DE4017659A1 - Vehicle brake fluid handling appts. - has delivery unit with spare fluid container, measuring device and used fluid receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

The appts. for selection, indication, measurement and delivery or for receipt and collection of brake fluid contains devices for used and unused fluid. The unused fluid device contains a delivery device, a reservoir, a connecting tube and a manometer. The used fluid collector contains a small vol. container with a scale and a connecting tube. The unused fluid output unit (1) contains a pump (2), drive motor (3), reservoir (4), vol. measurement mechanism (5.1, 5.2), blocking (8.1, 8.2) and restoring (9.1,9.2) devices. The used fluid receiver consists of connecting lines (16.1,16.2), a large vol. container (18) with emptying connection and at least one hydraulic input and a drip cup (21) with a line connecting it to the collection container. USE/ADVANTAGE - Enables introduction of fresh brake fluid and removal and collection of used fluid to be performed in about half the time of conventional methods and in a single procedure.

Description

The invention relates to a device for preselection, volumetric measurement and delivery of unused brake fluids, and for receiving and collecting used brake fluids, in particular for hydraulic brake systems in motor vehicles. Separate devices on the one hand for dispensing unused brake fluids, on the other hand for easy collection of used brake fluids in ventilation and Wechselvor gears are known. Unused brake fluid is pressed into a brake circuit by a special dispenser without preselection and volume measurement until a certain volume, which has been determined by the vehicle manufacturer, used fluid is collected in an open bottle or similar via the vent valve of this circuit . This bottle has a measuring scale, e.g. B. with a 100 cm ³ division on which the amount to be collected is visually read; as soon as this is reached, the dispensing process at the other end of the circle is stopped and the entire process is ended. Then the used used brake fluid is poured out of the bottle into any collecting vessel that is not part of the entire device. Other liquid, consistent or solid wastes can also get into this vessel, e.g. B. by improper handling of used waste oil, coolant, cold cleaner or the like; its content will inevitably become hazardous waste with significantly higher disposal costs.

The previous handling in dealing with brake fluids is therefore not very professional, but rather a manual solution; moreover, it is not suitable for the specific requirements of modern environmental protection is inevitable and sufficient fulfill. For the present application, these are: absolutely separate collection and storage of the used brake rivers to reprocess them - not against them Annihilation, e.g. B. by burning. This environmental rele vante task has not yet been solved.

Based on this prior art, the invention lies Task, with a device that acts as a structural unit is trained, both the area code, volumetric measurement and Dispensing of unused brake fluids as well as the intake and collection of used brake fluid in one operation to carry out, as well as to create the conditions for a temporary storage. It has been shown that through this procedure with the device of the invention the entire process takes about half the time, with exact delivery of the predetermined amount of the unused Brake fluid. This can provide the unused Brake fluids are made from original containers (e.g. 60 ltr. content), which is set directly in the device as well as from the largest delivery units (e.g. collecting tanks or the like), from which the brake fluid in a special Container of the device can be transferred. On the other hand, a Large-volume exchange container of approx. 30-100 liters for the used brake fluid integrated in the device; the full Container finally becomes a reprocessing plant transported and there its content an environmentally friendly and  supplied inexpensive reprocessing. This container is in turn against unauthorized opening or filling with foreign substances secured; after its emptying and cleaning, it becomes again provided for filling (reusable collection container).

