GB2308355A

GB2308355A - Fluid Container and Method of and Apparatus for Charging and Emptying a Fluid Container

Info

Publication number: GB2308355A
Application number: GB9626569A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ulrich Schroeder
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1995-12-20
Filing date: 1996-12-20
Publication date: 1997-06-25
Also published as: GB9626569D0; DE19642239A1; FR2742715A1; DE19642239C2

Abstract

A container (1) for holding fluid, in particular brake fluid, has two chambers (2,3) each with an outlet port (4,5) suitable for connecting with brake circuits. A branched pipe (8) extends into each chamber (2,3) at a lower region of the container (1) where ends of the pipe form ports (12,13). Another end of the pipe with an opening (8a) extends into an integral connector area (14) of the container as does a conduit (16). A vent (19) is also located in the connector area (14). During the charging and draining operation an adapter (Fig 2) is used for engaging the connector portion (14) allowing fluid communication with the pipe (8) through the opening (8a) and with the conduit (16) through the opening (16a) whilst forming a air-tight seal over the vent (19). Both draining and charging of the container are achieved by use of automated apparatus (Fig 3). Drainage is achieved by either vacuum or applying overpressure within the container by admitting a gas through conduit the (16) forcing out old fluid through the pipe (8) via the ports (12,13). The container (1) is charged by subjecting fresh fluid to an overpressure to force the fluid through the pipe (8) into the chambers (2,3) via the ports (12,13) without the need for measuring the fluid level and preventing formation of air bubbles in the fluid. The conduit (16) is closed either on commencement of the admission of fluid into the container (1) or shortly after, thus causing the pressure in the container (1) to build up as the fluid level rises and compresses any air which may be trapped above. As the pressure inside the container approaches that of the overpressure applied to the fluid, admission of fluid is halted and the conduit (16) opened causing any fluid above a maximum filling level (18) to be removed via the conduit (16). In an alternative arrangement (Fig 4), the charging inlet (4') and level pipe (8') are formed on an adaptor (12') secured in the filling inlet (11') of e.g. a single chamber brake cylinder (2').

Description

FLUID CONTAINER AND METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CHARGING AND EMPTYING A FLUID CONTAINER The present invention refers to a method of charging and emptying a fluid container of a type having at least one chamber with at least one outlet port, to an apparatus for carrying out the method and to a container suitable for use with the apparatus and method.

Fluid containers are generally used in motor vehicles for storing hydraulic fluid, one example being brake fluid that is required for the hydraulic brake system. Typically, a brake fluid container includes two chambers that are associated to two brake circuits of the brake system, with each brake system having its own brake fluid supply. In order to allow the use of a single brake fluid container for both brake circuits, the container is subdivided into two chambers which are interconnected to one another at their upper region. Brake fluid containers of this type are generally known and incorporated in almost every motor vehicle.

A container is normally filled by forcing fluid at a pressure of about 2 bar through an opening formed at the top of the container until the fluid reaches a required filling level. In the case of a brake fluid container the required brake fluid level is above a partition wall that separates both chambers.

During charging of the fluid, bubbles and foam form in the fluid that in the case of brake fluid adversely affects the operation of the brake circuit, especially of anti-lock systems, when reaching the brake cylinder via the outlet ports.

Bubbles usually form when brake fluid is subject to pressure via gear pumps or piston systems, and especially during filling of brake fluid into the container, whereby the bubbles flow together with the brake fluid to the brakes. Proposals to leave freshly charged brake fluid within the container over a prolonged retention time during which the bubbles can migrate to the surface of the brake fluid and thus render the brake fluid bubble-free have not been followed because the prolonged retention time results in a significant slow down of the overall working cycle during charging of the container.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method of charging and emptying a fluid container, in particular a brake fluid container, obviating the afore-stated drawbacks.

