Hydraulic pressure control unit and saddle-type vehicle

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to obtain a saddled vehicle hydraulic control unit that can be downsized. This hydraulic control unit for a brake system mounted in a saddled vehicle comprises: a base having a braking fluid flow path formed therein; a gear pump that applies pressure to the braking fluid in the flow path; a motor that is the drive source of the gear pump; and a fluid pressure regulation valve that opens and closes the flow path, said motor and said fluid pressure regulation valve being provided to the same side surface of the base.

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. Among these hydraulic control units, there is one that combines a flow path that constitutes part of the hydraulic circuit, a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid in the flow path, a motor that drives the pump, 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 brake fluid flow path is formed, a piston pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid in the flow path, a motor that drives the pump, and a hydraulic pressure adjustment valve that opens and closes the flow path. The motor is provided on one side of the base body of the hydraulic control unit. The hydraulic pressure adjustment valve is provided on the side of the base body opposite the side on which the motor is provided. That is, in the conventional hydraulic control unit, the motor and the hydraulic pressure adjustment valve protrude in opposite directions relative to the base body. [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] Compared to vehicles such as four-wheeled automobiles, straddle-type vehicles have a lower degree of freedom in terms of component layout and therefore a lower degree of freedom in terms of mounting a hydraulic control unit. For this reason, there has been a growing demand for miniaturization of hydraulic control units mounted on straddle-type vehicles.

[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 made compact. Also, as a second object, the present invention is 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 gear pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid in the flow path, a motor that is the driving source for the gear pump, and a hydraulic pressure adjustment valve that opens and closes the flow path, and the motor and the hydraulic pressure adjustment valve are provided on the same side of the base body.

[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] The hydraulic control unit according to the present invention uses a gear pump as a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid in the flow passages. By using a gear pump as a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid in the flow passages, the torque required by the motor that drives the pump is smaller than when a piston pump is used as a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid in the flow passages. In other words, the hydraulic control unit according to the present invention can use a smaller motor as the motor that drives the pump than a hydraulic control unit that uses a piston pump as a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid in the flow passages. Furthermore, in the hydraulic control unit according to the present invention, the motor and the hydraulic pressure adjustment valve are provided on the same side of the base. Therefore, the hydraulic control unit according to the present invention can use the space to the side of the motor as installation space for the hydraulic pressure adjustment valve. Therefore, the hydraulic control unit according to the present invention can be made smaller.

[0010] Furthermore, the hydraulic control unit according to the present invention can use a smaller motor than a hydraulic control unit that uses a piston pump to apply pressure to the brake fluid in the flow passages, thereby reducing the cost of the motor. Therefore, the hydraulic control unit according to the present invention not only has the effect of being smaller, but also has the effect of being less expensive. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [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 an exploded perspective view showing a part of a hydraulic control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the motor and its surroundings of the hydraulic control unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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 motorcycle or three-wheeled motor vehicle refers to a so-called motorcycle, which includes a motorbike, a scooter, an electric scooter, and the like.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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 explanations are appropriately simplified or omitted from the drawings.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 1 and 2, the brake system 10 is mounted on a saddle-ride type vehicle 200, which may be, for example, a motorcycle. The saddle-ride type 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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.

[0022] Furthermore, first hydraulic pressure circuit 12 is provided with a hydraulic pressure regulating valve 40 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 valve 40. Inlet valve 41 and release valve 42 open and close the flow path of brake fluid formed in base body 80.

[0023] 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.

[0024] 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 gear pump 45 that applies pressure to the brake fluid in the secondary flow path 35. More 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 secondary flow path 37. The gear pump 45 is provided between the second sub-path 37 and the third sub-path 38. The gear pump 45 is driven by a motor 60. That is, the motor 60 is the drive source of the gear 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 gear pump 45.

[0025] 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.

[0026] The hydraulic pressure regulating valve 40 is driven by a coil 50. In this embodiment, the first hydraulic pressure circuit 12 is provided with an inlet valve coil 51, which is a drive source for the inlet valve 41, and a release valve coil 52, which is a drive source for the release valve 42, as the coils 50. 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 a solenoid valve that is open when de-energized. Also, 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 not energized.

[0027] The hydraulic control unit 100 is made up of the base 80, the components provided on the base 80 (accumulator 43, hydraulic pressure regulating valve 40, gear pump 45, hydraulic pressure sensor 48, coil 50, motor 60, etc.), and a control device (ECU) 101.