A novelty here is the structure and the hydro-mechanical Mode of action of the reciprocating piston measuring unit in connection with the quantity preselection and indicator for unused brake fluids - serial before the Brake circuit arranged - represents. It consists of a piston with a Cylinder, the piston rod on one side for stroke display and manu actuation is brought out. There is a setback in the piston integrated valve that at the same time, in the manual return the piston to its starting position, mechanically unlocked and such a transfer of the brake fluid is effected in the cylinder; the Pump is switched off during this transfer process. During the ge In the first step, a whole quantity of the unused serves Brake fluid as a working medium, at the same time is forced downstream, due to the hydraulic series connection,

• - An identical amount of unused brake fluid in the Brake circuit released,
• - An identical amount of used brake fluid in the Container transported;

then takes place - between two operations with the power off Pump - manual decanting. Here the quantum, the was originally the working medium for the ready-to-deliver quantity; this is in the 2nd step (in the next delivery process) in the brake circuit promoted. The energies to complete the 1st or 2nd step (1st or 2nd delivery) are each activated by the pump (according to Pressure times delivery volume) applied. It acts as a generic term is therefore a single-acting, hydro-mechanical piston measuring mechanism with an adjustable stroke and display, as well as a manual stroke reset for volumetric direct dosing unused brake fluids.

The following are three preferred embodiments of the invention described with 4 drawings; it shows in detail:

Fig. 1 shows the hydraulic circuit diagram of the device for two parallel-connected brake circuits with three inputs for the unused and two outputs for the used brake fluid (working circuit).

Fig. 2 shows the hydraulic circuit diagram of the device for a brake circuit, each with an input for the unused and an output for the used brake fluid (working circuit).

Fig. 3 shows the hydraulic circuit diagram of the device with an input for the unused and two outputs for the used brake fluid of two brake circuits connected in parallel (working circuit).

Fig. 4 is the front and side view of an electrically operated ben, mobile device, which is summarized as a unit, as shown in FIG. 1 (idle state).

In the drawings, the same or corresponding construction parts of both circles (. 1 or. 2 ) are marked with the same main reference numerals. First of all to the hydraulic plan according to FIG. 1.

The connection to the individual brake circuits ( 11.1 or 11.2 ) of the vehicle is made on the inlet side for the unused brake fluid at the connector 14.1 / 14.2 or on the outlet side for the used brake fluid at the connector nozzle 17.1 / 17.2 ; There is a hydraulic series connection for 14.1 / 11.1 / 17.1 (line 1 ) or 14.2 / 11.2 / 17.2 (line 2 ). By pressurizing each line with the shut-off device ( 8.1 ) or ( 8.2 ) open by means of the common feed pump ( 2 ), the unused brake fluid pushes the used brake circuit via the corresponding lines and connections into the collecting container ( 18 ).

In detail, the following procedure takes place in one strand (e.g. strand 1 ). First, the connection of the connecting line ( 13.1 ) with the nozzle ( 14.1 ) for the unused brake fluid to the corresponding nozzle of the brake circuit 1 ; Accordingly, the connecting line ( 16.1 ) with the connector ( 17.1 ) is connected to the outlet of the brake circuit 1 ( 11.1 ) for the discharge of the used brake fluid. Now the quantity of brake fluid is set on the measuring unit ( 5.1 ) by means of the quantity preselection and display ( 6.1 ), which the manufacturer of the vehicle has prescribed for this brake circuit; here the reset button ( 27.1 ) must be brought into its lower dead position; At the same time, make sure that the shut-off device ( 8.1 ) is open. Now the device is ready for operation, the pump ( 2 ) delivers unused brake fluid from the storage container ( 4 ), which has a level indicator, into line 1 ; At the same time, the hydraulic pressure is displayed on the pressure gauge ( 7.1 ). The pump ( 2 ) moves the piston ( 28.1 ) of the measuring mechanism ( 5.1 ) out of its lower dead position in accordance with the quantity preselection at ( 6.1 ) into its upper dead position; in this case the unused brake fluid serves as the hydraulic working medium ( 10.1 ). At the same time, the upper half of the piston ( 28.1 ) is the amount of unused brake fluid in the brake circuit 1 ( 11.1 ) and the used brake fluid via the connecting line ( 16.1 ) and the hydraulic input ( 20 ) of the disposal connection ( 19 ) in the reservoir ( 18 ) promoted. In this process, only as much liquid volume can be dispensed as was set by the stroke of the piston ( 28.1 ) on the quantity preselection ( 6.1 ). As soon as the piston ( 28.1 ) has reached its top dead center and the task is completed, the pump ( 2 ) delivers the brake fluid back into the reservoir ( 4 ) via the adjustable relief valve ( 24 ) until it is switched off and the Process is finished.

