JP2009255853A - Brake fluid changer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce manufacturing cost by miniaturizing the size of an entire device and to improve a working efficiency. <P>SOLUTION: This brake fluid changer comprises: a pump 12 and a brake fluid supply tank 26 for supplying a new brake fluid to a reservoir tank 22; a lid member 48 for holding airtight the inside of the reservoir tank 22; and a waste discharge port 73 of a caliper 68 from which the waste in a brake device 67 is discharged. Since the new brake fluid is force-fed by the pump 12 along a supply passage 14, the used brake fluid remaining in the brake device 67 is discharged from the waste discharge port 73 into a waste tank 76, and the brake device 67 including the reservoir tank 22 is filled with the new brake fluid force-fed from the pump 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a brake fluid exchanging device capable of removing brake fluid after work from a hydraulic brake system including a brake device and supplying new brake fluid to the hydraulic brake system.

With regard to this type of brake fluid exchange device, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses that a hydraulic brake system including the brake device has a negative pressure action generated by a negative pressure waste liquid removing means attached to the brake device of the vehicle brake system. Brake fluid (waste liquid) is sucked and removed, and air of the same pressure is supplied to the air chamber in the oil tank and the air chamber in the reservoir tank, respectively, so that a new brake fluid in the oil tank is removed. There is disclosed a brake fluid exchanging device provided with air pressure feeding means for feeding pressure into a reservoir tank by air pressure.
JP-A-9-323642

  However, in the brake fluid changing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to change the brake fluid, negative pressure waste liquid removing means for removing the waste liquid from the hydraulic brake system including the brake device, and a new brake fluid are provided. It is necessary to have two mechanisms of positive pressure and negative pressure composed of air pressure feeding means for supplying, and practically a device for arranging two devices composed of a negative pressure generating device and a pressurizing device, respectively. There is a problem in that the replacement of the brake fluid becomes complicated because the whole size increases and the manufacturing cost increases, and it is necessary to operate the two devices.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and by eliminating the need for a negative pressure generating device, the entire device can be reduced in size to reduce the manufacturing cost and improve the work efficiency. An object is to provide an exchange device.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a brake fluid exchange device for removing a brake fluid from a brake device and supplying a new brake fluid to a reservoir tank, and supplying a new brake fluid to the reservoir tank. A fluid supply means; a supply path for supplying new brake fluid from the brake fluid supply means to the reservoir tank; an airtight means for keeping the inside of the reservoir tank airtight and maintaining the airtight state; and It is characterized by having a waste liquid discharge port for discharging brake fluid as waste liquid to the outside.

  According to the present invention, a new brake fluid is supplied into the reservoir tank along the supply path via the brake fluid supply means in a state where the inside of the reservoir tank is kept airtight by the airtight means. The gas in the reservoir tank is pressurized. In such a pressurized state, by opening the waste liquid discharge port, the brake fluid supply means is substantially simultaneously with the release of the brake fluid (waste liquid) remaining in the hydraulic brake system of the brake device from the waste liquid discharge port. The new brake fluid supplied into the reservoir tank is pushed out of the reservoir tank and supplied to the hydraulic brake system of the brake device.

  As described above, in the present invention, the brake fluid (waste liquid) which does not require the negative pressure generating device used in the prior art and has finished work using only the brake fluid supply means for supplying new brake fluid to the reservoir tank. By performing both removal and supply of new brake fluid, the entire apparatus can be reduced in size to reduce manufacturing costs and improve work efficiency.

  In the present invention, the airtight means includes a lid member that closes the opening of the reservoir tank, the lid member is connected to one end of the supply path, and the gas inside the reservoir tank is discharged to the outside. When the brake fluid is stored in the reservoir tank to increase the amount of brake fluid, the gas inside the reservoir tank is released to the outside by the release device and a new brake is supplied by the brake fluid supply device. It is characterized by supplying fluid.

  According to the present invention, when performing the brake fluid exchange operation, the amount of brake fluid stored in the reservoir tank is easily increased by releasing the gas in the reservoir tank to the atmospheric state by the release means. In addition, the amount of brake fluid stored in the reservoir tank can be suitably controlled, and workability can be improved.

  Furthermore, in the present invention, the airtight means includes a lid member that closes the opening of the reservoir tank, and when the amount of brake fluid stored in the reservoir tank is increased, the lid member with respect to the opening of the reservoir tank The reservoir tank is loosened to allow the reservoir tank to communicate with the outside.

  According to the present invention, the amount of brake fluid stored in the reservoir tank can be easily increased by adjusting the tightening force of the lid member that closes the opening of the reservoir tank, and the brake fluid in the reservoir tank can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to suitably control the amount of storage, and it is possible to improve workability.

  By eliminating the negative pressure generating device, the entire device can be downsized to reduce the manufacturing cost, and a brake fluid changing device capable of improving the working efficiency can be obtained.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of a brake fluid exchange device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the brake fluid changing device 10 functions as a brake fluid supply means and pumps a new brake fluid, and is connected to the pump 12 toward a reservoir tank 22 described later. And a supply path 14 consisting of a single path for feeding new brake fluid. The “single path” means a negative pressure passage for sucking waste liquid by a negative pressure generator as in the prior art, a compressed air supply passage for supplying compressed air to pressurize and discharge the waste liquid, etc. Is not provided at all, and is composed of only the supply path 14 for pumping new brake fluid. At that time, the supply path 14 may be provided with a plurality of pipes, tubes and the like.

  A regulator 24 for regulating the pressure in the reservoir tank 22 to be described later is disposed in the supply path 14 on the downstream side of the pump 12, and a new brake fluid pumped to the pump 12 is located on the downstream side of the regulator 24. A stored brake fluid supply tank 26 is disposed.

  Further, a supply path 14 on the downstream side of the brake fluid supply tank 26 is provided with a check valve 28 for preventing a reverse flow of new brake fluid pumped from the pump 12, and on the downstream side of the check valve 28. The connector includes a first joint 29a in which a connector and a male connector are detachably attached to each other, and a reservoir tank 22 in which brake fluid that has finished work is stored on the downstream side of the first joint 29a.

  A branch passage 14a branched from the supply path 14 is connected to the reservoir tank 22 via a lid member 48 which will be described later. The branch passage 14a is connected to the branch passage 14a by manual operation of a cock 30a, for example. An air release valve 30 for releasing the pressure in the communicating reservoir tank 22 to the atmosphere is provided. The branch passage 14a between the atmosphere release valve 30 and the reservoir tank 22 is provided with a second joint 29b in which a female connector and a male connector are detachably provided.

  In this case, as will be described later, when the pressure of the gas in the reservoir tank 22 becomes higher than the outside (atmospheric pressure), the atmosphere release valve 30 removes the gas inside the reservoir tank 22 from the outside (in the atmosphere). ) Function as an opening means (in other words, an atmosphere communicating means for communicating with the atmosphere). The atmosphere release valve 30 also has a gas venting function for discharging the gas mixed in the brake fluid to the outside.

  The air release valve 30 is not equipped with a cock for manually opening and closing an air passage communicating with the atmosphere, but when the valve body reaches a preset threshold, the valve body is seated against the spring force of the spring member. You may use the relief valve which is not shown in figure which will be in an air release state by separating from a part.

  As shown in FIG. 2A, the reservoir tank 22 includes a tank main body 44 formed into a bottomed cylindrical shape from a light metal material such as a resin material or aluminum, and an opening 46 of the tank main body 44, for example. And a lid member 48 for closing.

  In this case, the tank main body 44 of the reservoir tank 22 is provided in a vehicle and constitutes a brake device 67 described later. Further, a lid member 48 (see FIG. 2B) attached to the opening 46 of the tank main body 44 constitutes the brake fluid exchange device 10 to make the inside of the reservoir tank 22 airtight and keep the airtight state. It functions as an airtight means. In addition to the lid member 48, the airtight means includes an inner lid portion 60, an intermediate portion 62 and a bolt 64 which will be described later.

  That is, the lid member 48 is attached to the reservoir tank 22 in place of the cap (not shown) of the reservoir tank 22 that has been conventionally provided only when the brake fluid is replaced. The opening 46 of the reservoir tank 22 is closed by a cap (not shown) that has been conventionally used.

  In the vicinity of the opening 46 of the tank main body 44, as shown in FIG. 2A, an annular portion 50 extending downward with a substantially constant outer diameter is provided. On the outer peripheral surface, a female screw portion 54 that is screwed with the male screw portion 52 of the lid member 48 is engraved. Further, a tapered portion 56 that gradually decreases in diameter toward the lower side is provided on the lower side of the annular portion 50.

  The lid member 48 is provided on the inner wall along the circumferential direction with an outer lid portion 58 provided with a male screw portion 52 that fits with the female screw portion 54 of the tank main body 44, and on the lower side of the outer lid portion 58. An inner lid portion 60 that exhibits a sealing function when abutting against the inner wall of the tapered portion 56 of the main body 44, and a disc-shaped intermediate portion 62 interposed between the outer lid portion 58 and the inner lid portion 60. And a bolt 64 that fits into a screw hole formed at the center of the outer lid portion 58.

  The outer lid portion 58 and the intermediate portion 62 may be formed of a resin material, and the inner lid portion 60 may be formed of an elastic material such as NBR, for example. Further, an insertion hole 66 having a larger inner diameter than the outer diameter of the threaded portion of the bolt 64 and having a so-called fool hole is formed at the center of the intermediate portion 62.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 2B, by screwing the bolt 64 along the screw hole of the outer lid portion 58, the lower end portion of the bolt 64 faces the upper surface of the inner lid portion 60 downward. The outer peripheral surface of the inner lid portion 60 is in close contact with the inner wall of the taper portion 56 of the tank main body 44 to maintain the airtightness, whereby a suitable sealing action (airtight holding action) is performed. Further, the sealing action can be controlled by adjusting the tightening force of the lid member 48 against the opening 46 of the reservoir tank 22 by increasing or decreasing the screwing amount of the bolt 64.

  The taper portion 56 of the tank main body 44 functions as a lid receiving portion on which the inner lid portion 60 is seated and sealed, but is not limited to the taper shape, for example, a stepped step. You may form by a part. Further, the tapered portion 56 is not formed integrally with the tank main body 44. For example, a ring body (not shown) formed with a tapered portion or a stepped portion is formed separately from the tank main body 44, and the ring body is formed as a tank body. You may make it latch on the inner wall of 44. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the reservoir tank 22 is provided with a piping passage 70 connected to a caliper 68 constituting the brake device 67. The caliper 68 holds a brake pad (not shown) and presses the brake pad against the brake disc 72 to exert a braking force. The brake device 67 is provided with a brake pedal, a brake booster, a master cylinder, etc. (not shown). In this case, it is the brake fluid that circulates in the hydraulic brake system including the brake device 67 that is used to replace the old and new brake fluid.

  On the lower side of the caliper 68, there is provided a waste liquid discharge port 73 for discharging brake fluid, which becomes waste liquid that has finished work in the brake device 67, to the outside. The waste liquid discharge port 73 is normally closed by a plug member (not shown), and the plug member (not shown) is appropriately loosened and removed when replacing the brake fluid. Below the waste liquid discharge port 73, a plug member for closing the waste liquid discharge port 73 is removed, and a waste liquid tank 76 for storing brake fluid made of waste liquid discharged from the waste liquid discharge port 73 is provided.

  The waste liquid discharge port 73 from which a plug member (not shown) is removed and the waste liquid tank 76 are connected by a pipe tube (not shown), and an on-off valve (not shown) for opening and closing the pipe line of the pipe tube. By providing, the waste liquid discharge port 76 may be opened and closed.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the waste liquid tank 76 is provided so that the tank main body 78 formed of a transparent body or a semi-transparent body and the capacity of the waste liquid stored in the waste liquid tank 76 can be measured. And a capacity measuring mechanism 82.

  The capacity measuring mechanism 82 includes a belt-like cylindrical member 104 formed of a transparent or translucent material whose remaining amount in the waste liquid tank 76 is visible. The cylindrical member 104 is provided so as to be slidable in the vertical direction with respect to the outer surface of the waste liquid tank 76 and does not slide down due to an appropriate frictional force with the outer surface of the waste liquid tank 76. The degree of fitting is set.

  As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the cylindrical member 104 is provided with a scale 106 for measuring the amount of waste liquid. The scale 106 includes an annular broken line provided at an intermediate portion of the cylindrical member 104 and a character “supply line”, and the oil level height of the amount of waste liquid in the waste liquid tank 76 matches the height of the broken line. By becoming the predetermined amount exceeding the predetermined amount and the height of the broken line, it becomes a guideline for supplying a new brake fluid. Note that an English letter “LOWER LEVEL” indicating that the storage amount in the waste liquid tank 76 has not yet reached a predetermined amount is displayed on the lower side of the annular broken line.

  In the capacity measuring mechanism 82, the cylindrical member 104 attached to the waste liquid tank 76 has a “amount of waste liquid amount discharged from the reservoir tank 22 so that a new brake fluid can be supplied at a glance. A scale 106 for the “supply line” is provided, and when the amount of waste liquid reaches the scale position, new brake fluid may be supplied to the reservoir tank 22.

  As described above, in this embodiment, by providing the capacity measuring mechanism 82 in the waste liquid tank 76, a brake that supplies brake fluid to the reservoir tank 22 from a brake fluid discharge process described later while checking the remaining amount in the waste liquid tank 76. The timing for switching to the fluid supply process can be determined appropriately.

  In other words, when the brake fluid discharging step of discharging the brake fluid that has finished work existing in the hydraulic brake system including the reservoir tank 22 into the waste liquid tank 76 is performed, the remaining amount of the brake fluid in the reservoir tank 22 is sequentially increased. Even if it is not confirmed, by measuring (confirming) the storage amount in the waste liquid tank 76 by the capacity measuring mechanism 82, the timing (time) of switching to the brake fluid supply process for supplying a new brake fluid to the reservoir tank 22 ) Can be easily determined.

  The brake fluid exchanging device 10 according to the present embodiment is basically configured as described above. Next, the operation and effects of the brake fluid exchanging device 10 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, a brake fluid discharge process for releasing brake fluid (waste liquid) that has finished work existing in the hydraulic brake system including the reservoir tank 22 into the waste liquid tank 76 will be described. In this case, as a preparatory step, the valve body of the atmosphere release valve 30 is in a closed state and is not in communication with the atmosphere, and a lid member 48 is attached to the opening 46 of the reservoir tank 22 so that the reservoir tank 22 It is assumed that the inside is maintained in an airtight state, and the waste liquid discharge port 73 of the caliper 68 is closed by a plug member (not shown).

  In this brake fluid discharge step, the pump 12 is driven to start feeding new brake fluid along the supply path 14 (see step S1). The new brake fluid pumped from the pump 12 is supplied into the reservoir tank 22 through the regulator 24, the brake fluid supply tank 26, the check valve 28, and the first joint 29a in this order.

  The pressure of the new brake fluid supplied into the chamber of the reservoir tank 22 is suitably controlled by the regulator 24. For example, even if the original pressure of the brake fluid supply pressure by the pump 12 fluctuates, the original pressure Therefore, the supply pressure of the brake fluid supplied to the chamber of the reservoir tank 22 can be properly maintained.

  A new brake fluid is pumped through the pump 12 and filled into the reservoir tank 22 to pressurize the gas in the reservoir tank 22 (see step S2). As the gas in the reservoir tank 22 is pressurized and the pressure increases, the gas in the reservoir tank 22 is held at a relatively high pressure compared to the outside (in the atmosphere). The brake fluid existing in the pipe passage 70 and the caliper 68 connected to the reservoir tank 22 by the pressurized gas is also pressurized. For example, when the brake fluid remains in the reservoir tank 22 in advance, the new brake fluid pressure-fed into the reservoir tank 22 and the remaining brake fluid are mixed.

  In such a pressurized state, by removing a plug member (not shown) attached to the waste liquid discharge port 73 of the caliper 68, the brake fluid existing in the hydraulic brake system is released from the waste liquid discharge port 73 of the caliper 68 into the waste liquid tank 76. (See step S3, see FIG. 4).

  That is, when a plug member (not shown) is removed and the waste liquid discharge port 73 of the caliper 68 is opened, the pressure of the gas in the sealed reservoir tank 22 tends to be substantially the same as the external pressure (atmospheric pressure). The brake fluid in the reservoir tank 22 is pushed out toward the caliper 68, and the brake fluid existing in the hydraulic brake system is discharged from the waste liquid discharge port 73 toward the waste liquid tank 76. At the same time, the new brake fluid pressure-fed into the reservoir tank 22 through the pump 12 is pushed out of the reservoir tank 22 and supplied to the hydraulic brake system including the pipe passage 70 and the caliper 68.

  The capacity of the brake fluid (waste liquid) discharged into the waste liquid tank 76 is simply measured by the capacity measuring mechanism 82 described above (see step S4), thereby switching to a new brake fluid supply process which is the next process. The time can be suitably determined.

  Subsequently, when switching to the new brake fluid supply process, which is the next process, the cock 30a is operated to switch the valve position of the atmospheric release valve 30 from the closed state to the open state to make the atmosphere open (see step S5). . This is because when a new brake fluid is supplied to the reservoir tank 22 in the next step, the pressure of the gas in the reservoir tank 22 is made substantially the same as the atmospheric pressure, thereby supplying a new brake fluid. This is because the process is carried out smoothly.

  The new brake fluid pressure-fed from the pump 12 is supplied into the reservoir tank 22 along the supply path 14 and stored by a predetermined amount (see step S6, see FIG. 5). If the brake fluid is already sufficiently stored in the reservoir tank 22 before replacing the brake fluid, the brake fluid supplying step for supplying a new brake fluid in the reservoir tank 22 is omitted. It is possible to complete the brake fluid replacement work only by the brake fluid discharge process.

  After a new amount of brake fluid pumped by the pump 12 is supplied into the reservoir tank 22 by a predetermined amount, driving of the pump 12 is stopped to stop pumping of the brake fluid (see step S7). The brake fluid supply pressure in the brake fluid discharge process and the brake fluid supply pressure in the brake fluid supply process are set to be different from each other. For example, the brake fluid supply pressure in the brake fluid discharge process is about 0. 15 MPaG, the brake fluid supply pressure in the brake fluid supply process is set to about 0.05 MPaG, and a new brake fluid can be supplied with a supply pressure smaller than that when discharging the waste liquid.

  In this embodiment, the negative pressure generator used in the prior art is not required, and both the removal of brake fluid (waste fluid) and the supply of new brake fluid that have been completed only by pumping new brake fluid are provided. By performing substantially the same time, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost by reducing the size of the entire apparatus and improve the working efficiency.

  In other words, the brake fluid that has finished work is removed by pumping the new brake fluid by the pump 12 along the single supply path 14, and at the same time, the entire hydraulic brake system is simply filled with the new brake fluid. can do. In addition, an air release valve 30 is provided so that the pressure of the gas in the reservoir tank 22 is released to the atmosphere, and the supply of new brake fluid into the reservoir tank 22 is simplified to adjust the storage amount in the reservoir tank 22. Can be carried out easily. As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the apparatus and increase the efficiency of the replacement work.

  Further, in this embodiment, when a new brake fluid is supplied to the reservoir tank 22, the screwing amount of the bolt 64 provided on the lid member 48 is reduced, and the tightening force of the lid member 48 against the opening 46 of the reservoir tank 22 is reduced. By adjusting the pressure and controlling the sealing action, the pressure of the gas in the reservoir tank 22 can be released to the atmosphere, and a new brake fluid can be supplied to the reservoir tank 22 more simply and efficiently. It is possible to improve workability.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the negative pressure generating device used in the prior art is unnecessary, and it is not necessary to provide a pressure control mechanism such as a pressure control valve for controlling the pressure of the gas in the reservoir tank 22, The number of parts constituting the brake fluid changing device 10 can be reduced and the structure can be simplified.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, for example, an air pipe for supplying compressed air is not necessary, and only the pipe of the supply path 14 for supplying a new brake fluid is required. Therefore, the pipe structure is simplified and the pipe connection work is simplified. In addition, the brake fluid can be easily replaced only by operating the pump 12 and the air release valve 30.

It is a schematic circuit block diagram of the brake fluid exchange apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. (A) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along the axial direction of a reservoir tank, (b) is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state by which the inner cover part was pressed and sealed by screwing in the volt | bolt. (A) is a perspective view showing a state in which the capacity measuring mechanism is provided in the waste liquid tank, (b) is a perspective view of a cylindrical member constituting the capacity measuring mechanism, and (c) is a C of (b). It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view along line -C. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows the brake fluid discharge process which removes the brake fluid (waste liquid) which finished work by pumping a new brake fluid. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing which shows the brake fluid supply process which fills a reservoir tank with a new brake fluid after finishing the said brake fluid discharge process. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement process of the said brake fluid exchange apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

10 Brake fluid changer 12 Pump (brake fluid supply means)
14 Supply path 22 Reservoir tank 26 Brake fluid supply tank 30 Air release valve (opening means)
44 Tank body 46 Opening 48 Lid member (airtight means)
64 Volt 67 Brake device 73 Waste liquid outlet

Claims (3)

In the brake fluid changer that removes the brake fluid from the brake device and supplies a new brake fluid to the reservoir tank,
Brake fluid supply means for supplying new brake fluid to the reservoir tank;
A supply path for supplying new brake fluid from the brake fluid supply means to the reservoir tank;
An airtight means for making the inside of the reservoir tank airtight and maintaining the airtight state;
A waste liquid discharge port for releasing the brake fluid as waste liquid in the brake device to the outside;
A brake fluid exchange device comprising: The brake fluid changer according to claim 1,
The airtight means includes a lid member that closes the opening of the reservoir tank;
The lid member is connected to one end of the supply path, and includes an opening means for releasing the gas inside the reservoir tank to the outside.
When increasing the amount of brake fluid stored in the reservoir tank, the release means releases the gas inside the reservoir tank to the outside, and the brake fluid supply means supplies new brake fluid. Brake fluid changer. The brake fluid changer according to claim 1,
The airtight means includes a lid member that closes the opening of the reservoir tank;
When increasing the amount of brake fluid stored in the reservoir tank, the tightening of the lid member with respect to the opening of the reservoir tank is loosened so that the reservoir tank communicates with the outside. .

Images