US20110253252A1 - Brake bleeding apparatus - Google Patents
Brake bleeding apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110253252A1 US20110253252A1 US13/127,612 US200913127612A US2011253252A1 US 20110253252 A1 US20110253252 A1 US 20110253252A1 US 200913127612 A US200913127612 A US 200913127612A US 2011253252 A1 US2011253252 A1 US 2011253252A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- brake
- receptacle
- supply
- ducting
- brake fluid
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
- B60T17/00—Component parts, details, or accessories of power brake systems not covered by groups B60T8/00, B60T13/00 or B60T15/00, or presenting other characteristic features
- B60T17/18—Safety devices; Monitoring
- B60T17/22—Devices for monitoring or checking brake systems; Signal devices
- B60T17/221—Procedure or apparatus for checking or keeping in a correct functioning condition of brake systems
- B60T17/222—Procedure or apparatus for checking or keeping in a correct functioning condition of brake systems by filling or bleeding of hydraulic systems
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B21/00—Common features of fluid actuator systems; Fluid-pressure actuator systems or details thereof, not covered by any other group of this subclass
- F15B21/005—Filling or draining of fluid systems
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F15B21/00—Common features of fluid actuator systems; Fluid-pressure actuator systems or details thereof, not covered by any other group of this subclass
- F15B21/04—Special measures taken in connection with the properties of the fluid
- F15B21/044—Removal or measurement of undissolved gas, e.g. de-aeration, venting or bleeding
Definitions
- the invention relates to brake bleeding apparatus.
- Brake fluid acts like a magnet to water to the extent it can actually draw moisture through flexible rubber brake hose.
- the presence of water in a brake fluid lowers the boiling point (vapour lock point) of the brake fluid, which can result in a slightly “spongy” brake pedal feel.
- the presence of moisture in brake fluid may even result in total brake failure.
- the heat generated by brake use can elevate the temperature of the brake fluid to a point at which vapour (steam) bubbles form, which will cause instant and total brake failure.
- Moisture in a brake fluid may also lead to component corrosion to the extent the component may fail. This is both dangerous and potentially very expensive. Having a new ABS unit fitted can easily cost US$1,000.
- the invention provides brake bleeding apparatus comprising a supply receptacle for brake fluid for supply to a braking system, ducting for connecting said supply receptacle with said braking system and a vacuum source connected with said supply receptacle for de-gassing brake fluid stored in said supply receptacle.
- the invention also includes a self-winding supply reel system for an elongate member, said supply reel system comprising first and second reels mounted in spaced apart relation such that a distance between them reduces as said elongate member is drawn from said supply reel system and a resilient biasing device for increasing said distance to a place said reels in a rest condition in which said elongate member is substantially wound onto said supply reel system.
- the invention also includes bleeding apparatus comprising a supply receptacle for brake fluid to be supplied to a brake system, a receiving receptacle for receiving brake fluid from said brake system, a vacuum source communicable with said supply receptacle and a pump communicable with said supply receptacle, said brake bleeding apparatus being operable such that when said pump is operating to pump brake fluid from said supply receptacle to said brake system vacuum in said receiving receptacle draws brake fluid from said brake system.
- the invention also includes a method of bleeding a braking system, said method comprising connecting a supply receptacle containing brake fluid to an inlet of a braking system and a receiving receptacle for receiving brake fluid to an outlet of said braking system, applying a positive pressure to brake fluid in said supply receptacle to drive said brake fluid into said braking system and a lower pressure to said supply receptacle such that brake as brake fluid from said supply receptacle is driven into said braking system brake fluid from said braking system is drawn into said receiving receptacle.
- the invention also includes a method of operating a brake bleeding system that comprises a supply receptacle for brake fluid to be supplied to a braking system and a vacuum source for applying a vacuum to brake fluid in said supply receptacle, said method comprising operating said vacuum source to apply a vacuum to brake fluid to degas said brake fluid and selectively isolating said supply receptacle for storing said degassed brake fluid in said supply receptacle under said vacuum.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the front of a brake bleeding apparatus
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the rear of the brake bleeding apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 1 cutaway to show internal parts of the brake bleeding apparatus
- FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the brake bleeding apparatus of FIG. 1 connected to a braking system of an automobile;
- FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a self-winding reel supply system for ducting of the brake bleeding apparatus of FIG. 1 showing the self-winding reel supply system in a condition in which the ducting is substantially fully wound in;
- FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration corresponding to FIG. 5 showing the self-winding reel supply system in a condition in which the ducting is substantially fully wound out;
- FIG. 7 shows a reel unit of the self-winding reel supply system of FIG. 5 in an assembled condition
- FIG. 8 shows the reel unit of FIG. 7 in a disassembled condition
- FIG. 9 shows a self-locking device for locking the ducting against the self-winding action of the self-winding reel supply apparatus of FIG. 5 ;
- FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of another brake bleeding apparatus.
- a brake bleeding apparatus 10 comprises a wheeled cabinet 12 .
- the cabinet 12 has two wheels 14 provided on an axle 16 ( FIG. 2 ).
- the axle 16 is fitted to respective rearward protrusions defined at the bottom rear of opposed side panels 18 , 20 of the cabinet 12 .
- the cabinet 12 has feet 22 provided generally opposite the wheels 14 at the bottom front of the side panels 18 , 20 .
- the feet 22 may be parts fitted to the side panels 18 , 20 . In the illustrated embodiment, the feet 22 are defined by forward protruding portions of the side panels 18 , 20 .
- a push handle 24 is provided at the top rear of the cabinet 12 generally above the wheels 14 .
- the push handle 24 is a generally circular section rod that is fitted between respective rearwardly projecting ears defined by the side panels 18 , 20 .
- a user can readily move the brake bleeding apparatus 10 from place to place by standing to the rear of the cabinet 12 , grabbing the push handle 24 and pivoting the cabinet rearwards in the direction indicated by the arrow 26 so that the feet 22 no longer contact the ground and the cabinet is supported only by the wheels 14 .
- the cabinet 12 can be allowed to pivot about the pivot axis in the direction opposite that indicated by the arrow 26 to bring the feet 22 into contact with the ground so that the cabinet is supported by a combination of the wheels 14 and the feet.
- the cabinet 12 houses a supply receptacle 28 for storing a supply of brake fluid to be supplied to a braking system, a vacuum storage receptacle (reservoir) 30 and a receiving receptacle 32 for receiving brake fluid from the braking system.
- the receptacles 28 , 30 , 32 each have pairs of connectors 34 for connecting with respective sight gauges 36 , 37 , 38 .
- a front panel 40 ( FIG. 1 ) of the cabinet 12 is provided with apertures through which ends of the sight gauges 36 , 37 , 38 extend to connect with the connectors 34 .
- the receptacles 28 , 30 , 32 are of common construction, each having a sealing filler cap 40 provided at its upper end.
- the receptacles 28 , 30 , 32 are disposed in generally parallel side-by-side relation and supported by a pair of generally parallel spaced apart support panels 42 , 44 that extend between and are connected to the side panels 18 , 20 , for example, by riveting or welding.
- the top panel 46 is supported by a hinge 48 ( FIG. 3 ) so that it can be lifted in the manner of a lid to permit access to the sealing filler caps 40 .
- the supply receptacle 28 and receiving receptacle 32 are each connected with the vacuum reservoir 30 .
- a vacuum pump 46 that is housed in the cabinet 12 is connected between the supply receptacle 28 and the vacuum reservoir 30 for drawing down a vacuum in each receptacle.
- Supply ducting 54 is connected to a lower end region of the supply receptacle 28 .
- a supply pump 52 is fitted in the supply ducting 54 for pumping brake fluid from the supply receptacle through the supply ducting.
- the supply ducting 54 comprises flexible ducting.
- the flexible ducting is held on a self-winding reel supply system, which will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9 .
- a quick release self-sealing hydraulic connector 56 is provided at the downstream end of the supply ducting 54 for snap-fitting to a self-sealing quick-release connector on a cap (not shown) that can be fitted to a brake master cylinder 58 of a motor vehicle brake system.
- Quick-release hydraulic connectors will be well known to those skilled in the art and so will not be described in detail herein.
- Receiving ducting 60 is connected with a manifold 62 that is connected with a lower end of the receiving receptacle 32 .
