Brake caliper capable of being operated by one person to achieve one-way exhaust, installation method and operation method

Abstract

The invention discloses a brake caliper capable of achieving one-way exhaust through one-man operation and an installation method and an operation method, and belongs to the field of brake caliper exhaust, the brake caliper comprises a caliper body and a one-way exhaust assembly arranged at an exhaust port of an inner oil way of the caliper body, and the one-way exhaust assembly comprises an exhaust port one-way sealing unit and a manual operation opening and closing unit, the exhaust port one-way sealing unit is used for sealing an exhaust port during pressure relief in the exhaust process by means of elastic force so as to prevent air from entering the brake caliper, and the manual operation opening and closing unit is used for guaranteeing the sealing performance of the whole brake caliper in the using process of a vehicle in the closed state and is matched with the exhaust port one-way sealing unit to complete exhaust in the open state. By means of the brake caliper capable of achieving one-way exhaust through one-man operation, the installation method and the operation method, unification of one-man convenient exhaust, stable and durable structure and safe and efficient operation of a brake system is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of brake caliper venting technology, and in particular to a brake caliper that can be operated by a single person to achieve unidirectional venting, its installation method, and its operation method. Background Technology

[0002] As a core guarantee of passenger vehicle driving safety, the braking system's braking performance directly determines vehicle handling safety and driver safety. Currently, most mainstream passenger vehicle braking systems employ a hydraulic drive mode, transmitting braking force by having the brake calipers grip the brake discs. Brake fluid, as the core force transmission medium, leverages its near-incompressible physical properties to efficiently transmit the pedal force applied by the driver to the brake actuators, ensuring the immediacy and effectiveness of braking force transmission. The operating pressure of this type of brake fluid is typically 3-5 MPa, and can reach over 10 MPa, meeting braking requirements under various operating conditions.

[0003] However, during the assembly, replacement of parts, or routine maintenance of the braking system, air inevitably gets into the brake lines. Additionally, the hygroscopic nature of brake fluid can cause air bubbles to form within the system. Unlike the incompressibility of brake fluid, air compresses significantly under pressure. This directly leads to longer brake pedal travel and delayed braking force transmission, and in severe cases, reduced braking performance or even brake failure, posing a significant threat to driving safety. Therefore, an venting structure is an essential component of hydraulically driven brake calipers, its core function being to expel air from the brake lines and ensure the normal operation of the braking system.

[0004] Current brake calipers generally use traditional bleed screws to achieve the bleed function. These screws lack unidirectional conduction, requiring two people to work together: one person continuously presses the brake pedal in the cab to maintain line pressure, while the other person under the vehicle repeatedly loosens and tightens the bleed screw with tools, purging air through multiple cycles. This method has significant drawbacks: firstly, the need for two people increases labor costs and reduces efficiency, especially in maintenance scenarios, affecting work progress; secondly, the repeated loosening and tightening of the bleed screw during the bleed process accelerates thread wear and stripping, shortening the screw's lifespan and potentially causing thread seal failure, leading to brake fluid leakage and further impacting the reliability of the braking system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a brake caliper that can be operated by a single person to achieve unidirectional exhaust, an installation method, and an operation method, thereby solving the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a brake caliper that can be operated by a single person to achieve one-way venting, including a caliper body and a one-way venting assembly disposed at the venting port of the internal oil circuit of the caliper body. The one-way venting assembly includes a one-way sealing unit for the venting port and a manually operated opening and closing unit. The one-way sealing unit for the venting port is used to seal the venting port by means of elasticity when pressure is released during the venting process to prevent air from entering the brake caliper. The manually operated opening and closing unit is used to ensure the sealing of the entire brake caliper during vehicle use when closed, and to complete the venting process in conjunction with the one-way sealing unit for the venting port when open.

[0007] Preferably, a first V-shaped conical bottom internal threaded hole is provided at the exhaust port of the clamp body and at the position corresponding to the exhaust port one-way sealing unit. The small end of the first V-shaped conical bottom internal threaded hole faces the clamp body, and the large end of the first V-shaped conical bottom internal threaded hole faces the exhaust port one-way sealing unit. The exhaust port one-way sealing unit includes a valve body that is threaded to the inner thread hole of the first V-shaped conical surface via an external thread, a preload spring fixed at one end inside the valve body, and a sealing ball connected to the other end of the preload spring. The sealing ball is sealed and pressed against the inner end face of the inner thread hole of the first V-shaped conical surface.

