Brake fluid filling venting device and control method and system thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a brake fluid filling and exhaust device and a control method and system thereof. The device comprises a liquid supplement tank, a liquid supplement pipeline, a liquid return pipeline, a first valve and a second valve. The liquid supplement tank is internally provided with a filter, the top of the tank body is provided with an exhaust port, one side of the tank body is connected with the liquid supplement pipeline, the liquid supplement pipeline is provided with the first valve, the other side of the tank body is connected with the liquid return pipeline, and the liquid return pipeline is provided with the second valve. When brake fluid is filled, the liquid supplement tank, the liquid supplement pipeline, a liquid storage pot, brake calipers and the liquid return pipeline are communicated to form a circulating passage of brake fluid, and when a stop-filling condition is met, the liquid storage pot stops filling brake fluid to the brake calipers, and the stop-filling condition at least comprises that gas in the brake system is exhausted. Through the technical scheme provided by the application, gas in brake fluid can be filtered, separated and exhausted from the exhaust port in the brake fluid circulation process, automatic filling and exhaust of brake fluid are realized, and the filling and exhaust efficiency of brake fluid is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of brake fluid filling technology, and in particular relates to a brake fluid venting device and its control method and system. Background Technology

[0002] Brake fluid is a crucial component of a vehicle's braking system, and its addition and bleed are involved in both braking system testing and maintenance. Currently, brake fluid addition and bleed are primarily performed manually, which is less than ideal. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments of this application provide a brake fluid venting device and its control method and system, which can at least to some extent filter and separate the gas in the brake fluid during the brake fluid circulation process and discharge it from the vent, thereby realizing automatic filling and venting of brake fluid and improving the filling and venting efficiency of brake fluid.

[0004] Other features and advantages of this application will become apparent from the following detailed description, or may be learned in part from practice of this application.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this application, a brake fluid filling and venting device is provided, comprising: a fluid replenishment tank, a fluid replenishment line, a fluid return line, a first valve, and a second valve;

[0006] The replenishment tank includes a tank body, a filter element inside the tank body, an exhaust port on the top of the tank body, a replenishment pipeline for connecting to a reservoir on one side of the tank body, a first valve on the replenishment pipeline, and a return pipeline for connecting to a brake caliper on the other side of the tank body, a second valve on the return pipeline.

[0007] When the reservoir adds brake fluid to the brake caliper, the replenishment tank, the replenishment line, the reservoir, the brake caliper, and the return line are connected to form a brake fluid circulation path. When the conditions for stopping adding brake fluid are met, the reservoir stops adding brake fluid to the brake caliper. The conditions for stopping adding brake fluid include at least the purging of air from the brake fluid in the braking system, which includes the reservoir and the brake caliper.

[0008] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, the filter element includes a filter mesh, one side of which is disposed at the top of the tank and the other side of which is disposed at the bottom of the tank.

[0009] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing solution, a drying filter element is provided inside the exhaust port. In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing solution, a dustproof and breathable cover is provided above the exhaust port.

[0010] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, it further includes: an air compressor pipeline and a third valve, wherein the third valve is disposed on the air compressor pipeline, one end of the air compressor pipeline is used to connect to compressed air, and the other end of the air compressor pipeline is used to connect to the liquid storage tank.

[0011] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, a used liquid recovery tank and a used liquid recovery pipeline are also included. One end of the used liquid recovery pipeline is connected to the used liquid recovery tank, and the other end of the used liquid recovery pipeline is used to connect to the brake caliper through the second valve.

[0012] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing solution, a pipe connector is further included, which is used to connect the replenishment tank to the brake caliper and / or to the replenishment tank to the reservoir.

[0013] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, a gas detector is further included, which is used to detect the gas signal of the brake fluid in the braking system;

[0014] The failure of the gas detector to detect a gas signal in the brake fluid within the braking system is one of the conditions for stopping refueling.

[0015] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, a liquid level sensor is further included, which is used to detect the liquid level signal of the replenishment tank and / or the storage vessel.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, a control method for a brake fluid filling and bleed device is provided, comprising:

[0017] The first valve is opened to connect the replenishment line so that the brake fluid in the replenishment tank can be delivered to the reservoir, so that the brake fluid in the reservoir can enter the brake caliper under the drive of external compressed air.

[0018] The second valve is opened to connect the return fluid line so that the brake fluid in the brake caliper flows back to the replenishment tank, so that the filter in the replenishment tank filters and degassss the returning brake fluid and discharges the gas from the exhaust port.

[0019] When the conditions for stopping the filling are met, the reservoir is controlled to stop filling the brake fluid into the brake caliper. The conditions for stopping the filling include at least the purging of air from the brake fluid in the braking system, which includes the reservoir and the brake caliper.

[0020] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, before controlling the first valve to open to connect the replenishment pipeline, the method further includes:

[0021] The second valve is opened to connect the old fluid recovery pipeline so that the old brake fluid in the braking system can be recovered to the old fluid recovery tank under the drive of external compressed air.

