Vehicular hydraulic device

Abstract

A vehicular hydraulic device (U1) comprises: a first pump (15) that sucks hydraulic fluid from a first reservoir (R) and supplies the hydraulic fluid to a jack device (J) for vehicle height adjustment; a motor (30) that drives the first pump (15); and a first control valve means (V1) that controls the state of communication of a flow path connecting the first pump (15), the jack device (J), and the first reservoir (R). The first control valve means (V1) can be set to a holding state in which the discharge side of the first pump (15) is disconnected from the jack device (J). With this configuration, vehicle height can be maintained when the pump operates in a state in which vehicle height adjustment is not being executed.

Description

Hydraulic device for vehicle

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydraulic device for a vehicle.

[0002] As a hydraulic device for a vehicle for operating a jack device for vehicle height adjustment, there is one having a suction liquid passage connecting a reservoir and a suction side of a pump, and a discharge liquid passage connecting a discharge side of the pump and the jack device, and a normally closed solenoid valve is provided in a communication liquid passage connecting the discharge liquid passage and the suction liquid passage (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the above-described conventional hydraulic device for a vehicle, when raising the vehicle height, the working fluid stored in the reservoir is supplied to the jack device by the pump. Further, in the conventional hydraulic device for a vehicle, when lowering the vehicle height, the solenoid valve is opened and the working fluid is returned from the jack device to the reservoir through the communication liquid passage.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 7308249

[0005] In the hydraulic device for a vehicle shown in FIG. 3 of Cited Document 1, a solenoid valve is provided in the pump suction path of the vehicle height adjustment unit, which is a factor causing a decrease in pump performance. Further, in the hydraulic device for a vehicle shown in FIG. 5 of Cited Document 1, the vehicle height adjustment unit and the brake control unit are provided on one base, and the pump of the vehicle height adjustment unit and the pump of the brake control unit are driven by one motor. In this configuration, when the motor operates during brake control, the pump of the vehicle height adjustment unit also operates and the working fluid is supplied to the jack device, so there is a problem that the vehicle height rises.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems and provide a hydraulic device for a vehicle that can maintain the vehicle height when the pump operates in a state where vehicle height adjustment is not being performed.

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a hydraulic device for a vehicle, comprising: a pump that draws in working fluid stored in a reservoir and supplies it to a jack device for adjusting the vehicle height; a drive source that drives the pump; and a control valve means that controls the communication state of a flow path connecting the pump, the jack device, and the reservoir. The control valve means is switchable between an upward state that connects the discharge side of the pump to the jack device, a holding state that blocks the discharge side of the pump from the jack device, and a downward state that connects the jack device to the reservoir.

[0008] The aforementioned vehicle hydraulic device has a base body having an intake fluid passage connecting the reservoir and the suction side of the pump, a discharge fluid passage connecting the discharge side of the pump and the jacking device, and a communication fluid passage connecting the discharge fluid passage and the intake fluid passage. In this case, the control valve means comprises a normally closed first solenoid valve provided in the discharge fluid passage and a normally open second solenoid valve provided in the communication fluid passage, and the first solenoid valve is provided on the jacking device side of the connection between the discharge fluid passage and the communication fluid passage.

[0009] In the vehicle hydraulic system of the present invention, the vehicle height can be maintained even when the pump is operating while vehicle height adjustment is not being performed, by switching the control valve means to a holding state. As a result, even when the pump of the vehicle hydraulic system of the present invention and the pump for brake control are driven by a single drive source, the vehicle height can be maintained without being affected by brake control. Furthermore, when the control valve means is configured with a first solenoid valve provided in the discharge fluid passage and a second solenoid valve provided in the communication fluid passage connecting the discharge fluid passage and the suction fluid passage, the flow rate of the working fluid in the suction fluid passage increases compared to when a solenoid valve is provided in the suction fluid passage. As a result, the amount of working fluid drawn in by the pump when raising the vehicle height can be increased, and the rate at which the vehicle height is raised can be increased.

[0010] This is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a vehicle hydraulic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. This is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a vehicle hydraulic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention during non-antilock brake control. This is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a vehicle hydraulic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention during depressurization of antilock brake control. This is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a vehicle hydraulic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention during holding of antilock brake control. This is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a vehicle hydraulic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention during pressure increase of antilock brake control. This is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a vehicle hydraulic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention during vehicle height increase. This is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a vehicle hydraulic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention during vehicle height increase. This is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a vehicle hydraulic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention during vehicle height maintenance. This is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a vehicle hydraulic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention during vehicle height decrease. This is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a vehicle hydraulic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention during vehicle height decrease. This is a perspective view of a vehicle hydraulic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front upper left. This is a perspective view of a vehicle hydraulic device according to the first embodiment of the present invention viewed from the rear lower right. This is a perspective view of the flow path configuration of the hydraulic control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention viewed from the front. This is a perspective view of the flow path configuration of the hydraulic control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the right side. This is a perspective view of the flow path configuration of the hydraulic control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the left side. This is a perspective view of the flow path configuration of the hydraulic control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. This is a perspective view of the flow path configuration of the hydraulic control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the rear. This is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a vehicle hydraulic device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a vehicle hydraulic device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a vehicle hydraulic device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front. (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams showing the discharge phases of the two pumps. This is a hydraulic circuit diagram of a vehicle hydraulic device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. In the description of each embodiment, the same reference numerals will be used for the same components, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0012] [First Embodiment] The vehicle hydraulic device U1 of the first embodiment is a device that controls the hydraulic pressure applied to the suspension S and wheel brakes B, as shown in Figure 1. The vehicle hydraulic device U1 comprises a base 50, a vehicle height adjustment unit K1, a brake control unit K2, a motor 30, and a control device 40. The vehicle height adjustment unit K1 adjusts the vehicle height by controlling the hydraulic pressure applied to the jack device J provided on the suspension S. The brake control unit K2 performs anti-lock brake control by controlling the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid applied to the wheel brakes B. In the vehicle hydraulic device U1, both the vehicle height adjustment unit K1 and the brake control unit K2 are provided on a single base 50.

[0013] In the first embodiment, a vehicle hydraulic device U1 used in vehicles with handlebars, such as motorcycles and three-wheeled vehicles, will be described as an example. Note that the vehicle hydraulic device U1 of the first embodiment is also applicable to various other vehicles, such as four-wheeled vehicles.

[0014] (Vehicle Height Adjustment Section) The vehicle height adjustment section K1 is a hydraulic circuit for applying hydraulic pressure to the jack device J. The vehicle height adjustment section K1 is located between the jack device J and the first reservoir R.

[0015] The jack device J is a hydraulic jack installed on the suspension S. When the hydraulic fluid pressure acting on the jack device J increases, the jack device J extends vertically, raising the vehicle's height. Conversely, when the hydraulic fluid pressure acting on the jack device J decreases, the jack device J contracts vertically, lowering the vehicle's height. The first reservoir R is a tank that stores the hydraulic fluid supplied to the jack device J.

[0016] The vehicle height adjustment unit K1 comprises a first hydraulic passage 10, a first control valve means V1, and a first pump 15. The first hydraulic passage 10 is a fluid passage from the jack connection part J1 of the base body 50 to the reservoir connection part J2. The first hydraulic passage 10 is provided with a first suction fluid passage 10a that connects the reservoir connection part J2 to the suction port of the first pump 15, and a first discharge fluid passage 10b that connects the discharge port of the first pump 15 to the jack connection part J1. The first hydraulic passage 10 is also provided with a communication fluid passage 10c and an open fluid passage 10d that connect the first discharge fluid passage 10b and the first suction fluid passage 10a.

[0017] The first hydraulic passage 10 in the first embodiment is formed by slightly modifying a hydraulic passage provided in the base 50 to form a hydraulic passage similar to the second hydraulic passage 20 of the brake control unit K2 described later. Therefore, the first hydraulic passage 10 in the first embodiment is provided with a reservoir hole 59 formed for mounting a reservoir for the brake control unit. This reservoir hole 59 is not necessary in the first hydraulic passage 10 of the vehicle height adjustment unit K1 and is therefore covered by a cover 14.