[0008] Preferably, a second V-shaped conical bottom internal thread hole is provided on the inner side of the valve body away from the clamp body; The manual operation opening and closing unit is an oil-sealing screw sealed in the internal threaded hole at the bottom of the second V-shaped conical surface. The oil-sealing screw has an internal hexagon on the side opposite to the internal threaded hole at the bottom of the second V-shaped conical surface, which is convenient for installation and removal using an internal hexagon wrench.

[0009] Preferably, an external hexagonal bolt is provided on the outer side of the valve body away from the clamp body, which facilitates the installation of the valve body using a sleeve.

[0010] Preferably, a copper gasket is interference-fitted between the valve body and the clamp body, and the seal between the valve body and the clamp body is achieved by compressing the copper gasket.

[0011] Preferably, the stiffness of the preload spring With respect to the radius of the oil passage inside the clamp body The following relationship exists between them: ; In the formula, Indicates the pressure inside the piston cylinder; Indicates the radius of the sealing sphere; Indicates the radius of the oil passage inside the clamp body; This indicates the length of the preloaded spring that is compressed after assembly; Free length of preloaded spring Satisfy the following formula: ; In the formula, This indicates the compressed length of the preload spring after the valve body is installed in place.

[0012] The installation method for a brake caliper that allows for one-way exhaust by a single operator includes the following steps: S1. Place the sealing ball: Place the sealing ball into the inner threaded hole at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface of the clamp body, ensuring that the sealing ball is in contact with the inner end face of the inner threaded hole at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface; S2. Place the preload spring: Use one end of the preload spring to press the sealing ball tightly; S3. Place the copper shim: Place the copper shim on the end face of the internal threaded hole at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface of the clamp body; S4. Install the valve body: First, align the external threaded end of the valve body with the internal threaded hole at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface of the clamp body; then, use a sleeve to fit the external hexagonal bolt of the valve body, and rotate the sleeve to screw the valve body into the internal threaded hole at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface until the inner end face of the valve body is tightly fitted with the copper gasket and the end face of the clamp body under torque. At this time, the valve body compresses the copper gasket to form a seal, and at the same time, the valve body compresses the preload spring, and the elastic force of the preload spring presses the sealing ball to the inner end face of the internal threaded hole at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface to achieve an exhaust seal; finally, tighten the valve body. S5. Install the plugging screw: Align the external thread of the plugging screw with the internal thread hole at the bottom of the second V-shaped conical surface of the valve body, and tighten it with an Allen wrench so that the conical surface of the plugging screw and the conical surface of the internal thread hole at the bottom of the second V-shaped conical surface are in close contact under torque, thus completing the installation.

[0013] Preferably, in step S4, the preload spring is deformed by the valve body to generate a sealing pressure of 1.5 MPa.

[0014] The operation method for a brake caliper that allows for single-person operation and one-way venting includes the following steps: First, the operator uses an Allen wrench to unscrew the oil plug, then returns to the cab and repeatedly depresses the brake pedal. When the brake pedal is depressed, the pressure in the brake line reaches 3MPa-5MPa, which is greater than the sealing pressure of the sealing ball (1.5MPa). The sealing ball is pushed away from the inner threaded hole at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface by the braking pressure, and the brake fluid and gas enter the valve body through the vent and are discharged. When the brake pedal is released, the maximum residual pressure in the line is 0.14MPa, which is less than the sealing pressure of the sealing ball (1.5MPa). The elastic force of the preload spring presses the sealing ball tightly against the inner end face of the inner threaded hole at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface, achieving venting and sealing. After repeating this process several times, the gas in the braking system can be completely eliminated, and the venting is complete. Afterward, the operator uses an Allen wrench to retighten the oil plug to complete the single-person venting operation.

[0015] Therefore, the present invention, employing the above-mentioned brake caliper, installation method, and operation method capable of single-person operation for unidirectional exhaust, has the following beneficial effects: 1. Simplify the operation process and improve the venting efficiency: No need for two people to press the brake pedal and loosen the bolts, one person can complete the venting independently, and only needs to loosen and tighten the oil plug once each, without repeated operations, which greatly reduces the complexity and time consumption of operation; 2. Reduced usage and maintenance costs: The valve body and plug screw are compatible with universal sockets and Allen wrenches, eliminating the need for special tools; reducing the number of times bolts are repeatedly tightened and loosened, avoiding thread wear and failure, extending the service life of key components of the brake caliper, and reducing maintenance and replacement costs; 3. Enhanced sealing reliability and improved driving safety: The triple sealing design of "sealing ball and clamp body V-shaped conical surface seal + copper gasket flat extrusion seal + oil plug screw and valve body conical surface seal" is adopted. Compared with the point contact seal of the existing technology, the sealing area is larger and the dimensional and positional tolerance requirements are more reasonable, effectively avoiding the risk of brake fluid leakage. 4. Thorough venting ensures braking performance: The vent is located at the top of the oil circuit within the vehicle's coordinate system, conforming to the natural upward movement of gas. Combined with the one-way mechanism of hydraulic pressure opening the sealing ball during braking and the pre-compression spring resetting the seal during pressure release, repeatedly pressing the pedal can vent air from the oil circuit, avoiding the problem of reduced braking performance caused by residual air. 5. Wide structural adaptability and strong practicality: The modular assembly design facilitates production, processing and later maintenance. It can be adapted to fixed brake calipers and floating brake calipers, and can accurately match the braking system parameters (such as steel ball size and oil circuit radius) of different vehicle models through the spring stiffness formula. It is suitable for hydraulic drive braking systems of various passenger vehicles.