In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method to effect a rapid charging and emptying of a container with fluid, or a brake fluid container with brake fluid without experiencing any bubble formation.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved fluid container, in particular a brake fluid container, so configured as to allow a rapid charging and emptying of fluid, in particular brake fluid, without experiencing any bubble formation.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus for rapid and bubble-free charging and emptying of a fluid container and in particular a brake fluid container.

These objects and others which will become apparent hereinafter are attained in accordance with the present invention by introducing brake fluid under overpressure into the bottom area of at least one chamber of the brake fluid container.

The combination of applying overpressure and introducing brake fluid into the container in the bottom area permits in a rapid charging of the brake fluid container, without experiencing significant bubble formation. The introduction in the bottom area is necessary in order to eliminate turbulence during charging operation and thus formation of bubbles.

While it is conceivable to utilize the outlet ports of the brake fluid cylinder, which connect to the brake cylinder, for introduction of brake fluid and to thereby eliminate the necessity to form an separate inlet port at the container bottom of both chambers, a preferred embodiment of the present invention proposes to provide the introduction of brake fluid via a branched fill-in pipe that conducts brake fluid from an inlet port to the bottom area of the chambers. In this manner, a brake fluid container with several chambers can be charged from the top without experiencing formation of foam during charging operation. The use of a branched fill-in pipe allows moreover the provision of only a single inlet port for supply of brake fluid.

According to another feature of the present invention, the container is sealed airtight, and brake fluid under overpressure is forced to the outlet ports. As a consequence of sealing the container in an airtight manner, the container can be emptied at an accelerated rate by pumping air into the container that forces brake fluid through the outlet ports.

Advantageously, brake fluid residing above a defined filling level after charging of brake fluid under overpressure is pushed out of the container. Discharge of fluid above the defined filling level allows a rapid charging of the brake fluid container, without requiring a continuous control of the actual filling level. As excess brake fluid is forced out of the container, the fling level remains constant throughout, so that the charging operation can be accelerated and brake fluid that would otherwise be lost through overcharging is saved. Advantageously, spent brake fluid is discharged at overpressure or underpressure through a drain.

This drain may e.g. be formed by the branched fill-in pipe. Conventionally, a change of brake fluid is carried out by flushing the brake system with fresh brake fluid until it is ensured that spent brake fluid is removed and the brake system contains only fresh break fluid. This conventional way to fill the brake system with fresh brake fluid requires significant quantities of brake fluid to flush the brake system, thus considerably increasing the costs for the vehicle operator. The present invention, on the other hand, allows a simple emptying of the brake fluid container and discharge of spent brake fluid so as to considerably decrease the required quantities of fresh brake fluid.

In accordance with the present invention, a brake fluid container is proposed which includes at least one chamber that has an inlet opening in the bottom area thereof.

The brake fluid container according to the present invention is particularly suitable to effect a rapid bubble-free charging of brake fluid and to allow the charging operation under pressure so as to inhibit a formation of foam during introduction of brake fluid from the bottom area. Preferably, the inlet openings for brake fluid into the container are formed by the ends of the branched fill-in pipe which allows a simultaneous charging of several chambers ofthe container.

According to another feature of the present invention, the brake fluid container is formed with a filling level opening that is the termination of a filling level conduit and disposed at a height which corresponds to the desired filling level. Such a filling level conduit ensures a charging of the container with brake fluid via the branched fill-in pipe up to the filling level opening while air can escape through the filling level conduit.

When brake fluid reaches the lower end of the filling level conduit, air is prevented from escaping therethrough, with surplus brake fluid now being forced out of the container through the filling level conduit as a result of the overpressure building up during charging of the container.

Preferably, the brake fluid container is provided with a closeable vent which during charging and emptying of the brake fluid container is normally closed. During operation of the brake circuit for carrying out a braking action, the vent opens to prevent underpressure inside the container that would inhibit brake fluid from flowing to the brake system.