[0028] 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, by a microcomputer, a microprocessor unit, or the like, or may be configured with updatable firmware, or may be a program module or the like executed by instructions from a CPU or the like.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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 in an energized state, and drives the motor 60. By driving the motor 60, the gear 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.

[0032] <Configuration of hydraulic control unit> FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a part of the hydraulic control unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. The base 80 is formed of a metal such as an aluminum alloy and has, for example, a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. In the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, the motor 60 and the hydraulic pressure adjustment valve 40 are provided on a side surface 81, which is one of the side surfaces of the base 80. That is, the motor 60 and the hydraulic pressure adjustment valve 40 are provided on the same side surface 81 of the base 80. Note that each side surface of the base 80 may be flat, may include a curved portion, or may include a step.

[0033] In conventional hydraulic control units, the hydraulic pressure adjustment valve is provided on one side of the base body opposite the side on which the motor is provided. That is, in conventional hydraulic control units, the motor and the hydraulic pressure adjustment valve protrude in opposite directions relative to the base body. This makes it difficult to reduce the size of conventional hydraulic control units. In contrast, in the hydraulic control unit 100 according to the present embodiment, the motor 60 and the hydraulic pressure adjustment valve 40 are provided on the same side 81 of the base body 80. Therefore, in the hydraulic control unit 100 according to the present embodiment, the space to the side of the motor 60 can be used as installation space for the hydraulic pressure adjustment valve 40. Therefore, the hydraulic control unit 100 according to the present embodiment can be reduced in size.

[0034] Furthermore, the base body 80 is formed with a master cylinder port MP and wheel cylinder ports WP. The master cylinder port MP and wheel cylinder ports WP are formed, for example, on a side surface 82 connected to a side surface 81. As described above, 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. Furthermore, 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. As shown in FIG. 2, the base body 80 is formed with only one brake fluid flow path for one hydraulic circuit (first hydraulic circuit 12). For this reason, as shown in FIG. 3, the base body 80 is formed with only one master cylinder port MP and one wheel cylinder port WP.

[0035] In the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, the hydraulic pressure regulating valve 40 is provided on a side surface 81 of the base body 80 as follows. As shown in FIG. 3 , a hydraulic pressure regulating valve recess 95 that opens to the side surface 81 is formed in the base body 80. The hydraulic pressure regulating valve recess 95 communicates with a brake fluid flow path formed in the base body 80. The hydraulic pressure regulating valve 40 is provided in the hydraulic pressure regulating valve recess 95 that opens to the side surface 81. The valve element reciprocates within the hydraulic pressure regulating valve 40, thereby opening and closing the brake fluid flow path formed in the base body 80.

[0036] More specifically, as described above, hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment includes inlet valve 41 and release valve 42 as hydraulic pressure regulating valve 40. Therefore, base 80 is formed with inlet valve recess 96 in which inlet valve 41 is provided and release valve recess 97 in which release valve 42 is provided as hydraulic pressure regulating valve recess 95.

[0037] 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 first main flow path 31 and the second main flow path 32 are opened and closed by the reciprocating movement of a valve element within the inlet valve 41. When the inlet valve 41 is provided in the inlet valve recess 96, a portion of the inlet valve 41 protrudes from the opening of the inlet valve recess 96 to the outside of the base 80. The inlet valve coil 51, which is the drive source for the inlet valve 41, is provided on the side surface 81 of the base 80 so as to surround the portion of the inlet valve 41 that protrudes to the outside of the base 80.

[0038] 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 first sub-path 36 and the second sub-path 37 are opened and closed by the reciprocating movement of a valve element within the release valve 42. When the release valve 42 is provided in the release valve recess 97, a portion of the release valve 42 protrudes from the opening of the release valve recess 97 to the outside of the base 80. The release valve coil 52, which is the drive source of the release valve 42, is provided on the side surface 81 of the base 80 so as to surround the portion of the release valve 42 that protrudes to the outside of the base 80.

[0039] In the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, the motor 60 is provided on a side surface 81 of the base body 80 as follows. The mounting structure of the motor 60 on the base body 80 will be described below with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, which will be described later. The structure around the motor 60 in the hydraulic control unit 100 will also be described below.

[0040] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the structure of the motor and its surroundings in the hydraulic control unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. This Figure is a cross-sectional view taken along the axial direction of the drive shaft 64 of the motor 60. 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.