[0016] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is an overall cross-sectional view of the brake caliper that can be operated by a single person to achieve unidirectional exhaust according to the present invention. Figure 2 for Figure 1 Enlarged view of point A in the image; Figure 3 An exploded view of the brake caliper that can be operated by a single person to achieve unidirectional exhaust according to the present invention; Figure 4 This is an external view of the brake caliper that can be operated by a single person to achieve unidirectional exhaust, as described in this invention.

[0018] Figure Labels 1. Clamp body; 2. Sealing ball; 3. Preload spring; 4. Oil plugging screw; 5. Valve body; 6. Copper gasket; 7. First V-shaped conical bottom internal thread hole. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout.

[0020] It should be noted that the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such as a process, method, system, product, or server that includes a series of steps or units, not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such process, method, product, or device.

[0021] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] like Figures 1-4 As shown, a brake caliper that can be operated by a single person to achieve one-way venting includes a caliper body 1 and a one-way venting assembly located at the venting port of the internal oil circuit of the caliper body 1 (the venting port is located at the top of the oil circuit in the vehicle coordinate system). The one-way venting assembly includes a one-way sealing unit for the venting port and a manually operated opening and closing unit. The one-way sealing unit for the venting port is used to seal the venting port when pressure is released during the venting process by means of elasticity, so as to prevent air from entering the brake caliper. The manually operated opening and closing unit is used to ensure the sealing of the entire brake caliper during vehicle use when closed, and to complete the venting process in conjunction with the one-way sealing unit for the venting port when open.

[0023] A first V-shaped conical bottom internal threaded hole 7 is provided at the exhaust port of the clamp body 1 and at the position corresponding to the exhaust port one-way sealing unit. The small end of the first V-shaped conical bottom internal threaded hole 7 faces the clamp body 1, and the large end of the first V-shaped conical bottom internal threaded hole 7 faces the exhaust port one-way sealing unit. The exhaust port one-way sealing unit includes a valve body 5 that is threaded to the first V-shaped conical bottom internal threaded hole 7 via an external thread, a preload spring 3 that is fixed inside the valve body 5 at one end, and a sealing ball 2 (a steel ball is used in this embodiment) connected to the other end of the preload spring 3. The sealing ball 2 is sealed and pressed against the inner end face of the first V-shaped conical bottom internal threaded hole 7.

[0024] A second V-shaped conical bottom threaded hole is provided on the inner side of the valve body 5 away from the caliper body 1. The manual operation opening and closing unit is a sealing screw 4 that is sealed in the second V-shaped conical bottom threaded hole. The sealing screw 4 has an internal hexagon on the side away from the second V-shaped conical bottom threaded hole for easy installation and removal with an internal hexagon wrench. When the sealing screw 4 and the valve body 5 come into contact with the conical surface under the tightening force, a seal is formed to ensure that during vehicle operation, when the system pressure exceeds the spring force and the sealing ball 2 is hydraulically pushed open, the brake fluid will enter the valve body 5 without causing brake fluid leakage from the brake caliper.

[0025] An external hexagonal bolt is provided on the outer side of the valve body 5 away from the clamp body 1, which facilitates the installation of the valve body 5 using a sleeve.

[0026] A copper gasket 6 is interference-fitted between the valve body 5 and the clamp body 1, and the seal between the valve body 5 and the clamp body 1 is achieved by squeezing the copper gasket 6.

[0027] Stiffness of preloaded spring 3 With respect to the radius of the oil passage inside clamp body 1 The following relationship exists between them: ; In the formula, Indicates the pressure inside the piston cylinder; Indicates the radius of the sealed sphere 2; Indicates the radius of the oil passage within clamp body 1; This indicates the length of the preload spring 3 that is compressed after assembly; Free length of preloaded spring 3 Satisfy the following formula: ; In the formula, This indicates the compressed length of the preload spring 3 after the valve body 5 is installed in place.