According to another feature of the present invention, the brake fluid container is formed with a connector area which jointly accommodates the end of the fill-in pipe that is distant to the inlet ports, the end of the filling level conduit that is distant to the filling level opening, and the vent. This connector area enables all openings to be serviced together and permits a clearly organized guidance of the conduits. Preferably, the connector area is designed for attachment of an adapter that contains passageways to the conduits of the brake fluid container. The adapter may be secured to the connector area in a form-fitting or force-locking manner and is so configured as to securely fit only on a particular connector area.Suitably, the connector area and the adapter are of different designs for different brake fluid containers to ensure that a brake fluid container is charged with brake fluid that is intended only for this container. It is also advantageous to provide the connection between the adapter and the connector area in such a manner that a mechanical or electrical contact is actuated, i.e. closed or opened, to trigger an information signal that is transmitted to a filling unit during coupling of the adapter upon the connector area. The signal may provide information about a filling pressure being applied or type of brake fluid. This contact or an additional contact may also be used to supply power to a filling unit or an emptying unit.

Advantageously, conventional brake fluid containers can easily be retrofitted in a manner according to the invention by placing upon the container an attachment piece which is formed with an opening and includes a conduit that is received in the opening and extends toward the bottom area of the container to form the inlet port. This attachment piece allows a bubble-free charging of conventional brake fluid containers as brake fluid can now be gently filled into the bottom area of the brake fluid container, without creating bubbles. The conduit of the attachment piece may also be utilized for emptying the brake fluid container by subjecting the container to overpressure introduced through the conduit or applying an underpressure in the conduit to remove brake fluid from the brake fluid container.

Advantageously, the attachment piece assumes the function of a closure that can be screwed or clipped onto the brake fluid container installed in the motor vehicle. The attachment piece may be permanently secured to the brake fluid container, or only screwed on a conventional brake fluid container when executing a replacement of spent brake fluid with fresh brake fluid. In case, the attachment piece is permanently secured to the brake fluid container, it may be suitable to provide the attachment piece with a quick release lock that permits an extension of the conduits and connection of pertaining implements, e.g. in a workshop environment.

In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus for charging and emptying a brake fluid container includes a reservoir which is fluidly connectable to a brake fluid container, an overpressure generator operatively connected to the reservoir for setting the reservoir under pressure and to thereby force brake fluid to flow from the reservoir to the container, with the excess generator being further operatively connected to the container to allow a removal of spent brake fluid from the container to a tank, and an underpressure generator by which the reservoir can be evacuated to allow fresh brake fluid to be drawn from a source for conduction to the reservoir via a supply conduit.

The apparatus according to the present invention allows charging of a brake fluid container under overpressure, without causing inclusion of air in the brake fluid as experienced during overpressure generation by e.g. pumps. As the reservoir allows an escape route of air from the brake fluid, and all conveying operations are carried out pneumatically, the apparatus can be operated without any use of pumps that may cause air to migrate to the brake fluid.

Preferably, overpressure generator and underpressure generator are combined in a single pressure unit. As the apparatus employs both overpressure and underpressure to draw brake fluid into the reservoir from a fresh brake fluid tank and to push it out of the reservoir, and a pressure unit is capable of generating overpressure and underpressure, the use of a single pressure unit is sufficient.

Suitably, a check mechanisrn, i.e. a non-return valve, is incorporated within the passageway between the reservoir and the brake fluid source to prevent fresh brake fluid to flow back from the reservoir to a fresh brake fluid tank during emptying to the reservoir.

Advantageously, the supply conduit which conveys fresh fluid from the brake fluid source to the reservoir includes a filter for retaining small dirt particles so that the brake fluid container as well as the entire apparatus are prevented from being contaminated by dirt particles that can mar operation of valves incorporated in the apparatus.