[0022] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, before the brake fluid in the reservoir enters the brake caliper under the drive of external compressed air, the method further includes:

[0023] The third valve is activated to connect the air compressor line so that external compressed air can enter the reservoir.

[0024] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, before controlling the first valve to open to connect the replenishment pipeline, the method further includes:

[0025] The first liquid level signal in the reservoir is obtained. If the liquid level value represented by the first liquid level signal is lower than the minimum liquid level threshold, the first valve is controlled to open to connect the liquid replenishment pipeline.

[0026] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, after the brake fluid in the reservoir enters the brake caliper under the drive of external compressed air, the method further includes:

[0027] The second liquid level signal in the reservoir is obtained. If the liquid level value represented by the second liquid level signal is higher than the highest liquid level threshold, the first valve is controlled to be closed to stop the liquid replenishment pipeline.

[0028] In some embodiments of this application, based on the foregoing scheme, after the gas is discharged from the exhaust port, the method further includes:

[0029] If the gas detector does not detect a gas signal in the brake fluid within the braking system, then the stop filling condition is met.

[0030] According to a third aspect of the embodiments of this application, a control system for a brake fluid filling and bleed device is provided, comprising:

[0031] The first control module is used to control the first valve to open and connect the replenishment pipeline so that the brake fluid in the replenishment tank can be delivered to the reservoir so that the brake fluid in the reservoir can enter the brake caliper under the drive of external compressed air.

[0032] The second control module is used to control the second valve to open and connect the return fluid line so that the brake fluid in the brake caliper flows back to the replenishment tank, so that the filter in the replenishment tank filters and degassss the returned brake fluid and discharges the gas from the exhaust port.

[0033] The third control module is used to control the reservoir to stop adding brake fluid to the brake caliper when the stop adding conditions are met. The stop adding conditions include at least the purging of air from the brake fluid in the braking system, and the braking system includes the reservoir and the brake caliper.

[0034] The one or more technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention achieve at least the following technical effects or advantages:

[0035] In this embodiment, when adding brake fluid to the brake caliper from the reservoir, the replenishment tank, replenishment line, reservoir, brake caliper, and return line are connected to form a brake fluid circulation path. During the brake fluid circulation process, the gas in the brake fluid is filtered and separated and discharged from the vent. When the gas in the brake fluid is completely purged, the conditions for stopping the filling are considered met, and the reservoir stops adding brake fluid to the brake caliper, thus realizing automatic filling and purging of brake fluid and improving the efficiency of brake fluid filling and purging.

[0036] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort. In the drawings:

[0038] Figure 1 A first structural schematic diagram of the brake fluid filling and venting device in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0039] Figure 2 A second structural schematic diagram of the brake fluid filling and venting device in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0040] Figure 3 A flowchart of the control method for the brake fluid filling and bleed device in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0041] Figure 4 A control principle diagram of the brake fluid filling and bleed device in an embodiment of this application is shown;

[0042] Figure 5 A structural block diagram of the control system of the brake fluid filling and venting device in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0043] Among them, 11-liquid storage tank; 12-second highest liquid level sensor; 13-second lowest liquid level sensor; 21-first valve; 22-second valve; 23-third valve; 30-replenishment tank; 31-filter element; 32-dustproof vent cover; 33-drying filter element; 34-first highest liquid level sensor; 35-first lowest liquid level sensor; 36-first manual valve; 37-used liquid recovery tank; 38-second manual valve; 40-gas detector; 50-pipeline connector; 5 1-First self-locking quick-connect fitting; 52-Second self-locking quick-connect fitting; 53-Third self-locking quick-connect fitting; 54-Fourth self-locking quick-connect fitting; 60-First brake caliper; 61-First bleed bolt; 70-Second brake caliper; 71-Second bleed bolt; 80-Third brake caliper; 81-Third bleed bolt; 90-Fourth brake caliper; 91-Fourth bleed bolt; 101-Pneumatic air line; 102-Replenishment fluid line; 103-Return air line; 111-Return fluid line; 112-Used fluid recovery line. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0045] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Numerous specific details are provided in the following description to give a thorough understanding of embodiments of this application. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the technical solutions of this application can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or other methods, components, apparatuses, steps, etc., can be employed. In other instances, well-known methods, apparatuses, implementations, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring various aspects of this application.

[0046] The block diagrams shown in the accompanying drawings are merely functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically independent entities. That is, these functional entities can be implemented in software, in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or in different network and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0047] The flowcharts shown in the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and do not necessarily include all content and operations / steps, nor do they necessarily have to be performed in the described order. For example, some operations / steps can be broken down, while others can be combined or partially combined; therefore, the actual execution order may change depending on the specific circumstances.

[0048] It should also be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such uses of these terms can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described.

[0049] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 , Figure 1 A first structural schematic diagram of the brake fluid filling and bleed device according to an embodiment of this application is shown. Figure 2 A second structural schematic diagram of the brake fluid filling and venting device in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0050] It is understood that the brake fluid filling and bleed device in this application embodiment can be applied in various scenarios. For example, the brake fluid filling and bleed device can be used during bench testing, i.e., during the development and testing of the brake system. Since different test items require the replacement of different brake system assemblies, all brake fluid needs to be drained between each replacement, and brake fluid needs to be added and bleed after each replacement. Another example is that the brake fluid filling and bleed device can be used during brake system maintenance, by draining the old brake fluid, adding new brake fluid, and bleeding the system.