[0028] For example, if the diameter of the oil passage inside the clamp body 1 is Φ3.2mm and the diameter of the sealing ball 2 is Φ6.5mm, a 15mm long preload spring 3 (compression amount of 2mm in the assembled state) can be selected. This will satisfy the requirement that the steel ball is not pushed by the compression spring with a stiffness of about 9N / mm when the hydraulic pressure is 1.5MPa, making it easy to select the preload spring 3.

[0029] The installation method for a brake caliper that allows for one-way exhaust by a single operator includes the following steps: S1. Place the sealing ball 2: Place the sealing ball 2 into the first V-shaped conical bottom internal thread hole 7 of the clamp body 1, ensuring that the sealing ball 2 is in contact with the inner end face of the first V-shaped conical bottom internal thread hole 7; S2. Place the pre-compression spring 3: Use one end of the pre-compression spring 3 to press the sealing ball 2 tightly; S3. Place copper shim 6: Place copper shim 6 on the end face of the inner threaded hole 7 at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface of clamp body 1. S4. Install valve body 5: First, align the external thread end of valve body 5 with the internal thread hole 7 at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface of clamp body 1; then, use a sleeve to fit the external hexagonal bolt of valve body 5, and rotate the sleeve to screw valve body 5 into the internal thread hole 7 at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface until the inner end face of valve body 5 is tightly fitted with copper gasket 6 and the end face of clamp body 1 under torque. At this time, valve body 5 squeezes copper gasket to form a seal, and at the same time, the valve body 5 compresses the preload spring 3. The elastic force of the preload spring 3 presses the sealing ball 2 to the inner end face of the internal thread hole 7 at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface to achieve exhaust sealing; finally, tighten valve body 5. S5. Install the plugging screw 4: Align the external thread of the plugging screw 4 with the internal thread hole at the bottom of the second V-shaped conical surface of the valve body 5, and tighten it with an Allen wrench so that the conical surface of the plugging screw 4 and the conical surface of the internal thread hole at the bottom of the second V-shaped conical surface are in close contact under the action of torque, thus completing the installation.

[0030] In step S4, after the preload spring 3 is deformed by the valve body 5, it generates a sealing pressure of 1.5MPa, which keeps the sealing ball 2 within the pipeline pressure of 1.5MPa and prevents it from being pushed by hydraulic pressure (the residual pressure in the master cylinder and pipeline of the braking system is usually within 0.14MPa).

[0031] The operation method of the brake caliper that can be operated by a single person to achieve one-way venting includes the following steps: First, the operator uses an Allen wrench to unscrew the oil plug 4, then returns to the cab and repeatedly depresses the brake pedal. When the brake pedal is depressed, the pressure in the brake line reaches 3MPa-5MPa, which is greater than the sealing pressure of the sealing ball 2, i.e., 1.5MPa. The sealing ball 2 is pushed away from the inner threaded hole 7 at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface by the braking pressure, and the brake fluid and gas enter the valve body 5 through the vent and are discharged. When the brake pedal is released, the maximum residual pressure in the line is 0.14MPa, which is less than the sealing pressure of the sealing ball 2, i.e., 1.5MPa. The elastic force of the preload spring 3 presses the sealing ball 2 tightly against the inner end face of the inner threaded hole 7 at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface, achieving venting and sealing. After repeating this several times, the gas in the braking system can be completely discharged, and the venting is completed. Afterwards, the operator uses an Allen wrench to tighten the oil plug 4 again to complete the single-person venting operation.

[0032] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and not to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can still be made to the technical solutions of the present invention, and these modifications or equivalent substitutions cannot cause the modified technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A brake caliper capable of single-person operation for unidirectional venting, comprising a caliper body and a unidirectional venting assembly disposed at the venting port of the internal oil passage of the caliper body, characterized in that: The one-way exhaust assembly includes a one-way sealing unit for the exhaust port and a manually operated opening and closing unit. The one-way sealing unit for the exhaust port is used to seal the exhaust port when pressure is released during the exhaust process by means of elasticity, so as to prevent air from entering the brake caliper. The manually operated opening and closing unit is used to ensure the sealing of the entire brake caliper during vehicle use when closed, and to complete the exhaust process in conjunction with the one-way sealing unit for the exhaust port when open.