Suitably, the underpressure generator is connected to the brake fluid container via a pressure conduit by which pressure can be built up in the reservoir, and compressed air to the brake fluid container can be supplied for emptying the container.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: FIG. 1 shows a schematic, partly sectional view of one embodiment of a brake fluid container according to the present invention; FIG. 2 is a schematic, perspective view of an adapter for connection to a connector area of the brake fluid container; FIG. 3 is a schematic flow diagram of an apparatus according to the present invention for filling and charging a brake fluid container; and FIG. 4 is a schematic, sectional view of an attachment piece for placement and connection with a brake fluid container.

Turning now to the drawing, and in particular to FIG. 1, there is shown a schematic, partly sectional view of one embodiment of a brake fluid container according to the present invention, generally designated by reference numeral 1. The container 1 is of generally square cross section and accommodates a partition wall 9 which extends inwardly in a vertical direction from the bottom 7 of the container 1 to subdivide the lower region ofthe container 1 into two chambers 2, 3. Each of the chambers 2, 3 has an outlet port 4, 5 formed in the bottom 7 and connected to the main brake cylinder (not shown) of the brake system.

Set inside the container 1 is a fill-in pipe 8 that branches out in an area above the partition wall 9 into two branch pipes 10 and 11 which extend into the chambers 2, 3 and terminate near the bottom 7 in respective feed ports 12,13 in vicinity of the outlet ports 4, 5. The upper end ofthe fill-in pipe 8 terminates in a connector area 14 which is formed integrally with the container 1 at the top 15 thereof.

The connector area 14 further accommodates a conduit 16 which extends parallel to the fill-in pipe 8 and is directed into an upper area of the container 1. The conduit 16 terminates in a port 17 which is located at a level 18 to determine the filling level of brake fluid inside the container 1 and to allow air to escape from the container 1 through the conduit 16 during charging operation. Once introduced brake fluid reaches the filling level 18, the port 17 is covered by brake fluid to prevent further escape of air through the conduit 16.

As further shown in FIG. 1, the connector area 14 accommodates in addition a vent port 19 formed as a simple opening in the connector area 14 to allow aeration and bleeding of the container 1 when the motor vehicle is operated. During charging and emptying of the container 1, the vent port 19 is sealed by an adapter 20 which is shown in FIG. 2 and so designed as to attach to the connector area 14 of the container 1. when the adapter 20 is fitted onto the connector area 14, an electric contact 21 is closed by plugging two metal pins 22, 23 formed on the connector area 14 in two complementary sockets 24, 25 that are formed on the adapter 20. Upon closing of the electric contact 21, a signal is transmitted via an electric circuit for further processing as will be described further below.

The coupling of the adapter 20 to the connector area 14 can be effected by any suitable connection 26, e.g. a snap connection in the form of complementary connectors 27, 28, 29, 30 that engage in form-locking or force-locking manner. Persons skilled in the art will understand that the type of connection 26 may be of any suitable configuration, and thus has been shown only schematically for sake of simplicity.

The adapter 20, shown in FIG. 2, forms the counterpiece to the connector area 14 and is so designed that an attachment onto the connector area 14 effects simultaneously a connection of a fill-in and discharge tube 31 with the upper end 8a of the fill-in pipe 8, a connection of a relief tube 32 with the upper end 16a of the conduit 16, and a connection of a dummy tube 33 with the vent port 19.

Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown an exemplified flow diagram of an apparatus according to the present invention, generally designated by reference numeral 34 for charging and emptying the brake fluid container 1. The apparatus 34 includes a reservoir 35 which serves as surge vessel and is formed with three tube connections 36, 37, 38. The first tube connection 36 is linked to a charging conduit 48 which leads to a brake fluid tank 41 for conducting fresh brake fluid to the reservoir 35. Disposed in the charging conduit 48 downstream of the tank 41 is a filter 39 and a non-return valve 40.

The second tube connection 37 is linked to a pressure conduit 49 which leads via two successive two-way control valves 42, 43 to an underpressure generator 44 or an overpressure generator 45. The third tube connection 38 is linked to a conduit 47 which leads to the fill-in pipe 8 in the brake fluid container 1 via a control valve 46 and the tube 31. Thus, the third tube connection 38 of the reservoir 35 is linked to the container 1 while the first tube connection 36 is linked to the fresh brake fluid tank 41.