[0018] The jack connection port J1 is a connection port to which the jack piping H1 extending from the jack device J is connected. The reservoir connection port J2 is a connection port to which the reservoir piping H2 extending from the first reservoir R is connected.

[0019] The first control valve means V1 is provided in the first hydraulic passage 10 and includes a first solenoid valve 11, a second solenoid valve 12, and a relief valve 13. The first control valve means V1 controls the communication state of the flow path connecting the first pump 15, the jacking device J, and the first reservoir R.

[0020] The first solenoid valve 11 is a normally closed solenoid valve installed in the first discharge liquid passage 10b. The first solenoid valve 11 is installed between the connection point with the communication liquid passage 10c and the jack connection point J1. In other words, the first solenoid valve 11 is installed on the jack device J side of the connection point with the communication liquid passage 10c.

[0021] The first solenoid valve 11 blocks the inflow of working fluid from the first reservoir R to the jack device J when it is in the closed state (see Figure 5), and allows it when it is in the open state (see Figure 6). The first solenoid valve 11 has an electromagnetic coil for driving its valve body that is electrically connected to the control device 40. Based on a command from the control device 40, the valve opens when the electromagnetic coil is energized and closes when the electromagnetic coil is de-energized.

[0022] The second solenoid valve 12 is a normally open type solenoid valve installed in the communication fluid passage 10c. Specifically, the second solenoid valve 12 is installed between the first discharge fluid passage 10b and the first suction fluid passage 10a. When the second solenoid valve 12 is in the open state, it allows the flow of working fluid from the first discharge fluid passage 10b (jack device J side) to the first suction fluid passage 10a (first reservoir R side) (see Figure 5), and when it is in the closed state, it blocks the flow (see Figure 6). The electromagnetic coil for driving the valve body of the second solenoid valve 12 is electrically connected to the control device 40, and based on a command from the control device 40, the valve closes when the electromagnetic coil is energized and opens when the electromagnetic coil is demagnetized.

[0023] The relief valve 13 is a one-way valve provided in the open fluid passage 10d and is connected in parallel with the second solenoid valve 12. The relief valve 13 is located between the discharge side (jack device J side) and the suction side (first reservoir R side) of the first pump 15. When the relief valve 13 is closed, it opens when the differential pressure between the working fluid pressure on the first discharge fluid passage 10b side and the working fluid pressure on the first suction fluid passage 10a side becomes greater than or equal to the opening pressure. In this way, the relief valve 13 only allows the flow of working fluid from the discharge side (jack device J side) to the suction side (first reservoir R side) of the first pump 15 (see Figure 7).

[0024] The first pump 15 is located between the first suction fluid passage 10a and the first discharge fluid passage 10b. The first pump 15 is a plunger pump, and it sucks in and discharges working fluid by reciprocating a plunger in a cylinder bore using the rotational force of the motor 30. The first pump 15 sucks in the working fluid stored in the first reservoir R through the first suction fluid passage 10a and discharges it into the first discharge fluid passage 10b (see Figure 6). The working fluid discharged from the first pump 15 into the first discharge fluid passage 10b is supplied to the jacking device J.

[0025] The first pump 15 is provided with check valves 15c, 15c on both the suction and discharge sides, respectively. The check valve 15c is a one-way valve that opens when the hydraulic pressure on the suction side reaches a set hydraulic pressure, allowing only the inflow of working fluid from the suction side to the discharge side. When the check valve 15c reaches the opening pressure, the first pump 15 inhales and discharges working fluid.

[0026] (Brake Control Unit) The brake control unit K2 is a hydraulic circuit for applying brake fluid pressure to the wheel brake B (wheel cylinder). The brake control unit K2 is installed between the master cylinder MC, which is the hydraulic source, and the wheel brake B.

[0027] The brake lever L, which is the brake control element, is connected to the master cylinder MC. The master cylinder MC generates brake fluid pressure corresponding to the force applied by the driver to the brake lever L. The master cylinder MC is connected to the wheel brake B via the brake control unit K2.

[0028] The brake control unit K2 includes a second hydraulic passage 20, a second control valve means V2, a second reservoir 24, and a second pump 25. The second hydraulic passage 20 is provided with a main brake fluid passage 20a that extends from the inlet port J3 of the base 50 to the outlet port J4. The second hydraulic passage 20 also has a second suction fluid passage 20b that extends from the main brake fluid passage 20a to the suction port of the second pump 25, and a second discharge fluid passage 20c that extends from the discharge port of the second pump 25 to the main brake fluid passage 20a. Piping H3 leading to the master cylinder MC is connected to the inlet port J3, and piping H4 leading to the wheel brake B is connected to the outlet port J4.

[0029] The second control valve means V2 is provided in the second hydraulic passage 20 and includes an inlet valve 21, a check valve 21a, and an outlet valve 22. The second control valve means V2 controls the communication state of the flow path connecting the master cylinder MC, the second reservoir 24, and the second pump 25.

[0030] The inlet valve 21 is a normally open solenoid valve installed in the main brake fluid passage 20a. The inlet valve 21 is located between the connection point with the second suction fluid passage 20b and the connection point with the second discharge fluid passage 20c. In other words, the inlet valve 21 is located between the connection point with the second reservoir 24 and the connection point with the discharge side of the second pump 25.

[0031] The inlet valve 21 allows brake fluid to flow from the master cylinder MC side to the wheel brake B side when it is open (see Figure 2), and blocks it when it is closed (see Figure 3). The inlet valve 21 has an electromagnetic coil for driving its valve body that is electrically connected to the control device 40. Based on a command from the control device 40, the valve closes when the electromagnetic coil is energized and opens when the electromagnetic coil is de-energized. The check valve 21a is a one-way valve that only allows brake fluid to flow from the wheel brake B side to the master cylinder MC side, and is connected in parallel with the inlet valve 21.

[0032] The outlet valve 22 is a normally closed solenoid valve provided in the second suction fluid passage 20b. Specifically, the outlet valve 22 is located between the main brake fluid passage 20a and the second reservoir 24. When the outlet valve 22 is closed, it blocks the inflow of brake fluid from the wheel brake B side to the second reservoir 24 side (see Figure 2), and when it is open, it allows it (see Figure 3). The outlet valve 22 has an electromagnetic coil for driving its valve body that is electrically connected to the control device 40. Based on a command from the control device 40, the outlet valve opens when the electromagnetic coil is energized and closes when the electromagnetic coil is de-energized.

[0033] The second reservoir 24 is located in the second intake fluid passage 20b and has the function of temporarily storing brake fluid that is released when the outlet valve 22 is opened.

[0034] The second pump 25 is located between the second suction fluid passage 20b and the second discharge fluid passage 20c. The second pump 25 is a plunger pump, and it draws in and discharges working fluid by reciprocating a plunger in a cylinder bore using the rotational force of the motor 30. The second pump 25 draws in brake fluid stored in the second reservoir 24 of the second suction fluid passage 20b and discharges it into the second discharge fluid passage 20c (see Figure 5). The brake fluid discharged from the second pump 25 into the second discharge fluid passage 20c is supplied to the main brake fluid passage 20a.

[0035] The second pump 25 is provided with check valves 25c, 25c on both the suction and discharge sides, respectively. The check valve 25c is a one-way valve that opens when the hydraulic pressure on the suction side reaches a set hydraulic pressure, allowing only the inflow of working fluid from the suction side to the discharge side. The second pump 25 inhales and discharges working fluid when the check valve 25c reaches the opening pressure.

[0036] The motor 30 is a common power source for the first pump 15 located in the vehicle height adjustment unit K1 and the second pump 25 located in the brake control unit K2, and is an electric component that operates based on commands from the control device 40. When the motor 30 is driven, both the first pump 15 and the second pump 25 operate simultaneously.

[0037] The control device 40 is a microcomputer composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and controls the operation of the vehicle height adjustment unit K1 and the brake control unit K2.

[0038] Next, we will describe the anti-lock brake non-control, anti-lock brake control, and vehicle height adjustment control realized by the control device 40.

[0039] (Anti-lock brake uncontrolled) When the anti-lock brake is uncontrolled, meaning there is no possibility of the wheels locking, in normal brake control, as shown in Figure 2, the inlet valve 21 and outlet valve 22 of the brake control unit K2 are demagnetized by the control device 40. As a result, the inlet valve 21 is in the open state and the outlet valve 22 is in the closed state.

[0040] When the driver operates the brake lever L in this state, the brake fluid pressure generated in the master cylinder MC due to the operating force is transmitted to the wheel brake B via the main brake fluid passage 20a, and the wheel is braked. When the brake lever L is released, the brake fluid that has flowed into the wheel brake B is returned to the master cylinder MC via the main brake fluid passage 20a.

[0041] (Anti-lock brake control) Anti-lock brake control is performed when the wheels are about to lock up, and is achieved by controlling the second control valve means V2 to appropriately select a state in which the brake fluid pressure acting on the wheel brake B is reduced, increased, or kept constant. The control device 40 determines whether to reduce, increase, or keep the pressure reduced based on information obtained from the hydraulic pressure sensor and wheel speed sensor installed in the vehicle. When anti-lock brake control is performed by the control device 40, the motor 30 is driven, and the second pump 25 operates in conjunction with the driving of the motor 30.

[0042] When the control device 40 determines that the brake fluid pressure acting on the wheel brake B should be reduced, the main brake fluid passage 20a is shut off and the second suction fluid passage 20b is opened by the second control valve means V2, as shown in Figure 3. Specifically, the control device 40 energizes the inlet valve 21 to close it and energizes the outlet valve 22 to open it. In this way, the brake fluid in the main brake fluid passage 20a leading to the wheel brake B flows through the second suction fluid passage 20b into the second reservoir 24, and as a result, the brake fluid pressure acting on the wheel brake B is reduced.

[0043] Also, when the control device 40 determines that the brake hydraulic pressure acting on the wheel brake B should be kept constant, as shown in FIG. 4, the main brake hydraulic line 20a and the second suction hydraulic line 20b are blocked by the second control valve means V2, respectively. Specifically, the control device 40 energizes the inlet valve 21 to close it and demagnetizes the outlet valve 22 to close it. By doing so, the brake fluid is trapped in the hydraulic line closed by the wheel brake B, the inlet valve 21, and the outlet valve 22. As a result, the brake hydraulic pressure acting on the wheel brake B is kept constant.

[0044] Also, when the control device 40 determines that the brake hydraulic pressure acting on the wheel brake B should be increased, as shown in FIG. 5, the main brake hydraulic line 20a is opened by the second control valve means V2, and the second suction hydraulic line 20b is blocked. Specifically, the control device 40 demagnetizes the inlet valve 21 to open it and demagnetizes the outlet valve 22 to close it. By doing so, the brake fluid stored in the second reservoir 24 is sucked into the second pump 25 and supplied from the second pump 25 to the main brake hydraulic line 20a through the second discharge hydraulic line 20c. As a result, the brake hydraulic pressure acting on the wheel brake B is increased.

[0045] (Vehicle height increase control) When raising the vehicle height, as shown in FIG. 6, the discharge side of the first pump 15 and the jack device J are connected by the first control valve means V1. Specifically, the control device 40 energizes the first solenoid valve 11 to open it and energizes the second solenoid valve 12 to close it. Then, when the control device 40 drives the motor 30, the first pump 15 operates as the motor 30 drives, and the hydraulic fluid stored in the first reservoir R is supplied to the jack device J through the first suction hydraulic line 10a and the first discharge hydraulic line 10b. As a result, the hydraulic pressure acting on the jack device J increases, the jack device J extends, and the vehicle height rises.

[0046] Incidentally, when the motor 30 is driven during vehicle height adjustment, the second pump 25 of the brake control unit K2 also operates. In the first embodiment, the opening pressure of the check valve 25c of the second pump 25 is higher than the opening pressure of the check valve 15c of the first pump 15. And when the outlet valve 22 of the brake control unit K2 is closed, the brake fluid pressure on the suction side of the second pump 25 is lower than the opening pressure of the check valve 25c of the second pump 25. Therefore, even if the second pump 25 operates, the brake fluid pressure acting on the wheel brake B is not increased.

[0047] Also, as shown in FIG. 7, when the jack device J is fully extended and the first pump 15 continues to operate, and the differential pressure between the hydraulic pressure on the jack device J side and the hydraulic pressure on the first reservoir R side with respect to the hydraulic pressure of the working fluid becomes greater than or equal to the opening pressure of the relief valve 13, the relief valve 13 opens. When the relief valve 13 opens, the working fluid flows from the jack device J side (first discharge liquid passage 10b) to the first reservoir R side (first suction liquid passage 10a). Thereby, it is possible to prevent the hydraulic pressure acting on the jack device J from becoming too large.

[0048] (Vehicle height holding control) When holding the vehicle height constant, as shown in FIG. 8, the first control valve means V1 cuts off the discharge side of the first pump 15 and the jack device J and connects the discharge side of the first pump 15 and the first reservoir R. Specifically, the control device 40 demagnetizes the first solenoid valve 11 to close it and demagnetizes the second solenoid valve 12 to open it. By doing so, the working fluid is trapped in the hydraulic passage between the jack device J and the first solenoid valve 11. As a result, the hydraulic pressure acting on the jack device J is kept constant and the vehicle height is maintained. Also, the first discharge liquid passage 10b and the first suction liquid passage 10a are in a state of being connected through the communication liquid passage 10c, and the discharge side and the suction side (first reservoir R side) of the first pump 15 are in a state of being connected.

[0049] As shown in Figure 3, when anti-lock brake control is performed in the brake control unit K2 during vehicle height maintenance control and the motor 30 is driven, the first pump 15 of the vehicle height adjustment unit K1 also operates. When the first pump 15 operates, the working fluid from the first suction fluid passage 10a is discharged to the first discharge fluid passage 10b. At this time, the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 12 are demagnetized, with the first solenoid valve 11 closed and the second solenoid valve 12 open. Therefore, the working fluid discharged from the first pump 15 is not supplied to the jack device J, but flows into the first suction fluid passage 10a through the communication fluid passage 10c. In this way, when brake control is performed and the motor 30 is driven during vehicle height maintenance control, the working fluid circulates from the discharge side to the suction side of the first pump 15, so that the working fluid pressure acting on the jack device J is kept constant and the vehicle height is maintained.

[0050] (Vehicle Height Lowering Control) When lowering the vehicle height, as shown in Figure 9, the first control valve means V1 connects the jack device J and the first reservoir R. Specifically, the control device 40 energizes the first solenoid valve 11 to open it and demagnetizes the second solenoid valve 12 to open it. In this way, working fluid is returned from the jack device J to the first reservoir R through the first discharge fluid passage 10b, the communication fluid passage 10c, and the first suction fluid passage 10a. As a result, the working fluid pressure acting on the jack device J is reduced, and the vehicle height is lowered.

[0051] As shown in Figure 10, when the vehicle height is lowered, the brake control unit K2 performs anti-lock brake control, and when the motor 30 is driven, the first pump 15 of the vehicle height adjustment unit K1 also operates. When the first pump 15 operates, the working fluid from the first intake fluid passage 10a is discharged into the first discharge fluid passage 10b. At this time, the second solenoid valve 12 is open, so the suction of the working fluid from the first intake fluid passage 10a by the first pump 15 creates a suction effect at the connection point between the communication fluid passage 10c and the first discharge fluid passage 10b. As a result, the working fluid discharged from the first pump 15 to the first discharge fluid passage 10b flows into the first intake fluid passage 10a through the communication fluid passage 10c, and the working fluid of the jack device J flows into the communication fluid passage 10c. As a result, the working fluid pressure acting on the jack device J is reduced, and the vehicle height is lowered.

[0052] Next, the structure of each component of the vehicle hydraulic device U1 of the first embodiment will be described in detail. The perspective views shown in Figures 13 to 17 are diagrams that visualize the circumferential surface of the cavities (recesses and holes) provided within the base body 50.

[0053] As shown in Figure 11, the base body 50 is made of an extruded or cast aluminum alloy product that is substantially rectangular in shape. The first hydraulic passage 10 (see Figure 1) of the vehicle height adjustment unit K1 is provided in the right half of the base body 50, and the second hydraulic passage 20 (see Figure 1) of the brake control unit K2 is provided in the left half of the base body 50.

[0054] The base body 50 of the first embodiment is designed with the assumption that two brake control units will be provided on the left and right sides. In this way, the base body 50 of the first embodiment is formed by slightly modifying a base body capable of performing two brake control systems, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the vehicle hydraulic device U1.

[0055] As shown in Figure 13, a first solenoid valve mounting hole 51 and a second solenoid valve mounting hole 52 are formed in the right-hand region of the front surface 50a (the "first surface" in the claims) of the base body 50. The first solenoid valve mounting hole 51 is located at the top of the front surface 50a of the base body 50. The second solenoid valve mounting hole 52 is located at the bottom of the front surface 50a of the base body 50. The first solenoid valve mounting hole 51 and the second solenoid valve mounting hole 52 are spaced apart in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 11, the first solenoid valve 11 is mounted in the first solenoid valve mounting hole 51, and the second solenoid valve 12 is mounted in the second solenoid valve mounting hole 52. In this way, the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 12 are mounted on the front surface 50a of the base body 50.

[0056] As shown in Figure 14, a first pump hole 53 is formed in the center of the right side 50d (the "second side" in the claims) of the base body 50. As shown in Figure 12, a first pump 15 is mounted in the first pump hole 53. Thus, the first pump 15 is mounted on the right side 50d of the base body 50.

[0057] As shown in Figure 13, when the first pump hole 53, the first solenoid valve mounting hole 51, and the second solenoid valve mounting hole 52 are projected onto the front surface 50a of the base body 50, the first pump hole 53 is positioned between the first solenoid valve mounting hole 51 and the second solenoid valve mounting hole 52. That is, when the first pump 15, the first solenoid valve 11, and the second solenoid valve 12 shown in Figure 12 are projected onto the front surface 50a of the base body 50, the first pump 15 is positioned between the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 12.

[0058] As shown in Figure 13, an inlet valve mounting hole 54 and an outlet valve mounting hole 55 are formed in the left region of the front surface 50a (the "first surface" in the claims) of the base body 50. The inlet valve mounting hole 54 is located at the top of the front surface 50a of the base body 50. The outlet valve mounting hole 55 is located at the bottom of the front surface 50a of the base body 50. The inlet valve mounting hole 54 and the outlet valve mounting hole 55 are spaced apart in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 11, the inlet valve 21 is mounted in the inlet valve mounting hole 54, and the outlet valve 22 is mounted in the outlet valve mounting hole 55. In this way, the inlet valve 21 and the outlet valve 22 are mounted on the front surface 50a of the base body 50.

[0059] As shown in Figure 15, a second pump hole 56 is formed in the center of the left side surface 50c (the "fifth side" in the claims) of the base body 50. As shown in Figure 11, a second pump 25 is mounted in the second pump hole 56. Thus, the second pump 25 is mounted on the left side surface 50c of the base body 50.

[0060] As shown in Figure 13, when the second pump hole 56, the inlet valve mounting hole 54, and the outlet valve mounting hole 55 are projected onto the front surface 50a of the base body 50, the second pump hole 56 is positioned between the inlet valve mounting hole 54 and the outlet valve mounting hole 55. That is, when the second pump 25, the inlet valve 21, and the outlet valve 22 shown in Figure 11 are projected onto the front surface 50a of the base body 50, the second pump 25 is positioned between the inlet valve 21 and the outlet valve 22.

[0061] As shown in Figure 17, a motor shaft insertion hole 57 is formed in the center of the rear surface 50b (the "fourth surface" in the claims) of the base body 50. As shown in Figure 12, a motor 30 is mounted on the rear surface 50b of the base body 50, and the output shaft of the motor 30 is inserted into the motor shaft insertion hole 57 (see Figure 17).

[0062] As shown in Figure 16, a jack connection portion J1 and a reservoir connection portion J2 are formed in the right-hand region of the upper surface 50e of the base body 50 (the "third surface" in the claims), and an inlet port J3 and an outlet port J4 are formed in the left-hand region of the upper surface 50e.

[0063] As shown in Figure 17, the first suction fluid passage 10a, which connects the reservoir connection part J2 and the bottom of the first pump hole 53, is arranged linearly in the vertical direction. Since the suction port of the first pump 15, which is installed in the first pump hole 53 as shown in Figure 11, is located at the bottom of the first pump hole 53, the reservoir connection part J2 and the suction port of the first pump 15 are arranged linearly.

[0064] As shown in Figure 12, a second reservoir hole 58 is formed in the left region of the lower surface 50f of the base body 50. A second reservoir 24 is installed in the second reservoir hole 58. Thus, the second reservoir 24 is installed on the lower surface 50f of the base body 50. A reservoir hole 59 is formed in the right region of the lower surface 50f of the base body 50. The reservoir hole 59 is covered by a lid 14.

[0065] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle hydraulic device U1 of the first embodiment includes a vehicle height adjustment unit K1, a brake control unit K2, and a motor 30. The vehicle height adjustment unit K1 includes a first pump 15 that sucks in the working fluid stored in the first reservoir R and supplies it to the jack device J, and a first control valve means V1 that controls the communication state of the flow path connecting the first pump 15, the jack device J, and the first reservoir R. The first control valve means V1 can switch between an upward state that connects the discharge side of the first pump 15 to the jack device J, a holding state that blocks the discharge side of the first pump 15 from the jack device J, and a downward state that connects the jack device J and the first reservoir R. Furthermore, in the first control valve means V1 of the vehicle hydraulic device U1, as shown in Figure 5, the discharge side of the first pump 15 is connected to the suction side in the holding state.

[0066] As shown in Figure 1, the brake control unit K2 includes a main brake fluid passage 20a that connects the master cylinder MC, which generates hydraulic pressure of brake fluid by operating the brake lever L, to the wheel brake B. The brake control unit K2 also includes a second pump 25 that draws brake fluid stored in the second reservoir 24 and supplies it to the main brake fluid passage 20a, and a second control valve means V2 that controls the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid acting on the wheel brake B. The second control valve means V2 includes a normally open inlet valve 21 provided in the main brake fluid passage 20a and a normally closed outlet valve 22 provided between the main brake fluid passage 20a and the second reservoir 24, with the inlet valve 21 provided between the connection part with the discharge side of the second pump 25 and the connection part with the second reservoir 24.

[0067] In the first embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic system U1, the first pump 15 and the second pump 25 are driven by a motor 30. In such a vehicle hydraulic system U1, by switching the first control valve means V1 to a holding state, the vehicle height can be maintained even when the brake control unit K2 performs anti-brake lock control and the first pump 15 is activated when vehicle height adjustment is not being performed. As a result, even if the first pump 15 of the vehicle height adjustment unit K1 and the second pump 25 of the brake control unit K2 are driven by a single motor 30, the vehicle height can be maintained without being affected by the brake control.

[0068] The vehicle hydraulic device U1 has a base body 50 in which a first suction fluid passage 10a connecting a first reservoir R to the suction side of a first pump 15, a first discharge fluid passage 10b connecting the discharge side of the first pump 15 to a jack device J, and a communication fluid passage 10c connecting the first discharge fluid passage 10b to the first suction fluid passage 10a are formed. The first control valve means V1 includes a normally closed first solenoid valve 11 provided in the first discharge fluid passage 10b and a normally open second solenoid valve 12 provided in the communication fluid passage 10c, with the first solenoid valve 11 being provided on the jack device J side of the connection between the first discharge fluid passage 10b and the communication fluid passage 10c.

[0069] In the vehicle hydraulic device U1 of the first embodiment, when the vehicle height is kept constant, the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 12 are demagnetized, as shown in Figure 8. Thus, in the vehicle hydraulic device U1, under normal conditions where the vehicle height is kept constant, it is not necessary to constantly energize the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 12 of the vehicle height adjustment unit K1.

[0070] Furthermore, in the vehicle hydraulic device U1 of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, a solenoid valve is not provided in the first suction fluid passage 10a. In this configuration, the flow resistance of the working fluid is reduced compared to the case where a solenoid valve is provided in the first suction fluid passage 10a, so the flow rate of the working fluid in the first suction fluid passage 10a increases. As a result, when raising the vehicle height, the amount of working fluid drawn in by the first pump 15 can be increased, and the rate at which the vehicle height is raised can be increased.

[0071] In the first embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic system U1, as shown in Figure 7, a relief valve 13 is provided between the jack device J and the first reservoir R. When the relief valve 13 is closed, it opens when the differential pressure between the working fluid pressure on the jack device J and the working fluid pressure on the first reservoir R side becomes greater than or equal to the opening pressure.

[0072] In this configuration, when the jack device J is fully extended and the first pump 15 continues to operate, the relief valve 13 opens, allowing the working fluid to flow from the jack device J to the first reservoir R. This prevents the working fluid pressure acting on the jack device J from becoming too high.

[0073] In the first embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U1, as shown in Figure 11, the first solenoid valve 11, the second solenoid valve 12, the inlet valve 21, and the outlet valve 22 are mounted on the front surface 50a of the base body 50, which improves the workability when assembling the solenoid valves to the base body 50.

[0074] In the first embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U1, as shown in Figure 12, the motor 30, first pump 15, second pump 25, and second reservoir 24 are assembled on a base 50. By integrating the base 50, motor 30, first pump 15, second pump 25, and second reservoir 24 in this way, it can be easily mounted on a vehicle.

[0075] In the first embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U1, the first pump 15, which is a plunger pump, is mounted on the right side 50d of the base body 50. When the first pump 15, the first solenoid valve 11, and the second solenoid valve 12 are projected onto the front surface 50a of the base body 50, the hydraulic passage is configured such that the first pump 15 is positioned between the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 12, thereby increasing the operating efficiency of the first pump 15.

[0076] In the first embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U1, as shown in Figure 11, the second pump 25, which is a plunger pump, is mounted on the left side surface 50c of the base body 50. When the second pump 25, inlet valve 21, and outlet valve 22 are projected onto the front surface 50a of the base body 50, the fluid passage is configured such that the second pump 25 is positioned between the inlet valve 21 and the outlet valve 22, thereby increasing the operating efficiency of the second pump 25.

[0077] In the first embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U1, as shown in Figure 17, the base body 50 can be made compact by forming the reservoir connection part J2 on the upper surface 50e of the base body 50. Furthermore, by arranging the reservoir connection part J2 and the suction port of the first pump 15 in a straight line and shortening the liquid passage between the reservoir connection part J2 and the suction port of the first pump 15, the suction efficiency of the first pump 15 can be increased and cavitation can be prevented.

[0078] Furthermore, by forming the jack connection portion J1 and the reservoir connection portion J2 on the upper surface 50e of the base body 50, it becomes easier to process the jack connection portion J1 and the reservoir connection portion J2 onto the base body 50, and it also becomes easier to connect the jack piping H1 and the reservoir piping H2 to the base body 50 when the base body 50 is mounted on the vehicle.

[0079] In the first embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U1, as shown in Figure 11, the motor 30 is mounted on the rear surface 50b of the base body 50, allowing the base body 50 to be made compact while avoiding interference between the first solenoid valve 11, the second solenoid valve 12, the inlet valve 21 and the outlet valve 22 and the motor 30.

[0080] Although the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the first embodiment and can be modified as appropriate without departing from its spirit. In the vehicle height adjustment section K1 of the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, an open fluid passage 10d is provided that connects the first discharge fluid passage 10b and the first intake fluid passage 10a, and a relief valve 13 is provided in the open fluid passage 10d, but the open fluid passage 10d and the relief valve 13 do not need to be provided.

[0081] In the first embodiment, the inlet valve prepared to constitute the brake control unit is used as the second solenoid valve 12 of the vehicle height adjustment unit K1, and the outlet valve is used as the first solenoid valve 11. Therefore, although a check valve 12a is provided in the second solenoid valve 12 of the first embodiment, it is not necessary to provide a check valve 12a in the second solenoid valve 12.

[0082] [Second Embodiment] Next, a vehicle hydraulic device U2 of the second embodiment will be described. The vehicle hydraulic device U2 of the second embodiment differs from the vehicle hydraulic device U1 of the first embodiment (see Figure 1) in that, as shown in Figure 18, it does not have a brake control unit, but has two vehicle height adjustment units K1a and K1b. The vehicle hydraulic device U2 of the second embodiment has a first vehicle height adjustment unit K1a, a second vehicle height adjustment unit K1b, and a motor 30.

[0083] The first vehicle height adjustment unit K1a includes a first pump 15a that sucks in the working fluid stored in the first reservoir R1 and supplies it to the first jack device Ja for adjusting the vehicle height, and a first control valve means V1a that controls the communication state of the flow path connecting the first pump 15a, the first jack device Ja, and the first reservoir R1.

[0084] The first control valve means V1a can switch between an upward state that connects the discharge side of the first pump 15a to the first jack device Ja, a holding state that disconnects the discharge side of the first pump 15a from the first jack device Ja, and a downward state that connects the first jack device Ja to the first reservoir R1.

[0085] The second vehicle height adjustment unit K1b includes a second pump 15b that sucks in the working fluid stored in the second reservoir R2 and supplies it to the second jack device Jb for adjusting the vehicle height, and a second control valve means V1b that controls the communication state of the flow path connecting the second pump 15b, the second jack device Jb, and the second reservoir R2.

[0086] The second control valve means V1b is capable of switching between an upward state that connects the discharge side of the second pump 15b with the second jack device Jb, a holding state that disconnects the discharge side of the second pump 15b from the second jack device Jb, and a downward state that connects the second jack device Jb with the second reservoir R2.

[0087] In the vehicle hydraulic device U2 of the second embodiment, the first pump 15a of the first ride height adjustment section K1a and the second pump 15b of the second ride height adjustment section K1b are driven by a single motor 30 (drive source). In the second embodiment, the first ride height adjustment section K1a is formed on the left half of the base body 50, and the second ride height adjustment section K1b is formed on the right half of the base body 50.

[0088] In such a vehicle hydraulic device U2, by switching the first control valve means V1a of the first ride height adjustment unit K1a to a holding state, the first ride height adjustment unit K1a can maintain the ride height even when ride height adjustment is performed in the second ride height adjustment unit K1b while ride height adjustment is not being performed in the first ride height adjustment unit K1a.

[0089] Furthermore, in the vehicle hydraulic device U2, by switching the second control valve means V1b of the second ride height adjustment unit K1b to a holding state, the second ride height adjustment unit K1b can maintain the ride height even when ride height adjustment is performed in the first ride height adjustment unit K1a while ride height adjustment is not being performed in the second ride height adjustment unit K1b.

[0090] Thus, in the vehicle hydraulic device U2 of the second embodiment, even if the two pumps 15a and 15b of the two ride height adjustment units K1a and K1b are driven by a single motor 30, the ride height can be adjusted independently for each. Furthermore, in the vehicle hydraulic device U2 of the second embodiment, the ride height can be adjusted by controlling the hydraulic pressure acting on a single jack device J using one system of the base body 50 prepared for brake control, thus reducing the design man-hours and manufacturing costs related to the device for adjusting the ride height. In particular, although not shown in the figures, if the brake control unit K2 of the first embodiment is replaced with the configuration of the ride height adjustment unit K1, two ride height adjustment units K1a and K1b can be provided on a single base body, making it easy to apply a brake control device with two general brake systems, reducing design man-hours and manufacturing costs, and improving ease of mounting on the vehicle body.

[0091] Although a second embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the second embodiment, and, as with the first embodiment, can be modified as appropriate without departing from its spirit.

[0092] [Third Embodiment] Next, the vehicle hydraulic device U3 of the third embodiment will be described. The vehicle hydraulic device U3 of the third embodiment differs from the vehicle hydraulic device U1 of the first embodiment (see Figure 1) in that, as shown in Figure 19, it does not have a brake control unit, but has one vehicle height adjustment unit K1. In the third embodiment, the first hydraulic passage 10 of the vehicle height adjustment unit K1 is formed only on the right half of the base body 50. With this configuration, the vehicle height can be adjusted by controlling the hydraulic pressure applied to a single jack device J using the base body 50 prepared for brake control, thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the device for adjusting the vehicle height.

[0093] Although a third embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the third embodiment, and, as with the first embodiment, can be modified as appropriate without departing from its spirit.

[0094] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, the vehicle hydraulic device U4 of the fourth embodiment will be described. The perspective view shown in Figure 21 is a diagram that visualizes the circumferential surface of the cavities (recesses and holes) provided in the base 50 of the vehicle hydraulic device U4 of the fourth embodiment. The vehicle hydraulic device U4 of the fourth embodiment differs from the vehicle hydraulic device U3 of the third embodiment (see Figure 19) in that, as shown in Figure 20, two pumps 15a and 15b are connected in parallel to the jack device J.

[0095] In the fourth embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic system U4, two pumps 15a and 15b are connected in parallel to the first intake fluid passage 10a and the first discharge fluid passage 10b. Both pumps 15a and 15b are driven by a single motor 30 (drive source). The two pumps 15a and 15b of the vehicle hydraulic system U4 of the fourth embodiment draw in the working fluid stored in the first reservoir R through the first intake fluid passage 10a and discharge it to the first discharge fluid passage 10b. In this way, the working fluid discharged from the multiple pumps 15a and 15b to the first discharge fluid passage 10b is supplied to the jack device J.

[0096] Furthermore, in the vehicle hydraulic device U4 of the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figure 21, a first pump hole 53 is formed in the center of the left side surface 50c (the "second surface" in the claims) of the base body 50, and a second pump hole 56 is formed in the center of the right side surface 50d (the "fifth surface" in the claims) of the base body 50. The first pump hole 53 and the second pump hole 56 are arranged around the motor shaft insertion hole 57. In addition, the central axes of the first pump hole 53 and the second pump hole 56 are formed to intersect with the central axis of the motor shaft insertion hole 57, which is coaxial with the output shaft of the motor 30. That is, the first pump hole 53 and the second pump hole 56 are arranged radially around the central axis of the motor shaft insertion hole 57 (in Figure 21, the central axes of the first pump hole 53 and the second pump hole 56 are at 180 degrees). Then, the first pump 15a (see Figure 20) is installed in the first pump hole 53, and the second pump 15b (see Figure 20) is installed in the second pump hole 56.

[0097] As described above, in the fourth embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U4, the first pump 15a (see Figure 20) is mounted on the left side 50c of the base body 50, and the second pump 15b (see Figure 20) is mounted on the right side 50d of the base body 50. As a result, in the fourth embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U4, both pumps 15a and 15b (see Figure 20) are arranged radially with respect to the output section of the motor 30 (see Figure 20). In the fourth embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U4, the pistons of both pumps 15a and 15b (see Figure 20) are arranged so that their axial directions are coaxial.

[0098] In the fourth embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic system U4, the discharge cycles of the working fluid from the first pump 15a and the second pump 15b are differed by half a cycle. That is, the discharge cycles of the first pump 15a (see Figure 20) and the second pump 15b are offset by half a cycle by being driven by a phase cam (not shown) on the output shaft of the motor 30. As a result, working fluid is discharged twice into the first discharge fluid passage 10b during one rotation of the output shaft of the motor 30.

[0099] In the fourth embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U4, when the first pump hole 53, the second pump hole 56, the first solenoid valve mounting hole 51, and the second solenoid valve mounting hole 52 are projected onto the front surface 50a of the base body 50, the first pump hole 53 and the second pump hole 56 are positioned between the first solenoid valve mounting hole 51 and the second solenoid valve mounting hole 52. That is, when the first pump 15a, the second pump 15b, the first solenoid valve 11, and the second solenoid valve 12 shown in Figure 20 are projected onto the front surface 50a of the base body 50 (see Figure 21), the first pump 15a and the second pump 15b are positioned between the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 12.

[0100] In the fourth embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U4, since multiple pumps 15a and 15b are used when raising the vehicle height, the amount of working fluid supplied to the jack device J can be increased, thereby improving the pressure boosting performance.

[0101] Furthermore, in the vehicle hydraulic device U4 of the fourth embodiment, the working fluid drawn into the first intake fluid passage 10a is pressurized by the first pump 15a (see Figure 22(a)) and discharged to the jack device J through the first discharge fluid passage 10b. Also, the working fluid drawn into the first intake fluid passage 10a is pressurized by the second pump 15b with a half-cycle delay from the first pump 15a (see Figure 22(b)) and discharged to the jack device J through the first discharge fluid passage 10b. In other words, when the first pump 15a is discharging working fluid, the second pump 15b draws in working fluid, and when the first pump 15a is drawing in working fluid, the second pump 15b discharges brake fluid. As a result, the working fluid is discharged from both pumps 15a and 15b with pulsation suppressed (see Figure 22(c)). Thus, in the vehicle hydraulic device U4 of the fourth embodiment, the pistons of the two pumps 15a and 15b are driven in phase with a single cam of the motor 30, thereby suppressing the pulsation of the working fluid discharged from both pumps 15a and 15b.

[0102] In the fourth embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U4, the motor 30 and both pumps 15a and 15b are assembled on a single base 50, allowing for easy installation on a vehicle. In the fourth embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U4, as shown in Figure 21, the positions and shapes of the first solenoid valve mounting hole 51, the second solenoid valve mounting hole 52, the first pump hole 53, the second pump hole 56, the motor shaft insertion hole 57, the reservoir hole 59, and some of the flow paths on the base 50 are similar to those of the base for brake control. This reduces the design man-hours and manufacturing costs associated with the device for adjusting the vehicle height.

[0103] In the fourth embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U4, when both pumps 15a and 15b, the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 12 are projected onto the front surface 50a of the base 50, the hydraulic passage is configured such that both pumps 15a and 15b are positioned between the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 12, respectively (see Figure 21), thereby increasing the operating efficiency of both pumps 15a and 15b.

[0104] Although a fourth embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the fourth embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from its spirit, similar to the first embodiment. For example, the number of pumps is not limited, and three or more pumps may be provided. In this case, it is preferable to arrange the multiple pumps radially with respect to the output section of the motor 30. Furthermore, it is sufficient that at least one pump is located between the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 12. For example, when three or more pumps are arranged radially, it is sufficient that at least one of each pump is located between the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 12.

[0105] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, the fifth embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U5 will be described. The perspective view shown in Figure 24 is a diagram that visualizes the circumferential surface of the cavities (recesses and holes) provided in the base 50 of the vehicle hydraulic device U5 of the fifth embodiment. The fifth embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U5 differs from the fourth embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U4 (see Figure 20) in that, as shown in Figure 23, the open fluid passage 10d is connected to the jack device J side of the first discharge fluid passage 10b rather than the first control valve means V1.

[0106] In the fifth embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic system U5, one end of the open fluid passage 10d is connected in the first discharge fluid passage 10b between the first solenoid valve 11 and the jack device J. Also, similar to the vehicle hydraulic system U4 of the fourth embodiment (see Figure 20), a motor 30 and two pumps 15a and 15b are assembled to a single base 50. Furthermore, the other end of the open fluid passage 10d is connected in the first suction fluid passage 10a to both pumps 15a and 15b side of the second solenoid valve 12. In this configuration, the relief valve 13 provided in the open fluid passage 10d is directly connected to the jack device J and the first reservoir R via only the fluid passage, without going through the first control valve means V1.

[0107] Due to factors such as ambient temperature, the temperature of the jack device J may rise, causing the hydraulic pressure of the working fluid inside the jack device J to increase. In the vehicle hydraulic device U5 of the fifth embodiment, when the normally closed first solenoid valve 11 is not energized and the first solenoid valve 11 is closed, the hydraulic pressure of the working fluid inside the jack device J rises, and when the differential pressure between the working fluid pressure on the first reservoir R side and the working fluid pressure on the jack device J side becomes greater than or equal to the opening pressure of the relief valve 13, the relief valve 13 opens. As a result, working fluid flows from the jack device J side to the first reservoir R side through the relief valve 13.

[0108] In the fifth embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U5, a simple structure can suppress the rise in hydraulic pressure of the working fluid in the jack device J. Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment of the vehicle hydraulic device U5, even when the temperature of the jack device J rises and the hydraulic pressure of the working fluid in the jack device J rises when the first control valve means V1 is not energized, such as when the engine is stopped, the working fluid can be allowed to flow from the jack device J side to the first reservoir R side through the relief valve 13.

[0109] Although a fifth embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the fifth embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from its spirit, similar to the first embodiment. For example, the number of pumps is not limited, and three or more pumps may be provided. In this case, it is preferable to arrange the multiple pumps radially with respect to the output section of the motor 30. Also, similar to the vehicle hydraulic device U3 (see Figure 19) of the third embodiment, one pump may be connected to the jack device J.

[0110] Alternatively, an open fluid passage 10d similar to that of the vehicle hydraulic device U3 of the third embodiment (see Figure 19) may be provided, and a check valve that only allows the inflow of working fluid from the jack device J side to the first reservoir R side may be connected in parallel with the first solenoid valve 11. In this configuration, when the differential pressure between the working fluid pressure on the upstream side and the working fluid pressure on the downstream side of the first solenoid valve 11, which is in a closed state, becomes greater than or equal to the opening pressure of the check valve, working fluid flows from the jack device J side to the fluid passage between the first solenoid valve 11 and the second solenoid valve 12 through the check valve, and the working fluid flows to the first reservoir R side through the second solenoid valve 12 or the open fluid passage 10d similar to that of the third embodiment.

[0111] 10 First hydraulic passage 10a First suction passage 10b First discharge passage 10c Connecting passage 10d Open passage 11 First solenoid valve 12 Second solenoid valve 12a Check valve 13 Relief valve 14 Cover 15 First pump (first embodiment) 15a First pump (second, fourth, fifth embodiments) 15b Second pump (second, fourth, fifth embodiments) 15c Check valve 20 Second hydraulic passage 20a Main brake passage 20b Second suction passage 20c Second discharge passage 21 Inlet valve 21a Check valve 22 Outlet valve 24 Second reservoir 25 Second pump (first embodiment) 25c Check valve 30 Motor 40 Control device 50 Base 50a Front view 50b Rear view 50c Left side view 50d Right side 50e Top 50f Bottom 51 First solenoid valve mounting hole 52 Second solenoid valve mounting hole 53 First pump hole 54 Inlet valve mounting hole 55 Outlet valve mounting hole 56 Second pump hole 57 Motor shaft insertion hole 58 Second reservoir hole 59 Reservoir hole B Wheel brake H1 Piping for jack H2 Piping for reservoir H3 Piping H4 Piping J Jack device (first embodiment) Ja First jack device (second embodiment) Jb Second jack device (second embodiment) J1 Jack connection part J2 Reservoir connection part J3 Inlet port J4 Outlet port K1 Vehicle height adjustment part (first embodiment) K1a First vehicle height adjustment part (second embodiment) K1b Second vehicle height adjustment part (second embodiment) K2 Brake control unit L Brake lever MC Master cylinder R First reservoir (first embodiment) R1 First reservoir (second embodiment) R2 Second reservoir (second embodiment) S Suspension U1 Vehicle hydraulic device (first embodiment) U2 Vehicle hydraulic device (second embodiment) U3 Vehicle hydraulic device (third embodiment) U4 Vehicle hydraulic device (fourth embodiment) U5 Vehicle hydraulic device (fifth embodiment) V1 First control valve means (first embodiment) V1a First control valve means (second embodiment) V1b Second control valve means (second embodiment) V2 Second control valve means

Claims

A pump that draws in the working fluid stored in the reservoir and supplies it to the jacking device for adjusting the vehicle height, A drive source for driving the aforementioned pump, A vehicle hydraulic system comprising a control valve means for controlling the communication state of a flow path connecting the pump, the jacking device, and the reservoir, The control valve means is A raised state that connects the discharge side of the pump and the jacking device, A holding state that isolates the discharge side of the pump from the jacking device, A vehicle hydraulic device characterized by being able to switch between a lowered state that connects the jack device and the reservoir. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 1, The control valve means is characterized in that, in the holding state, it connects the discharge side of the pump to the suction side. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 1, A relief valve is provided between the jacking device and the reservoir. The relief valve is a vehicle hydraulic device characterized in that, in the closed state, it opens when the differential pressure between the working fluid pressure on the reservoir side and the working fluid pressure on the jack device side becomes greater than or equal to the opening pressure. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 1, A suction fluid passage connecting the reservoir and the suction side of the pump, A discharge fluid passage connecting the discharge side of the pump and the jacking device, The base has a communication passage that connects the discharge passage and the suction passage, The control valve means is A normally closed first solenoid valve is provided in the aforementioned discharge liquid passage, The system includes a normally open second solenoid valve provided in the aforementioned connecting liquid passage, A vehicle hydraulic device characterized in that the first solenoid valve is provided on the jack device side of the connection between the discharge fluid passage and the communication fluid passage. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 4, A vehicle hydraulic device characterized in that the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are mounted on the first surface of the base. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 1, The base has the aforementioned control valve means attached to it, The aforementioned drive source is a motor, A vehicle hydraulic device characterized in that the drive source and the pump are assembled to the base body. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 5, The aforementioned pump is a plunger pump, The pump is mounted on a second surface adjacent to the first surface of the base, A vehicle hydraulic device characterized in that, when the pump, the first solenoid valve, and the second solenoid valve are projected onto the first surface of the base, the pump is positioned between the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve. 　 Substrate and, A pump that draws in the working fluid stored in the reservoir and supplies it to the jacking device for adjusting the vehicle height, A drive source for driving the aforementioned pump, A vehicle hydraulic system comprising a control valve means for controlling the communication state of a flow path connecting the pump, the jacking device, and the reservoir, The pump, the reservoir, and the drive source are mounted on the base, The control valve means is A raised state that connects the discharge side of the pump and the jacking device, A holding state that isolates the discharge side of the pump from the jacking device, A vehicle hydraulic device characterized by being able to switch between a lowered state that connects the jack device and the reservoir. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 8, The aforementioned substrate includes, A suction fluid passage connecting the reservoir and the suction side of the pump, A discharge fluid passage connecting the discharge side of the pump and the jacking device, A connecting liquid passage is formed that connects the discharge liquid passage and the suction liquid passage. The control valve means is A normally closed first solenoid valve is provided in the aforementioned discharge liquid passage, The aforementioned connecting liquid passage is provided with a normally open second solenoid valve, The first solenoid valve is located on the jack device side of the connection between the discharge fluid passage and the communication fluid passage. The aforementioned drive source is a motor, and the aforementioned pump is a plunger pump. The first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are mounted on the first surface of the base, The pump is mounted on a second surface adjacent to the first surface of the base, A vehicle hydraulic device characterized in that, when the pump, the first solenoid valve, and the second solenoid valve are projected onto the first surface of the base, the pump is positioned between the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 7 or claim 9, In the substrate, a reservoir connection portion is formed on the third surface adjacent to the first surface and the second surface, to which reservoir piping extending from the reservoir is connected. A vehicle hydraulic device characterized in that the reservoir connection portion and the pump's suction port are arranged in a straight line. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 10, A vehicle hydraulic device characterized in that a jack connection portion is formed on the third surface of the base body to which jack piping extending from the jack device is connected. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 5 or claim 9, The hydraulic device for a vehicle is characterized in that the drive source is mounted on a fourth surface of the base body that faces the first surface. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device having a ride height adjustment unit, a brake control unit, and a drive source, The aforementioned vehicle height adjustment unit is A first pump draws in the working fluid stored in the first reservoir and supplies it to the jacking device for adjusting the vehicle height, The system comprises a first control valve means for controlling the communication state of the flow path connecting the first pump, the jacking device, and the first reservoir, The first control valve means is A raised state that connects the discharge side of the first pump and the jacking device, A holding state that isolates the discharge side of the first pump from the jacking device, The jacking device and the first reservoir are connected in a lowered state, and the lowered state can be switched between these states. The brake control unit, A main brake fluid passage connects the master cylinder, which generates hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid by operating the brake lever, to the wheel brake, A second pump that draws in the brake fluid stored in the second reservoir and supplies it to the main brake fluid passage, The system includes a second control valve means for controlling the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid acting on the wheel brake, A vehicle hydraulic system characterized in that the first pump and the second pump are driven by the drive source. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 13, The base has the main brake fluid passage formed therein, The second control valve means is A normally open inlet valve is provided in the main brake fluid passage, The system includes a normally closed outlet valve provided between the main brake fluid passage and the second reservoir, The inlet valve is provided between the connection point to the discharge side of the second pump and the connection point to the second reservoir. A vehicle hydraulic device characterized in that the inlet valve and the outlet valve are mounted on the first surface of the base. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 13, The base has the main brake fluid passage formed therein, The aforementioned drive source is a motor, A vehicle hydraulic device characterized in that the drive source, the second pump, and the second reservoir are assembled to the base body. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 14, The aforementioned substrate includes, A discharge fluid passage connecting the discharge side of the first pump and the jacking device, A suction fluid passage connecting the first reservoir and the suction side of the first pump, A connecting liquid passage is formed that connects the discharge liquid passage and the suction liquid passage. The first control valve means is In the discharge fluid passage, a normally closed first solenoid valve is provided on the jack device side of the connection point with the communication fluid passage, The aforementioned connecting liquid passage is provided with a normally open second solenoid valve, The first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are mounted on the first surface of the base, The first pump and the second pump are plunger pumps. The first pump is mounted on a second surface adjacent to the first surface of the base, When the first pump, the first solenoid valve, and the second solenoid valve are projected onto the first surface of the base, the first pump is positioned between the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve. The second pump is mounted on the fifth surface of the base, which is adjacent to the first surface and facing the second surface. A vehicle hydraulic device characterized in that, when the second pump, the inlet valve, and the outlet valve are projected onto the first surface of the base, the second pump is positioned between the inlet valve and the outlet valve. 　 A jacking device for adjusting the vehicle height is connected to a first reservoir that stores the hydraulic fluid used to operate the jacking device, A vehicle hydraulic system that connects a master cylinder, which generates hydraulic pressure of brake fluid by operating a brake lever, to the wheel brake, A first pump that sucks up the working fluid stored in the first reservoir and supplies it to the jacking device, A first control valve means that switches the flow path connecting the first pump, the jacking device, and the first reservoir to a state of either opening or closing it, A second control valve means for controlling the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid acting on the wheel brake, A second reservoir for storing the aforementioned brake fluid, A second pump that draws in the brake fluid stored in the second reservoir and supplies it to the wheel brake, A drive source that drives both the first pump and the second pump, A vehicle hydraulic device characterized in that the first control valve means, the first pump, the second control valve means, the second pump, the second reservoir, and the drive source are provided on a single base body. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 17, The aforementioned substrate includes, A discharge fluid passage connecting the discharge side of the first pump and the jacking device, A suction fluid passage connecting the first reservoir and the suction side of the first pump, A connecting fluid passage that connects the discharge fluid passage and the suction fluid passage, A main brake fluid passage connecting the master cylinder and the wheel brake is formed, The first control valve means is A normally closed first solenoid valve is provided in the aforementioned discharge liquid passage, The aforementioned connecting liquid passage is provided with a normally open second solenoid valve, The first solenoid valve is provided on the jack device side of the connection between the discharge fluid passage and the communication fluid passage. The first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are mounted on the first surface of the base, The first pump and the second pump are plunger pumps. The first pump is mounted on a second surface adjacent to the first surface of the base, When the first pump, the first solenoid valve, and the second solenoid valve are projected onto the first surface of the base, the first pump is positioned between the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve. The second control valve means is A normally open inlet valve is provided in the aforementioned discharge liquid passage, The system includes a normally closed outlet valve provided between the main brake fluid passage and the second reservoir, The inlet valve is provided between the connection point to the discharge side of the second pump and the connection point to the second reservoir. The inlet valve and the outlet valve are mounted on the first surface of the base, The second pump is mounted on the fifth surface of the base, which is adjacent to the first surface and facing the second surface. A vehicle hydraulic device characterized in that, when the second pump, the inlet valve, and the outlet valve are projected onto the first surface of the base, the second pump is positioned between the inlet valve and the outlet valve. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 16 or claim 18, In the substrate, the third surface adjacent to the first surface and the second surface is: A reservoir connection section is formed to which reservoir piping extending from the first reservoir is connected. A vehicle hydraulic device characterized in that the reservoir connection portion and the suction port of the first pump are arranged in a straight line. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 19, A vehicle hydraulic device characterized in that a jack connection portion is formed on the third surface of the base body to which jack piping extending from the jack device is connected. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 16 or claim 18, The hydraulic device for a vehicle is characterized in that the drive source is mounted on a fourth surface of the base body that faces the first surface. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device having a first ride height adjustment unit, a second ride height adjustment unit, and a drive source, The first vehicle height adjustment unit is, A first pump that draws in the working fluid stored in the first reservoir and supplies it to the first jack device for adjusting the vehicle height, The system comprises a first control valve means for controlling the communication state of the flow path connecting the first pump, the first jacking device, and the first reservoir, The first control valve means is A raised state that connects the discharge side of the first pump and the first jacking device, A holding state that isolates the discharge side of the first pump from the first jack device, The first jacking device and the first reservoir are connected in a lowered state, and the lowered state can be switched between these states. The second ride height adjustment unit is, A second pump draws in the working fluid stored in the second reservoir and supplies it to the second jack device for adjusting the vehicle height, The system comprises the second pump, the second jacking device, and a second control valve means connecting the second reservoir, The second control valve means is A raised state that connects the discharge side of the second pump and the second jack device, A holding state that isolates the discharge side of the second pump from the second jack device, The second jacking device and the second reservoir are connected in a lowered state, and the lowered state can be switched between these states. A vehicle hydraulic system characterized in that the first pump and the second pump are driven by the drive source. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 1, The aforementioned pump is a plunger pump, Multiple pumps are connected in parallel to the jacking device. A vehicle hydraulic system characterized in that each of the aforementioned pumps is driven by the aforementioned drive source. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 23, The base has the aforementioned control valve means provided, The aforementioned drive source is a motor, The drive source and each of the pumps are assembled to the base, A vehicle hydraulic system characterized in that each of the pumps is arranged radially with respect to the output section of the drive source. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 1, The aforementioned pump is a plunger pump, The two pumps are connected in parallel to the jacking device. A suction fluid passage connecting the reservoir and the suction side of both pumps, A discharge fluid passage connecting the discharge side of both pumps and the jacking device, The base has a communication passage that connects the discharge passage and the suction passage, The two pumps are driven by the drive source, The control valve means is A normally closed first solenoid valve is provided in the aforementioned discharge liquid passage, The aforementioned connecting liquid passage is provided with a normally open second solenoid valve, The first solenoid valve is located on the jack device side of the connection between the discharge fluid passage and the communication fluid passage. The first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve are mounted on the first surface of the base, The two pumps are mounted on the second surface adjacent to the first surface of the base and on the fifth surface facing the second surface, respectively. A vehicle hydraulic system characterized in that, when the pump, the first solenoid valve, and the second solenoid valve are projected onto the first surface of the base, at least one of the pumps is positioned between the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve. 　 A vehicle hydraulic device according to claim 3, A suction fluid passage connecting the reservoir and the suction side of the pump, A discharge fluid passage connecting the discharge side of the pump and the jacking device, It has an open fluid passage connecting the discharge fluid passage and the suction fluid passage, The relief valve is provided in the open fluid passage, A vehicle hydraulic device characterized in that the open fluid passage is connected to the jack device side of the discharge fluid passage rather than the control valve means.

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