2. The brake caliper for single-person operation to achieve unidirectional exhaust as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A first V-shaped conical bottom internal thread hole is provided at the exhaust port of the clamp body and at the position corresponding to the exhaust port one-way sealing unit. The small end of the first V-shaped conical bottom internal thread hole faces the clamp body, and the large end of the first V-shaped conical bottom internal thread hole faces the exhaust port one-way sealing unit. The exhaust port one-way sealing unit includes a valve body that is threaded to the inner thread hole of the first V-shaped conical surface via an external thread, a preload spring fixed at one end inside the valve body, and a sealing ball connected to the other end of the preload spring. The sealing ball is sealed and pressed against the inner end face of the inner thread hole of the first V-shaped conical surface.

3. The brake caliper for single-person operation to achieve unidirectional exhaust as described in claim 2, characterized in that: A second V-shaped conical bottom internal thread hole is provided on the inner side of the valve body away from the clamp body; The manual operation opening and closing unit is an oil-sealing screw sealed in the internal threaded hole at the bottom of the second V-shaped conical surface. The oil-sealing screw has an internal hexagon on the side opposite to the internal threaded hole at the bottom of the second V-shaped conical surface, which is convenient for installation and removal using an internal hexagon wrench.

4. The brake caliper for single-person operation to achieve unidirectional exhaust as described in claim 3, characterized in that: An external hex bolt is provided on the outer side of the valve body away from the clamp body, which facilitates the installation of the valve body using a sleeve.

5. The brake caliper for single-person operation to achieve unidirectional exhaust according to claim 4, characterized in that: A copper gasket is interference-fitted between the valve body and the clamp body, and the seal between the valve body and the clamp body is achieved by squeezing the copper gasket.

6. The brake caliper capable of single-person operation and unidirectional exhaust according to claim 5, characterized in that: Stiffness of preloaded springs With respect to the radius of the oil passage inside the clamp body The following relationship exists between them: ； In the formula, Indicates the pressure inside the piston cylinder; Indicates the radius of the sealing sphere; Indicates the radius of the oil passage within the clamp body; This indicates the length of the preloaded spring that is compressed after assembly; Free length of preloaded spring Satisfy the following formula: ； In the formula, This indicates the compressed length of the preload spring after the valve body is installed in place.

7. The installation method of the brake caliper that can be operated by a single person to achieve unidirectional exhaust as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1. Place the sealing ball: Place the sealing ball into the inner threaded hole at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface of the clamp body, ensuring that the sealing ball is in contact with the inner end face of the inner threaded hole at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface; S2. Place the preload spring: Use one end of the preload spring to press the sealing ball tightly; S3. Place the copper shim: Place the copper shim on the end face of the internal threaded hole at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface of the clamp body; S4. Install the valve body: First, align the external threaded end of the valve body with the internal threaded hole at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface of the clamp body; then, use a sleeve to fit the external hexagonal bolt of the valve body, and rotate the sleeve to screw the valve body into the internal threaded hole at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface until the inner end face of the valve body is tightly fitted with the copper gasket and the end face of the clamp body under torque. At this time, the valve body compresses the copper gasket to form a seal, and at the same time, the valve body compresses the preload spring, and the elastic force of the preload spring presses the sealing ball to the inner end face of the internal threaded hole at the bottom of the first V-shaped conical surface to achieve an exhaust seal; finally, tighten the valve body. S5. Install the plugging screw: Align the external thread of the plugging screw with the internal thread hole at the bottom of the second V-shaped conical surface of the valve body, and tighten it with an Allen wrench so that the conical surface of the plugging screw and the conical surface of the internal thread hole at the bottom of the second V-shaped conical surface are in close contact under torque, thus completing the installation.

8. The brake caliper for single-person operation to achieve unidirectional exhaust according to claim 7, characterized in that: In step S4, the preload spring is deformed by the valve body, generating a sealing pressure of 1.5 MPa.

9. The method for operating a brake caliper capable of unidirectional exhaust by a single operator as described in claim 5 or 6, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: First, the operator uses an Allen wrench to unscrew the oil plug, then returns to the cab and repeatedly depresses the brake pedal. When the brake pedal is depressed, the pressure in the brake line reaches 3-5 MPa, which is greater than the sealing pressure of the sealing ball (1.5 MPa). The sealing ball is pushed away from the inner threaded hole at the bottom of the first V-shaped cone by the braking pressure, and the brake fluid and gas enter the valve body through the vent and are discharged. When the brake pedal is released, the maximum residual pressure in the line is 0.14 MPa, which is less than the sealing pressure of the sealing ball (1.5 MPa). The elastic force of the preload spring presses the sealing ball tightly against the inner end face of the inner threaded hole at the bottom of the first V-shaped cone, achieving venting and sealing. After repeating this process several times, the gas in the braking system can be completely eliminated, and the venting is complete. Afterward, the operator uses an Allen wrench to retighten the oil plug to complete the single-person venting operation.

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