Cap assembly and brake fluid reservoir

Abstract

The utility model provides a cover assembly and a brake fluid reservoir. The cover assembly (1) is used for the brake fluid reservoir, the cover assembly (1) comprises a cover body (11) and a valve unit (12), and the valve unit (12) and the cover body (11) form a gas exchange area communicated with the outside. The valve unit (12) permits or prohibits gas exchange between the gas exchange region and the interior of the brake fluid reservoir in accordance with a difference in internal and external air pressures of the brake fluid reservoir. According to the brake fluid storage device, it is guaranteed that the internal and external air pressure difference of the brake fluid storage device is kept within an allowable range in a high-cost-performance mode, and the brake fluid in the fluid storage device is difficult to leak.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of containers, and more particularly, to a cap assembly and a brake fluid reservoir. Background Art

[0002] This section aims to provide background information related to understanding the various technologies described herein. As implied by the title of this section, this is in no way intended to imply that the related technologies are necessarily prior art. Therefore, it should be understood that any statement in this section should be read from this perspective and not as any admission of prior art.

[0003] When the internal pressure of the brake fluid reservoir reaches a specified value, the cap assembly must be vented to the atmosphere, and there should be no leakage from the cap, according to customer requirements, in both the static and dynamic states of the vehicle. However, in some technical solutions, there is a leakage problem with the reservoir cap assembly under the dynamic and vibration conditions of the vehicle because the exhaust passage is open in the initial state. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] According to different aspects, the purpose of the present disclosure is to ensure that the internal and external air pressure difference of the brake fluid reservoir is maintained within an allowable range in a cost-effective manner, and it is difficult for the brake fluid inside the reservoir to leak.

[0005] In addition, the purpose of the present disclosure is to solve or at least alleviate one or more problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] The present disclosure solves the above problems by providing a cap assembly and a brake fluid reservoir. Specifically, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided:

[0007] A cap assembly for a brake fluid reservoir, wherein the cap assembly includes a cap body and a valve unit, and a gas exchange area communicating with the outside is formed between the valve unit and the cap body, and the valve unit allows or prohibits gas exchange between the gas exchange area and the inside of the brake fluid reservoir according to the internal and external air pressure difference of the brake fluid reservoir.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a brake fluid reservoir, wherein the brake fluid reservoir includes any one of the above cap assemblies. Description of the Drawings

[0009] With reference to the accompanying drawings, the above and other features of the present disclosure will become apparent, wherein,

[0010] Figure 1 A perspective view of a cap assembly according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0011] Figure 2 A perspective view of a cap assembly according to the present disclosure after removing the filling tube is shown;

[0012] Figure 3 Shows a cross-sectional view of a cover assembly according to the present disclosure in a first working state;

[0013] Figure 4 Shows a cross-sectional view of a cover assembly according to the present disclosure in a second working state;

[0014] Figure 5 Shows a cross-sectional view of a cover assembly according to the present disclosure in a third working state;

[0015] Figure 6 Shows a perspective view of a carrier plate of a cover assembly according to the present disclosure as viewed from one direction;

[0016] Figure 7 Shows a perspective view of a carrier plate of a cover assembly according to the present disclosure as viewed from another direction; and

[0017] Figure 8 Shows a perspective view of a cover body of a cover assembly according to the present disclosure. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0018] It is easily understood that according to the technical solution of the present disclosure, without changing the essential spirit of the present disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art can propose various structural ways and implementation ways that can be mutually replaced. Therefore, the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings are only exemplary descriptions of the technical solution of the present disclosure, and should not be regarded as the whole of the present disclosure or as a limitation or restriction on the technical solution of the present disclosure.

[0019] The orientation terms such as up, down, left, right, front, back, front side, back side, top, bottom, etc. mentioned or possibly mentioned in this specification are defined with respect to the structures shown in the respective drawings, and they are relative concepts. Therefore, they may change accordingly depending on their different positions and different usage states. Therefore, these or other orientation terms should not be interpreted as restrictive terms. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. or similar expressions are only used for descriptive and distinguishing purposes, and should not be understood as indicating or implying the relative importance of the corresponding components.

[0020] Reference Figures 1 to 5 , wherein, Figure 1 Shows a perspective view of a cover assembly according to the present disclosure; Figure 2 Shows a perspective view of a cover assembly according to the present disclosure after removing the liquid injection tube;

[0021] Figure 3 Shows a cross-sectional view of a cover assembly according to the present disclosure in a first working state; Figure 4Shows a cross-sectional view of a cover assembly according to the present disclosure in a second operating state; and Figure 5 Shows a cross-sectional view of a cover assembly according to the present disclosure in a third operating state.