- the receiving ducting 60 comprises suitable flexible ducting that is held on a self-winding reel supply system in the same way as the supply ducting.
- the receiving ducting comprises four separate receiving ducting hoses 60 that each has its own self-winding reel supply system.
- the supply ducting 54 and receiving ducting hoses 60 may be made of a plastics material that can withstand brake fluid and are transparent or translucent.
- the ducting may, for example, be made of a translucent polyurethane. In one illustrative embodiment the ducting comprises 6 mm diameter polyurethane tubing.
- Respective connectors 64 are provided at the downstream end of the receiving ducting hoses 60 for connecting to the bleed valve 65 of a brake unit 66 of the motor vehicle brake system.
- the connectors 64 may be able to fit directly onto such a bleed valve or may be configured to be releasably connectable to a bleed valve connector so to allow different bleed valve connectors to be connected to the receiving ducting hoses 60 .
- a manually operable valve 68 is provided in each receiving ducting hose 60 for closing the downstream end of the hose when not connected to a bleed valve. Although not essential, it is preferred that the manually operable valve 68 is disposed close to the downstream end of the receiving ducting hose 60 .
- the connector 56 on the supply ducting 54 together with the connectors 64 and manually operable valves 68 on the receiving ducting hoses 60 have been omitted from FIGS. 1 to 3 purely for ease of representation.
- a first connecting line 70 is provided between the supply receptacle 28 and the vacuum reservoir 30 and a second connecting line 72 is provided between the vacuum reservoir and the receiving receptacle 32 .
- the first connecting line 70 is provided with a one-way check valve 74 .
- the check valve 74 is arranged to open when the vacuum pump 46 is in operation and to close and maintain the vacuum in the supply receptacle 28 when the vacuum pump is not in operation.
- the second connecting line 72 is provided with a manually operable valve 76 .
- the manually operable valve 76 can be used to isolate the receiving receptacle 32 from the vacuum reservoir 30 when the receiving receptacle is being drained.
- the self-winding reel supply system 78 for the supply ducting 54 comprises a first reel unit 80 and a second reel unit 82 .
- the first reel unit 80 is mounted on a cross-shaft 84 .
- the cross-shaft 84 is fixed to the side panels 18 , 20 to define a fixed axis of rotation for the first reel unit 80 .
- the second reel unit 82 has a floating axis of rotation 86 that is disposed generally parallel to the cross-shaft 84 and can be moved from the rest position shown in FIG. 5 to the position shown in FIG. 6 .
- the second reel unit 82 is biased to the rest position shown in FIG. 6 by a resilient cable 88 .
- the resilient cable 88 has a first end secured to a fixing point 90 located adjacent the hinge 48 at the top of the cabinet 12 .
- the resilient cable 88 extends downwardly from the fixing point 90 to a position adjacent the bottom of the cabinet 12 where it is turned in an inward and then upward direction by guide reels 92 , 94 .
- the guide reels 92 , 94 are mounted for rotation on respective guide reel cross-shafts 96 , 98 .
- the guide reel cross-shafts 96 , 98 are disposed in parallel spaced relation and fixed to the side panels 18 , 20 of the cabinet 12 .
- the second end of the resilient cable 88 is fixed to the second reel unit 82 .
- the self-winding reel supply system 78 has a second resilient cable and guide reel set.
- the resilient cables 88 of the two sets are attached to opposite sides of the second reel unit 82 to apply a balanced biasing force to the reel unit.
- the first reel unit 80 comprises a spool 100 provided with an axially extending through-hole 102 , which receives the cross-shaft 84 .
- a plurality of slip rings 104 is mounted for rotation on the spool 100 .
- the slip rings 104 each have a circumferentially extending groove 106 sized to receive and guide the supply ducting 54 .
- the slip rings 104 may be made from any suitable material, including a plastics material such as nylon, that has a relatively low coefficient of friction.
- Each of the receiving ducting hoses 60 is provided with a separate self-winding reel supply system corresponding to the system 78 .
- FIG. 9 shows self-locking devices 110 for preventing rewinding of the supply ducting 54 and receiving ducting 60 by their respective self-winding reel supply systems.
- the self-locking devices 110 are mounted on a cross-member 112 provided at the top of the cabinet 12 adjacent the cross-shaft 84 .
- Each self-locking device 110 comprises a pusher member that comprises a shaft 114 and a knob 116 .
- the free end of the shaft 114 is provided with a transverse through-hole 118 that is sized to receive the ducting 54 , 60 with sufficient clearance to permit the ducting to be pulled through it when the device is in an open condition.
- the shaft 114 extends through an aperture defined by the cross-member 112 and a boss 120 provided on the underside of the cross-member such that the knob 116 is on one side of the cross-member and the through-hole 118 is on the opposite side.
- a compression spring 122 is mounted on the shaft 114 between the upper surface of the cross-member 112 and the underside of the knob 116 .
- the compression spring 122 biases the knob 116 away from the cross-member 112 such that the through-hole 118 is drawn towards the underside of the cross-member and such as to trap the ducting 54 , 60 between the wall of the through-hole 118 and the boss 120 .
- the right-hand self-locking device 110 is shown in a locking condition in which the receiving ducting hose 60 is trapped between the wall defining the through-hole 118 and the boss 120 .
- a user wishes to withdraw the supply ducting 54 or a receiving ducting hose 60 from the cabinet 12 , he/she grips the end of the ducting and pulls on it while pressing the knob 116 of the respective self-locking device 110 downwardly towards the cross-member 112 .
- the second reel unit 82 is progressively drawn upwardly towards the first reel unit 80 thereby decreasing the spacing between them.
- the resilient cable 88 is stretched, thereby storing a restoring force for pulling the second reel unit back to the rest position shown in FIG. 5 . Once sufficient ducting has been withdrawn, the user releases the knob 116 .
- the supply ducting 54 is withdrawn from the cabinet 12 and connected to the master cylinder 56 of the braking system.
- the receiving ducting hoses 60 are connected with the bleed valves 65 of the brake units 66 of the brake system.
- the manually operable valves 68 on the receiving ducting hoses 60 are in a closed condition and the manually operable valve 76 is in an open condition.
- the vacuum pump 46 is started to draw down a vacuum in the supply receptacle 28 and receiving receptacle 32 .
- the supply pump 52 is started. Initially the starting of the supply pump 52 has little effect as the manually operable valves 68 are closed.
- the manually operable valves 68 and respective bleed valves 65 are then opened one by one to successively bleed old brake fluid from each brake unit 66 .
- old brake fluid is drawn into the receiving receptacle 32 under the influence of the vacuum in the receptacle and the supply pump 52 pumps new brake fluid from the supply receptacle into the braking system.
- the last brake unit 66 has been bled, all of the old brake fluid will have been removed from the brake system and replaced by new brake fluid from the supply receptacle.
- the vacuum pump 46 and supply pump 52 are turned off and the ducting is rewound into the cabinet 12 for storage.
- the amount of fluid in the supply and receiving receptacles 28 , 32 can be seen by inspecting the sight glasses 36 , 38 . If the supply receptacle 28 needs to be replenished, the sealing filler cap 40 is removed to allow fresh brake fluid to be poured into the receptacle. Once replenishment is complete, the sealing filler cap 40 is screwed back onto the receptacle and the vacuum pump 46 is started to draw down a vacuum in the supply receptacle 28 and degas the brake fluid. The degassing process may be deferred until the brake bleeding apparatus 10 is due to be used again. However, it is believed preferable to store the brake fluid in the supply receptacle 28 under vacuum.
- the manually operable valve 76 is closed to isolate the receptacle from the vacuum reservoir 30 and supply receptacle 28 .
- the sealing filler cap 40 is then backed off to bring the pressure in the receptacle up to atmospheric pressure and the end of a receiving ducting hose 60 is placed in a vessel suitable for receiving the brake fluid.
- the manually operable valve 68 on the hose is then opened to allow the old brake fluid to drain out into the vessel. It may be desirable to elevate the receiving receptacle 32 relative to the vessel in order to allow the old brake fluid to clear from the receptacle.
- the manually operable valve 68 is closed and the manually operable valve 76 is reopened.
- the vacuum pump 46 is then started to draw down the desired vacuum in the vacuum reservoir 30 and receiving receptacle 32 .
- the apparatus is connected to the brake system as previously described.