The two-way control valve 42 disposed near the reservoir 35 can be so switched as to connect the pressure conduit 49 with the tube 32 for connection to the conduit 16 that determines the brake fluid filing level 18, and thus connection between the conduit 16 and the overpressure generator 45. Disposed in the tube 32 is a two-way control valve 50 which can be so switched that the conduit 16 is connected to the spent brake fluid tank 51 via a conduit 59.

As further shown in FIG. 3, a conduit 55 branches off conduit 47 at T connection 60 to lead to the conduit 59 at T connection 61. A conduit 63 branches off pressure conduit 49 at T connection 62 and leads to a pressure relief valve 52 as well as to two electric pressure switches 53, 54. A pressure gage 64 measures the pressure in conduit 63.

Except in the case of a new brake fluid container that is charged with brake fluid for the first time, the mode of operation is typically carried in two steps i.e. initial draining of spent brake fluid from the container 1 and subsequent charging of the container 1 with fresh brake fluid.

Drainage of spent brake fluid and emptying of the container 1 is effected by attaching the adapter 20 to the connector area 14 of the brake fluid container 1 so that the electric contact 21 is closed to trigger operation of the overpressure generator 45 and to switch control valves 43, 42 and 50 such that a defined overpressure is applied by the overpressure generator 45 via the conduit 49, tube 32 and conduit 16 in the brake fluid container 1. Ovapressure can easily build up in the container 1 because the dummy tube 33 seals off the vent port 19, and the feed ports 12,13 of the fill-in conduit 8 are located below the fluid level of the brake fluid. Control valve 46 is closed to prevent a flow of spent brake fluid to the reservoir 35, and control valve 56 is open so that spent brake fluid is forced under overpressure through feed ports 12,13 into the fill-in conduit 8 and to flow via the conduit 55 to the spent fluid tank 51.

Suitably, the conduit 55 is so secured to the tank 51 that upon attachment of the conduit 55 to the tank 51 an electric circuit is closed that supplies the entire electric system with power. Typically, the connection between the conduit 55 and the tank 51 is effected via two pins (not shown), which e.g. are mounted on the conduit 55, and are connected together by an electrically conductive circuit board (not shown) that is secured to the tank 51. This type of interaction between the pins and a circuit board is generally known and has been omitted from the drawings for sake of simplicity. In the event, the tank 51 is removed unintentionally from the conduit 55, the contact between the pins is cut and a signal is triggered to thereby cut power supply to the complete electrical system so that all control valves return to their initial state, shown in FIG. 3.As the control valve 56 closes, fluid is prevented from flowing out of the container 1, and pressure building up inside the container 1 escapes via the control valve 50 into the tank 51. Thus, the adapter 20 can easily be detached from the connector area 14 when the tank 51 is disconnected from the conduit 55, or a shutdown of the electric plant is encountered. The same conditions apply when intentionally shutting down the apparatus.

Charging of the container 1 with brake fluid container is initiated by manually actuating a switch (not shown) which is part of an overall electronic circuitry and effects a suitable activation of the control valves and the pressure generators. It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the electronic circuitry must contain many elements which do not appear in the foregoing Figures for sake of simplicity. During charging operation, the control valves 42, 43, 46 are so activated as to connect the reservoir 35 to the overpressure generator 45 50 that fresh brake fluid in the reservoir 35 can now flow through conduit 47 via the fill-in conduit 8 into the container 1. The control valve 50 is supplied with the required operational voltage to close conduit 16 either immediately (depending on the required filing pressure) or after a few seconds.