[0022] The cover assembly 1 is used for a brake fluid reservoir. Wherein, the cover assembly 1 includes a cover body 11 and a valve unit 12. A gas exchange area communicating with the outside is formed between the valve unit 12 and the cover body 11. The valve unit 12 allows or prohibits gas exchange between the gas exchange area and the inside of the brake fluid reservoir according to the internal and external air pressure difference of the brake fluid reservoir.

[0023] As mentioned in the background art, the air pressure difference between the inside of the brake fluid reservoir and the outside (referring to the outside of the reservoir) should be maintained within a certain range, for example, to avoid caliper drag. In addition, if liquid returns to the reservoir (such as caused by the ABS to relieve pressure on the caliper), the brake fluid level may rise (at this time, the air pressure inside the reservoir may rise), making it easier to contact the vent port and posing a leakage risk. Additionally, if the air pressure difference is too large, it may affect the performance of the braking system and even cause braking failure. Therefore, in order to maintain the normal operation of the brake fluid reservoir and the safety performance of the system, the air pressure difference between its inside and the outside needs to be maintained within a certain range.

[0024] The reasons for the change in the air pressure inside the reservoir include the change in the liquid level of the brake fluid stored in the reservoir. For example, in dynamic states such as vehicle bumping, acceleration, and deceleration, the liquid level inside the reservoir (such as due to brake fluid expansion) is likely to rise, thereby causing the air pressure inside the container to increase. Thus, it can be understood that the container body of the reservoir can be connected to an actuator, and the actuator performs liquid suction or liquid return operations according to actual needs. In the liquid suction working condition, the air pressure inside the reservoir decreases, and in the liquid return working condition, the air pressure inside the reservoir increases.

[0025] In this technical solution, air pressure control is achieved through the design of the valve unit and the cooperation between the valve unit and the cover body. Thus, the valve unit defines that the cover assembly includes two operating states, namely, the operating state allowing gas exchange and the operating state prohibiting gas exchange, and can be adaptively switched according to the actual air pressure difference. Compared with a pure passive cover assembly without operating state switching, this technical solution has better adaptability and flexibility, a better air pressure difference balancing effect, and can have a better effect of preventing liquid leakage. In addition, a gas exchange area is formed through the cooperation between the valve unit and the cover body, serving as a ventilation medium between the cover assembly and the outside and the inside of the reservoir. The required components are fewer, the cost performance is high, and the purpose of the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0026] When the pressure difference between the inside and outside exceeds the allowable range, the high-pressure gas will cause the valve unit to open and connect the outside with the inside of the reservoir to achieve gas exchange from inside to outside or from outside to inside. However, the technical solution can also include multiple valves, that is, one valve is opened and the other valve remains closed. This will be described in detail later. In addition, the specific structural components of the valve unit can be designed to adjust the threshold for triggering the valve unit switch, so as to meet different requirements for the allowable range of pressure difference in different working occasions.

[0027] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The red curved arrows indicate the gas flow direction in the corresponding working state. Figure 3 and Figure 4 It can be clearly seen that the valve unit 12 has an isolation portion 121, and the gas exchange zone includes a first gas exchange zone Z1 (Z is the abbreviation of Zone) and a second gas exchange zone Z2 which are airtightly isolated from each other by the isolation portion 121. In the first working state of the cover assembly 1, the valve unit 12 allows gas to flow from the outside into the interior of the brake fluid reservoir via the first gas exchange zone Z1, and prohibits the second gas exchange zone Z2 from exchanging gas with the interior of the brake fluid reservoir; in the second working state of the cover assembly 1, the valve unit 12 allows gas to flow from the interior of the brake fluid reservoir into the outside via the second gas exchange zone Z2, and prohibits the first gas exchange zone Z1 from exchanging gas with the interior of the brake fluid reservoir.