[0051] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, according to a first aspect of the embodiments of this application, a brake fluid filling and venting device is provided, including: a fluid replenishment tank 30, a fluid replenishment pipeline 102, a fluid return pipeline 111, a first valve 21, and a second valve 22;

[0052] The replenishment tank 30 includes a tank body, a filter element 31 inside the tank body, an exhaust port on the top of the tank body, one side of the tank body is connected to the replenishment pipeline 102 for connecting to the reservoir 11, the replenishment pipeline 102 is provided with the first valve 21, and the other side of the tank body is connected to the return pipeline 111 for connecting to the brake caliper, the return pipeline 111 is provided with the second valve 22;

[0053] When the reservoir 11 adds brake fluid to the brake caliper, the replenishment tank 30, the replenishment line 102, the reservoir 11, the brake caliper, and the return line 111 are connected to form a brake fluid circulation path. When the conditions for stopping adding brake fluid are met, the reservoir 11 stops adding brake fluid to the brake caliper. The conditions for stopping adding brake fluid include at least the purging of air from the brake fluid in the braking system. The braking system includes the reservoir and the brake caliper.

[0054] Based on the above disclosure, in this embodiment, when adding brake fluid to the brake caliper from the reservoir 11, the replenishment tank 30, replenishment line 102, reservoir 11, brake caliper, and return line 111 are connected to form a brake fluid circulation path. During the brake fluid circulation process, the gas in the brake fluid is filtered and separated by the filter element 31 and discharged from the vent. When the gas in the brake fluid is completely discharged, it is considered that the conditions for stopping the filling are met, and the reservoir 11 stops adding brake fluid to the brake caliper, thereby realizing automatic filling and venting of brake fluid and improving the filling and venting efficiency of brake fluid.

[0055] It is understood that the braking system in this application refers to the existing braking system of the vehicle, including the reservoir and the brake caliper. The reservoir and the brake caliper are connected by a pipeline, and the reservoir is controlled by a controller to add brake fluid to the brake caliper. Its structure and principle are existing solutions and will not be described in detail here.

[0056] It is understood that the brake calipers in this application embodiment are existing brake calipers of the vehicle, typically consisting of four calipers, for example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first brake caliper 60, second brake caliper 70, third brake caliper 80, and fourth brake caliper 90 are equipped with bleed bolts, such as first bleed bolt 61, second bleed bolt 71, third bleed bolt 81, and fourth bleed bolt 91. Similarly, the fluid reservoir 11 in this embodiment refers to the vehicle's existing fluid reservoir 11, used to store brake fluid and supply brake fluid to the brake calipers.

[0057] In some embodiments, the filter element 31 includes a filter mesh, one side of which is located at the top of the tank and the other side at the bottom of the tank. During brake fluid filling, when the brake fluid flows back from the return line 111 to the replenishment tank 30, the brake fluid is filtered through the filter mesh, thereby compressing the gas in the brake fluid and causing it to be discharged from the vent.

[0058] In some embodiments, since the brake fluid is typically hygroscopic, a drying filter element 33 is provided in the vent to ensure that the brake fluid is not contaminated by moisture in the air. The drying filter element 33 absorbs moisture from the air, so that moisture does not enter the tank and contaminate the brake fluid.

[0059] In some embodiments, in order to prevent dust in the air from contaminating the brake fluid in the tank and to ensure that gas can be discharged from the exhaust port, a dustproof and ventilating cover 32 is provided above the exhaust port. Specifically, a gap can be provided between the exhaust port and the dustproof and ventilating cover 32, or holes can be made in the dustproof and ventilating cover 32 to achieve ventilation.

[0060] In some embodiments, the first valve 21 is a two-way solenoid valve, and the second valve 22 is a three-way solenoid valve.

[0061] In some embodiments, the brake fluid tank 30 is installed higher than the reservoir 11, so that the brake fluid in the tank 30 can enter the reservoir 11 under the action of gravity, eliminating the need to install a brake fluid drive mechanism, such as a liquid pump, in the tank 30, thus reducing hardware costs.

[0062] In some embodiments, the connection point between the fluid reservoir 30 and the fluid supply line 102 is lower than the lowest fluid level of the fluid reservoir 30, thereby ensuring that the fluid level in the fluid reservoir 30 always has a certain height difference from the connection point, thus ensuring that the brake fluid can flow out of the fluid reservoir 30 and into the reservoir 11.

[0063] In some embodiments, the reservoir 30 is further provided with a first manual valve 36, which is used to open the reservoir 30 to discharge the brake fluid in the reservoir 30 when the reservoir 30 needs to be cleaned, so that the reservoir can be cleaned later.