Thus, overpressure generator 45 forces compressed air through conduit 49 and via the control valves 42, 43 into the reservoir 35, with the working pressure increasing thereby to a desired end pressure as set to e.g. 2.3 bar at the pressure switch 54. In the event pressure switch 54 malfimctions, a pressure build up beyond a specified limit set at 2.5 bar is relieved by the pressure relief valve 52. Pressure switch 53 allows setting of a different pressure for the system.

The working pressure effects a transport of brake fluid from the reservoir 35 in conduit 47 via the control valve 46 and the fill-in conduit 8 into the brake fluid container 1. During introduction of brake fluid and increasing filling level, air is retained within the container 1 as a result of the positions of the valves, so that a same working pressure is produced in the container 1 as in the reservoir 35. Subsequently, the electric system is shut-down, to thereby cut the power supply to the control valves 43, 42, 50so that brake fluid residing above the maximum filing level 18 is drained via the conduit 16 and the control valve 50 to the tank 51.

After conclusion of the charging operation of the container 1, the reservoir 35 is supplied with fresh brake fluid by switching control valves 42, 43 to such a position that the underpressure generator 44 is connected to the reservoir 35 to apply an underpressure therein. Underpressure in the reservoir 35 opens the non-return valve 40 in the conduit 48 to allow fresh brake fluid to flow from tank 41 via the filter 39 into the reservoir 35. As soon as the fluid level in reservoir 35 reaches a rnaximum level, a signal transmitter 57 is activated to shut down the entire electric system. A second signal transmitter 58 monitors a minimum level of brake fluid in the reservoir 35 and is activated when the brake fluid falls below the minimum level so that the charging operation of the reservoir 35 is initiated.During this charging operation, control valves 46 and 50 are closed. Suitably, the signal transmitters 57, 58 are provided in the form of noat switches.

Turning now to FIG. 4, there is shown a schematic, sectional view of an attachment piece, generally designated by reference numeral 1' for placement and connection onto a conventional brake fluid container 2'. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 4, the attachment piece 1' is used for carrying out an emptying of one chamber prior to charging the container 2' with brake fluid.

The attachment piece 1' is formed with a first opening 3' for receiving a first conduit 4' which extends into the container 2' to terminate in a feed port 5' near the bottom area 6' of the container 2'. Adjacent the opening 3', the attachment piece 1' is formed with a second opening 7' for receiving a second conduit 8' which so extends into the container 2' that its lower end 9' reaches the area of mammal filing level 10' of the brake fluid container 2'.

The attachment piece 1' may be advantageously designed as a closing mechanism which is formed at its lower section with an inner thread 11' for threaded connection to a complementary threaded neck of the brake fluid container 2'. The conduits 4' and 8' are slidably mounted for vertical adjustment in bores of a plate 12 which is rotatable in relation to the thread 11' of the attachment piece 1'. A packing in the form of a seal ring 13' is provided at the upper end of the thread 11' for sealing the connection between the attachment piece 1' and the brake fluid container 2'. Arranged above the plate 12' is a fitting 14' for guiding the conduits 4', 8' to the outside. The fitting 14' is formed with keys 15' as part of a rapid action lock.

When replacing brake fluid, the attachment piece 1' according to the present invention is secured on a conventional brake fluid container 2' and connected via the rapid action lock to a brake fluid source and a compressed air source. In a first step, spent brake fluid is removed from the brake fluid container 2' by conducting compressed air via the conduit 8' into the brake fluid container 2', thereby creating an overpressure that forces brake fluid inside the container 2' to be drained through the conduit 4' and into a tank (not shown) for spent brake fluid. Once, the container 2' is emptied, fresh brake fluid is introduced via conduit 4' at the bottom area of the brake fluid container 2' until a maximum filling level 10' is reached and air is now prevented from escaping through conduit 8' from the container 2'. As a consequence, a counterpressure builds up within the container 2' that concludes a further charging operation of brake fluid in the container 2'.

The attachment piece 1' thus allows a simple emptying and charging of a conventional brake fluid container which can easily be retrofitted to accommodate the attachment piece 1'.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the conduit 4' as illustrated in FIG.