[0028] It can be seen that the technical solution divides the cover assembly into zones. When one gas exchange zone is responsible for gas exchange, the other zone remains closed. Therefore, it can maintain air pressure balance while taking into account liquid leakage prevention. The isolation part is connected to the inner wall of the cover body in an interference fit manner, for example, to improve the sealing performance. Here, the isolation part is exemplarily configured as a plate member with a pointed end at one end to easily achieve an interference fit. Among them, the first working state is caused by a higher external air pressure and a lower internal air pressure (negative pressure), and the second working state is caused by a higher internal air pressure (positive pressure) and a lower external air pressure. In this regard, the valve unit has valves in their respective zones to manage the opening and closing of the corresponding gas exchange zones, which will be elaborated in detail below. In addition, the advantage of zone management is that since the gas flow directions in the first and second gas exchange zones are fixed and opposite to each other in their respective working states, that is, gas exchange in different directions is achieved through two different paths. Therefore, the corresponding design and maintenance of the cover assembly, especially the valve unit, can be carried out more specifically, and the implementation of their respective working states can also be promoted, which will also be described in detail below. If necessary, more gas exchange zones can be set, some for realizing the gas exchange function from outside to inside, and some for realizing the gas exchange function from inside to outside, and the two can be alternately distributed to achieve a more balanced and comprehensive air pressure balance.

[0029] In addition, in combination Figure 5 it can be seen that in the third working state (closed state) of the cover assembly 1, the valve unit 12 prohibits the gas exchange between the first gas exchange zone Z1 and the interior of the brake fluid reservoir, and prohibits the gas exchange between the second gas exchange zone Z2 and the interior of the brake fluid reservoir. That is to say, when the air pressure difference between the inside and outside of the container is within the allowable range, the valve unit remains closed and ensures the effect of preventing liquid leakage.

[0030] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , where Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a carrier plate of a cover assembly according to the present disclosure as viewed from one direction; and Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a carrier plate of a cover assembly according to the present disclosure as viewed from another direction.

[0031] The valve unit 12 includes a carrier plate 122, and the carrier plate 122 is provided with a groove communicating the gas exchange zone with the outside.

[0032] Exemplarily, the groove includes a first groove 1221 and a second groove 1222, and the cover body and the carrier plate are configured as a rotating body, for example. In this regard, the groove is formed by cutting on the end face of the carrier plate facing the cover body, and the cross-section can be rectangular to more directly and efficiently achieve gas transportation. One end of the first groove communicates with the outside, and the other end communicates with the first gas exchange area. Similarly, one end of the second groove communicates with the outside, and the other end communicates with the second gas exchange area. The cross-sectional size of the groove can be designed according to requirements to meet the gas flow requirements. Here, the isolation part is constructed on the carrier plate, or the carrier plate is formed with an isolation part. Thus, the carrier plate simultaneously realizes the functions of sealing isolation, zoning, and air flow guidance. According to the description later, the carrier plate also undertakes the support function of the valve of the valve unit and the gas exchange function between the gas exchange area and the inside of the reservoir, achieving multiple functions with one plate.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the carrier plate 122 is provided with air holes communicating the gas exchange area with the inside of the brake fluid reservoir, and the valve unit 12 further includes a cut-off assembly, and the cut-off assembly opens or closes the air holes according to the internal and external air pressure difference of the brake fluid reservoir.

[0034] In the case of double-zone partitioning as shown in the figure, the air holes may include a first air hole 1223 and a second air hole 1224, and the cut-off assembly includes a first cut-off assembly and a second cut-off assembly. Among them, the first air hole cooperates with the first cut-off assembly, and the second air hole cooperates with the second cut-off assembly. The cut-off assembly is the valve mentioned above. Among them, the first air hole communicates the first gas exchange area with the inside of the reservoir, and the second air hole communicates the second gas exchange area with the inside of the reservoir.

[0035] The air holes are exemplarily configured as round holes, and the cut-off assembly can be structurally designed to match the shape of the air holes to facilitate the cut-off function. In the case of high pressure outside, it can cause the first cut-off assembly to open the first air hole, while the second cut-off assembly keeps the second air hole closed. In the case of high pressure inside the reservoir, it can cause the second cut-off assembly to open the second air hole, while the first cut-off assembly keeps the first air hole closed.

[0036] The following is an exemplary description of the related design of the valve. In some embodiments, the carrier plate 122 is constructed with a support part, the cut-off assembly includes a spring and a cut-off ball, the spring abuts between the support part and the cut-off ball, and the cut-off ball is used to open or close the air hole.

[0037] Specifically, the support part includes a first support part 1225 and a second support part 1226. The first cut-off component includes a first spring 123 and a first cut-off ball 124. The second cut-off component includes a second spring 125 and a second cut-off ball 126. Among them, the first spring abuts between the first support part and the first cut-off ball, and the first cut-off ball is used to open or close the first air hole. Similarly, the second spring abuts between the second support part and the second cut-off ball, and the second cut-off ball is used to open or close the second air hole.