[0041] 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 gear pump 45. Conventional hydraulic control units use a piston pump as a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid. In contrast, the hydraulic control unit 100 according to the present embodiment uses the gear pump 45 as a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid. By using the gear pump 45 as a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid, the torque required by the motor that drives the pump is reduced compared to when a piston pump is used as a pump that applies 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 that 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 uses the gear pump 45 as a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid, thereby enabling the hydraulic control unit 100 to be made more compact. Furthermore, the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment can use a smaller motor 60 than conventional hydraulic control units, thereby reducing the cost of the motor 60. Therefore, the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment not only has the effect of being smaller, but also has the effect of being less expensive.

[0042] In this embodiment, the motor 60 configured as described above is mounted on a side surface 81 of a base body 80 as follows. The motor 60 includes a motor cover 65 mounted on the outside of the electric drive 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 peripheral surface 65a of the motor cover 65. Meanwhile, the base body 80 is formed with a motor recess 91 that opens to the side surface 81 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 peripheral surface 91a. The plastic deformation portion 92 in this embodiment is a step that shifts the inner peripheral surface 91a of the motor recess 91 in a direction away from the outer peripheral surface of the motor cover 65. For example, the plastic deformation portions 92 are arranged at 90° intervals on the inner peripheral surface 91a of the motor recess 91.

[0043] 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 plastically deformed portion 92, plastically deforming it. As a result, the plastically deformed portion 92 deforms to cover the upper surface of the motor cover flange 66, i.e., 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 plastically deformed portion 92 formed on the inner periphery of the motor recess 91 and the bottom 91b of the motor recess 91, fixing the motor 60 to the base 80. Fixing the motor 60 to the base 80 by crimping in this way eliminates the need for bolts to fix the motor 60, and also eliminates the need to form a female thread in the base 80 into which the bolts are threaded. Therefore, by fixing the motor 60 to the base body 80 by caulking in this manner, the hydraulic control unit 100 can be made even more compact.

[0044] The motor cover flange 66 may be directly or indirectly sandwiched between the plastically deformed portion 92 and the bottom 91b of the motor recess 91. "The motor cover flange 66 is directly sandwiched between the plastically deformed portion 92 and the bottom 91b" refers to a state in which only the motor cover flange 66 is sandwiched between the plastically deformed portion 92 and the bottom 91b. "The motor cover flange 66 is indirectly sandwiched between the plastically deformed portion 92 and the bottom 91b" 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 91b.

[0045] Gear pumps are classified into external gear pumps and internal gear pumps. Internal gear pumps are also called trochoid pumps. An external gear pump is a gear pump in which two meshing external gears rotate within a casing. A trochoid pump is a gear pump in which an internally meshing outer gear and an internally meshing inner gear rotate within the outer gear. In this embodiment, a trochoid pump is used as the gear pump 45. Specifically, the gear pump 45 includes an outer rotor 46, which is an outer gear, and an inner rotor 47, which is an inner gear. A trochoid pump is smaller than an external gear pump. Therefore, by using a trochoid pump as the gear pump 45, the hydraulic control unit 100 can be further reduced in size.

[0046] When the gear pump 45 is a trochoid pump, 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.

[0047] 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 gear 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.

[0048] 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, the seal ring 75 may be pushed by the brake fluid flowing from the gear pump 45 toward the seal ring 75 and may come out of the seal ring recess 71. For this reason, the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment includes a pressing plate 76 that presses the seal ring 75 from the opening 71a side of the seal ring recess 71.

[0049] 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 further reduced.

[0050] Furthermore, in the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface 70a of the support block 70 is fitted into the inner peripheral surface 65b 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 70a of the support block 70 into the inner peripheral surface 65b 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.

[0051] 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 70a of the support block 70 to fit into the inner peripheral surface 65b 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 70a of the support block 70 to fit into the inner peripheral surface 65b 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.

[0052] 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 70a of the support block 70. The support block flange 72 faces an end surface 66a of the motor cover flange 66 of the motor cover 65, the end surface 66a being located on the bottom 91b side of the motor recess 91. 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 91b of the motor recess 91, thereby fixing the motor 60 and the 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, thereby reducing the number of assembly steps for the hydraulic control unit 100. As a result, the cost of the hydraulic control unit 100 can be further reduced.

[0053] In the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, a pump recess 93 is formed in the bottom 91b 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 gear pump 45 is housed in the pump recess 93. As a result, the gear pump 45 is provided between the second sub-path 37 and the third sub-path 38. In the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, the lower surface 70b of the support block 70 contacts the bottom 91b of the motor recess 91 and covers the opening 93a of the pump recess 93.

[0054] When the lower surface 70b of the support block 70 contacts the bottom 91b 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 70b of the support block 70. For this reason, it is preferable that the lower surface 70b of the support block 70 have a high flatness. On the other hand, in order to prevent brake fluid pressurized by the gear pump 45 from leaking from the gear pump 45, the clearance between the gear pump 45 and the part covering the opening 93a of the pump recess 93 is important. Specifically, it is preferable that the clearance between the gear pump 45 and the part covering the opening 93a of the pump recess 93 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 93a of the pump recess 93 also have a high flatness.

[0055] Here, by configuring the underside 70b of the support block 70 to contact the bottom 91b of the motor recess 91 and cover the opening 93a of the pump recess 93, the underside 70b of the support block 70, which is machined to a high degree of flatness, can be used as a component covering the opening 93a of the pump recess 93. This allows components that require a high degree of flatness to be consolidated, reducing the number of components and further 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 underside 70b of the support block 70 and the bottom 91b of the motor recess 91. This O-ring 77 prevents brake fluid from leaking out of the first hydraulic circuit 12 from between the underside 70b of the support block 70 and the bottom 91b of the motor recess 91.

[0056] In the hydraulic control unit 100 according to this embodiment, a drive shaft recess 94 is formed in the bottom 93b of the pump recess 93. The drive shaft 64 of the motor 60 has a middle portion 64a connected to one of the gears (inner rotor 47 in this embodiment) that constitutes the gear pump 45, and a tip end 64b rotatably inserted into the drive shaft recess 94. Brake fluid flows into the drive shaft recess 94 formed in the bottom 93b of the pump recess 93. Therefore, the drive shaft recess 94 can function as a sliding bearing that rotatably supports the tip end 64b of the drive shaft 64 of the motor 60 using the brake fluid as a lubricant. Therefore, by rotatably inserting the tip end 64b of the drive shaft 64 into the drive shaft recess 94 formed in the bottom 93b of the pump recess 93, a ball bearing that supports the tip end 64b of the drive shaft 64 is not required. Therefore, by rotatably inserting the tip 64b of the drive shaft 64 into the drive shaft recess 94 formed in the bottom 93b of the pump recess 93, the hydraulic control unit 100 can be made even smaller and less expensive.

[0057] <Effects of the hydraulic control unit> The effects of the hydraulic pressure control unit 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0058] 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 gear pump 45 that applies pressure to the brake fluid in the flow path, a motor 60 that is a drive source for the gear pump 45, and a hydraulic pressure adjustment valve 40 that opens and closes the flow path. The motor 60 and the hydraulic pressure adjustment valve 40 are provided on the same side surface 81 of the base 80.

[0059] The hydraulic control unit 100 configured as described above uses a gear pump 45 as a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid in the flow passages. By using the gear pump 45 as a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid in the flow passages, the torque required by the motor 60 that drives the pump is smaller than when a piston pump is used as a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid in the flow passages. That is, the hydraulic control unit 100 configured as described above can use a smaller motor 60 than a hydraulic control unit that uses a piston pump as a pump that applies pressure to the brake fluid in the flow passages. Furthermore, in the hydraulic control unit 100 configured as described above, the motor 60 and the hydraulic pressure adjustment valve 40 are provided on the same side surface 81 of the base 80. Therefore, the hydraulic control unit 100 configured as described above can use the space to the side of the motor 60 as installation space for the hydraulic pressure adjustment valve 40. Therefore, the hydraulic control unit 100 configured as described above can be made smaller. Furthermore, the hydraulic control unit 100 configured in this manner can use a smaller motor 60 than a hydraulic control unit that uses a piston pump as a pump to apply pressure to the brake fluid in the flow passages, thereby reducing the cost of the motor 60. Therefore, the hydraulic control unit 100 configured in this manner not only has the effect of being able to reduce the size of the hydraulic control unit 100, but also has the effect of being able to reduce the cost of the hydraulic control unit 100.

[0060] Preferably, the gear pump 45 is a trochoid pump. The hydraulic control unit 100 configured in this manner can be further miniaturized.

[0061] Preferably, motor 60 includes electric motor 61 having rotor 63, and drive shaft 64 fixed to rotor 63 and transmitting the driving force of electric motor 61 to one of the gears constituting gear pump 45. Hydraulic pressure control unit 100 also includes seal ring 75 into which drive shaft 64 is inserted, and support block 70 disposed between electric motor 61 and gear pump 45 and holding seal ring 75. Hydraulic pressure control unit 100 configured in this manner can prevent brake fluid from leaking out of first hydraulic circuit 12 from secondary flow path 35, improving the accuracy of control of the brake fluid pressure in wheel cylinder 24.

[0062] Preferably, the support block 70 is formed with a seal ring recess 71 into which at least a portion of the seal ring 75 is fitted. The hydraulic control unit 100 also includes a presser plate 76 that presses the seal ring 75 from the opening 71a side of the seal ring recess 71. The presser plate 76 is sandwiched between the motor 60 and the support block 70. The hydraulic control unit 100 configured in this manner can reduce the number of assembly steps for the hydraulic control unit 100, thereby further reducing the cost of the hydraulic control unit 100.

[0063] Preferably, the motor 60 includes a motor cover 65 provided on the outside of the electric motor unit 61, and the outer peripheral surface 70a of the support block 70 is fitted into the inner peripheral surface 65b of the motor cover 65. The hydraulic control unit 100 configured in this manner makes it easy to align the drive shaft 64 of the motor 60 with the seal ring 75.

[0064] Preferably, the motor cover 65 includes a motor cover flange 66 that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface 70a of the motor cover 65. The base 80 is formed with a motor recess 91 that houses at least a portion of the motor 60, and a plastically deformed portion 92 is formed on the inner peripheral surface 91a of the motor recess 91. The motor cover flange 66 is directly or indirectly sandwiched between the plastically deformed portion 92 and a bottom portion 91b of the motor recess 91, thereby fixing the motor 60 to the base 80. A hydraulic control unit 100 configured in this manner can be further miniaturized.

[0065] Preferably, the support block 70 includes a support block flange 72 that protrudes outward from the outer peripheral surface 70a of the support block 70 and faces an end face 66a of the motor cover flange 66 on the side of the bottom 91b of the motor recess 91. The motor cover flange 66 and the support block flange 72 are sandwiched between the plastic deformation portion 92 and the bottom 91b of the motor recess 91, thereby fixing the motor 60 and the support block 70 to the base 80. The hydraulic control unit 100 configured in this manner can reduce the number of assembly steps for the hydraulic control unit 100, thereby further reducing the cost of the hydraulic control unit 100.

[0066] Preferably, a motor recess 91 that houses at least a portion of the motor 60 is formed in the base 80, and a pump recess 93 is formed in a bottom 91b of the motor recess 91 in the base 80. The lower surface 70b of the support block 70 contacts the bottom 91b of the motor recess 91 and covers an opening 93a of the pump recess 93. The hydraulic control unit 100 configured in this manner can reduce the number of parts of the hydraulic control unit 100, thereby further reducing the cost of the hydraulic control unit 100.

[0067] Preferably, a motor recess 91 is formed in the base 80 to accommodate at least a portion of the motor 60, a pump recess 93 is formed in a bottom 91b of the motor recess 91 in the base 80, and a drive shaft recess 94 is formed in a bottom 93b of the pump recess 93. The drive shaft 64 of the motor 60 has an intermediate portion 64a connected to one of the gears that constitute the gear pump 45, and a tip end 64b rotatably inserted into the drive shaft recess 94. The hydraulic control unit 100 configured in this manner does not require a ball bearing to support the tip end 64b of the drive shaft 64, allowing the hydraulic control unit 100 to be further reduced in size and cost.

[0068] 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]

[0069] 1 fuselage, 2 handle, 3 front wheel, 3a rotor, 4 rear wheel, 4a rotor, 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, 40 fluid pressure adjustment valve, 41 inlet valve, 42 release valve, 43 accumulator, 45 gear pump, 46 outer rotor, 47 inner rotor, 48 fluid pressure sensor, 50 coil, 51 inlet valve coil, 52 release valve coil, 60 motor, 61 electric part, 62 Stator, 63 rotor, 64 drive shaft, 64a mid-portion, 64b tip portion, 65 motor cover, 65a outer peripheral surface, 65b inner peripheral surface, 66 motor cover flange, 66a end surface, 70 support block, 70a outer peripheral surface, 70b bottom surface, 71 seal ring recess, 71a opening, 72 support block flange, 75 seal ring, 76 holding plate, 77 O-ring, 80 base, 81 side surface, 82 side surface, 91 motor recess, 91a inner peripheral surface, 91b bottom portion, 92 plastically deformed portion, 93 pump recess, 93a opening, 93b bottom portion, 94 drive shaft recess, 95 hydraulic pressure regulating valve recess, 96 inlet valve recess, 97 release valve recess, 100 hydraulic pressure control unit, 101 control device, 200 Saddle-type vehicles, 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 gear pump (45) for applying pressure to the brake fluid in the flow path (35); a motor (60) that is a drive source of the gear pump (45); a hydraulic pressure adjusting valve (40) that opens and closes the flow paths (30, 35); Equipped with The motor (60) and the hydraulic pressure regulating valve (40) are provided on the same side (81) of the base (80), The motor (60) includes an electric motor (61) having a rotor (63), and a drive shaft (64) fixed to the rotor (63) and transmitting the driving force of the electric motor (61) to one of the gears constituting the gear pump (45), The hydraulic control unit (100) includes a seal ring (75) into which the drive shaft (64) is inserted, and a support block (70) that is disposed between the electric unit (61) and the gear pump (45) and that holds the seal ring (75), The motor (60) includes a motor cover (65) provided on the outside of the electric portion (61), The outer peripheral surface (70a) of the support block (70) is fitted to the inner peripheral surface (65b) of the motor cover (65), The motor (60) and the support block (70) are integrally fixed to the base (80). Hydraulic control unit (100).

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

3. The base body (80) is formed with only one master cylinder port (MP) that communicates with the flow path (30) and is connected to a fluid pipe (25) that communicates with a master cylinder (21), and one wheel cylinder port (WP) that communicates with the flow path (30) and is connected to a fluid pipe (26) that communicates with a wheel cylinder (24). The hydraulic control unit (100) of claim 2.

4. The support block (70) is formed with a seal ring recess (71) into which at least a portion of the seal ring (75) is fitted, The hydraulic control unit (100) includes a pressing plate (76) that presses the seal ring (75) from the opening (71 a) side of the seal ring recess (71), The pressing plate (76) is sandwiched between the motor (60) and the support block (70). The hydraulic control unit (100) of claim 1.

5. The motor (60) includes a motor cover (65) provided on the outside of the electric portion (61), The outer peripheral surface (70a) of the support block (70) is fitted to the inner peripheral surface (65b) of the motor cover (65). The hydraulic control unit (100) of claim 1.

6. The motor cover (65) includes a motor cover flange (66) that protrudes outward from an outer peripheral surface (65a) of the motor cover (65), The base (80) is formed with a motor recess (91) in which at least a part of the motor (60) is housed, A plastic deformation portion (92) is formed on the inner peripheral surface (91a) of the motor recess (91), The motor cover flange (66) is directly or indirectly held between the plastic deformation portion (92) and the bottom (91b) of the motor recess (91), and the motor (60) is fixed to the base (80). A hydraulic control unit (100) according to claim 5.

7. The support block (70) includes a support block flange (72) that protrudes outward from an outer peripheral surface (70a) of the support block (70) and faces an end surface (66a) of the motor cover flange (66) on the side of the bottom (91b) of the motor recess (91), The motor cover flange (66) and the support block flange (72) are sandwiched between the plastic deformation portion (92) and the bottom (91b) of the motor recess (91), and the motor (60) and the support block (70) are fixed to the base (80). The hydraulic control unit (100) of claim 6.

8. The base (80) is formed with a motor recess (91) in which at least a part of the motor (60) is housed, A pump recess (93) in which the gear pump (45) is housed is formed in a bottom (91b) of the motor recess (91). The lower surface (70b) of the support block (70) contacts the bottom (91b) of the motor recess (91) and covers the opening (93a) of the pump recess (93). The hydraulic control unit (100) of claim 1.

9. The base (80) is formed with a motor recess (91) in which at least a part of the motor (60) is housed, A pump recess (93) in which the gear pump (45) is housed is formed in a bottom (91b) of the motor recess (91). A drive shaft recess (94) is formed in the bottom (93b) of the pump recess (93), The drive shaft (64) has a middle portion (64a) connected to the gear and a tip portion (64b) rotatably inserted into the drive shaft recess (94). The hydraulic control unit (100) of claim 1.

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

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