4 may certainly be designed in the form of a branched conduit to allow emptying and charging of a conventional brake cylinder having several chambers.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a brake fluid container, and method of and apparatus for charging and emptying a brake fluid container, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the scope of the present invention.

Although the apparatus and method of the present invention is primarily described herein with reference to a brake fluid container and brake fluid, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to such usage and is equally applicable to fluid containers and fluids of other types and usages such as clutches, pumps, actuators and the like.

Claims

1. A method of charging a fluid container having at least one chamber with at least one outlet port, comprising the step of subjecting fluid to an overpressure to feed the fluid into a bottom region of the chamber.

2. A method in accordance with claim 1 wherein said step of feeding the fluid into the chamber includes supplying the fluid through inlet ports of a branched pipe.

3 A method in accordance with claim 1 or 2 and further comprising sealing the container in an airtight manner and subjecting fluid in the chamber to an overpressure to force such fluid through the outlet port.

4. A method in accordance with claim 1, 2 or 3, and further comprising the step of removing any fluid in the container above a defined filling level after said fluid has been fed to the chamber to reach the filling level.

5. A method in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 4, and further comprising the step of discharging spent fluid from the container through a further outlet port by subjecting the spent fluid to overpressure or underpressure, said step of discharging being performed prior to said step of feeding fluid into the bottom region of the chamber.

6. A charging method substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated by any one or more ofthe Figures ofthe accompanying drawings.

7. A fluid container having at least one chamber exhibiting at least one outlet port, the container being formed with an inlet port in a bottom region of the chamber.

8. A container in accordance with claim 7, and further comprising a branched pipe accommodated in the container, the pipe having one end forming the inlet port.

9. A container in accordance with claim 7 or 8, and further comprising a conduit having a port received in the container at a position that corresponds to a desired fluid filing level of the container.

10. A container in accordance with claim 7, 8 or 9 and further comprising a sealable vent.

11. A container in accordance with claim 10, when appended to claim 8 and 9, and further comprising a connector portion for securement to another component, wherein the branched pipe has another end and the conduit has another port, said other end and said other port together with the vent being received in the connector portion.

12. A container in accordance with claim 11 wherein the connector portion is designed to mate with a particular design of adapter only.

13. A container in accordance with claim 12, and further comprising a contact actuable through attachment of the adapter to the connector portion.

14. A container in accordance with claim 7, and further comprising an attachment piece mountable upon the container, the attachment piece having an opening and a conduit received in the opening such that the conduit extends toward the bottom region of the container when the attachment piece is mounted upon the container to form the inlet port.

15. A container in accordance with claim 14 wherein the attachment piece is secured to the container via a quick release lock.

16. A container or a container in combination with an adapter substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 1 or Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.

17. An attachment piece for use with a container or an attachment piece in combination with a container substantially as described with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings.

18. An apparatus for charging and emptying a fluid container, comprising: a reservoir for fluid communication with the fluid container via a first passageway; an overpressure generator operatively connected to the reservoir for pressurizing the reservoir to thereby force fluid to flow from the reservoir to the container via the first passageway; an underpressure generator operatively connected to an upper region of the reservoir for allowing evacuation of the reservoir; a brake fluid source connected to the reservoir via a second passageway; and a shut-off device positioned in the second passageway for regulating a fluid flow between the fluid source and the reservoir in response to an operation of the underpressure generator.

19. The apparatus in accordance with claim 18 wherein the overpressure generator and the underpressure generator are integrated in a combined pressure unit.

20. The apparatus in accordance with claim 18 or 19, wherein the shut-off device is a non-return valve.

21. The apparatus in accordance with claim 18, 19 or 20 and further comprising a filter positioned in the second passageway.

22. The apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the overpressure generator is operatively connected to the container via a third passageway to allow a removal of spent brake fluid from the container.

23. An apparatus for charging and emptying a fluid container substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings.