recess, 97 release valve recess, 98 accumulator recess, 99 cover, 100 hydraulic control unit, 101 control device, 102 control board, 110 housing, 200 saddle-ride type vehicle, MP master cylinder port, WP wheel cylinder port.

Claims

1. A hydraulic pressure control unit (100) for a brake system (10) mounted on a saddle-ride type vehicle (200), comprising: a base (80) in which a flow path (30, 35) for brake fluid is formed; a motor (60) that is a drive source for a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid; an inlet valve (41) for opening and closing the flow path (30); A release valve (42) that opens and closes the flow path (35); an accumulator (43) for storing brake fluid; Equipped with The inlet valve (41) and the release valve (42) are provided on a first side surface (81), which is one of the side surfaces of the base body (80); The motor (60) is provided on a second side surface (82) that is one of two side surfaces of the base (80) that face each other in the arrangement direction (X) of the inlet valve (41) and the release valve (42), unlike the first side surface (81); The accumulator (43) is provided on a side surface (84) of the base (80) that faces the second side surface (82) in the arrangement direction (X). Hydraulic control unit (100).

2. The pump is a trochoid pump (45). The hydraulic control unit (100) of claim 1.

3. The base (80) is formed with a master cylinder port (MP) that communicates with the flow path (30) and to which a liquid pipe (25) that communicates with a master cylinder (21) is connected, and a wheel cylinder port (WP) that communicates with the flow path (30) and to which a liquid pipe (26) that communicates with a wheel cylinder (24) is connected, The master cylinder port (MP) and the wheel cylinder port (WP) are open to a side surface (83) of the base body (80) that is connected to the first side surface (81) and the second side surface (82). A hydraulic control unit (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The base body (80) is formed with only one master cylinder port (MP) and one wheel cylinder port (WP). The hydraulic control unit (100) of claim 3.

5. The inlet valve (41) and the outlet valve (42) are aligned along the longitudinal direction of the base (80). A hydraulic control unit (100) according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The hydraulic control unit (100) according to claim 1 or 2 is provided. Saddle-type vehicle (200).

7. The hydraulic pressure control unit (100) is attached to the frame (5) of the saddle-ride type vehicle (200).

7. The straddle-type vehicle (200) according to claim 6.

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