To prevent environmentally harmful dripping, the uncoupled nozzle ( 17.1 ) is inserted into the drip cup ( 21 ); from there the drained brake fluid runs via the connecting line ( 22 ) into the exchangeable collecting container ( 18 ). The measuring mechanism ( 5.1 ) is moved manually from its upper to its lower dead position by means of the reset button ( 27.1 ); a check valve ( 29.1 ) is mechanically pushed open in the piston ( 28.1 ) and the brake fluid is transferred from the lower to the upper cylinder chamber and the measuring unit ( 5.1 ) is ready for the next volumetric metering.

The events in line 2 for the other brake circuit run in parallel.

Since the brake fluids are usually hygroscopic, the air flowing in via the ventilation in the reservoir ( 4 ) during the dispensing process is systematically dehumidified by a moisture filter ( 36 ). With appropriate handling, the unused brake fluid is therefore free of moisture.

Another separate circuit connected in parallel, consisting of the shut-off device ( 41 ), the connecting line ( 43 ), manometer ( 44 ) and the connecting piece ( 42 ), as an alternative to the other two circuits (. 1 and. 2 ) with the feed pump ( 2 ) bleeding the brake system ( 12 or 12 ') using unused brake fluid; ie there is no volumetric dosing and is also not intended.

The entire dispensing unit for unused brake fluid is designated by ( 1 ); the receiving unit for the used brake fluid is ( 15 ). Both together make up the entire device as one structural unit ( 23 ).

Figs. 2 is analogous to Figure 1, with the proviso that only one brake circuit (11) is operated. however, individual parts of the device are further differentiated: conveyor unit ( 30 ), measuring unit ( 31 ) and receiving unit ( 15 ), and the braking system ( 12 ); the first three units can be combined into one unit as a single unit.

The delivery unit ( 30 ) consists in a known manner of the delivery pump ( 2 ), the drive motor ( 3 ), the pressure gauge ( 7 ), the reservoir ( 4 ) for unused brake fluid and the overflow valve ( 24 ). The measuring unit ( 31 ), which is arranged behind the delivery unit ( 30 ) in terms of flow, is hydraulically coupled and is acted upon by the working medium ( 10 ), ie the unused brake fluid, consists of the measuring unit ( 5 ), the quantity preselection and display ( 6 ), the connecting line ( 13 ) and the nozzle ( 14 ). Hydraulically behind the measuring unit ( 31 ) sits the brake system ( 12 ), into which unused brake fluid is used at the inlet-side connection and used at the outlet-side connection, the latter into the receiving unit ( 15 ). The receiving unit ( 15 ) consists in a known manner of the connecting piece ( 17 ), the connecting line ( 16 ), the collecting container ( 18 ) with the disposal connection ( 19 ), and the drip cup ( 21 ) with the connecting line ( 22 ). In the idle state of the entire device, the connecting piece ( 17 ) is inserted into a spout of the drip cup ( 21 ) for environmental reasons.

FIG. 3 is analogous to FIG. 2. The main difference is that with the measuring mechanism ( 5 ) two brake circuits of the brake system ( 12 ) are operated on the output side, the process for each circuit running in succession. The quantity preselection ( 6 ) can be set individually or summed for each process. Accordingly, there are two connecting pieces ( 17 ) and two connecting lines ( 16 ) which are brought together and lead to the hydraulic inlet ( 20 ) of the collecting container ( 18 ).

