Brake valve and bar handle vehicle brake device comprising said brake valve

Abstract

Provided are a brake valve that can be easily attached and removed and that makes it possible to improve ease of assembly, and a bar handle vehicle brake device that comprises said brake valve, wherein a lid 15 is attached to an opening of a cylinder body 12 inside which a valve body 13 is provided. A tool engagement hole 12e which allows a working fluid to flow therethrough and which engages with a tool is formed in the cylinder body 12, and a through hole 15b through which the working fluid flows is formed in the lid 15. The lid 15 is provided with a seating surface 15c on which the valve body 13 is seated. An adjustment communication path 18 that constitutes an adjustment communication path is formed in the lid 15. When the valve body 13 is unseated from the seating surface 15c, the working fluid passes through at least a main communication path 19 and to a hydraulic circuit 4. When the valve body 13 is seated on the seating surface 15c, the working fluid passes through the adjustment communication path 18, which has a smaller flow area than the main communication path, and to the hydraulic circuit 4.

Description

Brake valve and brake device for bar-handle vehicle equipped with said brake valve

[0001] The present invention relates to a brake valve and a brake device for a bar-handle vehicle equipped with the brake valve, and more particularly to a brake valve provided in a hydraulic circuit connecting a brake and a hydraulic master cylinder that supplies hydraulic pressure to the brake, and a brake device for a bar-handle vehicle equipped with the brake valve.

[0002] Conventionally, a hydraulic circuit connecting a brake and a hydraulic master cylinder that supplies hydraulic pressure to the brake has been provided with a brake valve that adjusts hydraulic pressure to set the release characteristics (feeling) when the brake is released. This brake valve is sometimes installed, for example, inside a quick joint that is incorporated into a union portion of a caliper body, or at the rear side thereof, and is installed by inserting the valve element from the master cylinder side of the hydraulic circuit without tilting it, and then screwing in a support base that supports the valve element from above (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] EP3592619B1

[0004] However, with the device disclosed in Patent Document 1, if you want to replace the components of a brake valve to adjust the release characteristics (feeling) when the brakes are released, you must first remove the support base from the hydraulic circuit, then remove the valve body, replace the components, reinsert the valve body without tilting it, and then screw the support base back in from above, which is time-consuming to attach and remove.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a brake valve that can be easily attached and detached, and that can be easily assembled, and a brake device for a bar-handle vehicle that includes the brake valve.

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the brake valve of the present invention is a brake valve provided in a hydraulic circuit connecting a hydraulic master cylinder and a brake, and comprises a cylindrical body with a valve body inside that is moved by hydraulic fluid, and a lid body attached to an opening at one end of the cylindrical body, wherein a through hole is formed in the lid body through which hydraulic fluid flows, a seating surface on which the valve body sits is formed in either the cylindrical body or the lid body, and an adjustment communication passage is formed in at least one of the lid body and the valve body, wherein when the valve body lifts from the seating surface, the hydraulic fluid passes through at least the main communication passage to communicate with the hydraulic circuit, and when the valve body seats on the seating surface, the hydraulic fluid passes through the adjustment communication passage to communicate with the hydraulic circuit, and the adjustment communication passage has a flow area smaller than that of the main communication passage.

[0007] Furthermore, the brake device for a bar-handle vehicle of the present invention is characterized in that it includes the brake valve, and the hydraulic master cylinder of the brake device for a bar-handle vehicle generates hydraulic pressure by operating an operating element, and the brakes are activated by the hydraulic pressure.

[0008] According to the brake valve of the present invention, when replacing the components of the brake valve, the brake valve can be removed as a unit from the hydraulic master cylinder, and after the components have been replaced, the brake valve can be reassembled in an integrated state to the hydraulic master cylinder, thereby improving assembly ease.

[0009] 7 is an exploded perspective view of a brake valve according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the brake valve assembled to a hydraulic master cylinder. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along III-III in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along IV-IV in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the brake valve during braking. FIG. 7 is a front view of a brake device for a bar-handle vehicle equipped with a brake valve. FIG. 7 is a side view of a brake device for a bar-handle vehicle equipped with a brake valve. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along VIII-VIII in FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a brake valve according to a second embodiment of the present invention assembled to a hydraulic master cylinder. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a brake valve according to a third embodiment of the present invention assembled to a hydraulic master cylinder. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a brake valve according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention assembled to a hydraulic master cylinder.

[0010] 1 to 8 show a first embodiment of a brake valve according to the present invention, and a brake valve 11 of this embodiment is attached to a brake device 1 for a bar-handle vehicle.

[0011] 6 to 8, the brake device 1 for a bar-handle vehicle includes a hydraulic master cylinder 2, an operating lever 3, and a push rod 3a. The hydraulic master cylinder 2 is a well-known vertically-mounted master cylinder, and a cylinder bore (not shown) equipped with a piston (not shown) is formed in a vertically long cylinder body 2a. The operating lever 3 is rotatably provided on the cylinder bore opening side of the cylinder body 2a. By rotating the operating lever 3, the piston is pushed via the push rod 3a, and hydraulic pressure generated by the pushing of the piston is supplied to the brake (not shown).

[0012] A first boss 5 (connection in the present invention) having a hydraulic circuit 4 connecting the brake and hydraulic master cylinder 2, a second boss 6 having a hydraulic fluid supply port, and a third boss 7 having a bleeder hole are protruding from the side wall of the cylinder body 2a. The hydraulic master cylinder side hydraulic circuit 4 is provided on the rear side (cylinder body side) of the first boss 5, and a brake valve 11 is attached to it. A brake hose (not shown) that constitutes the brake side hydraulic circuit 4 (shown with a dashed line) is connected to the opening side of the first boss 5 via a banjo bolt (not shown).

[0013] The brake valve 11 comprises a cylindrical body 12, a valve element 13 housed inside the cylindrical body 12, a coil spring 14 that biases the valve element 13, and a cover body 15 attached to the cylindrical body 12, and is configured as an integrated unit.

[0014] The cylindrical body 12 is formed as a stepped cylinder with a bottom, including a large-diameter cylindrical portion 12b having a bottom 12a and a small-diameter cylindrical portion 12d having an opening 12c (an opening at one end of the present invention). The large-diameter cylindrical portion 12b has a tool engagement hole 12e (an opening at the other end of the present invention) with a hexagonal cross section at the center of the bottom 12a. A through-hole communicating with the opening 12c and the tool engagement hole 12e is formed inside the cylindrical body 12, and this through-hole serves as a valve chamber 16 communicating with the hydraulic circuit 4. The outer periphery of the large-diameter cylindrical portion 12b is formed with a male thread 12f (a threaded portion of the present invention) that threads into a female thread 5a formed on the inner surface of the first boss 5. The small-diameter cylindrical portion 12d has pin mounting holes 12g, 12g formed in the peripheral wall on the opening side, into which mounting pins 17, 17 are inserted to attach the cover 15.

[0015] The valve chamber 16 is formed on the central axis of the cylindrical body 12 and includes a small-diameter valve chamber 16a that communicates with the tool engagement hole 12e, and a large-diameter valve chamber 16b that communicates with the small-diameter valve chamber 16a and the opening 12c. A first step 16c is formed between the tool engagement hole 12e and the small-diameter valve chamber 16a, and a second step 16d is formed between the small-diameter valve chamber 16a and the large-diameter valve chamber 16b.

[0016] The cover 15 is formed in a disk shape with approximately the same diameter as the small-diameter cylindrical portion 12d. Pin insertion holes 15a are formed in the cover 15 at positions corresponding to the pin mounting holes 12g, and the cover 15 is attached to the opening 12c of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 12d by fitting mounting pins 17 between the pin mounting holes 12g and the pin insertion holes 15a. A through-hole 15b is formed in the center of the cover 15, communicating with the large-diameter valve chamber 16b and allowing hydraulic fluid to flow through. The inner surface of the cover 15 (the surface facing the large-diameter valve chamber) forms a seating surface 15c on which the valve disc 13, described below, sits. A groove-shaped adjustment communication passage 18 is formed in the seating surface 15c, spanning the through-hole 15b and the outer peripheral surface 15d.

[0017] The valve element 13 includes a disk-shaped valve portion 13a that seats on and lifts off from the seating surface 15c, and a cylindrical extension portion 13b that extends from the valve portion 13a toward the valve chamber 16. The valve portion 13a has a smaller diameter than the large-diameter valve chamber 16b but a larger diameter than the through-hole 15b. The extension portion 13b has a diameter and length that allow it to be inserted into the small-diameter valve chamber 16a, and a third step portion 13c is formed between the valve portion 13a and the extension portion 13b. A cross-shaped groove portion 13d is also formed in the extension portion 13b. A coil spring 14 is disposed on the outer periphery of the extension portion 13b. One end of the coil spring 14 abuts against the third step portion 13c and the other end abuts against the second step portion 16d, biasing the valve element 13 toward the seating surface 15c.

[0018] To assemble the brake valve 11, the coil spring 14 is placed around the extension 13b of the valve disc 13, and with one end of the coil spring 14 abutting against the third step 13c, the extension 13b is inserted into the large-diameter valve chamber 16b through the opening 12c of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 12d, and the tip of the extension 13b is inserted into the small-diameter valve chamber 16a. As a result, the other end of the coil spring 14 abuts against the second step 16d. Next, while compressing the coil spring 14, the valve disc 13 is pressed toward the tool engagement hole 12e. The cover 15 is placed into the opening 12c of the small-diameter cylindrical portion 12d. Mounting pins 17 are inserted through the pin mounting holes 12g and the pin insertion holes 15a. The cover 15 is then attached to the opening 12c. The brake valve 11 is assembled as an integrated unit.

[0019] The brake valve 11 assembled in this manner is inserted into the first boss portion 5 of the hydraulic master cylinder 2 from the cover body 15 side, and by rotating it using a tool engaged with the tool engagement hole 12e, the male thread portion 12f of the large diameter cylindrical portion 12b screws into the female thread portion 5a of the first boss portion 5, and the brake valve 11 is attached to the first boss portion 5.

[0020] When the brake valve 11 is not being braked, the valve portion 13a is seated on the seating surface 15c due to the resilient force of the coil spring 14. When the operating lever is rotated during braking, as indicated by arrow A in FIG. 5 , pressurized hydraulic fluid passes through the main communication passage 19 and the adjustment communication passage 18, which are formed as an area C between the tip end surface 13e of the valve portion 13a and the seating surface 15c, and is introduced from the hydraulic master cylinder-side hydraulic circuit 4 (left side of FIG. 5 ) through the through hole 15b into the large-diameter valve chamber 16b, discharging the valve element 13 against the resilient force of the coil spring 14. Accordingly, the pressurized hydraulic fluid is discharged from the tool engagement hole 12e through the valve chamber 16 to the brake-side hydraulic circuit 4 (right side of FIG. 5 ) and supplied to the brake via the brake hose. Furthermore, the valve element 13 is restricted from moving toward the tool engagement hole 12e by the abutment of the extension portion 13b and the first step portion 16c.

[0021] When the rotational operation of the operating lever 3 is released, the hydraulic fluid returns from the brake side to the hydraulic master cylinder 2 via the hydraulic circuit 4. At this time, as shown in Figure 2, the valve element 13 of the brake valve 11 is seated on the seating surface 15c due to the elastic force of the coil spring 14. Although the valve element 13 is in a closed state, the hydraulic fluid is allowed to flow from the brake side hydraulic circuit 4 (right side in Figure 2) to the hydraulic master cylinder side hydraulic circuit 4 (left side in Figure 2) through the adjustment communication passage 18 as shown by arrow B, and the hydraulic fluid returns to the hydraulic master cylinder 2. In addition, the flow area through which the hydraulic fluid flows in the adjustment communication passage 18 is smaller than the flow area through which the hydraulic fluid flows in the main communication passage 19. As a result, the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid flowing through the adjustment communication passage 18 is less than the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid flowing through the main communication passage 19, so when the brake is released, the hydraulic fluid slowly returns to the hydraulic master cylinder 2, and the release characteristics are set by diverting the hydraulic fluid returning to the hydraulic master cylinder 2 via the adjustment communication passage 18.

[0022] The brake valve 11 formed as described above can change the release characteristics when the brake is released by changing the number of adjustment communicating passages 18 and the size of the grooves. To change the release characteristics, a tool is engaged in the tool engagement hole 12e and the brake valve 11 is rotated to remove the brake valve 11 from the first boss portion 5, and the cover 15 is replaced with one that has adjustment communicating passages 18 that provide the desired release characteristics. The brake valve 11, which has been unitized by replacing the cover 15, is inserted into the first boss portion 5 and assembled to the first boss portion 5 by rotating it using a tool engaged in the tool engagement hole 12e.

[0023] As described above, when changing the release characteristics of the brake valve 11 of this embodiment, the brake valve 11 as a unit can be removed from the first boss portion 5, and components such as the cover can be replaced while ensuring a large working space, making it easy to replace components. Furthermore, because the brake valve 11 is unitized, the brake valve 11 can be attached and detached as a unit, improving the ease of assembly of the brake valve 11.

[0024] 9 to 11 show another embodiment of the present invention, in which the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0025] 9 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a brake valve 31 has a groove-shaped adjustment communication passage 31b formed in the valve portion 31a of the valve body 13. The adjustment communication passage 31b is formed in the tip face 31c that faces the seating surface 15c, and is formed linearly from the center of the tip face 31c to the outer periphery. As a result, when the hydraulic fluid returns from the brake side to the hydraulic master cylinder 2, even if the valve body 13 is seated on the seating surface 15c and the valve is closed, the hydraulic fluid is allowed to flow into the hydraulic circuit 4 on the hydraulic master cylinder side via the adjustment communication passage 31b.

[0026] In this embodiment, the release characteristics can be changed by changing the number of adjustment communication passages 31b formed in the valve portion 31a or the size of the grooves. To change the release characteristics, the brake valve 31 is removed from the first boss portion 5, the valve element 13 is replaced with a valve element having adjustment communication passages that provide the desired release characteristics, and then the valve element is reassembled to the first boss portion 5.

[0027] 10 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, in which a brake valve 32 is provided with an adjustment communication passage 32b in a valve portion 32a of a valve body 13, and the adjustment communication passage 32b is formed as a through-hole extending from the center of a tip end face 32c facing the seating surface 15c to the groove portion 13d. As a result, when hydraulic fluid returns from the brake side to the hydraulic master cylinder 2, even if the valve body 13 is seated on the seating surface 15c and the valve is closed, the hydraulic fluid is allowed to flow into the hydraulic circuit 4 on the hydraulic master cylinder side via the adjustment communication passage 32b.

[0028] In this embodiment, the release characteristics can be changed by changing the diameter of the adjustment communication passage 32b formed in the valve portion 32a. To change the release characteristics, as in the second embodiment, the brake valve 32 is removed from the first boss portion 5, the valve element 13 is replaced with a valve element having an adjustment communication passage that provides the desired release characteristics, and then the valve element is reassembled to the first boss portion 5.

[0029] 11 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which a brake valve 33 has a bottomed cylindrical body 34 and a cover 35 attached to an opening 34a at one end thereof via mounting pins 36, 36, with a valve chamber 37 formed spanning the interior of the body 34 and the interior of the cover 35. The valve chamber 37 has a large-diameter valve chamber 37a formed inside the body and a small-diameter valve chamber 37b formed inside the cover 35, with a fourth step 37c formed between the large-diameter valve chamber 37a and the small-diameter valve chamber 37b. The valve disc 13 has the same structure as in the third embodiment, and like components are designated by like reference numerals, with detailed description thereof being omitted.

[0030] The cylindrical body 34 has an opening 34c (the opening at the other end of the invention) at the center of the bottom 34b that connects the large-diameter valve chamber 37a to the hydraulic master cylinder-side hydraulic circuit 4, and the area around the opening 34c on the inner surface of the bottom 34b (the surface on the large-diameter valve chamber side) forms a seating surface 34d on which the valve element 13 is seated. The cover 35 has a tool engagement hole 35a that connects the small-diameter valve chamber 37b to the brake-side hydraulic circuit 4. The valve element 13 is arranged with the valve portion 32a facing the seating surface 34d, and one end of the coil spring 14 abuts against the third step 13c and the other end against the fourth step 37c.

[0031] The brake valve 33 is inserted into the first boss portion 5 from the cylindrical body 34 side, and is assembled to the first boss portion 5 by engaging a tool with the tool engagement hole 35a formed in the cover body 35 and rotating the cylindrical body 34 together with the cover body 35.

[0032] In this embodiment, when the hydraulic fluid returns from the brake side to the hydraulic master cylinder 2, the valve body 13 seats on the seating surface 34d, and even if the valve is closed, the hydraulic fluid is allowed to flow into the hydraulic circuit 4 on the hydraulic master cylinder side via the adjustment communication passage 32b.

[0033] The brake valve of the present invention is not limited to being attached to a hydraulic master cylinder used in a bar-handle vehicle as in the above-mentioned embodiments, but may be provided anywhere in the hydraulic circuit connecting the brake and the hydraulic master cylinder, and may also be provided in a hydraulic circuit formed in the caliper body. Also, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the adjustment communication passage is provided in either the cover or the valve body, but it may also be provided in both the cover and the valve body.

[0034] 1...Brake device for bar-handle vehicle, 2...Hydraulic master cylinder, 2a...Cylinder body, 3...Operating lever, 3a...Push rod, 4...Hydraulic circuit, 5...First boss portion, 6...Second boss portion, 7...Third boss portion, 11...Brake valve, 12...Cylindrical body, 12a...Bottom portion, 12b...Large diameter cylindrical portion, 12c...Opening portion, 12d...Small diameter cylindrical portion, 12e...Tool engagement hole, 12f...Male thread portion, 12g...Pin mounting hole, 13...Valve body, 13a...Valve portion, 13b...Extending portion, 13c...Third step portion, 13d...Groove portion, 13e...Tip surface, 14...Coil spring, 15...Cover body, 15a...Pin insertion hole, 15b...Through hole, 15c...Seat surface, 15d...outer peripheral surface, 16...valve chamber, 16a...small diameter valve chamber, 16b...large diameter valve chamber, 16c...first step portion, 16d...second step portion, 17...retaining pin, 18...adjusted communicating passage, 19...main communicating passage, 31...brake valve, 31a...valve body, 31b...adjusted communicating passage, 31c...tip end surface, 32...brake valve, 32a...valve body, 32b...adjusted communicating passage, 32c...tip end surface, 33...brake valve, 34...cylindrical body, 34a...opening, 34b...bottom, 34c...opening, 34d...seating surface, 35...lid body, 35a...tool engaging hole, 36...retaining pin, 37...valve chamber, 37a...large diameter valve chamber, 37b...small diameter valve chamber, 37c...fourth step portion

Claims

1. A brake valve provided in a hydraulic circuit connecting a hydraulic master cylinder and a brake, comprising: a cylinder with a valve disc inside that is moved by hydraulic fluid; and a lid attached to an opening at one end of the cylinder, wherein a through hole is formed in the lid through which hydraulic fluid flows, a seating surface on which the valve disc seats is formed in one of the cylinder or the lid, an adjustment communication passage is formed in at least one of the lid and the valve disc, and a main communication passage is formed between the seating surface and a tip surface of the valve disc, wherein when the valve disc leaves the seating surface, the hydraulic fluid communicates with the hydraulic circuit through at least the main communication passage, and when the valve disc seats on the seating surface, the hydraulic fluid communicates with the hydraulic circuit through the adjustment communication passage, and wherein the adjustment communication passage has a flow area smaller than that of the main communication passage.

2. The brake valve according to claim 1, wherein either the opening at the other end of the cylindrical body or the through hole of the lid body is a tool engagement hole with which a tool can be engaged.

3. A brake device for a bar-handle vehicle equipped with the brake valve according to claim 1, wherein the hydraulic master cylinder of the brake device for a bar-handle vehicle generates hydraulic pressure by operating an operating element, and the brakes are actuated by the hydraulic pressure.

4. A brake device for a bar-handle vehicle equipped with the brake valve according to claim 2, wherein the hydraulic master cylinder of the brake device for a bar-handle vehicle generates hydraulic pressure by operating an operating element, and the brakes are actuated by the hydraulic pressure.

5. A brake device for a bar-handle vehicle as described in claim 4, characterized in that the brake valve has a threaded portion on the outer periphery of the cylindrical body, the tool engagement hole at the opening at the other end of the cylindrical body, and the adjustment communication passage on the cover body, and is assembled by screwing the threaded portion into a connecting portion which is connected to the hydraulic circuit of the hydraulic master cylinder.

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