[0064] In some embodiments, in order to automatically input external compressed air into the liquid reservoir 11, the device further includes: an air compressor line 101 and a third valve 23, wherein the third valve 23 is disposed on the air compressor line 101, one end of the air compressor line 101 is used to connect to compressed air, and the other end of the air compressor line 101 is used to connect to the liquid reservoir 11.

[0065] Specifically, when the third valve 23 is turned on, the air compressor line 101 is connected, and external compressed air enters the reservoir 11 through the air compressor line 101, thereby driving the brake fluid in the reservoir 11 to enter the brake caliper through the line.

[0066] In some embodiments, the third valve 23 is a three-way solenoid valve. The third valve 23 is also connected to the replenishment tank 30 through the return air line 103. During the replenishment process of the replenishment tank 30 to the reservoir 11, the return air line 103 is connected through the third valve 23. Thus, during the replenishment process, the gas originally in the reservoir 11 flows back to the replenishment tank 30 through the return air line 103. After being filtered by the drying filter element 33, it is discharged from the exhaust port, thereby preventing the brake fluid carried in the gas from being discharged into the air and causing air pollution.

[0067] It is understood that when the first valve 21, the second valve 22, and the third valve 23 in the embodiments of this application are all solenoid valves, the solenoid valves can be energized and de-energized by the activation and deactivation of the relay, thereby achieving the connection or cutoff of the pipeline.

[0068] In some embodiments, the connection point between the return air line 103 and the replenishment tank 30 is higher than the highest liquid level of the replenishment tank 30, so that when the gas flows back to the replenishment tank 30, the gas will not enter the brake fluid and will not interfere with the brake fluid.

[0069] In some embodiments, the device further includes a used liquid recovery tank 37 and a used liquid recovery pipeline 112, one end of which is connected to the used liquid recovery tank, and the other end of which is used to connect to the brake caliper via the second valve 22.

[0070] Specifically, since the second valve 22 is a three-way solenoid valve, it can be controlled to connect the second valve 22 to the old liquid recovery pipeline 112 to connect the old liquid recovery tank 37 to the brake caliper, or it can be controlled to connect the second valve 22 to the return liquid pipeline 111 to connect the replenishment tank 30 to the brake caliper.

[0071] When the used fluid recovery pipeline 112 is connected to connect the used fluid recovery tank 37 to the brake caliper, the waste brake fluid in the brake caliper can be recovered into the used fluid recovery tank 37 through the used fluid recovery pipeline 112, thereby avoiding environmental pollution caused by the random discharge of used fluid.

[0072] In some embodiments, the used brake fluid recovery tank 37 is installed below the brake caliper, so that the waste brake fluid in the braking system can be recovered to the used brake fluid recovery tank 37 under the combined action of compressed air and gravity, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0073] In some embodiments, the used liquid recovery tank 37 is provided with a transparent liquid level observation window so that operators can observe the liquid level of the recovered used liquid.

[0074] In some embodiments, the used brake fluid recovery tank 37 is provided with a second manual valve 38, which can be opened to discharge the waste brake fluid in the used brake fluid recovery tank 37.

[0075] In some embodiments, the device further includes a pipe connector 50 for connecting the fluid reservoir 30 to the brake caliper, and / or connecting the fluid reservoir 30 to the reservoir 11.

[0076] Specifically, the pipe connector 50 can be a multi-port with quick-connect fittings. For example, when there are four brake calipers, a five-port with quick-connect fittings can be used. The first self-locking quick-connect fitting 51, the second self-locking quick-connect fitting 52, the third self-locking quick-connect fitting 53, and the fourth self-locking quick-connect fitting 54 are respectively connected to the four brake calipers. The other end of the five-port with quick-connect fittings can be connected to the second valve 22, thereby further connecting to the old fluid recovery tank 37 and the replenishment tank 30. Similarly, the pipe connector 50 can be a two-port with quick-connect fittings. One end of the two-port with quick-connect fittings is connected to the first valve 21 and the third valve 23 respectively, and the other end of the two-port with quick-connect fittings is connected to the reservoir 11.

[0077] Understandably, by employing a multi-port with quick-connect fittings, it is possible to quickly connect the used fluid reservoir and the replenishment reservoir 30 to the brake calipers, as well as to quickly connect the replenishment reservoir 30 and the compressed air supply device to the reservoir 11. This improves the installation efficiency of the brake fluid filling and bleed device during brake system maintenance.

[0078] In some embodiments, a gas detector 40 is also included, which is used to detect the gas signal of the brake fluid in the braking system;

[0079] The failure of the gas detector 40 to detect a gas signal in the brake fluid within the braking system is one of the conditions for stopping refueling.

[0080] The gas detector 40 can be an ultrasonic bubble sensor. By placing the ultrasonic bubble sensor on the return fluid line 111, it can detect whether the brake fluid in the return fluid line 111 contains gas. Since the brake fluid flows back from the brake caliper to the return fluid line 111, if no gas is detected on the return fluid line 111, it means that there is definitely no gas in the brake fluid in the braking system. Therefore, it can achieve accurate detection of brake fluid gas in the braking system. Of course, the ultrasonic sensor can also be pre-integrated into the braking system, for example, in the brake caliper, to directly detect whether the brake fluid in the braking system contains gas. This is not limited here.

[0081] It is understandable that the main application scenario for setting the ultrasonic bubble sensor on the return fluid line 111 is for brake systems that have already been manufactured. In order to avoid modifying the brake system, the ultrasonic bubble sensor can be set on the return fluid line 111. On the other hand, the main application scenario for setting the ultrasonic bubble sensor inside the brake system is the brake system in the production process. By directly setting the ultrasonic bubble sensor inside the brake system, the gas signal of the brake fluid in the brake system can be detected more accurately.

[0082] In some embodiments, the device further includes a level sensor for detecting the level signal of the replenishment tank 30 and / or the storage vessel 11.

[0083] Specifically, the liquid level sensor includes a first liquid level sensor and a second liquid level sensor. The first liquid level sensor includes a first maximum liquid level sensor 34 and a first minimum liquid level sensor 35, which are respectively located at the highest and lowest liquid level points of the replenishment tank 30; the second liquid level sensor includes a second maximum liquid level sensor 12 and a second minimum liquid level sensor 13, which are respectively located at the highest and lowest liquid level points of the storage vessel 11.

[0084] Understandably, by detecting the lowest level of brake fluid in the reservoir 30, the connection point between the replenishment line 102 and the reservoir 30 can be set. Typically, the connection point is set below the lowest level to ensure that brake fluid can normally enter the reservoir 11 from the reservoir 30 under gravity before the brake fluid level in the reservoir 30 reaches its lowest point. Similarly, by detecting the highest level of brake fluid in the reservoir 30, the connection point between the return air line 103 and the reservoir 30 can be set. Typically, the connection point is set above the highest level to ensure that the gas in the reservoir 11 flowing back to the reservoir 30 does not interfere with the brake fluid.

[0085] It is understandable that detecting whether the brake fluid in the reservoir 11 is below the minimum level can serve as a trigger signal to determine whether to connect the replenishment tank 30 and the reservoir 11. That is, if the brake fluid in the reservoir 11 is below the minimum level, then connecting the replenishment tank 30 and the reservoir 11 will replenish the reservoir 11. Similarly, detecting whether the brake fluid in the reservoir 11 is above the maximum level can serve as a trigger signal to determine whether to disconnect the replenishment tank 30 and the reservoir 11. That is, if the brake fluid in the reservoir 11 is above the maximum level, then disconnecting the replenishment tank 30 and the reservoir 11 will stop replenishing the reservoir 11.

[0086] In some embodiments, the device further includes multiple control buttons, including but not limited to a drain start button and a drain stop button, which can be used by the operator to trigger the device to start or stop draining.

[0087] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 , Figure 3 A flowchart of the control method for the brake fluid filling and bleed device in an embodiment of this application is shown; Figure 4 A control principle diagram of the brake fluid filling and venting device in an embodiment of this application is shown.

[0088] It is understood that the execution subject of the control method of the brake fluid filling and venting device in the embodiments of this application can be a control terminal, such as an industrial computer. The industrial computer is equipped with a controller, and by setting the control logic of the controller, the control method of the brake fluid filling and venting device in the embodiments of this application can be realized.

[0089] It is understood that the controller may have multiple input / output ports. Specifically, the output signal of the first highest liquid level sensor 34 of the replenishment tank 30 is connected to the first port of the controller, and the output signal of the first lowest liquid level sensor 35 of the replenishment tank 30 is connected to the second port of the controller; the output signal of the second highest liquid level sensor 12 of the storage tank 11 is connected to the third port of the controller, and the output signal of the second lowest liquid level sensor 13 of the storage tank 11 is connected to the fourth port of the controller; the gas detector 40 installed on the return liquid line 111 is connected to the fifth port of the controller. In addition, the sixth port of the controller controls the first valve 21 through the first relay, the seventh port of the controller controls the second valve 22 through the second relay, and the eighth port of the controller controls the third valve 23 through the third relay.

[0090] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, according to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, a control method for a brake fluid filling and bleed device is provided, including but not limited to steps S101 to S103:

[0091] Step S101. Control the first valve 21 to open and connect the replenishment pipeline 102 so that the brake fluid in the replenishment tank 30 is delivered to the reservoir 11 so that the brake fluid in the reservoir 11 enters the brake caliper under the drive of external compressed air.

[0092] Step S102. Control the second valve 22 to open and connect the return fluid line 111 so that the brake fluid in the brake caliper flows back to the replenishment tank 30, so that the filter element 31 in the replenishment tank 30 filters and degassss the returned brake fluid and discharges the gas from the exhaust port.

[0093] Step S103. When the stop filling condition is met, control the reservoir 11 to stop filling brake fluid into the brake caliper. The stop filling condition includes at least the exhaust of gas from the brake fluid in the braking system. The braking system includes the reservoir and the brake caliper.

[0094] Based on the above disclosure, this application embodiment controls the brake fluid filling and venting device. When the reservoir 11 fills the brake caliper with brake fluid, the replenishment tank 30, replenishment line 102, reservoir 11, brake caliper, and return line 111 are connected to form a brake fluid circulation path. During the brake fluid circulation process, the gas in the brake fluid is filtered and separated by the filter element 31 and discharged from the vent. When the gas in the brake fluid is completely vented, it is considered that the filling condition is met, and the reservoir 11 is controlled to stop filling the brake caliper with brake fluid, thereby realizing automatic filling and venting of brake fluid and improving the filling and venting efficiency of brake fluid.

[0095] In some embodiments, the method further includes, prior to controlling the opening of the first valve 21 to connect the replenishment line 102:

[0096] The second valve 22 is opened to connect the old fluid recovery pipeline 112 so that the old brake fluid in the braking system is recovered to the old fluid recovery tank 37 under the drive of external compressed air.

[0097] Understandably, in some application scenarios, there may be residual waste brake fluid in the braking system. Therefore, before adding new brake fluid, the waste brake fluid needs to be drained and recycled. Specifically, by opening the second valve 22 to connect the waste fluid recycling pipeline 112, the waste brake fluid in the braking system is recycled to the waste fluid recycling tank 37 under the drive of external compressed air.

[0098] In some embodiments, before the brake fluid in the reservoir 11 enters the brake caliper under the drive of external compressed air, the method further includes:

[0099] The third valve 23 is opened to connect the compressed air line 101 so that external compressed air can enter the liquid reservoir.

[0100] Understandably, the brake fluid in the reservoir 11 enters the brake caliper under the drive of compressed air, thereby discharging the waste brake fluid from the braking system.

[0101] In some embodiments, the method further includes, prior to controlling the opening of the first valve 21 to connect the replenishment line 102:

[0102] The first liquid level signal in the liquid storage tank 11 is obtained. If the liquid level value represented by the first liquid level signal is lower than the minimum liquid level threshold, the first valve 21 is controlled to open to connect the liquid replenishment pipeline 102.

[0103] It is understandable that when the liquid level in the reservoir 11 is lower than the minimum liquid level threshold, it needs to be replenished through the replenishment tank 30. Therefore, the first valve 21 is opened to connect the replenishment pipeline 102.

[0104] In some embodiments, after the brake fluid in the reservoir 11 enters the brake caliper under the drive of external compressed air, the method further includes:

[0105] The second liquid level signal in the liquid storage tank 11 is obtained. If the liquid level value represented by the second liquid level signal is higher than the highest liquid level threshold, the first valve 21 is controlled to be closed to stop the liquid replenishment pipeline 102.

[0106] It is understandable that when the liquid level in the reservoir 11 is higher than the maximum liquid level threshold, it means that the brake fluid in the reservoir 11 has reached its maximum capacity. Therefore, the first valve 21 is controlled to close to cut off the replenishment line 102.

[0107] In some embodiments, after the gas is discharged from the exhaust port, the method further includes:

[0108] If the gas detector 40 does not detect a gas signal in the brake fluid within the braking system, then the stop filling condition is met.

[0109] It is understandable that if the gas detector 40 does not detect a gas signal in the brake fluid in the braking system, it means that the gas in the brake fluid in the braking system has been purged, and the brake fluid should stop being added and circulated. Therefore, the reservoir 11 is controlled to stop adding brake fluid to the brake caliper.

[0110] For ease of understanding, the complete principle of the control method applied in the embodiments of this application is illustrated below:

[0111] First, after connecting the device piping to the storage tank and brake caliper, open the bleed bolt on the brake caliper. The operator can then trigger the device to begin the drainage process by clicking the drainage start button. Upon receiving the trigger signal, the controller's seventh port outputs a high level, the second relay engages, the second valve 22 is powered, the old liquid recovery pipeline 112 is open, and the return liquid pipeline 111 is closed. Simultaneously, the controller does not detect the input signals from any of the sensors at this time.

[0112] Secondly, the controller's eighth port outputs a high level, the third relay is activated, the third valve 23 is powered, and the reservoir 11 is connected to compressed air. Under the pressure of the compressed air, the old brake fluid in the reservoir 11 flows into the brake lines and brake calipers. The old brake fluid in the brake lines is recovered to the old fluid recovery tank 37 through the old fluid recovery line 112. After the old brake fluid is drained, the operator can click the drain end button. The controller's eighth port outputs a low level, the third relay is deactivated, the third valve 23 is de-energized, the reservoir 11 is disconnected from the compressed air, and connected to the replenishment tank 30. The controller's seventh port outputs a low level, the second relay is deactivated, the second valve 22 is de-energized, the return line 111 is connected, and the old fluid recovery line 112 is closed.

[0113] Next, after the old brake fluid has been drained, the operator can click the filling start button to trigger the device to enter the filling process. The controller detects the input signals of each sensor. If there is no brake fluid in the reservoir 11 or the fluid level is too low, the signal from the second minimum fluid level sensor 13 is transmitted to the controller. The controller's sixth port outputs a high level, the first relay is activated, the first valve 21 is powered, and the fluid replenishment line 102 is opened. The brake fluid in the replenishment tank 30 flows into the reservoir 11 under the action of gravity.

[0114] Then, after the brake fluid in reservoir 11 is replenished, the second high-level sensor signal is transmitted to the controller. The sixth port of the controller outputs a low level, the first relay is disconnected, the first valve 21 is de-energized, and the replenishment line 102 is cut off. The eighth port of the controller outputs a high level, the third relay is energized, the third valve 23 is powered, and the reservoir 11 is connected to compressed air. Under the pressure of compressed air, the new brake fluid in reservoir 11 flows to the brake line and brake caliper, and flows back to the replenishment tank 30 through the return line 111. The filter screen in the replenishment tank 30 will filter and separate the air bubbles in the returned brake fluid.

[0115] Next, during the filling process, the ultrasonic bubble detector continuously monitors the brake fluid in the return line for air bubbles. If air bubbles are detected in the return line, the ultrasonic bubble detector sends a signal to the controller, and filling continues. If the fluid level in reservoir 11 is too low during filling, the controller's eighth port outputs a low level, the third relay disconnects, the third valve 23 is de-energized, reservoir 11 is disconnected from compressed air, and connected to replenishment tank 30; the controller's sixth port outputs a high level, the first relay engages, the first valve 21 is powered, and replenishment line 102 is connected; the brake fluid in replenishment tank 30 flows into reservoir 11 under gravity, and the brake fluid re-enters circulation.

[0116] Finally, if the ultrasonic bubble detector detects no bubbles in the return line, it sends a signal to the controller. The controller's eighth port outputs a low level, the third relay disconnects, the third valve 23 is de-energized, the reservoir 11 is disconnected from the compressed air, and the filling process automatically stops. At this point, the brake fluid filling and bleeding are complete, all brake caliper bleed bolts are closed, and the automatic brake fluid filling and bleeding device lines are disconnected.

[0117] Based on the above disclosure, this application embodiment utilizes compressed air pressure to rapidly recycle and store old brake fluid in the braking system, improving old brake fluid recycling efficiency, reducing old brake fluid leakage, and avoiding environmental pollution. During the brake fluid circulation process, air bubbles in the brake fluid are removed by a wire mesh filter in the reservoir. An ultrasonic bubble sensor is used to detect air bubbles in the brake fluid in the return line throughout the brake fluid filling process until no air bubbles are detected in the brake fluid of the braking system. This completes the brake fluid filling and bleed process, achieving automatic brake fluid filling and bleed operation, thus improving the efficiency of brake fluid filling and bleed operation. The drying filter element 33 installed at the vent of the replenishment tank 30 isolates the brake fluid from air, preventing the brake fluid from absorbing moisture from the air and deteriorating, reducing brake fluid usage, and saving costs.

[0118] The following describes system embodiments of this application, which can be used to execute the methods described in the above embodiments of this application. For details not disclosed in the system embodiments of this application, please refer to the embodiments of the methods described in the above embodiments of this application.

[0119] See Figure 5 The diagram shows a structural block diagram of the control system of the brake fluid filling and venting device in an embodiment of this application.

[0120] like Figure 5 As shown, according to a third aspect of the embodiments of this application, a control system 200 for a brake fluid filling and bleed device is provided, comprising:

[0121] The first control module 201 is used to control the first valve 21 to open and connect the replenishment pipeline 102 so that the brake fluid in the replenishment tank 30 is delivered to the reservoir 11 so that the brake fluid in the reservoir 11 enters the brake caliper under the drive of external compressed air.

[0122] The second control module 202 is used to control the second valve 22 to open and connect the return fluid line 111 so that the brake fluid in the brake caliper flows back to the replenishment tank 30, so that the filter element 31 in the replenishment tank 30 filters and degassss the returned brake fluid and discharges the gas from the exhaust port.

[0123] The third control module 203 is used to control the reservoir 11 to stop adding brake fluid to the brake caliper when the stop adding condition is met. The stop adding condition includes at least the exhaust of gas from the brake fluid in the braking system. The braking system includes the reservoir and the brake caliper.

[0124] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A brake fluid filling and venting device characterized by comprising: The brake fluid filling and exhaust device comprises: a liquid supplement tank, a liquid supplement pipeline, a liquid return pipeline, a first valve and a second valve; the liquid supplement tank comprises a tank body, a filter element is arranged inside the tank body, an exhaust port is arranged on the top of the tank body, one side of the tank body is connected with the liquid supplement pipeline for connecting a liquid storage pot, the connection point of the liquid supplement pipeline with the tank body of the liquid supplement tank is lower than the lowest liquid level point of the brake fluid level in the liquid supplement tank, the first valve is arranged on the liquid supplement pipeline, the other side of the tank body is connected with the liquid return pipeline for connecting a brake caliper, and the second valve is arranged on the liquid return pipeline; when the liquid storage pot is used to fill brake fluid into the brake caliper, the liquid supplement tank, the liquid supplement pipeline, the liquid storage pot, the brake caliper and the liquid return pipeline are connected to form a circulating passage of brake fluid, and when the stop-filling condition is met, the liquid storage pot stops filling brake fluid into the brake caliper, and the stop-filling condition at least comprises that the gas in the brake fluid in the brake system is exhausted, and the brake system comprises the liquid storage pot and the brake caliper; the filter element comprises a filter screen, one side of the filter screen is arranged on the top of the tank body, and the other side of the filter screen is arranged on the bottom of the tank body; the brake fluid filling and exhaust device further comprises an air pressure pipeline and a third valve, the third valve is arranged on the air pressure pipeline, one end of the air pressure pipeline is used for connecting compressed air, the other end of the air pressure pipeline is used for connecting the liquid storage pot, the third valve is further connected with the liquid supplement tank through a gas return pipeline, and the connection point of the gas return pipeline with the tank body of the liquid supplement tank is higher than the highest liquid level point of the brake fluid level in the liquid supplement tank.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, a drying filter element is arranged in the exhaust port.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein, a dustproof and air-permeable cover is arranged above the exhaust port.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the brake fluid filling and exhaust device further comprises an old fluid recovery tank and an old fluid recovery pipeline, one end of the old fluid recovery pipeline is connected with the old fluid recovery tank, and the other end of the old fluid recovery pipeline is used for connecting the brake caliper through the second valve.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the brake fluid filling and exhaust device further comprises a pipeline plug-in part, which is used for connecting the liquid supplement tank with the brake caliper and / or connecting the liquid supplement tank with the liquid storage pot.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the brake fluid filling and exhaust device further comprises a gas detector, which is used for detecting a gas signal of new brake fluid in the brake system. the gas detector not detecting the gas signal of the new brake fluid in the brake system is one of the stop-filling conditions.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, the brake fluid filling and exhaust device further comprises a liquid level sensor, which is used for detecting a liquid level signal of the liquid supplement tank and / or the liquid storage pot.

8. A control method of the brake fluid charging and exhausting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by, The brake fluid filling and exhaust device comprises: controlling the first valve to be conducted to connect the liquid supplement pipeline, so that the brake fluid in the liquid supplement tank is transported to the liquid storage pot, and the brake fluid in the liquid storage pot is driven by external compressed air to enter the brake caliper; controlling the second valve to be conducted to connect the liquid return pipeline, so that the brake fluid in the brake caliper flows back to the liquid supplement tank, the filter element in the liquid supplement tank filters and degasses the backflow brake fluid, and the gas is exhausted from the exhaust port; The stop filling condition is at least satisfied when gas in the brake system is exhausted, the brake system comprising the reservoir and the brake caliper. The filter comprises a filter screen, one side of the filter screen is arranged at the top of the tank body of the liquid supplement tank, and the other side of the filter screen is arranged at the bottom of the tank body of the liquid supplement tank.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein, Before the first valve is controlled to be turned on to connect the liquid supplement pipeline, the method further comprises: The second valve is controlled to be turned on to connect the old liquid recovery pipeline, so that the old brake liquid in the brake system is recovered to the old liquid recovery tank under the driving of the external compressed air.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein, Before the brake liquid in the reservoir enters the brake caliper under the driving of the external compressed air, the method further comprises: The third valve is controlled to be turned on to connect the air pressure pipeline, so that the external compressed air enters the reservoir.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein, Before the first valve is controlled to be turned on to connect the liquid supplement pipeline, the method further comprises: A first liquid level signal in the reservoir is obtained, and if a liquid level value represented by the first liquid level signal is lower than a minimum liquid level threshold, the first valve is controlled to be turned on to connect the liquid supplement pipeline.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein, After the brake liquid in the reservoir enters the brake caliper under the driving of the external compressed air, the method further comprises: A second liquid level signal in the reservoir is obtained, and if a liquid level value represented by the second liquid level signal is higher than a maximum liquid level threshold, the first valve is controlled to be turned off to cut off the liquid supplement pipeline.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein, The brake liquid filling and gas exhausting device further comprises a gas detector for detecting a gas signal of the new brake liquid in the brake system, and after the gas is exhausted from the exhaust port, the method further comprises: The stop filling condition is satisfied if the gas detector does not detect the gas signal of the brake liquid in the brake system.

14. A control system for the brake fluid charging and venting device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Comprise: A first control module is configured to control a first valve to be turned on to connect a liquid supplement pipeline, so that brake liquid in a liquid supplement tank is transported to a reservoir, and the brake liquid in the reservoir enters a brake caliper under the driving of external compressed air; A second control module is configured to control a second valve to be turned on to connect a liquid recovery pipeline, so that brake liquid in the brake caliper flows back to the liquid supplement tank, and a filter in the liquid supplement tank filters the backflowing brake liquid to exhaust gas, and the gas is exhausted from an exhaust port; A third control module is configured to control the reservoir to stop filling brake liquid to the brake caliper when a stop filling condition is satisfied, the stop filling condition at least comprising that gas in the brake system is exhausted, the brake system comprising the reservoir and the brake caliper; The filter comprises a filter screen, one side of the filter screen is arranged at the top of the tank body of the liquid supplement tank, and the other side of the filter screen is arranged at the bottom of the tank body of the liquid supplement tank.

Images