In Fig. 4 the device is shown as a complete unit ( 23 ) in its preferred embodiment in the operational idle state, which is particularly mobile; its main components consist of

• - The chassis ( 33 ) with wheels ( 25 ) and two handles ( 38 );
• - The feed pump ( 2 ) with the electric drive motor ( 3 ) and the power cable ( 34 );
• - The measuring mechanism ( 5.1 and 5.2 ) with the quantity preselection and display 6.1 and 6.2 ), as well as the reset device ( 9.1 and 9.2 ), the shut-off device ( 8.1 and 8.2 ), the pressure gauge ( 7.1 and 7.2 ), the connecting line ( 13.1 and 13.2 ) and the nozzle ( 14.1 and 14.2 ), for unused brake fluids;
• - The reservoir ( 4 ) for reusable use for unused brake fluids with a fastening device ( 35 ), and the corresponding connections, but in particular, for its moisture-free ventilation, a moisture filter ( 36 );
• - The (reusable) collection container ( 18 ) for used brake fluid speeds, the disposal connection ( 19 ), the fastening device ( 35 ), the connecting piece ( 17.1 and 17.2 ) and the connecting line ( 16.1 and 16.2 );
• - The drip cups ( 21 ) serve to accommodate the nozzle ( 14.1 / .2 or 17.1 / .2 ) in the idle state of the device to catch dripping brake fluids in an environmentally friendly manner;
• - Shut-off device ( 41 ), connecting line ( 43 ), connecting piece ( 42 ), pressure gauge ( 44 ) as a third parallel circuit for unused brake fluids;
• - A manually operated suction pump ( 39 ) is used as device accessory, for example to be able to also suction the brake fluid reservoir on the vehicle, with the appropriate lines ( 45 ) and connecting piece ( 46 ) for connection to the corresponding points on the vehicle or device, or a test device ( 40 ) to be able to check the chemical-physical condition of the brake fluid in the brake system.

The quantity preselection and display as well as the operation of the device can also be used for the entire brake system consisting of several Circles, adding up. In this case, the whole prescribed content of the brake and the display for the individual processes on each circle are added up and on the measuring Scale displayed. No individual provision is made here of the measuring mechanism after each process, but only once after the  Completion of all operations on the motor vehicle, the hydraulic Regarding braking device. Ent ventilation processes of the brake system or individual brake circuits be led; the corresponding nozzle must be attached closed and the pump operated.

Other different design variants that are not in detail are claimed are characterized by the following features draws.

Variant 1: The recording unit ( 15 ) and the measuring unit ( 31 ) are combined to form a new device as a structural unit ( 23 ') (the conveyor unit ( 30 ) represents a device which currently exists).

Variant 2: The receiving unit ( 15 ) forms a common structural unit ( 23 ') with the conveyor unit ( 30 ).

Variant 3: The conveyor unit ( 30 ) and the measuring unit ( 31 ) form a delivery unit ( 1 ) and the receiving unit ( 15 ) is omitted (open system).

Other variants according to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are derived analogously from the variants from 1 to 3.

Reference numerals

1 delivery unit
2 feed pump
3 drive motor
4 storage containers
5.1 Measuring mechanism 1
5.2 Measuring mechanism 2
6.1 Quantity preselection and display 1
6.2 Quantity preselection and display 2
7.1 Manometer 1
7.2 Manometer 2
8.1 Shut-off device 1
8.2 Shut-off device 2
9.1 Reset device 1
9.2 Reset device 2
10.1 Working medium 1
10.2 Working medium 2
11.1 Brake circuit 1
11.2 Brake circuit 2
12 braking system
12 ′ braking system
13.1 Connection line 1
13.2 Connection line 2
14.1 Spigot 1
14.2 Spigot 2
15 recording unit
16.1 Connection line 1
16.2 Connection line 2
17.1 Connection spigot 1
17.2 Connection spigot 2
18 collection containers
19 Disposal connection
20 input, hydraulic
21 drip cups
22 connecting line
23 unit
23 ′ assembly (variant 1 and 2)
24 overflow valve
25 wheels
26 strap
27.1 Reset button 1
27.2 Reset button 2
28.1 Piston 1
28.2 Piston 2
29.1 Check valve 1
29.2 Check valve 2
30 conveyor unit
31 measuring unit
32 level indicators
33 chassis
34 power cables
35 fastening device
36 moisture filter
37 Security device
38 handle
39 suction pump
40 test device
41 shut-off device
42 connecting piece
43 connecting line
44 pressure gauges
45 lines
46 sockets

Claims (18)

1. Device for preselection, display, measurement and delivery or for recording and collecting brake fluids, for serial hydraulic connection before or after a hydraulic circuit of the brake system of a motor vehicle, consisting of a device for unused brake fluids, the

• - Contains a conveyor, a storage container, a connec tion hose with nozzle and a pressure gauge, and from a collecting device for used brake fluids
• a small-volume container with a measuring scale, contains a connecting hose with a nozzle,

characterized in that the dispensing unit ( 1 ) for unused brake fluids, consisting of

• - A feed pump ( 2 ), a drive motor ( 3 ), a reservoir ( 4 ), at least one, operated by the feed pump ( 2 ), hydraulically arranged in parallel, single-acting, volumetric measuring mechanism ( 5.1 or 5.2 ) with a quantity preselection and -Display ( 6.1 or 6.2 ), a manometer ( 7.1 or 7.2 ), a shut-off device ( 8.1 or 8.2 ) and a reset device ( 9.1 or 9.2 ), the working medium ( 10.1 or 10.2 ) that in the brake circuits ( 11.1 or 11.2 ) of the brake system ( 12 ) brake fluid to be dispensed via a connecting line ( 13.1 or 13.2 ) and connecting piece ( 14.1 or 14.2 ),
  and the receiving unit ( 15 ) for used brake fluids, consisting of
• - At least one connecting line ( 16.1 or 16.2 ) with a connecting piece ( 17.1 or 17.2 ), a large-volume collection container ( 18 ) with a disposal connection ( 19 ) with at least one hydraulic input ( 20 ), and a drip cup ( 21 ) optionally with a connecting line ( 22 ) to the collecting container ( 18 ),

is designed as a structural unit ( 23 ). 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive motor ( 3 ) is an electric motor. 3. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive motor ( 3 ) is an air motor. 4. Apparatus according to claim 1 and 2, characterized in that the feed pump ( 2 ) is a gear pump. 5. Apparatus according to claim 1 and 3, characterized in that the feed pump ( 2 ) is a piston pump. 6. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the dispensing unit ( 1 ) has an overflow valve ( 24 ). 7. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the overflow valve ( 24 ) has a pressure setting. 8. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the structural unit ( 23 ) with rollers, wheels ( 25 ) o. 9. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the collecting container ( 18 ), by a belt ( 26 ) or device, is interchangeable. 10. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the collecting container ( 18 ) is partially or fully transparent and carries the official waste key number of the used brake fluid. 11. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the reset devices ( 9.1 and 9.2 ) of the measuring mechanisms ( 5.1 and 5.2 ) have a manual reset button ( 27.1 and 27.2 ). 12. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the storage container ( 4 ) has a level indicator ( 32 ). 13. Apparatus according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the storage container ( 4 ) has a moisture filter ( 36 ). 14. Apparatus according to one or more of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a circle is arranged in the dispensing unit ( 1 ) parallel to the circles (. 1 and. 2 ), which additionally has a shut-off device ( 41 ), a manometer ( 44 ), a connecting line ( 43 ) and a connecting piece ( 42 ). 15. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a suction pump ( 39 ), provided with lines ( 45 ) and connecting piece ( 46 ), is arranged on the chassis ( 33 ). 16. Device according to one or more of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that a test device ( 40 ) is arranged on the chassis ( 33 ).