[0038] It can be seen that through the telescopic movement of the corresponding spring caused by the air pressure difference, the corresponding cut-off ball can open or close (cut off) the corresponding air hole. Therefore, it can be known that by setting the spring stiffness coefficient, different valve trigger thresholds can be adjusted to meet different allowable ranges of air pressure difference. The spring stiffness coefficient can be adjusted by setting factors such as the material, quantity, series-parallel connection method, and size of the spring.

[0039] The sizes of the cut-off ball and the air hole should be adapted to each other. It can also be seen that the support part is aligned with the air hole to facilitate the movement of the cut-off component relative to the air hole. In addition, the support part can be correspondingly configured with a support seat, and one end of the spring is sleeved on the support seat, so as to provide a relatively stable support for the spring, and at the same time provide a certain limit and guidance for the telescopic movement of the spring, and can ensure the stability of the spring during operation.

[0040] In terms of the layout position, some embodiments of the present disclosure have made special designs. Among them, when viewed in the height direction of the cover assembly 1, the groove is arranged higher than the air hole. Specifically, the position of the first groove is higher than the first air hole, and the position of the second groove is higher than the second air hole.

[0041] This design can help to play the function of preventing liquid leakage while gas exchange. Specifically, in the first working state of the cover assembly, gas is introduced from the outside into the container interior. Since the position of the groove is relatively high, the gas is input downward into the container interior from a high place via the gas exchange area and the air hole. Therefore, a downward thrust is generated on the brake fluid inside the container at the same time. This thrust helps to keep the brake fluid inside the container and promotes the anti-leakage effect. In the second working state of the cover assembly, the gas flows upward from the container interior, passes through the air hole, the gas exchange area, and the groove and is guided to the outside. Since the gas flows upward due to the air pressure difference, and the brake fluid has no reason or power to flow upward, the brake fluid can still be kept inside the container, and the anti-leakage effect can also be maintained. In addition, in the third working state of the cover assembly, since the liquid level of the brake fluid is always lower than the air hole and the groove, there is basically no risk of liquid leakage.

[0042] It is also understandable that a liquid level sensor can be provided at the cover assembly to sense the liquid level of the brake fluid inside the reservoir, and in the case where the liquid level exceeds the specified monitoring height, alarm or drainage measures are taken to lower the liquid level to further ensure the anti-leakage effect, especially improving safety when the vehicle is driving or parked on an inclined road surface. The drainage measure is realized, for example, by the liquid suction of the actuator. It should also be known that the liquid level sensor can be implemented in various ways, such as a float-type liquid level sensor, a piezoresistive liquid level sensor, a capacitive liquid level sensor, a tuning fork vibration liquid level switch, an optoelectronic refraction sensor, a multi-section liquid level detection sensor (i.e., multiple liquid level monitoring points are set), etc.

[0043] In this regard, it can be understood that the first cut-off assembly and the support portion are provided at the lower part of the cover assembly, separated from the first gas exchange area, while the second cut-off assembly and the support portion are provided at the upper part of the cover assembly, located in the second gas exchange area. Therefore, this layout form is conducive to applying force to the corresponding cut-off ball and spring by means of the internal and external pressure difference, and enabling the cut-off ball to open the air hole.

[0044] Reference Figure 8 , which shows a perspective view of the cover body of a cover assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0045] The cover body 11 is configured with an air passage, and the air passage communicates the outside with the groove. The air passage can, for example, include a first air passage 111 and a second air passage. Among them, the first air passage communicates the outside with the first groove, and the second air passage communicates the outside with the second groove. Thus, the gas exchange function of the entire cover assembly is realized by the valve unit and the cover body, with fewer required components and high cost performance.

[0046] Combined with Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 8 , in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cover assembly 1 further includes a liquid injection pipe 13, and the liquid injection pipe 13 is threadedly connected to the cover body 11.

[0047] It should be noted that during the assembly process of the cover assembly, the brake fluid is first injected into the container interior via the liquid injection pipe, and then components such as the cover body are assembled onto the liquid injection pipe. Subsequent liquid suction and liquid return are realized by the actuator. Therefore, the liquid injection pipe gets its name. The liquid injection pipe can also be called a connecting pipe or a transition pipe, and it is connected between the cover body and the container body.

[0048] In this technical solution, the liquid injection pipe is threadedly connected to the cover body. Among them, the cover body is configured with an internal thread, and the liquid injection pipe is configured with an external thread. Threaded connections have high reliability, fast assembly speed, wide application range, simple operation, and strong interchangeability (easy to maintain). In this regard, it can be considered to machine aligned gaps on the internal thread of the cover body, and these gaps together form the air passage of the cover body, and the function of the threaded connection can still be basically ensured. It can also be understood that between the cover body and the liquid injection pipe, in addition to flowing through the air passage, gas can also flow along the helix of the thread through the threaded connection.

[0049] Combined Figures 2 to 5 , the cover assembly 1 further includes a gasket 14, and the gasket 14 is hermetically arranged between the valve unit 12 (such as a carrier plate) and the liquid injection pipe 13.

[0050] The gasket is, for example, configured as a hollow circular ring with a relatively thin thickness. The design of the gasket is beneficial to restricting the flow direction of the gas and guiding the gas to flow along the expected route (air holes, gas exchange areas, grooves, air passages). Of course, it can also be considered to hermetically connect the carrier plate and the liquid injection pipe in other ways, such as using sealants, sealed threaded connections, welding, bellows seals, magnetic seals, sealants, etc.

[0051] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a brake fluid reservoir, wherein the brake fluid reservoir includes any one of the above-mentioned cover assemblies 1. Therefore, the brake fluid reservoir of the present disclosure inherits various embodiments of the cover assembly and can achieve corresponding technical effects. Details are not described herein again.

[0052] It should be understood that all the above preferred embodiments are exemplary rather than restrictive, and all modifications or deformations made by those skilled in the art to the specific embodiments described above under the concept of the present disclosure should be within the legal protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A cover assembly (1) for a brake fluid reservoir, characterized in that: The cover assembly (1) comprises a cover body (11) and a valve unit (12), wherein the valve unit (12) and the cover body (11) form a gas exchange zone connected to the outside, and the valve unit (12) allows or prohibits gas exchange between the gas exchange zone and the inside of the brake fluid reservoir according to the difference in internal and external air pressure of the brake fluid reservoir, and the valve unit (12) has an isolation portion (121), and the gas exchange zone comprises a first gas exchange zone (Z1) and a second gas exchange zone (Z2) which are airtightly isolated from each other by the isolation portion (121). In the first working state of the component (1), the valve unit (12) allows gas to flow from the outside into the interior of the brake fluid reservoir via the first gas exchange zone (Z1), and prohibits the second gas exchange zone (Z2) from exchanging gas with the interior of the brake fluid reservoir; in the second working state of the cover component (1), the valve unit (12) allows gas to flow from the interior of the brake fluid reservoir into the outside via the second gas exchange zone (Z2), and prohibits the first gas exchange zone (Z1) from exchanging gas with the interior of the brake fluid reservoir.

2. The cover assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The valve unit (12) comprises a carrying plate (122), and the carrying plate (122) is provided with a groove connecting the gas exchange area with the outside.

3. The cover assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The carrier plate (122) is provided with an air hole connecting the gas exchange area with the interior of the brake fluid reservoir, and the valve unit (12) also includes a cut-off component, which opens or closes the air hole according to the internal and external air pressure difference of the brake fluid reservoir.

4. The cover assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The bearing plate (122) is configured with a support portion, and the cut-off assembly comprises a spring and a cut-off ball, wherein the spring abuts between the support portion and the cut-off ball, and the cut-off ball is used to open or close the air hole.

5. The cover assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cover body (11) is configured with an air passage, and the air passage communicates the outside with the groove.

6. The cover assembly (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The cover assembly (1) further comprises a liquid injection pipe (13), wherein the liquid injection pipe (13) is threadedly connected to the cover body (11); and when viewed in the height direction of the cover assembly (1), the groove is arranged to be higher than the air hole.

7. The cover assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The cap assembly (1) further comprises a sealing gasket (14), wherein the sealing gasket (14) is arranged airtightly between the valve unit (12) and the liquid injection tube (13).

8. The cover assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that In the third working state of the cover assembly (1), the valve unit (12) prohibits the gas exchange between the first gas exchange zone (Z1) and the interior of the brake fluid reservoir, and prohibits the gas exchange between the second gas exchange zone (Z2) and the interior of the brake fluid reservoir.

9. A brake fluid reservoir, characterized in that: The brake fluid reservoir comprises a cap assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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