JP2006313148A - Mixed air amount measuring device and method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a mixed air amount measuring device capable of highly-precisely inspecting aeration in a liquid within a short time. <P>SOLUTION: The mixed air amount measuring device 1 includes a vacuum pump 10 for injecting a brake fluid into a piping system 106 of a braking system 100, an injection pump 20, a brake fluid tank 25, a volume changing mechanism 30 for changing a volume of the brake fluid filled in the piping system 106, a pressure sensor 40 for detecting changes in a fluid pressure with changes in the volume of the brake fluid, and a computer 50 for calculating an amount of mixed air in the brake fluid based on detection results of displacement sensors 34 and the pressure sensor 40 of the mechanism 30. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an air mixing amount measuring apparatus and an air mixing amount measuring method for measuring the amount of air mixed in a liquid filled in a piping system.

  In a brake device for an automobile, if air is mixed in the brake fluid filled in the piping system, it may not be possible to generate a hydraulic pressure corresponding to the brake depression force. For this reason, it is necessary to inspect the entry of air into the brake fluid filled in the piping system of the brake device in an automobile production line.

  As an aeration detection device used in a brake device including a master cylinder and a high pressure source such as a pump, for example, when increasing the wheel cylinder pressure using the high pressure source as a hydraulic pressure source, the degree of increase in the wheel cylinder pressure is detected, A device that detects air contamination by comparing the detection result with a predetermined value has been known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

However, since this aeration detection device is configured to be mounted on the automobile itself, it causes problems such as an increase in the cost and weight of the automobile. Therefore, it is also possible to suck the brake fluid once in the production line without using such a device and obtain the air mixing amount from the total amount, but this requires a lot of work.
JP 11-286271 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-13867 JP-A-9-32527

  An object of the present invention is to provide an air mixing amount measuring apparatus and an air mixing amount measuring method capable of inspecting air mixing in a liquid with high accuracy in a short time.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided an air mixing amount measuring device for measuring an amount of air mixed in a liquid filled in a piping system, wherein the piping system is in a sealed state. Change means for changing one of the volume or the liquid pressure of the filled liquid, and a detection means for detecting a change in the liquid pressure or the volume accompanying a change in the volume or the liquid pressure of the liquid filled in the piping system; Calculation means for calculating the amount of air mixed in the liquid filled in the piping system based on the change amount changed by the change means and the change amount detected by the detection means. An aeration amount measuring device is provided. Although not particularly limited in the above invention, it is preferable that the piping system is provided in a vehicle, and the air mixing amount measuring device is provided outside the vehicle.

  In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided an air mixing amount measuring method for measuring an amount of air mixed in a liquid filled in a piping system, wherein the piping system is in a sealed state. A change step for changing a volume or a liquid pressure of the liquid filled in the inside, and a detection step for detecting a change in the liquid pressure or the volume accompanying a change in the volume or the liquid pressure of the liquid filled in the piping system; A calculation step for calculating an amount of air mixed in the liquid filled in the piping system based on a change amount in the change step and a change amount in the detection step. A measurement method is provided. Although not particularly limited in the above invention, the piping system is provided in a vehicle, and in the changing step, a change in volume or pressure of the liquid is performed from outside the vehicle, and in the detecting step, It is preferable that the change in the liquid pressure or volume of the liquid is detected from the outside of the vehicle.

  In the present invention, when air is contained in the liquid, the air follows Boyle-Charles' law. That is, when the volume (V) is changed, the pressure (P) changes so that the product of the volume and the pressure becomes constant (PV = constant), and conversely, when the pressure (P) is changed, Thus, the volume (V) changes so that the product of volume and pressure is constant (PV = constant). This is shown in FIG. In FIG. 5B, the sealed container S is filled with a liquid L containing air G, and the liquid pressure at this time is P0 and the volume is V0. From this state, the piston PT is moved as shown in FIG. 5C to reduce the volume of the container S to V1, and the hydraulic pressure is set to P1, and as shown in FIG. Assuming that the liquid pressure when the volume of the container S is increased to V2 by moving is P2, the air G contained in the liquid L follows Boyle-Charles' law, so that P0 · V0 = P1 · V1 = P2 -The relationship of V2 is established. Therefore, in the present invention, either the liquid volume or the liquid pressure may be changed in the changing means or the changing step. When the liquid volume is changed, the liquid pressure is detected in the detecting means or the detecting step, and the liquid When the hydraulic pressure is changed, the volume is detected by the detection means or the detection step. In the change means and the change step, the volume of the liquid may be increased or decreased, and the hydraulic pressure includes both increase and decrease.

  The slope (characteristic) of this PV curve varies depending on the amount of air contained in a fixed volume of liquid (see FIG. 3).

  In the present invention, based on the Boyle-Charle's law, one of the volume or the liquid pressure of the liquid filled in the piping system is changed by the changing means, and the liquid is generated in accordance with the change in the volume or the liquid pressure. The detecting means detects a change in hydraulic pressure or volume. In general, air is much more compressible and expandable than liquid (that is, liquid has almost no volume change with respect to a change in hydraulic pressure). Therefore, as shown in FIG. When the pressure is changed, if the amount of air mixed in the liquid is small, the change in the fluid pressure or volume increases, whereas if the amount is large, the change in the fluid pressure or volume decreases. In the present invention, using this principle, the calculating means calculates the amount of air mixing based on the amount of change and the amount of change. Thereby, since quantitative measurement of air mixing becomes possible, a highly accurate inspection becomes possible.

  In the present invention, the change means and the change means are provided outside the vehicle, and the amount of air mixed in the liquid filled in the piping system is measured from the outside. This makes it possible to measure the amount of air contamination without modifying the piping system of the vehicle, so that the inspection of the amount of air contamination on the production line is short without causing an increase in the cost or weight of the vehicle. You can do it in time.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<< First Embodiment >>
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an air mixing amount measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2A is a measurement cap used in the air mixing amount measuring apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is FIG. FIG. 3 is a graph showing an example of air mixing amount data used in the air mixing amount measuring apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  An air mixing amount measuring apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus that measures the amount of air mixed in a brake fluid filled in a piping system 106 of a brake device 100 of an automobile, as shown in FIG. Furthermore, the vacuum pump 10 for injecting the brake fluid into the piping system 106, the injection pump 20 and the brake fluid tank 25, and the volume changing mechanism 30 for changing the volume of the brake fluid filled in the piping system 106; , A pressure sensor 40 that detects a change in hydraulic pressure accompanying a volume change of the brake fluid, and a computer that calculates the amount of air in the brake fluid based on the detection results of the displacement sensor 34 and the pressure sensor 40 of the volume change mechanism 30 50. The air mixing amount device 1 is provided outside the automobile on which the brake device 100 is mounted, and is provided, for example, in a brake fluid injection process in an automobile production line. Note that the vacuum pump 10, the injection pump 20, and the brake fluid tank 25 in the present embodiment correspond to an example of the injection means in the claims, and the volume changing mechanism 30 in the present embodiment is a change in the claims. The pressure sensor 40 in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of a detection unit in the claims, and the computer 50 in the embodiment corresponds to an example of a calculation unit in the claims. In this example, a change in hydraulic pressure due to a change in volume is detected, and thereby the amount of air mixed in is measured.

  First, the brake device 100 that is a measurement target of the air mixing amount measurement device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the brake device 100 includes a master cylinder 102 to which a brake pedal 101 is connected and a piping system 106 including a brake pipe 105 connected to the master cylinder 102. The master cylinder 102 is, for example, a tandem master cylinder having a primary piston and a secondary piston to which the brake pedal 101 is connected, and a brake pipe 105 is connected to each piston. A reservoir tank 103 in which brake fluid is stored is disposed on the master cylinder 102. The reservoir tank 103 can communicate with the master cylinder 102 only when the depression of the brake pedal 101 is released. In addition, the brake pedal 101 in this embodiment is equivalent to an example of the brake operation means in the claims.

  When the driver depresses the brake pedal 101, the brake device 100 separates the reservoir tank 103 from the master cylinder 102, and at the same time, the master cylinder 102 is disposed in the piping system 106 including the brake pipe 105. A hydraulic pressure corresponding to the amount of depression is generated, and based on this hydraulic pressure, pressure is generated in the front and rear wheel cylinders.

  Although not particularly shown, the normally used cap of the reservoir tank 103 is formed with, for example, a slit or the like in order to release the pressure in the reservoir tank 103 to atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, when the air mixing amount measuring device 1 according to the present embodiment is connected to the brake device 100, a measurement cap 104 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is used as a cap of the reservoir tank 103. As shown in the figure, the first and second communication holes 104a for inserting the first and second pipes 61 and 62 led out from the air mixing amount measuring device 1, respectively, into the measurement cap 104, Except for the formation of 104b, no slit or the like is formed, and the inside of the reservoir tank 103 can be sealed off from the atmospheric pressure and sealed.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the lower end of the first pipe 61 inserted into the first communication hole 104a of the measurement cap 104 is the lower end of the second pipe 62 inserted into the second communication hole 104b. The lower end of the second pipe 62 is located within an appropriate oil amount range shown on the side surface of the reservoir tank 103, for example.

  Next, the air mixing amount measuring apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  The vacuum pump 10 is a pump for evacuating the piping system 106 before injecting the brake fluid into the piping system 106. This vacuum pump 10 is connected to the inside of the reservoir tank 103 via the third pipe 63 branched from the first pipe 61 and the first pipe 61 inserted into the first communication hole 104a of the measurement cap 104. Communicating with The third pipe 63 is provided with a first valve 71 that can separate the vacuum pump 10 from the first pipe 61. A computer 50 is connected to the vacuum pump 10 so as to be controllable, and the computer 50 is also connected to the first valve 71 so as to be controlled to open and close.

  The injection pump 20 is a pump for injecting brake fluid into the piping system 106 of the brake device 100. The discharge port of the injection pump 20 communicates with the interior of the reservoir tank 103 via the second pipe 62 inserted into the second communication hole 104 b of the measurement cap 104. On the other hand, the suction port of the injection pump 20 communicates with the brake fluid tank 25 via the fourth pipe 64. The second pipe 62 is provided with a second valve 72 that can separate the injection pump 20 from the reservoir tank 103. A computer 50 is connected to the infusion pump 20 in a controllable manner, and the computer 50 is also connected to the second valve 72 in a controllable manner.

  In the present embodiment, the injection pump 20 performs normal injection of brake fluid and injection for measurement with respect to the piping system 106 of the brake device 100 in an empty state (a state in which no brake fluid is filled). And continuously. This makes it possible to quickly perform operations from the injection of brake fluid to the inspection for air contamination.

  On the other hand, for example, when the air mixing amount measuring device 1 is used outside the production line, when a predetermined amount of brake fluid is already injected into the piping system 106 by the brake fluid injection device or the like, the air mixing amount is measured. Therefore, brake fluid is added by the infusion pump 20 so that the reservoir tank 103 of the brake device 100 is also filled.

  The injection pump 20 sucks out the brake fluid filled in the piping system 106 of the brake device 100 and discharges it to the brake fluid tank 25 via the second piping 61 and the fourth piping 64. It is possible.

  The brake fluid tank 25 stores brake fluid injected into the piping system 106 of the brake device 100. The brake fluid tank 25 communicates with the reservoir tank 103 via the fifth pipe 65 and the first pipe 61. The fifth pipe 65 is provided with a third valve 73 that can separate the brake fluid tank 25 from the first pipe 61. Note that only the third valve 73 has an air release function for releasing the fifth pipe 65 to the atmosphere in addition to an opening / closing function for communicating / blocking the fifth pipe 65. A computer 50 is connected to the third valve 73 so that open / close control and atmospheric release control are possible.

  In addition, the brake fluid injection device conventionally provided in the production line is used as the vacuum pump 10, the injection pump 20 and the brake fluid tank 30 of the air mixing amount measuring device 1 according to the present embodiment, and this brake fluid injection device. In addition, the air mixing amount measuring apparatus 1 may be configured by adding a volume change mechanism 30, a pressure sensor 40, a computer 50, and the like. This makes it easy to inline the production line.

  The volume changing mechanism 30 includes a cylinder 31 to which a first pipe 61 is connected, a piston 32 slidably inserted into the cylinder, and an actuator 33 that moves the piston 32 in the axial direction with respect to the cylinder 31. And a displacement sensor 34 that detects the amount of movement of the actuator 33.

  The end of the first pipe 61 is connected to the tip of the cylinder 31, and the internal space surrounded by the inner wall surface of the cylinder 31 and the tip of the piston 32 communicates with the first pipe 61. ing. A drive shaft 33a of the actuator 33 is attached to the rear end portion of the piston 32. When the actuator 33 operates in the linear motion direction, the piston 32 is moved in the axial direction with respect to the cylinder 31 via the drive shaft 33a. It can be slid. Examples of the actuator 33 include a hydraulic cylinder, a servo motor, and an air cylinder. The actuator 33 is provided with a displacement sensor 34 capable of detecting the amount of movement in the axial direction. As this displacement sensor 34, for example, a limit sensor for detecting the forward limit and the reverse limit of the drive rod 33a can be mentioned, and thereby, the volume change of the brake fluid is restricted to a constant amount. A computer 50 is connected to the actuator 33 so as to be controllable, and the computer 50 is also connected to the displacement sensor 34 so as to receive a detection result.

  A fourth valve 74 is provided between the branch point of the first pipe 61 with the fifth pipe 65 and the end to which the cylinder 31 is connected. The pressure sensor 40 is connected between the end of the first pipe 61 connected to the cylinder 31 and the fourth valve 74. The fourth valve 74 can separate the volume change mechanism 30 and the pressure sensor 40 from a branch point of the first pipe 61 with the fifth pipe 65. A computer 50 is connected to the fourth valve 74 so as to be capable of opening and closing, and the computer 50 is also connected to the pressure sensor so that the detection result can be received.

  The computer 50 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like, and the volume change amount and the hydraulic pressure change amount generated in the brake fluid filled in the piping system 106 and the air mixed in the brake fluid filled in the piping system 106. The air mixing amount data in which the relationship between the amount and the amount of air is preset is stored in the memory.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the air mixing amount data fills the piping system 106 with the relationship between the volume change amount and the hydraulic pressure change amount generated in the brake fluid filled in the piping system 106. This is data set in advance according to the amount of air mixed in the brake fluid, and is obtained in advance by experiment or calculation before measuring the air mixing amount. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the volume change-hydraulic pressure change curves when the air mixing amount is 0 [cc], 0.5 [cc], and 1.0 [cc] are respectively set in advance. Yes. This air mixing amount data is set in advance according to, for example, the vehicle type, the type of the reservoir tank, and the like.

  Then, the computer 50 compares the actual detection results obtained by the displacement sensor 34 and the pressure sensor 40 with the air mixing amount data, thereby calculating the amount of air mixed in the brake fluid filled in the piping system 106. It is possible. The calculated air mixing amount can be displayed on the monitor 51 of the computer 50.

  Further, the computer 50 compares the calculated air mixing amount with a predetermined threshold value. For example, when the air mixing amount is larger than the threshold value, the computer 50 outputs a warning sound to the operator via a speaker (not shown). It is also possible to launch.

  Next, an air mixing amount measuring method using the air mixing amount measuring apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an air mixing amount measuring method using the air mixing amount measuring apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an air mixing amount measuring method using the air mixing amount measuring apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of.

  First, a more efficient measurement method will be described with reference to FIG. In this measurement method, in step S100 of FIG. 4, the normal cap is removed from the reservoir tank 103, and the first and second pipes 61 and 62 are inserted into the first and second insertion holes 104a and 104b, respectively. A cap 104 is attached to the reservoir tank 103. By attaching the measurement cap 104, the reservoir tank 103 that has been opened to the atmosphere is sealed.

  Next, in step S <b> 110, the brake fluid is injected into the piping system 106 of the brake device 100 by the air mixing amount measuring device 1.

  At this time, first, the vacuum pump 10 is used to evacuate the piping system 106 of the brake device 100. During the evacuation, the piping system 106 of the brake device 100 is empty without any brake fluid. In addition, since the first valve 71 is open while the second to fourth valves 72 to 74 are closed, only the vacuum pump 10 is in communication with the piping system 106 of the brake device 100. .

  When evacuation by the vacuum pump 10 is completed, the injection pump 20 then pressurizes and fills the piping system 106 of the brake device 100 with the brake fluid. During the injection by the injection pump 20, the second to fourth valves 72 to 74 are opened and the first valve 71 is closed. Thereby, a path of the brake fluid tank 25 → the fourth pipe 64 → the injection pump 20 → the second pipe 62 → the brake device 100 → the first pipe 61 → the fifth pipe 65 → the brake fluid tank 25 is formed. Is done. The brake fluid is circulated through the path by the injection pump 20 until the reservoir tank 103 of the brake device 100 is filled with the brake fluid. As described above, in this embodiment, normal injection of brake fluid and injection for measurement are continuously performed with respect to the piping system 106 by the injection pump 20. The work up to the inspection is quickly performed.

  When the inside of the piping system 106 of the brake device 100 is sufficiently filled with the brake fluid, measurement of the amount of air mixed in the brake fluid filled in the piping system 106 of the brake device 100 is started in step S120.

  In this measurement, first, the fourth valve 74 is kept open, the first valve 71 is kept closed, the valves of the second and third valves 72 and 73 are closed, and the brake device is closed. Only the volume change mechanism 30 and the pressure sensor 40 are communicated with 100 piping systems 106. Next, the computer 50 performs control to move the actuator 33 forward, whereby the piston 32 attached to the tip of the drive rod 33 a slides in the axial direction with respect to the cylinder 31. When the displacement sensor 34 detects a certain amount of movement of the actuator 33, the computer 50 performs control to stop the actuator 33. Due to the operation of the volume changing mechanism 30 as described above, the volume of the internal space of the cylinder 31 is reduced, and the brake fluid existing in the internal space is pushed out to the first pipe 61 side. The volume of the brake fluid filled in the piping system 106 is reduced.

  Next, in step S130, the pressure sensor 40 detects the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid. This detection result is sent to the computer 50, and the computer 50 shows the volume displacement amount of the brake fluid derived from the constant movement amount of the actuator 33 and the fluid pressure change amount detected by the pressure sensor 40 in FIG. It collates with such air contamination amount data.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, when the volume change amount is constant and the value α is detected as the pressure change amount by the pressure sensor 40, the air mixing amount is calculated as approximately 0 [cc]. The On the other hand, when a value of β (where α> β) is detected as the pressure change amount, the air mixing amount is calculated as 0.5 [cc], and γ (where β> When the value of γ) is detected, the air mixing amount is calculated as 1.0 [cc].

  When the air mixing amount is calculated by the computer 50, the value is displayed on the monitor 51. Further, when the air mixing amount exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the operator is alerted by, for example, a warning sound.

  If the calculated air mixing amount does not exceed the predetermined threshold value, the brake fluid filled to the reservoir tank 103 of the brake device 100 is discharged to an appropriate amount in step S160. In this operation, first, the first valve 71 is kept closed, the second valve 72 is opened, the third valve 73 is opened to the atmosphere, and the fourth valve 74 is closed.

  Next, the infusion pump 20 is driven to reverse so that the brake fluid is discharged to the brake fluid tank 25. As a result, the atmosphere is introduced from the third valve 73 and the brake fluid in the first and second pipes 61 and 62 is sucked, and the reservoir tank 103 is positioned above the end of the second pipe 62. All the brake fluid is sucked up. As a result, the upper surface of the brake fluid stored in the reservoir tank 103 is positioned within the appropriate oil amount range indicated on the side surface of the reservoir tank 103. By providing such a discharge step, in addition to the injection of brake fluid into the piping system 106 of the brake device 100 and the injection of brake fluid for measurement, the discharge of excess brake fluid after measurement continues. It is possible to perform the brake fluid injection work and the inspection for air contamination more quickly.

  The measurement method described above is excellent in quickness, but in addition to the piping system 106 including the master cylinder 102 and the brake piping 105, the reservoir tank 103 and the first piping 61 of the air mixing amount measuring device 1 are also included. Since the change in hydraulic pressure is detected in such a state, the accuracy may not be sufficient.

<< Second Embodiment >>
Below, with reference to FIG. 5, the other example of the air mixing amount measuring method using the air mixing amount measuring apparatus which concerns on this embodiment is demonstrated.

  As in the case described with reference to FIG. 4 described above, first, the measurement cap 104 is attached to the reservoir tank 103 in step S200 of FIG. 5, and the brake device 100 by the air mixing amount measuring device 1 is installed in step S220. Brake fluid injection into the piping system 106 is started.

  At this time, first, the vacuum valve 10 is used to evacuate the piping system 106 with the first valve 71 opened and the second to fourth valves 72 to 74 closed. Next, the first valve 71 is closed and the second to fourth valves 72 to 74 are opened, and the brake fluid stored in the brake fluid tank 25 by the injection pump 20 is put into the piping system 106 of the brake device 100. Fill with pressure.

  When even the reservoir tank 103 of the brake device 100 is filled with the brake fluid, in step S220, measurement is started with the brake pedal 101 depressed.

  In this measurement, first, the operator depresses the brake pedal 101 to separate the reservoir tank 103 from the master cylinder 102. Next, when the operator turns on a measurement start switch (not shown), the computer 50 keeps the fourth valve 74 open, keeps the first valve 71 closed, Control to close the valves of the third valves 72 and 73 is performed, and only the volume change mechanism 30 and the pressure sensor 40 communicate with the piping system 106 of the brake device 100. Next, the computer 50 controls the actuator 33 to move forward, and stops the actuator 33 when the displacement sensor 34 detects a certain amount of movement of the actuator 33.

  Next, in step S230, the pressure sensor 40 detects the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid. At this time, since the master cylinder 102 and the reservoir cylinder 103 are not in communication, the pressure sensor 40 extends from the cylinder 31 of the volume change mechanism 30 to the reservoir tank 103 via the first pipe 61. A change in hydraulic pressure accompanying a change in volume occurring in the range, that is, the range excluding the piping system 106 including the master cylinder 102 and the brake piping 105 is detected. The hydraulic pressure change amount detected by the pressure sensor 40 in step S230 is stored in the memory of the computer 50 as a non-communication state hydraulic pressure change amount.

  Next, in step S240, the measurement is performed without stepping on the brake pedal 101. In this measurement, the operator removes his / her foot from the brake pedal 101 to cause the master cylinder 102 and the reservoir tank 103 to communicate with each other, and in this state, the operator turns on the measurement start switch. As a result, the actuator 33 moves a certain amount while only the volume change mechanism 30 and the pressure sensor 40 are in communication with the piping system 106 of the brake device 100.

  Next, in step S250, the pressure sensor 40 detects the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid. At this time, since the master cylinder 102 and the reservoir cylinder 103 are in communication with each other, the pressure sensor 40 is connected to the brake device 100 from the cylinder 31 of the volume change mechanism 30 via the first pipe 61 and the reservoir tank 103. A change in hydraulic pressure accompanying a change in volume occurring in the entire range reaching the piping system 106 is detected. The hydraulic pressure change amount detected by the pressure sensor 40 in step S250 is stored in the memory of the computer 50 as a communication state hydraulic pressure change amount.

  Next, in step S260, the computer 50 subtracts the non-communication state hydraulic pressure change detected in step S230 from the communication state hydraulic pressure change detected in step S250. Next, in step S270, the volume change amount of the brake fluid derived from the constant movement amount of the actuator 33 and the subtraction value calculated in step S260 are collated with the air mixing amount data stored in advance in the memory of the computer 50. To do. It should be noted that the air mixing amount data used in this step S270 is a volume change amount, a hydraulic pressure change amount, and an air mixing amount that are purely generated only in the piping system 106 of the brake device 100 below the master cylinder 102 excluding the reservoir tank 103. The relationship is data obtained in advance by experiment or calculation.

  Thus, the piping system excluding the first piping 61 and the reservoir tank 103 is calculated by calculating the air mixing amount based on the subtraction value obtained by subtracting the non-communication state hydraulic pressure variation from the communication state hydraulic pressure variation. Since the amount of air mixed in 106 can be obtained, this enables measurement with higher accuracy. Such a measuring method can be used not only in the production line but also in the development stage of an automobile because of its high accuracy.

  When the air mixing amount is calculated by the computer 50, the value is displayed on the monitor 51. When the air mixing amount exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the operator is alerted by a warning sound or the like, for example.

  When the calculated air mixing amount does not exceed the predetermined threshold value, the brake fluid is discharged so as to be within the appropriate oil amount range in step S290 as in step S160 of FIG.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the volume of the brake fluid filled in the piping system 106 is changed by the volume changing mechanism 30 based on Boyle-Charles' law, and the brake fluid is generated along with the volume change. The pressure sensor 40 detects a change in hydraulic pressure. In general, air is more compressible than liquid, so when changing the volume of brake fluid, if the amount of air mixed in the brake fluid is small, the change in fluid pressure will increase, but the amount of contamination When there is much, a change in hydraulic pressure becomes small. In this embodiment, using this principle, the computer 50 calculates the air mixing amount based on the volume change amount and the hydraulic pressure change amount. This makes it possible to quantitatively measure the amount of air mixed in, thereby enabling a highly accurate inspection.

  In the present embodiment, the air mixing amount measuring device 1 including the volume change mechanism 30 and the pressure sensor 40 is provided outside the automobile having the brake device 100, and the air in the brake fluid filled in the piping system 106 is used. Measure the amount of contamination from the outside. As a result, it is possible to measure the amount of air contamination without changing the brake device 100 of the automobile, so that the amount of air contamination can be inspected on the production line without incurring an increase in the cost or weight of the automobile. It can be done in a short time.

<< Third Embodiment >>
Next, an automatic measurement system to which the above air mixing amount measuring apparatus and method are applied will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the aeration amount automatic measurement system, FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the measurement block used in this system, FIG. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the measurement block, and FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the measurement procedure, and FIGS. 11 to 15 are block diagrams showing the open / closed state of each valve in the system and the brake fluid filling state. In addition, the same code | symbol shall be attached | subjected to the member corresponding to the member shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the air mixing amount automatic measurement system 1 </ b> A according to the present embodiment is a system that automatically measures the amount of air mixed in the brake fluid filled in the piping system of the brake device of the automobile. A vacuum pump 10 for injecting brake fluid into the piping system 106, an injection pump 20 and a brake fluid tank 25, a measurement block 90 for detecting a change in volume associated with a change in brake fluid pressure, and a measurement block 90 And a computer 50 for calculating the amount of air mixed in the brake fluid based on the detection result. The air mixing amount device 1 is provided outside the automobile on which the brake device 100 is mounted, and is provided, for example, in a brake fluid injection process in an automobile production line. The vacuum pump 10, the injection pump 20 and the brake fluid tank 25 in the present embodiment correspond to an example of the injection means in the claims, and the vacuum pump 10 in the present embodiment has the hydraulic pressure in the claims. The measurement block 90 in the present embodiment corresponds to an example of a detecting means for detecting a change in volume in the scope of claims, and the computer 50 in the present embodiment includes This corresponds to an example of calculation means in the range. In this example, a change in volume caused by changing the hydraulic pressure is detected, and the amount of air mixed in is thereby measured.

  Since the brake device to be measured by the air mixing amount measurement system 1A according to the present embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, a detailed description thereof will be omitted, but the air mixing amount measurement system 1A according to the present embodiment will be described. When connecting to the brake device, the measurement cap 104 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B is used as a cap of the reservoir tank 103 as in the first embodiment. As shown in the figure, the measurement cap 104 has first and second communication holes 104a for inserting the first and second pipes 61 and 62B derived from the air mixing amount measurement system 1A, respectively. Except for the formation of 104b, no slits or the like are formed, and the interior of the reservoir tank can be shut off from the atmospheric pressure and sealed.

  Note that the lower end of the first pipe 61 inserted into the first communication hole 104a of the measurement cap 104 is the same as in the first embodiment (see FIG. 1), and the second lower end of the first pipe 61 is inserted into the second communication hole 104b. The lower end of the second pipe 62B is positioned within the appropriate oil amount range shown on the side surface of the reservoir tank, for example.

  The vacuum pump 10 is a pump for evacuating the piping system 106 before injecting the brake fluid into the piping system 106, and also serves as a changing means for changing the hydraulic pressure in this example. The vacuum pump 10 is connected to a fourth opening 91D of the measurement block 90 via a pipe 63, and an electromagnetic valve 76 and a vacuum gauge 81 are provided in the pipe 63. The vacuum gauge 81 measures the degree of vacuum of the piping system 106 in the step before filling with the brake fluid, and its output signal is sent to the computer 50.

  Further, a bypass pipe 66 is provided in the pipe 63 so as to straddle the electromagnetic valve 76, and electromagnetic valves 77, 78, 79 and a pressure adjusting valve 82 are provided therein. The pressure regulating valve 82 is for making a pressure constant when generating and measuring a negative pressure.

  A pipe 67 is connected between the electromagnetic valves 78 and 79 of the bypass pipe 66, and one end thereof is connected to the fifth opening 91 </ b> E of the measurement block 90. Further, a pipe 83 having an electromagnetic valve 80 is connected to the pipe 67, and the liquid level at the time of measuring the brake fluid is adjusted by introducing the atmosphere from the tip.

  Although not shown, a computer 50 is controllably connected to the vacuum pump 10, vacuum gauge 81, electromagnetic valves 76 to 80, and pressure adjustment valve 82. Operation control of the vacuum pump 10 and opening / closing control of each electromagnetic valve are performed. To manage.

  The injection pump 20 is a pump for injecting brake fluid into the piping system 106 of the brake device, and is also a pump for discharging excess brake fluid used for measuring the amount of mixed air. It is a possible pump. One discharge port (also a suction port) of the injection pump 20 is connected to the third opening 91C of the measurement block 90 via a pipe 62A, and the other discharge port (also a suction port) is a brake. The liquid tank 25 is connected. In the pipe 62A, an electromagnetic valve 72A is provided between the brake fluid tank 25 and the injection pump 20, and an electromagnetic valve 72B is provided between the injection pump 20 and the measurement block 90. A computer 50 is connected to the infusion pump 20 so as to be controllable, and the computer 50 is also connected to the electromagnetic valves 72A and 72B so as to be able to control opening and closing.

  The brake fluid tank 25 stores brake fluid injected into the piping system 106 of the brake device. Between the brake fluid tank 25 and the piping system 106, a line of piping 62B, a measurement block 90, a piping 65, and lines of piping 61 and 64 are provided. Among these, one end of the pipe 62B is connected to the second opening 91B of the measurement block 90, one end of the pipe 65 is connected to the first opening 91A of the measurement block 90, and the electromagnetic valve 73 is provided. The pipes 61 and 64 are provided with an electromagnetic valve 84 and a flow rate sensor 85, and the flow rate sensor 85 measures the flow rate of the brake fluid flowing through the pipes 61 and 64 and sends it to the computer 50. In addition, the computer 50 is connected to the electromagnetic valves 73 and 84 so that opening and closing control is possible.

  Next, the configuration of the measurement block 90 according to this example will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The measurement block 90 of this example has a main body 91 made of acrylic resin or the like and a liquid level detection unit 99 for detecting the liquid level, and is installed in a state where the vertical direction is determined as shown in FIG. . That is, the pipe part 92 described later is installed and used in the vertical direction.

  A first opening 91A and a second opening 91B are formed in the main body 91, and the first opening 91A and the second opening 91B communicate with each other through a main flow path 98a formed in the main body 91. Further, in the main body 91, two flow paths 98b and 98c communicating with the main flow path 98a are formed, and a third opening 91C and a fourth opening 91D are formed at one end of each, and a pipe 62A is formed in the third opening 91C. The pipe 63 communicates with the fourth opening 91D. Further, a bypass flow path 98d communicating with the first opening 91A of the main flow path 91a is formed in the main body 91, and among these, at least the pipe portion 92 is ensured to be transparent or close to transparency. And the 5th opening 91E is formed in the upper part of the bypass flow path 98d, and the bypass piping 66 and the piping 67 communicate with here.

  The liquid level detection unit 99 has a base of a photomicrosensor 97 attached to a ball screw 94 that is rotated in both directions by a motor 95, and receives light from the illumination 96 by the photomicrosensor 97. The liquid level where F floats is detected. That is, the motor 95 is driven to move the photomicrosensor 97 and the illumination 96 up and down. At that time, the illumination light is shielded at the position of the float F, and the position at that time is detected by the encoder 93. The encoder 93, the motor 95, and the photomicrosensor 97 are connected to the computer 50 so that operation control and signal transmission / reception are possible.

  Similar to the first embodiment, the computer 50 includes a CPU, a memory, and the like, and the volume change amount and the hydraulic pressure change amount generated in the brake fluid filled in the piping system 106 and the piping system 106 are filled. The air mixing amount data in which the relationship with the amount of air mixed in the brake fluid is set in advance is stored in the memory.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the air mixing amount data fills the piping system 106 with the relationship between the volume change amount and the hydraulic pressure change amount generated in the brake fluid filled in the piping system 106. This is data set in advance according to the amount of air mixed in the brake fluid, and is obtained in advance by experiment or calculation before measuring the air mixing amount. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, the volume change-hydraulic pressure change curves when the air mixing amount is 0 [cc], 0.5 [cc], and 1.0 [cc] are respectively set in advance. Yes. This air mixing amount data is set in advance according to, for example, the vehicle type, the type of the reservoir tank, and the like.

  The computer 50 can calculate the amount of air mixed in the brake fluid filled in the piping system 106 by collating the actual detection result by the liquid level detection unit 99 with the air mixing amount data. It is possible. The calculated air mixing amount can be displayed on the monitor 51 of the computer 50.

  Further, the computer 50 compares the calculated air mixing amount with a predetermined threshold value. For example, when the air mixing amount is larger than the threshold value, the computer 50 outputs a warning sound to the operator via a speaker (not shown). It is also possible to launch.

  An example of the monitor 51 of the present system 1 is shown in FIG. Here, a start button 51a for starting measurement, a display unit 51b that shows the current process in real time, and a display unit 51c that shows the calculated air mixing amount are provided.

  Next, the operation will be described with reference to FIGS.

  Steps S310 to S312 are evacuation steps (brake fluid filling pretreatment steps), steps S320 to S322 are brake fluid filling steps, steps S330 to S332 are liquid level adjustment steps, and steps S340 to S343 are air mixing. The amount measurement process, step S350 to step S351, is a brake fluid recovery process.

  In step S300 of FIG. 10, the normal cap is removed from the reservoir tank, and the measurement cap 104 in which the first and second pipes 61 and 62B are inserted into the first and second insertion holes 104a and 104b is inserted into the reservoir tank. Attach to. By attaching the measurement cap 104, the reservoir tank that has been opened to the atmosphere is sealed.

  Next, in step S301, the start button 51a of the monitor 51 shown in FIG. 9 is pressed to start injecting brake fluid into the piping system of the brake device.

  At this time, first, as shown in FIG. 11, the open / close state of each electromagnetic valve is changed to the setting at the time of evacuation (step S310), the vacuum pump 10 is operated (step S311), and the degree of vacuum is set by the vacuum gauge 81. While confirming (step S312), vacuuming in the piping system of the brake device is performed. During the evacuation, the piping system of the brake device is empty without any brake fluid. As shown in FIG. 11, the electromagnetic valves 72A, 72B, 73, 77, 79, and 80 are closed while the electromagnetic valves 76, 78, and 84 are open. Of the piping and flow paths in the figure, the portion communicating with the piping system of the brake device is shown in bold.

  Thus, when the vacuum pump 10 shown in FIG. 11 is operated, the degree of vacuum of the main flow path 98a, flow paths 98b and 98c and bypass flow path 98d in the measurement block 90 is increased via the pipes 63 and 67, and the pressure is increased via the pipe 62B. As a result, the degree of vacuum in the piping system of the brake device increases. Then, the degree of vacuum is measured at a regular interval by the vacuum gauge 81, and the vacuum pump 10 is stopped when the vacuum level becomes a predetermined value or less.

  When the degree of vacuum of the piping system of the brake device becomes a predetermined value or more, in step S320, the open / close state of each electromagnetic valve is changed to the setting at the time of filling the brake fluid shown in FIG. That is, with respect to the setting at the time of evacuation shown in FIG. 11, the electromagnetic valve 76 is opened and closed to prevent the brake fluid from being mixed into the vacuum pump 10, and the electromagnetic valves 72A and 72B are closed and opened to perform the braking. The brake fluid in the fluid tank 25 can be supplied to the piping system 106 of the brake device via the piping 62A.

  When the filling pump 20 is operated in step S321, the brake fluid sucked into the pipe 62A from the brake liquid tank 25 is transferred from the pipe 62A to the third opening 91C of the measurement block 91 → the flow path 98c → the main flow path 98a → The second opening 91B → the pipe 62B → the measurement cap 104 → the brake system pipe system 106 and the flow path 98c to the main flow path 98a → the flow path 98b → the pipe 63, and the flow path 98c to the main flow path 98a → the bypass flow path. It flows through 98d → pipe 67.

  When the reserve tank of the brake device becomes full, excess brake fluid is returned from the measuring cap 104 to the brake fluid tank 25 through the pipe 61. At this time, the detection signal from the flow sensor 85 is checked at regular intervals (step S322), and when it is confirmed that the brake fluid has flowed into the pipe 61, the filling pump 20 is stopped.

  Thus, as shown in FIG. 12, in addition to the piping system 106 (including the reserve tank) of the brake device, all the channels (main channel 98a, channel 98b) in the measurement block 90 in the system 1A of the present embodiment. 98c and the bypass flow path 98d), and the piping 61, 62A, 62B, 63, 67, 64, 65 (shown in bold in FIG. 12) are also filled with the brake fluid.

  Next, in the air mixing amount measurement performed in steps S340 to S343, in order to detect the volume change of the brake fluid filled as described above, the level is adjusted to a detectable level. This detectable liquid level is a position where the liquid level (actually, float F) in the pipe portion 92 of the brake fluid filled in the measurement block 90 falls within the operating range of the photomicrosensor 97. Further, this position is a position higher in the vertical direction than the main flow path 98a communicating with the two openings 91B of the measurement block 90.

  In order to perform this liquid level adjustment, first, in step S330, the open / close state of each electromagnetic valve is changed to the setting at the time of liquid level adjustment. That is, with respect to the state shown in FIG. 12, the electromagnetic valves 72A, 72B, 84 are opened → closed and the electromagnetic valve 73 is closed → opened as shown in FIG. Then, the electromagnetic valve 80 is closed to open in order to introduce the atmosphere into the system.

  Thus, air is introduced into the system that has been filled with the brake fluid until then, and the brake fluid in the system is returned to the brake fluid tank 25 from the first opening 91A of the measurement block 90 through the pipe 65 by this atmospheric pressure. As a result, the liquid level in the measurement block 90 is lowered.

  In step S331, if the float F of the pipe portion 92 is detected by the photomicrosensor 97 that has moved to an appropriate liquid level position, it is determined that the liquid level has reached an appropriate position, and the electromagnetic valve 80 is changed from open to closed. To stop the descent of the liquid level. Thereby, the liquid level of the pipe part 92 of the measurement block 90 is adjusted to the appropriate position shown in FIG.

  Since the liquid level adjustment is completed as described above, each electromagnetic valve is changed to the setting at the time of measuring the air mixing amount in step S332. That is, for the open / closed state shown in FIG. 13, the electromagnetic valves 73 and 80 are opened → closed and the electromagnetic valves 77, 79 are closed → opened as shown in FIG. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, the liquid level is stopped at an appropriate position of the pipe portion 92 of the measurement block 90, and a closed circuit in which air is filled between the liquid level and the vacuum pump 10 is configured. become.

  Next, in step S340, the vacuum pump 10 is operated to reduce the pressure of the air filled between the pipes 66 and 67 and the liquid level of the pipe portion 92 of the measurement block 90. Unlike the first embodiment, in this example, the pressure (hydraulic pressure) applied to the brake fluid is changed (actually reduced pressure), and the volume change of the resulting brake fluid is measured to be mixed into the brake fluid. The calculated air amount is calculated. Therefore, the vacuum pump 10 is also a changing means according to the present invention.

  When the vacuum pump 10 is operated, the air filled between the pipes 66 and 67 and the liquid level of the pipe portion 92 of the measurement block 90 is depressurized, so that a negative hydraulic pressure acts on the brake fluid. However, if air is mixed in the brake fluid, the mixed air follows the Boyle-Charles law, so that the entire brake fluid expands and the liquid level of the pipe portion 92 of the measuring block 90 rises. This amount of increase correlates with the amount of air mixed in and can be verified by the data shown in FIG.

  Actually, in step S341, the photomicrosensor 97 is moved up and down to detect the float F floating on the liquid surface, and the position is calculated by the encoder 93 to calculate the expanded volume. In steps S342 to S343, the air mixing amount with respect to the calculated volume change amount is collated with the data shown in FIG. 3 to obtain the air mixing amount, which is displayed on the display unit 51c of the monitor 51, and the computer 50. Record it in the memory etc.

  This completes the measurement of how much air is contained in the brake fluid filled in the brake system's piping system, but when the measured air mixing amount is within the allowable range, the filled brake fluid remains filled in the actual vehicle. And However, since extra brake fluid is filled for measurement, this amount of brake fluid is collected in steps S350 to S351.

  In this example, in step S350, the open / close state of each electromagnetic valve is changed to the setting when the brake fluid is discharged. That is, for the open / closed state shown in FIG. 14, the electromagnetic valves 77 and 79 are opened to closed, and the electromagnetic valves 72A and 72B are closed to open. In step S351, the filling pump 20 is reversely rotated to return the excess brake fluid filled in the pipes 62A, 65, 61 and the measurement block 90 to the brake fluid tank 25.

  In this example, since the vacuum pump 10 used as the brake fluid filling means is shared as the changing means, the volume changing mechanism according to the first embodiment is not necessary, and the system is simple.

  The embodiment described above is described for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and is not described for limiting the present invention. Therefore, each element disclosed in the above embodiment is intended to include all design changes and equivalents belonging to the technical scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the amount of air mixed in the brake fluid is measured. However, the present invention is not particularly limited. For example, air mixed in a liquid such as a radiator fluid or a coating fluid. It may be applied to measure the amount of.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the air mixing amount measuring apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the cap for a measurement used for the air mixing amount measuring apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing along the IIB-IIB line | wire of FIG. 2A. It is a graph which shows an example of the air mixing amount data used for the air mixing amount measuring apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the air mixing amount measuring method using the air mixing amount measuring apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the other example of the air mixing amount measuring method using the air mixing amount measuring apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the air mixing amount automatic measurement system which concerns on further another embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows an example of the measurement block used with the system of embodiment shown in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the measurement block shown in FIG. It is a front view which shows an example of the display board used with the system of embodiment shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the measurement procedure of embodiment shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the evacuation process of embodiment shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the brake fluid filling process of embodiment shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the liquid level adjustment process of embodiment shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the air mixing amount measuring process of embodiment shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the brake fluid collection | recovery process of embodiment shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the basic principle of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Air mixing amount measuring apparatus 10 ... Vacuum pump 20 ... Injection pump 25 ... Brake fluid tank 30 ... Volume change mechanism 31 ... Cylinder 32 ... Piston 33 ... Actuator 33a ... Drive rod 34 ... Displacement sensor 40 ... Pressure sensor 50 ... Computer 61-65 ... 1st-5th piping 71-74 ... 1st-4th valve 100 ... Brake device 101 ... Brake pedal 102 ... Master cylinder 103 ... Reservoir tank 104 ... Cap for measurement 104a ... 1st communicating hole 104b ... Second communication hole 105 ... Brake piping 106 ... Piping system

Claims (27)

An air mixing amount measuring device for measuring the amount of air mixed in a liquid filled in a piping system,
Changing means for changing one of the volume or the liquid pressure of the liquid filled in the piping system in a sealed state;
Detecting means for detecting a change in fluid pressure or volume accompanying a change in volume or fluid pressure of the liquid filled in the piping system;
Calculation means for calculating the amount of air mixed in the liquid filled in the piping system based on the change amount changed by the change means and the change amount detected by the detection means; Air contamination measurement device. The piping system is provided in a vehicle,
The air mixing amount measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the air mixing amount measuring device is provided outside the vehicle.   The aeration amount measuring apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising injection means capable of injecting the liquid into the piping system so as to fill the piping system with the liquid.   The calculation means includes a relationship between a volume change amount and a liquid pressure change amount generated in the liquid filled in the piping system, and an amount of air mixed in the liquid filled in the piping system. Has preset air amount data, and the amount of change detected by the change means and the amount of change detected by the detection means are collated with the air amount data, so that The air mixing amount measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the amount of mixed air is calculated.   The aeration amount measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising discharge means for discharging the liquid from the piping system. The piping system is a piping system provided in a vehicle brake device,
The aeration amount measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid filled in the piping system is a brake fluid.   The aeration amount measuring device according to claim 6, wherein the injection means injects brake fluid into the piping system from a reservoir tank that can communicate with a master cylinder of the brake device.   The aeration amount measuring device according to claim 7, further comprising a measurement cap capable of sealing the reservoir tank in order to seal the piping system of the brake device.   The air mixing amount measuring device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the injection means is capable of injecting brake fluid into the piping system so that the reservoir tank of the brake device is filled with the brake fluid.   The air mixing amount according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the injection means is capable of injecting brake fluid into the piping system so that the piping system of the brake device in an empty state is filled with brake fluid. measuring device.   The brake device by which the quantity of the air mixed in the brake fluid with which the piping system was filled was measured using the air mixing amount measuring apparatus in any one of Claims 6-10. An air mixing amount measuring method for measuring the amount of air mixed in a liquid filled in a piping system,
A change step for changing one of a volume or a liquid pressure of the liquid filled in the piping system in a sealed state;
A detection step of detecting a change in fluid pressure or volume associated with a change in volume or fluid pressure of the liquid filled in the piping system;
An aeration amount measurement comprising: a calculation step for calculating an amount of air mixed in the liquid filled in the piping system based on the variation amount in the variation step and the variation amount in the detection step. Method. The piping system is provided in the vehicle,
In the changing step, the change in volume or pressure of the liquid is performed from the outside of the vehicle,
The method for measuring an aeration amount according to claim 12, wherein in the detection step, a change in the liquid pressure or volume of the liquid is detected from the outside of the vehicle.   The method for measuring an aeration amount according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising an injection step of injecting the liquid into the piping system so as to fill the piping system with the liquid. In the calculating step,
Air mixing in which a relationship between a volume change amount and a fluid pressure change amount generated in the liquid filled in the piping system and an amount of air mixed in the liquid filled in the piping system is set in advance. By comparing the volume change amount or the fluid pressure change amount in the change step with the fluid pressure change amount or the volume change amount in the detection step against the amount data, the amount of air mixed in the liquid The method for measuring an aeration amount according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the amount is calculated.   The method for measuring an air mixing amount according to any one of claims 12 to 15, further comprising a discharging step of discharging the liquid from the piping system after the calculating step. The piping system is a piping system provided in a vehicle brake device,
The method for measuring an aeration amount according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the liquid filled in the piping system is a brake fluid. In the injection step,
The method of measuring an air mixing amount according to claim 17, wherein brake fluid is injected into the piping system from a reservoir tank that can communicate with a master cylinder of the brake device. In the injection step,
The method for measuring an air mixing amount according to claim 18, wherein brake fluid is injected into the piping system in a state where the reservoir tank is sealed from the outside. In the injection step,
20. A method for measuring an air mixing amount according to claim 18, wherein the brake fluid is injected into the piping system so that the reservoir tank of the brake device is filled with the brake fluid. In the injection step,
21. The method for measuring an air mixing amount according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the brake fluid is injected into the piping system so that the piping system of the brake device in an empty state is filled with the brake fluid. In the changing step, the liquid volume is changed, and in the detecting step, a change in liquid pressure accompanying a change in the liquid volume is detected,
In a state where the operation of the brake operation means is released and the master cylinder and the reservoir tank are in communication with each other, the volume of the brake fluid filled in the piping system is changed, and the hydraulic pressure accompanying the volume change is changed. Is detected as a change in fluid pressure in the communication state,
The volume of the brake fluid filled in the piping system is changed in a state in which the master cylinder and the reservoir tank are disconnected from each other by operating a brake operation unit included in the brake device, and the volume change is performed. Detects the accompanying change in hydraulic pressure as a non-communication state hydraulic pressure change amount,
In the calculating step,
The method of measuring an air mixing amount according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein a value obtained by subtracting the non-communication state hydraulic pressure change amount from the communication state hydraulic pressure change amount is collated with the air amount mixing data.   The air mixing amount according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein in the discharging step, the brake fluid is discharged from the piping system so that a level of the brake fluid is within a predetermined range in the reservoir tank. Measuring method.   The brake device by which the quantity of the air mixed in the brake fluid with which the piping system was filled was measured by the air amount measurement method in any one of Claims 17-23. An air mixing amount measuring apparatus for filling a liquid into a piping system mounted on a vehicle and measuring the amount of air mixed in the filled liquid,
Filling means for filling the piping system with a liquid;
Changing means for changing the fluid pressure of the liquid filled in the sealed pipe system;
Detecting means for detecting a change in volume associated with a change in fluid pressure of the liquid filled in the piping system;
While automatically controlling the filling of the liquid by the filling means, the change of the hydraulic pressure by the changing means and the detection of the volume change by the detecting means, the amount of change changed by the changing means and the amount of change detected by the detecting means And a calculating means for calculating the amount of air mixed in the liquid filled in the piping system.   The detection means includes a measurement block having a plurality of flow paths and a pipe part for revealing a liquid level, and a liquid level detection unit for detecting the liquid level appearing in the pipe part. Item 25. The apparatus for measuring the amount of air contamination according to Item 25.   27. The filling means has a vacuum pump for depressurizing the inside of the piping system, and changes the liquid pressure of the liquid filled in the piping system by using the vacuum pump in common. Aeration amount measuring device.

Images