- the bleed valves 65 on the brake units 66 are opened and the vacuum pump 46 is started to draw down a vacuum in the brake system and ensure that the brake fluid in the supply receptacle 28 is suitably degassed.
- the supply pump 52 is then started to pump new fluid into the brake system.
- the supply pump 52 is turned off and the bleed valves 65 and manually operable valves 68 are closed prior to disconnecting the brake bleeding apparatus from the brake system. That the brake system has been completely filled can be verified by using the sight glass 36 to monitor the volume of brake fluid supplied or having translucent or transparent receiving ducting hoses 60 so that the new fluid flowing from the brake system can be seen.
- FIG. 10 illustrates features of another brake bleeding apparatus 210 .
- the components of the brake bleeding apparatus 210 can be fitted in a wheeled cabinet similar to or the same as the cabinet 12 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3 .
- the brake bleeding apparatus 210 comprises a supply receptacle 212 for brake fluid to be supplied to a braking system and a receiving receptacle 214 for receiving brake fluid from such a braking system.
- Each receptacle 212 , 214 has a pair of connection points 216 for connecting with respective sight glasses 218 , 220 .
- the receptacles 212 , 214 may be of identical construction, each having a sealing filler cap 222 provided at its upper end.
- Supply ducting 224 is connected to a lower end region of the supply receptacle 212 .
- a pump 226 is fitted in the supply ducting 224 for pumping brake fluid from the supply receptacle through the supply ducting.
- a pressure regulator valve 228 is provided downstream of the supply pump 226 for regulating the pressure of the brake fluid and a bypass duct 230 is provided for returning overpressure brake fluid to the supply receptacle 212 . If the regulator valve 228 does not include a pressure gauge, a suitable gauge may be provided downstream of the valve.
- the supply ducting 224 comprises flexible ducting.
- the flexible ducting is held on a self-winding reel supply system 232 in the same way as the supply ducting illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 .
- a quick release self sealing hydraulic connector 238 is provided at the downstream end of the supply ducting 224 for snap-fitting to a self-sealing quick-release connector on a cap (not shown) that can be fitted to a brake master cylinder as previously described in connection with the brake bleeding apparatus 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9 .
- Receiving ducting 242 is connected to a lower end of the receiving receptacle 214 .
- the receiving ducting 242 comprises suitable flexible ducting that is held on a self winding reel supply system 244 in the same way as the receiving ducting of the brake bleeding apparatus 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 9 .
- a connector 254 is provided at the downstream end of the receiving ducting 242 for connecting to the bleed valve (not shown) of a brake unit.
- the connector 254 may be one that can fit directly onto such a bleed valve or may be configured to be releasably connectable to a bleed valve connector so to allow different bleed valve connectors to be connected to the receiving ducting 242 .
- a manually operable valve 256 is provided in the receiving ducting 242 for closing the downstream end of the receiving ducting when not connected to a bleed valve. Although not essential, it is preferred that the manually operable valve 256 is disposed close to the downstream end of the receiving ducting 242 .
- the receiving ducting 242 comprises a plurality of separate hoses connected to a manifold, each hose being provided with a connector 254 and valve 256 so that the receiving ducting can be simultaneously connected with a plurality of bleed valves on multiple brake units of a brake system.
- the receiving ducting 242 may have four such hoses for connecting with the respective bleed valves of four brake units of an automobile braking system.
- the supply ducting 224 and each of the receiving ducting hoses 242 are provided with respective self-locking devices 258 corresponding to the self-locking devices 110 shown in FIG. 9 .
- a connecting line 260 is provided between the supply receptacle 212 and receiving receptacle 214 .
- the connecting line 260 comprises a duct 262 that extends from the receiving receptacle 214 into a first end 266 of a generally U-shaped duct 264 .
- a suitable sealing arrangement is provided at the first end 266 to provide sealing between the duct 262 and U-shaped duct 264 .
- the U-shaped duct 264 is of a larger diameter than the duct 262 so that the duct 262 can extend into the U-shaped duct with clearance.
- the U-shaped duct 264 acts as a trap for condensed vapour.
- the connecting line 260 additionally comprises a duct 268 that extends from a second end 270 of the U-shaped duct 264 .
- the end of the duct 268 remote from the second end 270 is connected with the supply receptacle 212 .
- a pressurised air supply duct 272 extends from the duct 268 .
- the upstream end of the air supply duct 272 is provided with a connector 274 for connecting to an outlet of a pressurised air supply 276 .
- the pressurised air supply may comprise an onboard compressor, it is envisaged that the brake bleed apparatus will typically be used in a workshop or similar such environment that is provided with an air line system.
- a manually operable valve 278 is provided in the air supply duct 272 to allow the connecting line 260 to be isolated from the air supply 276 .
- a regulator valve with pressure gauge may be provided in the air supply duct 272 to allow the pressure of the air supplied to be regulated.
- the regulator valve may be provided instead of or in addition to the manually operable valve 278 .
- the supply pump 226 is driven by pressurised air from the pressurised air supply 276 .
- a pump supply duct 279 is branched from the air supply duct 272 from a position upstream of the manually operable valve 278 .
- a manually operable valve 280 is provided in the pump supply duct 279 to allow the supply pump 226 to be isolated from the pressurised air supply 276 .
- a vacuum duct 282 extends from the duct 268 to a vacuum pump 284 .
- the vacuum duct 282 connects with the duct 268 between the connection with the air supply duct 272 and the connection with the supply receptacle 212 .
- a one-way check valve 286 is provided in the duct 268 between the connection with the vacuum duct 278 and supply receptacle 212 .
- the check valve 286 may be a spring loaded self closing valve that opens when the vacuum pump 284 is in operation to allow drawing down of a vacuum in the supply receptacle 212 and closes when the pump ceases to operate to allow a vacuum to be maintained in the supply receptacle when the pump is not operating.
- the vacuum pump 284 is a venturi vacuum pump.
- the venturi vacuum pump 284 is supplied with pressurised air from the pressurised air supply 276 via a branch duct 288 that branches from the air supply duct 272 at a position upstream of the manually operable valve 278 .
- a manually operable valve 290 is provided in the connecting duct 288 to allow the venturi vacuum pump 284 to be isolated from the pressurised air supply 276 ,
- a manually operable valve 292 is provided in the duct 268 at a location between the connections with the air supply duct 272 and the vacuum duct 278 .
- the manually operable valve 284 can be operated to isolate the vacuum duct 278 and supply receptacle 212 from the air supply duct 272 when pressurised air is being supplied into the duct 268 from the air supply 276 .
- the user checks the sight glasses 218 , 220 on the supply and receiving receptacles to ensure there is both enough new fluid in the supply receptacle and enough capacity to receive old fluid in the receiving receptacle.
- the area around the brake master cylinder is cleaned using dry lint free cloth to minimise the amount of moisture present.
- An appropriate master cylinder cap is fitted to the cylinder spout.
- the master cylinder cap may be fitted with a 6 mm, or similar sized, down tube which extends into the master cylinder. If there is such a tube, it should be trimmed to the maximum fluid level of the master cylinder.
- the knob of the self-locking device 258 associated with the self-winding reel supply 232 is then depressed and sufficient supply ducting 224 is withdrawn to allow the connector 238 to connect to the master cylinder cap. If the brake system is a vehicle brake system and the vehicle is going to be raised on a ramp during the bleeding operation, a sufficient length of supply ducting should be pulled from the cabinet 12 before the ramp is operated. This process is repeated with the respective receiving ducting hoses 242 to allow the connectors 254 to connect to the respective bleed valves of the brake system. If the brake bleeding process is to take place on a raised ramp, the connectors 254 can be conveniently fitted to the bleed valves once the ramp has been raised.
- the user should then check to ensure that all of the manually operable valves 256 on. the receiving ducting hoses 242 and the manually operable valve 278 in the air supply duct 272 are closed and that the manually operable valve 292 is open to establish a connection between the venturi vacuum pump 284 and the receiving receptacle 214 .
- the quick-release connector 274 is connected to the pressurised air supply 276 and the valves 280 , 290 are opened to allow pressurised air to flow to the supply pump 226 and venturi vacuum pump 284 .
- the supply pressure for the brake fluid is set by means of the regulator valve 228 . The pressure should not be set too high as the higher the pressure the less efficient will be the brake bleed.
- the bleed process is then commenced by opening the bleed valves and manually operable valves 256 .
- Old brake fluid will be drawn from the brake system due to the vacuum present in the receiving receptacle 214 and degassed brake fluid from the supply receptacle 212 will be pumped into the brake system to take its place. It may be necessary to carry out the bleed process in a particular sequence or it may be preferable to start at the bleed valve furthest from the master cylinder, depending on the brake system and whether the bleeding process is being carried out simply to change the fluid or following a major repair of the brake system. By the time the last bleed valve is opened new fluid should be starting to flow into the respective receiving ducting hose (something that can be readily determined if transparent or translucent hose is used).
- the bleed valves should then be closed off in the same sequence in which they were opened (it is presently preferred that all bleed valves should be open together for at least ten seconds to avoid potential ABS control problems).
- the respective manually operable valves 256 can be closed and the connectors 254 removed from the bleed valves. Once the connectors 254 have been removed, the manually operable valves 256 may be briefly opened to drain the hose ends into a suitable vessel.
- the quick-release connector 274 is disconnected from the pressurised air supply and the regulator valve 228 fully opened to allow the brake system to depressurise before removing the master cylinder cap from the brake master cylinder.
- the brake bleeding process is now complete so the supply ducting 224 and the receiving ducting hoses 242 can be rewound onto the reel units of their respective self-winding reel supply systems 232 , 244 .
- venturi vacuum pump 284 ceases to receive pressurised air from the pressurised air supply system 284 , it ceases to draw down a vacuum and since the pump is open to atmosphere, the pressure in the receiving receptacle 214 slowly rises to atmospheric. A vacuum is maintained in the supply receptacle 212 due to the presence of the one-way check valve 286 . Any brake fluid vapour present in the connecting line 260 will condense and collect in the U-shaped tube 264 . As the pressure in the supply receptacle will initially be below atmospheric and will only rise very slowly due to the narrow diameter of the duct 262 the condensed fluid should be sucked into the supply receptacle 214 .
- the manually operable valve 292 is closed to isolate the supply receptacle 212 from the air supply duct 272 and the connector 272 is connected to the pressurised air supply 276 .
- the connector 254 on one of the receiving ducting hoses 242 is placed in a suitable vessel 300 and the respective manually operable valve 256 opened.
- the manually operable valve 278 in the air supply duct 272 is then opened to allow pressurised air to flow into the receiving receptacle via the U-shaped duct 264 and duct 262 .
- the pressurised air pushes the old brake fluid from the receiving receptacle and into the vessel 300 .
- a pressure regulator valve may be provided in addition to or as an alternative to the manually operable valve 278 and/or a pressure gauge may be provided to allow the user to set the air pressure used to drive the old brake fluid from the receiving receptacle.
- a pressure regulator valve may be provided in the vacuum duct 272 or at a suitable position in the connecting line 260 to allow the vacuum in the supply and receiving receptacles 212 , 214 to be set to a desired level.
- the embodiments provide a brake bleeding apparatus that allow a brake system to be quickly bled by drawing old brake fluid from the system by means of a low pressure in the receiving receptacle and pushing new brake fluid into the system by means of a pump.
- the brake bleeding apparatus may be configured as a static apparatus to be mounted on, for example, a workbench or in a production line.
- ducting may be mounted on simple rotatable drums or simply connected to the respective receptacle without any form or storage apparatus.
- the brake bleeding system can be used for filling a new braking system for the first time as well as brake fluid replacement operations.
- the self-winding reel supply system illustrated by FIGS. 5 to 8 could be used for elongate elements of various types that need to be drawn out and then rewound for storage.
- the elongate member could be an airline.
Abstract
A brake bleeding apparatus comprises a supply receptacle for brake fluid for supply to a braking system, ducting for connecting the supply receptacle with the braking system and a vacuum source connected with the supply receptacle for de-gassing brake fluid stored in the supply receptacle.
Description
- The invention relates to brake bleeding apparatus.
- Brake fluid acts like a magnet to water to the extent it can actually draw moisture through flexible rubber brake hose. Unfortunately the presence of water in a brake fluid lowers the boiling point (vapour lock point) of the brake fluid, which can result in a slightly “spongy” brake pedal feel. The presence of moisture in brake fluid may even result in total brake failure. The heat generated by brake use can elevate the temperature of the brake fluid to a point at which vapour (steam) bubbles form, which will cause instant and total brake failure.
- Moisture in a brake fluid may also lead to component corrosion to the extent the component may fail. This is both dangerous and potentially very expensive. Having a new ABS unit fitted can easily cost US$1,000.
- It is desirable to be able to introduce new brake fluid into a brake system with minimum moisture ingress and to be able to replace the brake fluid in a brake system quickly and at low cost.
- The invention provides brake bleeding apparatus comprising a supply receptacle for brake fluid for supply to a braking system, ducting for connecting said supply receptacle with said braking system and a vacuum source connected with said supply receptacle for de-gassing brake fluid stored in said supply receptacle.
- The invention also includes a self-winding supply reel system for an elongate member, said supply reel system comprising first and second reels mounted in spaced apart relation such that a distance between them reduces as said elongate member is drawn from said supply reel system and a resilient biasing device for increasing said distance to a place said reels in a rest condition in which said elongate member is substantially wound onto said supply reel system.
- The invention also includes bleeding apparatus comprising a supply receptacle for brake fluid to be supplied to a brake system, a receiving receptacle for receiving brake fluid from said brake system, a vacuum source communicable with said supply receptacle and a pump communicable with said supply receptacle, said brake bleeding apparatus being operable such that when said pump is operating to pump brake fluid from said supply receptacle to said brake system vacuum in said receiving receptacle draws brake fluid from said brake system.
- The invention also includes a method of bleeding a braking system, said method comprising connecting a supply receptacle containing brake fluid to an inlet of a braking system and a receiving receptacle for receiving brake fluid to an outlet of said braking system, applying a positive pressure to brake fluid in said supply receptacle to drive said brake fluid into said braking system and a lower pressure to said supply receptacle such that brake as brake fluid from said supply receptacle is driven into said braking system brake fluid from said braking system is drawn into said receiving receptacle.
- The invention also includes a method of operating a brake bleeding system that comprises a supply receptacle for brake fluid to be supplied to a braking system and a vacuum source for applying a vacuum to brake fluid in said supply receptacle, said method comprising operating said vacuum source to apply a vacuum to brake fluid to degas said brake fluid and selectively isolating said supply receptacle for storing said degassed brake fluid in said supply receptacle under said vacuum.
- In order that the invention may be well understood, some embodiments thereof, which are given by way of example only, will now be described with reference to the drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view from the front of a brake bleeding apparatus; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view from the rear of the brake bleeding apparatus ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a view similar toFIG. 1 cutaway to show internal parts of the brake bleeding apparatus; -
FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the brake bleeding apparatus ofFIG. 1 connected to a braking system of an automobile; -
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a self-winding reel supply system for ducting of the brake bleeding apparatus ofFIG. 1 showing the self-winding reel supply system in a condition in which the ducting is substantially fully wound in; -
FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration corresponding toFIG. 5 showing the self-winding reel supply system in a condition in which the ducting is substantially fully wound out; -
FIG. 7 shows a reel unit of the self-winding reel supply system ofFIG. 5 in an assembled condition; -
FIG. 8 shows the reel unit ofFIG. 7 in a disassembled condition; -
FIG. 9 shows a self-locking device for locking the ducting against the self-winding action of the self-winding reel supply apparatus ofFIG. 5 ; and -
FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of another brake bleeding apparatus. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 to 3 , abrake bleeding apparatus 10 comprises awheeled cabinet 12. Thecabinet 12 has twowheels 14 provided on an axle 16 (FIG. 2 ). Theaxle 16 is fitted to respective rearward protrusions defined at the bottom rear ofopposed side panels cabinet 12. Thecabinet 12 hasfeet 22 provided generally opposite thewheels 14 at the bottom front of theside panels feet 22 may be parts fitted to theside panels feet 22 are defined by forward protruding portions of theside panels push handle 24 is provided at the top rear of thecabinet 12 generally above thewheels 14. Thepush handle 24 is a generally circular section rod that is fitted between respective rearwardly projecting ears defined by theside panels brake bleeding apparatus 10 from place to place by standing to the rear of thecabinet 12, grabbing thepush handle 24 and pivoting the cabinet rearwards in the direction indicated by thearrow 26 so that thefeet 22 no longer contact the ground and the cabinet is supported only by thewheels 14. Once at a desired location, thecabinet 12 can be allowed to pivot about the pivot axis in the direction opposite that indicated by thearrow 26 to bring thefeet 22 into contact with the ground so that the cabinet is supported by a combination of thewheels 14 and the feet. - As shown in
FIG. 3 , thecabinet 12 houses asupply receptacle 28 for storing a supply of brake fluid to be supplied to a braking system, a vacuum storage receptacle (reservoir) 30 and a receivingreceptacle 32 for receiving brake fluid from the braking system. Thereceptacles connectors 34 for connecting withrespective sight gauges FIG. 1 ) of thecabinet 12 is provided with apertures through which ends of thesight gauges connectors 34. Although not essential, in the illustrated embodiment thereceptacles sealing filler cap 40 provided at its upper end. Thereceptacles support panels side panels - The
top panel 46 is supported by a hinge 48 (FIG. 3 ) so that it can be lifted in the manner of a lid to permit access to thesealing filler caps 40. - As shown in
FIG. 4 , thesupply receptacle 28 and receivingreceptacle 32 are each connected with thevacuum reservoir 30. Avacuum pump 46 that is housed in thecabinet 12 is connected between thesupply receptacle 28 and thevacuum reservoir 30 for drawing down a vacuum in each receptacle. -
Supply ducting 54 is connected to a lower end region of thesupply receptacle 28. Asupply pump 52 is fitted in thesupply ducting 54 for pumping brake fluid from the supply receptacle through the supply ducting. At least downstream of thesupply pump 52, thesupply ducting 54 comprises flexible ducting. The flexible ducting is held on a self-winding reel supply system, which will be described in more detail below with reference toFIGS. 5 to 9 . A quick release self-sealinghydraulic connector 56 is provided at the downstream end of thesupply ducting 54 for snap-fitting to a self-sealing quick-release connector on a cap (not shown) that can be fitted to abrake master cylinder 58 of a motor vehicle brake system. Quick-release hydraulic connectors will be well known to those skilled in the art and so will not be described in detail herein. - Receiving
ducting 60 is connected with amanifold 62 that is connected with a lower end of thereceiving receptacle 32. The receivingducting 60 comprises suitable flexible ducting that is held on a self-winding reel supply system in the same way as the supply ducting. In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving ducting comprises four separate receivingducting hoses 60 that each has its own self-winding reel supply system. - Although not essential, the supply ducting 54 and receiving
ducting hoses 60 may be made of a plastics material that can withstand brake fluid and are transparent or translucent. The ducting may, for example, be made of a translucent polyurethane. In one illustrative embodiment the ducting comprises 6 mm diameter polyurethane tubing. -
Respective connectors 64 are provided at the downstream end of the receivingducting hoses 60 for connecting to the bleedvalve 65 of abrake unit 66 of the motor vehicle brake system. Theconnectors 64 may be able to fit directly onto such a bleed valve or may be configured to be releasably connectable to a bleed valve connector so to allow different bleed valve connectors to be connected to thereceiving ducting hoses 60. A manuallyoperable valve 68 is provided in each receivingducting hose 60 for closing the downstream end of the hose when not connected to a bleed valve. Although not essential, it is preferred that the manuallyoperable valve 68 is disposed close to the downstream end of the receivingducting hose 60. - The
connector 56 on the supply ducting 54 together with theconnectors 64 and manuallyoperable valves 68 on the receivingducting hoses 60 have been omitted fromFIGS. 1 to 3 purely for ease of representation. - A first connecting
line 70 is provided between thesupply receptacle 28 and thevacuum reservoir 30 and a second connectingline 72 is provided between the vacuum reservoir and thereceiving receptacle 32. The first connectingline 70 is provided with a one-way check valve 74. Thecheck valve 74 is arranged to open when thevacuum pump 46 is in operation and to close and maintain the vacuum in thesupply receptacle 28 when the vacuum pump is not in operation. The second connectingline 72 is provided with a manuallyoperable valve 76. The manuallyoperable valve 76 can be used to isolate the receivingreceptacle 32 from thevacuum reservoir 30 when the receiving receptacle is being drained. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 5 to 9, the self-windingreel supply system 78 for thesupply ducting 54 comprises afirst reel unit 80 and asecond reel unit 82. Thefirst reel unit 80 is mounted on a cross-shaft 84. The cross-shaft 84 is fixed to theside panels first reel unit 80. Thesecond reel unit 82 has a floating axis ofrotation 86 that is disposed generally parallel to the cross-shaft 84 and can be moved from the rest position shown inFIG. 5 to the position shown inFIG. 6 . Thesecond reel unit 82 is biased to the rest position shown inFIG. 6 by aresilient cable 88. Theresilient cable 88 has a first end secured to afixing point 90 located adjacent thehinge 48 at the top of thecabinet 12. Theresilient cable 88 extends downwardly from the fixingpoint 90 to a position adjacent the bottom of thecabinet 12 where it is turned in an inward and then upward direction byguide reels guide reels guide reel cross-shafts 96, 98. Theguide reel cross-shafts 96, 98 are disposed in parallel spaced relation and fixed to theside panels cabinet 12. The second end of theresilient cable 88 is fixed to thesecond reel unit 82. Although not shown in the drawings, the self-windingreel supply system 78 has a second resilient cable and guide reel set. Theresilient cables 88 of the two sets are attached to opposite sides of thesecond reel unit 82 to apply a balanced biasing force to the reel unit. - Referring to
FIGS. 7 and 8 , thefirst reel unit 80 comprises aspool 100 provided with an axially extending through-hole 102, which receives the cross-shaft 84. A plurality ofslip rings 104 is mounted for rotation on thespool 100. For ease of representation only twoslip rings 104 are shown inFIGS. 5 , 7 and 8. However, a larger number may be used depending on the length of ducting that is to be held on the self-windingreel supply system 78. The slip rings 104 each have acircumferentially extending groove 106 sized to receive and guide thesupply ducting 54. The slip rings 104 may be made from any suitable material, including a plastics material such as nylon, that has a relatively low coefficient of friction. - Each of the receiving
ducting hoses 60 is provided with a separate self-winding reel supply system corresponding to thesystem 78. -
FIG. 9 shows self-lockingdevices 110 for preventing rewinding of thesupply ducting 54 and receivingducting 60 by their respective self-winding reel supply systems. The self-lockingdevices 110 are mounted on a cross-member 112 provided at the top of thecabinet 12 adjacent the cross-shaft 84. Each self-lockingdevice 110 comprises a pusher member that comprises ashaft 114 and aknob 116. The free end of theshaft 114 is provided with a transverse through-hole 118 that is sized to receive theducting shaft 114 extends through an aperture defined by the cross-member 112 and aboss 120 provided on the underside of the cross-member such that theknob 116 is on one side of the cross-member and the through-hole 118 is on the opposite side. Acompression spring 122 is mounted on theshaft 114 between the upper surface of the cross-member 112 and the underside of theknob 116. Thecompression spring 122 biases theknob 116 away from the cross-member 112 such that the through-hole 118 is drawn towards the underside of the cross-member and such as to trap theducting hole 118 and theboss 120. The left-hand self-lockingdevice 110 inFIG. 9 is shown in an open, release, condition in which thesupply ducting 54 can be drawn through the through-hole 118. The right-hand self-lockingdevice 110 is shown in a locking condition in which the receivingducting hose 60 is trapped between the wall defining the through-hole 118 and theboss 120. - In use, if a user wishes to withdraw the
supply ducting 54 or a receivingducting hose 60 from thecabinet 12, he/she grips the end of the ducting and pulls on it while pressing theknob 116 of the respective self-lockingdevice 110 downwardly towards thecross-member 112. As the ducting is withdrawn, thesecond reel unit 82 is progressively drawn upwardly towards thefirst reel unit 80 thereby decreasing the spacing between them. As thesecond reel unit 82 moves towards thefirst reel unit 80, theresilient cable 88 is stretched, thereby storing a restoring force for pulling the second reel unit back to the rest position shown inFIG. 5 . Once sufficient ducting has been withdrawn, the user releases theknob 116. This allows thespring 122 to drive theknob 116 away from the cross-member 112 so that the ducting is trapped between the wall defining the through-hole 118 and theboss 120 to prevent rewinding of the ducting under the influence of the restoring force stored in theresilient cable 88. It will be understood that the stiffness of thecompression spring 122 and of theducting device 110 can hold the ducting against rewinding without crushing the wall of the ducting. When the user wishes to rewind the ducting, he/she again depresses theknob 116 of the self-lockingdevice 110 to release the ducting, which is then drawn back onto the first andsecond reel units resilient cable 88. When the ducting is fully rewound, the connector at its end and, in the case of the receivingducting hoses 60 the respective manuallyoperable valves 68, are stored in a tray 124 (FIGS. 2 and 3 ) provided on arear wall 126 of thecabinet 12. - In use to bleed a braking system, the
supply ducting 54 is withdrawn from thecabinet 12 and connected to themaster cylinder 56 of the braking system. The receivingducting hoses 60 are connected with thebleed valves 65 of thebrake units 66 of the brake system. At this stage, the manuallyoperable valves 68 on the receivingducting hoses 60 are in a closed condition and the manuallyoperable valve 76 is in an open condition. Thevacuum pump 46 is started to draw down a vacuum in thesupply receptacle 28 and receivingreceptacle 32. Thesupply pump 52 is started. Initially the starting of thesupply pump 52 has little effect as the manuallyoperable valves 68 are closed. The manuallyoperable valves 68 andrespective bleed valves 65 are then opened one by one to successively bleed old brake fluid from eachbrake unit 66. Although not essential, it may be desirable to start the bleeding process at thebleed valve 65 located furthest from themaster cylinder 56. As each bleedvalve 65 is opened, old brake fluid is drawn into the receivingreceptacle 32 under the influence of the vacuum in the receptacle and thesupply pump 52 pumps new brake fluid from the supply receptacle into the braking system. Once thelast brake unit 66 has been bled, all of the old brake fluid will have been removed from the brake system and replaced by new brake fluid from the supply receptacle. Once the bleeding process is complete, thevacuum pump 46 andsupply pump 52 are turned off and the ducting is rewound into thecabinet 12 for storage. - The amount of fluid in the supply and receiving
receptacles sight glasses supply receptacle 28 needs to be replenished, the sealingfiller cap 40 is removed to allow fresh brake fluid to be poured into the receptacle. Once replenishment is complete, the sealingfiller cap 40 is screwed back onto the receptacle and thevacuum pump 46 is started to draw down a vacuum in thesupply receptacle 28 and degas the brake fluid. The degassing process may be deferred until thebrake bleeding apparatus 10 is due to be used again. However, it is believed preferable to store the brake fluid in thesupply receptacle 28 under vacuum. - If the receiving
receptacle 32 needs to be emptied, the manuallyoperable valve 76 is closed to isolate the receptacle from thevacuum reservoir 30 andsupply receptacle 28. The sealingfiller cap 40 is then backed off to bring the pressure in the receptacle up to atmospheric pressure and the end of a receivingducting hose 60 is placed in a vessel suitable for receiving the brake fluid. The manuallyoperable valve 68 on the hose is then opened to allow the old brake fluid to drain out into the vessel. It may be desirable to elevate the receivingreceptacle 32 relative to the vessel in order to allow the old brake fluid to clear from the receptacle. Once the draining process is complete the manuallyoperable valve 68 is closed and the manuallyoperable valve 76 is reopened. Thevacuum pump 46 is then started to draw down the desired vacuum in thevacuum reservoir 30 and receivingreceptacle 32. - If the
brake bleeding apparatus 10 is used for the first time filling of an unused brake system with brake fluid, the apparatus is connected to the brake system as previously described. Thebleed valves 65 on thebrake units 66 are opened and thevacuum pump 46 is started to draw down a vacuum in the brake system and ensure that the brake fluid in thesupply receptacle 28 is suitably degassed. Thesupply pump 52 is then started to pump new fluid into the brake system. Once the brake system has been filled, thesupply pump 52 is turned off and thebleed valves 65 and manuallyoperable valves 68 are closed prior to disconnecting the brake bleeding apparatus from the brake system. That the brake system has been completely filled can be verified by using thesight glass 36 to monitor the volume of brake fluid supplied or having translucent or transparentreceiving ducting hoses 60 so that the new fluid flowing from the brake system can be seen. -
FIG. 10 illustrates features of another brake bleeding apparatus 210. The components of the brake bleeding apparatus 210 can be fitted in a wheeled cabinet similar to or the same as thecabinet 12 illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 3 . - The brake bleeding apparatus 210 comprises a
supply receptacle 212 for brake fluid to be supplied to a braking system and a receivingreceptacle 214 for receiving brake fluid from such a braking system. Eachreceptacle respective sight glasses receptacles filler cap 222 provided at its upper end. -
Supply ducting 224 is connected to a lower end region of thesupply receptacle 212. Apump 226 is fitted in thesupply ducting 224 for pumping brake fluid from the supply receptacle through the supply ducting. Apressure regulator valve 228 is provided downstream of thesupply pump 226 for regulating the pressure of the brake fluid and abypass duct 230 is provided for returning overpressure brake fluid to thesupply receptacle 212. If theregulator valve 228 does not include a pressure gauge, a suitable gauge may be provided downstream of the valve. - At least downstream of the
regulator valve 228, thesupply ducting 224 comprises flexible ducting. The flexible ducting is held on a self-windingreel supply system 232 in the same way as the supply ducting illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 7 . A quick release self sealinghydraulic connector 238 is provided at the downstream end of thesupply ducting 224 for snap-fitting to a self-sealing quick-release connector on a cap (not shown) that can be fitted to a brake master cylinder as previously described in connection with thebrake bleeding apparatus 10 illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 9 . - Receiving
ducting 242 is connected to a lower end of the receivingreceptacle 214. The receivingducting 242 comprises suitable flexible ducting that is held on a self windingreel supply system 244 in the same way as the receiving ducting of thebrake bleeding apparatus 10 illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 9 . - A
connector 254 is provided at the downstream end of the receivingducting 242 for connecting to the bleed valve (not shown) of a brake unit. Theconnector 254 may be one that can fit directly onto such a bleed valve or may be configured to be releasably connectable to a bleed valve connector so to allow different bleed valve connectors to be connected to the receivingducting 242. A manuallyoperable valve 256 is provided in the receivingducting 242 for closing the downstream end of the receiving ducting when not connected to a bleed valve. Although not essential, it is preferred that the manuallyoperable valve 256 is disposed close to the downstream end of the receivingducting 242. Although not shown inFIG. 10 , the receivingducting 242 comprises a plurality of separate hoses connected to a manifold, each hose being provided with aconnector 254 andvalve 256 so that the receiving ducting can be simultaneously connected with a plurality of bleed valves on multiple brake units of a brake system. For example, the receivingducting 242 may have four such hoses for connecting with the respective bleed valves of four brake units of an automobile braking system. - The
supply ducting 224 and each of the receivingducting hoses 242 are provided with respective self-lockingdevices 258 corresponding to the self-lockingdevices 110 shown inFIG. 9 . - A connecting
line 260 is provided between thesupply receptacle 212 and receivingreceptacle 214. The connectingline 260 comprises aduct 262 that extends from the receivingreceptacle 214 into afirst end 266 of a generallyU-shaped duct 264. A suitable sealing arrangement is provided at thefirst end 266 to provide sealing between theduct 262 andU-shaped duct 264. TheU-shaped duct 264 is of a larger diameter than theduct 262 so that theduct 262 can extend into the U-shaped duct with clearance. TheU-shaped duct 264 acts as a trap for condensed vapour. - The connecting
line 260 additionally comprises aduct 268 that extends from asecond end 270 of theU-shaped duct 264. The end of theduct 268 remote from thesecond end 270 is connected with thesupply receptacle 212. A pressurisedair supply duct 272 extends from theduct 268. The upstream end of theair supply duct 272 is provided with aconnector 274 for connecting to an outlet of a pressurisedair supply 276. While the pressurised air supply may comprise an onboard compressor, it is envisaged that the brake bleed apparatus will typically be used in a workshop or similar such environment that is provided with an air line system. Therefore, for many applications it will be desirable to make the connector 274 a quick-release connector for connecting with an outlet of such an air line system. A manuallyoperable valve 278 is provided in theair supply duct 272 to allow the connectingline 260 to be isolated from theair supply 276. Optionally, a regulator valve with pressure gauge (not shown) may be provided in theair supply duct 272 to allow the pressure of the air supplied to be regulated. The regulator valve may be provided instead of or in addition to the manuallyoperable valve 278. - Optionally, the
supply pump 226 is driven by pressurised air from the pressurisedair supply 276. If this is the case, apump supply duct 279 is branched from theair supply duct 272 from a position upstream of the manuallyoperable valve 278. A manuallyoperable valve 280 is provided in thepump supply duct 279 to allow thesupply pump 226 to be isolated from the pressurisedair supply 276. - A
vacuum duct 282 extends from theduct 268 to avacuum pump 284. Thevacuum duct 282 connects with theduct 268 between the connection with theair supply duct 272 and the connection with thesupply receptacle 212. A one-way check valve 286 is provided in theduct 268 between the connection with thevacuum duct 278 andsupply receptacle 212. Thecheck valve 286 may be a spring loaded self closing valve that opens when thevacuum pump 284 is in operation to allow drawing down of a vacuum in thesupply receptacle 212 and closes when the pump ceases to operate to allow a vacuum to be maintained in the supply receptacle when the pump is not operating. - The
vacuum pump 284 is a venturi vacuum pump. Theventuri vacuum pump 284 is supplied with pressurised air from the pressurisedair supply 276 via a branch duct 288 that branches from theair supply duct 272 at a position upstream of the manuallyoperable valve 278. A manually operable valve 290 is provided in the connecting duct 288 to allow theventuri vacuum pump 284 to be isolated from the pressurisedair supply 276, - A manually
operable valve 292 is provided in theduct 268 at a location between the connections with theair supply duct 272 and thevacuum duct 278. The manuallyoperable valve 284 can be operated to isolate thevacuum duct 278 andsupply receptacle 212 from theair supply duct 272 when pressurised air is being supplied into theduct 268 from theair supply 276. - In use to bleed a brake system, the user checks the
sight glasses - The knob of the self-locking
device 258 associated with the self-windingreel supply 232 is then depressed andsufficient supply ducting 224 is withdrawn to allow theconnector 238 to connect to the master cylinder cap. If the brake system is a vehicle brake system and the vehicle is going to be raised on a ramp during the bleeding operation, a sufficient length of supply ducting should be pulled from thecabinet 12 before the ramp is operated. This process is repeated with the respectivereceiving ducting hoses 242 to allow theconnectors 254 to connect to the respective bleed valves of the brake system. If the brake bleeding process is to take place on a raised ramp, theconnectors 254 can be conveniently fitted to the bleed valves once the ramp has been raised. - The user should then check to ensure that all of the manually
operable valves 256 on. the receivingducting hoses 242 and the manuallyoperable valve 278 in theair supply duct 272 are closed and that the manuallyoperable valve 292 is open to establish a connection between theventuri vacuum pump 284 and the receivingreceptacle 214. The quick-release connector 274 is connected to the pressurisedair supply 276 and thevalves 280, 290 are opened to allow pressurised air to flow to thesupply pump 226 andventuri vacuum pump 284. The supply pressure for the brake fluid is set by means of theregulator valve 228. The pressure should not be set too high as the higher the pressure the less efficient will be the brake bleed. This is because over pressuring the brake fluid compresses any air bubbles within the braking system making them smaller and harder to remove during the brake bleeding process. It is believed that 17 psi (approximately 117 kN/m2) is a good pressure to select for bleeding a motor vehicle braking system. - The bleed process is then commenced by opening the bleed valves and manually
operable valves 256. Old brake fluid will be drawn from the brake system due to the vacuum present in the receivingreceptacle 214 and degassed brake fluid from thesupply receptacle 212 will be pumped into the brake system to take its place. It may be necessary to carry out the bleed process in a particular sequence or it may be preferable to start at the bleed valve furthest from the master cylinder, depending on the brake system and whether the bleeding process is being carried out simply to change the fluid or following a major repair of the brake system. By the time the last bleed valve is opened new fluid should be starting to flow into the respective receiving ducting hose (something that can be readily determined if transparent or translucent hose is used). The bleed valves should then be closed off in the same sequence in which they were opened (it is presently preferred that all bleed valves should be open together for at least ten seconds to avoid potential ABS control problems). Once the bleed valves are closed, the respective manuallyoperable valves 256 can be closed and theconnectors 254 removed from the bleed valves. Once theconnectors 254 have been removed, the manuallyoperable valves 256 may be briefly opened to drain the hose ends into a suitable vessel. - Finally, the quick-
release connector 274 is disconnected from the pressurised air supply and theregulator valve 228 fully opened to allow the brake system to depressurise before removing the master cylinder cap from the brake master cylinder. The brake bleeding process is now complete so thesupply ducting 224 and the receivingducting hoses 242 can be rewound onto the reel units of their respective self-windingreel supply systems - Once the
venturi vacuum pump 284 ceases to receive pressurised air from the pressurisedair supply system 284, it ceases to draw down a vacuum and since the pump is open to atmosphere, the pressure in the receivingreceptacle 214 slowly rises to atmospheric. A vacuum is maintained in thesupply receptacle 212 due to the presence of the one-way check valve 286. Any brake fluid vapour present in the connectingline 260 will condense and collect in theU-shaped tube 264. As the pressure in the supply receptacle will initially be below atmospheric and will only rise very slowly due to the narrow diameter of theduct 262 the condensed fluid should be sucked into thesupply receptacle 214. - If the
supply receptacle 214 needs to be emptied, the manuallyoperable valve 292 is closed to isolate thesupply receptacle 212 from theair supply duct 272 and theconnector 272 is connected to the pressurisedair supply 276. Theconnector 254 on one of the receivingducting hoses 242 is placed in asuitable vessel 300 and the respective manuallyoperable valve 256 opened. The manuallyoperable valve 278 in theair supply duct 272 is then opened to allow pressurised air to flow into the receiving receptacle via theU-shaped duct 264 andduct 262. The pressurised air pushes the old brake fluid from the receiving receptacle and into thevessel 300. Once thesight glass 220 indicates that the receiving receptacle has been sufficiently emptied, the quick-release connector 274 is disconnected from the pressurisedair supply 276 and manuallyoperable valves - Although not shown in
FIG. 8 , it will be appreciated that a pressure regulator valve may provided in addition to or as an alternative to the manuallyoperable valve 278 and/or a pressure gauge may be provided to allow the user to set the air pressure used to drive the old brake fluid from the receiving receptacle. Similarly, a pressure regulator valve may be provided in thevacuum duct 272 or at a suitable position in the connectingline 260 to allow the vacuum in the supply and receivingreceptacles - It will be appreciated that the embodiments provide a brake bleeding apparatus that allow a brake system to be quickly bled by drawing old brake fluid from the system by means of a low pressure in the receiving receptacle and pushing new brake fluid into the system by means of a pump.
- It will be appreciated that by supplying the new brake fluid from a receptacle in which the brake fluid has been degassed by exposure to a vacuum it is possible to substantially reduce and/or eliminate the presence of air bubbles in the new fluid. This should result in less sponginess in the brake pedal operation, reduced likelihood of steam bubbles forming in use of the brake system and a reduced likelihood of corrosion of components of the brake system.
- It will be appreciated that if the brake bleeding apparatus is operated so that the brake fluid in the supply receptacle is kept under vacuum, the possibility of contamination of the brake fluid is substantially reduced and/or eliminated.
- It will be understood that while it is convenient to operate the supply pump and venturi vacuum pump with pressurised air from an air line system, this is not essential and electrically powered pumps could be used instead.
- It will be appreciated that while for many applications it may be desirable to make the brake bleeding apparatus mobile, for example by housing components of the apparatus in a wheel cabinet or housing, this is not essential. The brake bleeding apparatus may be configured as a static apparatus to be mounted on, for example, a workbench or in a production line.
- It will be understood that while it will often be convenient to have the supply and/or receiving ducting held on a self-winding reel supply system as in the illustrated embodiments, this is not essential. The ducting may be mounted on simple rotatable drums or simply connected to the respective receptacle without any form or storage apparatus.
- It will be understood that the brake bleeding system can be used for filling a new braking system for the first time as well as brake fluid replacement operations.
- It will be appreciated that the self-winding reel supply system illustrated by
FIGS. 5 to 8 could be used for elongate elements of various types that need to be drawn out and then rewound for storage. For example, the elongate member could be an airline.
Claims (34)
1. Brake bleeding apparatus comprising:
a supply receptacle for brake fluid for supply to a braking system;
ducting for connecting said supply receptacle with said braking system; and
a vacuum source connected with said supply receptacle for de-gassing brake fluid stored in said supply receptacle.
2. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , comprising a receiving receptacle and receiving ducting for connecting said receiving receptacle with said braking system to receive brake fluid from said braking system.
3. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 2 , wherein said receiving ducting comprises a plurality of ducts for connection to respective brake units of a said braking system.
4. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 2 , wherein said receiving receptacle is connected with said vacuum source.
5. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 4 , comprising a collector for collecting condensed brake fluid vapour, said collector being connected with said receiving receptacle such that, in use, said condensed brake fluid is drawn into said receiving receptacle under an influence of vacuum pressure in said receiving receptacle.
6. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 5 , wherein said collector comprises first ducting having a curved collecting portion and second ducting having a first end connected with said receiving receptacle and a second end received in said curved collecting portion.
7. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 6 , wherein said first ducting is selectively exposable to atmosphere at a position remote from portions thereof through which said second ducting extends.
8. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said ducting is mounted on self-winding reel apparatus.
9. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 8 , wherein said self-winding reel apparatus comprises:
a first reel having an axis of rotation; and
a second reel having an axis of rotation,
wherein said first reel axis of rotation being fixed and said second reel is mounted such that said axis of rotation thereof can be moved from a rest position towards said first reel as said ducting is drawn from said self-winding reel apparatus.
10. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 9 , comprising a self-locking device for preventing rewinding of said ducting by said self-winding reel apparatus.
11. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 9 , comprising a resilient biasing device for biasing said second reel to said rest position,
12. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 11 , wherein said biasing device comprises an elongate elastic member that is put in tension by movement of said second reel towards said first reel,
13. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 12 , wherein said self-locking device comprises a biasing member that causes said self-locking device to exert a greater force on said ducting than said resilient biasing device,
14. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 13 , wherein said self-locking device comprises an axially movable member having a through-hole through which said ducting extends, said movable member being movable against said biasing member to permit said ducting to slide through said through-hole to allow rewinding of said ducting.
15. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , comprising a pump for pumping said brake fluid from said supply receptacle through said supply ducting.
16. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 15 , wherein said pump is operable to pump de-gassed brake fluid from said supply receptacle into said braking system while said vacuum source is connected to said receiving receptacle to draw used brake fluid from said braking system into said receiving receptacle.
17. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said vacuum source comprises a venturi vacuum pump.
18. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 15 , comprising ducting connectable to a pressurised air supply for conducting pressurised air to said pump for driving said pump.
19. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 18 , wherein said ducting connectable to said pressurised air supply is selectively communicable with said receiving receptacle for providing a flow of said pressurised air into said receiving receptacle for driving brake fluid received from said braking system out of said receiving receptacle.
20. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1 , arranged such that a vacuum drawn down by said vacuum source in said supply receptacle is held when a connecting flow path between said vacuum source and said supply receptacle is closed.
21. Brake bleeding apparatus comprising;
a first receptacle for replacement brake fluid;
a second receptacle for used brake fluid;
first ducting for connecting said first receptacle with an inlet of a braking system and
second ducting for connecting said second receptacle with at least one outlet of the braking system,
wherein at least one of said first and second ducting is supplied from a self-winding supply system comprising two reels mounted such that a distance between them reduces as said ducting is drawn from said supply system and a restoring device for restoring said distance to a distance corresponding to a fully rewound condition of said ducting,
22. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 21 , wherein said reels are mounted such that their respective axes are substantially parallel.
23. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 21 , wherein at least one said reel is provided with at least one circumferentially grooved collar for receiving said ducting, said at least one collar being made of a material that has a lower coefficient of friction than the reel.
24. Brake bleeding apparatus comprising:
a supply receptacle for brake fluid to be supplied to a brake system;
a receiving receptacle for receiving brake fluid from said brake system;
a vacuum source communicable with said supply receptacle;
a pump communicable with said supply receptacle; and
means for retaining a vacuum in said supply receptacle,
wherein said brake bleeding apparatus is operable such that when said pump is operating to pump brake fluid from said supply receptacle to said brake system vacuum in said receiving receptacle draws brake fluid from said brake system.
25. (canceled)
26. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 1 mounted on a wheeled carrier.
27. A method of bleeding a braking system, said method comprising:
connecting a supply receptacle containing brake fluid to an inlet of a braking system and a receiving receptacle for receiving brake fluid to an outlet of said braking system; and
applying a positive pressure to brake fluid in said supply receptacle to drive said brake fluid into said braking system and a lower pressure to said supply receptacle such that brake as brake fluid from said supply receptacle is driven into said braking system brake fluid from said braking system is drawn into said receiving receptacle.
28. A method as claimed in claim 27 , wherein said lower pressure is a sub-atmospheric pressure.
29. A method as claimed in claim 27 , comprising applying a positive pressure to said supply receptacle to drain brake fluid thereform,
30. A method as claimed in claim 27 , comprising storing brake fluid in said supply receptacle under vacuum.
31. A method of operating a brake bleeding system that comprises a supply receptacle for brake fluid to be supplied to a braking system and a vacuum source for applying a vacuum to brake fluid in said supply receptacle, said method comprising:
operating said vacuum source to apply a vacuum to brake fluid in said supply receptacle to degas said brake fluid; and
selectively isolating said supply receptacle for storing said degassed brake fluid in said supply receptacle under said vacuum.
32. A method as claimed in claim 31 , comprising isolating said supply receptacle by closing a valve between said vacuum source and supply receptacle.
33. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 20 , comprising a valve operable to close said connecting flowpath.
34. Brake bleeding apparatus as claimed in claim 24 , wherein said means for retaining a vacuum comprises a one-way valve.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB0820172.5A GB0820172D0 (en) | 2008-11-04 | 2008-11-04 | Brake bleeding apparatus |
GB0820172.5 | 2008-11-04 | ||
PCT/GB2009/002600 WO2010052451A1 (en) | 2008-11-04 | 2009-11-03 | Brake bleeding apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20110253252A1 true US20110253252A1 (en) | 2011-10-20 |
Family
ID=40139938
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/127,612 Abandoned US20110253252A1 (en) | 2008-11-04 | 2009-11-03 | Brake bleeding apparatus |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20110253252A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2362841A1 (en) |
GB (2) | GB0820172D0 (en) |
TW (1) | TW201033051A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010052451A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20190351890A1 (en) * | 2016-10-14 | 2019-11-21 | Trevor Michael Mennie | Brake control system |
US10656038B2 (en) * | 2018-07-30 | 2020-05-19 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Apparatus, system, and method for use in fluid filling apparatus inspection |
US20220219844A1 (en) * | 2019-05-08 | 2022-07-14 | Prc-Desoto International, Inc. | Sealant cartridge air release apparatus and methods |
CN115384474A (en) * | 2022-08-11 | 2022-11-25 | 东风柳州汽车有限公司 | Brake fluid exhausting method, device, equipment and storage medium |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE102012008378B4 (en) * | 2012-04-20 | 2019-08-29 | Dürr Somac GmbH | Device for handling hose packages at filling plants |
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- 2008-11-04 GB GBGB0820172.5A patent/GB0820172D0/en not_active Ceased
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- 2009-11-03 WO PCT/GB2009/002600 patent/WO2010052451A1/en active Application Filing
- 2009-11-03 US US13/127,612 patent/US20110253252A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2009-11-03 TW TW098137353A patent/TW201033051A/en unknown
- 2009-11-03 EP EP09763991A patent/EP2362841A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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CN115384474A (en) * | 2022-08-11 | 2022-11-25 | 东风柳州汽车有限公司 | Brake fluid exhausting method, device, equipment and storage medium |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0820172D0 (en) | 2008-12-10 |
GB0919267D0 (en) | 2009-12-16 |
EP2362841A1 (en) | 2011-09-07 |
WO2010052451A1 (en) | 2010-05-14 |
TW201033051A (en) | 2010-09-16 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: AMERICAN GREASE STICK COMPANY, MICHIGAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:BUCHANAN, NIGEL A.;REEL/FRAME:026513/0042 Effective date: 20110610 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |