Brake signal generator and method of generating

Abstract

This invention discloses a brake signal generator and a method for generating a brake signal. The brake signal generator includes a push rod, a connecting component, and a potentiometer. A rotating shaft is provided between the connecting component and the potentiometer. The proximal end of the rotating shaft is connected to the outer side wall of the connecting component, and the distal end of the rotating shaft is connected to the potentiometer. The potentiometer includes a first brush, a second brush, a first conductor for outputting a brake trigger signal, and a resistor for outputting a stroke signal. The first conductor is disposed on the movement path of the first brush, and the first conductor and the first brush are in contact connection. The resistor is disposed along the movement path of the second brush, and the resistor and the second brush are slidably connected. Both the first brush and the second brush are connected to the distal end of the rotating shaft and rotate with the rotating shaft. A rotating part is provided at the proximal end of the rotating shaft, and a first groove that mates with the rotating part is provided on the outer side wall of the connecting component. The connecting component drives the rotating part to move through the first groove.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive technology, and in particular to a brake signal generator and a method for generating such a signal. Background Technology

[0002] Intelligent driving and intelligent assisted driving are the trends in automotive development. Their realization is inseparable from the support of brake-by-wire technology. However, the shortcomings of traditional air braking systems can no longer meet the increasingly demanding performance requirements, especially in autonomous vehicles, where the requirements for braking response time and braking distance are even higher. As a result, electromechanical braking systems have emerged. They replace the original hydraulic or pneumatic drive with electric motor drive, effectively improving response time and reducing braking distance. Therefore, there is currently a need for a brake signal generator with a low failure rate. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art, and to provide a brake signal generator and a method for generating the brake signal, wherein the brake signal generator can have a fast braking response and a low failure rate.

[0004] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is:

[0005] A brake signal generator includes a push rod, a connecting component, and a potentiometer. The top end of the push rod is connected to the brake pedal of a vehicle, and the bottom end of the push rod is connected to the top of the connecting component. A rotating shaft is provided between the connecting component and the potentiometer. The proximal end of the rotating shaft is connected to the outer side wall of the connecting component, and the distal end of the rotating shaft is connected to the potentiometer. The potentiometer includes a first brush, a second brush, a first conductor for outputting a brake trigger signal, and a resistor for outputting a travel signal. The first conductor is disposed on the movement path of the first brush and is in contact with the first brush. The resistor is disposed along the movement path of the second brush and is slidably connected to the second brush. Both the first brush and the second brush are connected to the distal end of the rotating shaft and rotate with the rotating shaft. The proximal end of the rotating shaft is provided with a rotating part for driving the rotating shaft to rotate axially. The outer side wall of the connecting component is provided with a first groove that mates with the rotating part. The connecting component drives the rotating part to move through the first groove.

[0006] Preferably, the potentiometer includes a second conductor for grounding, one end of the first brush is in contact with the first conductor, and the other end is slidably connected to the second conductor.

[0007] Preferably, the potentiometer is provided with a third conductor for input power and a fourth conductor for output of travel signal. The third conductor is connected to the resistor. One end of the second brush is slidably connected to the resistor, and the other end is in contact with the fourth conductor.

[0008] Preferably, the first brush and the second brush are both disposed on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft, and the resistor, the third conductor, the fourth conductor, the first conductor and the second conductor are all arranged circumferentially along the rotating shaft.

[0009] Preferably, the second brush and the first brush are respectively disposed on both sides of the rotating shaft along the radial direction, and the first conductor and the resistor are respectively disposed on both sides of the rotating shaft along the radial direction.

[0010] Preferably, the potentiometer includes a first housing, and the first brush, the second brush, the first conductor, the second conductor, the third conductor, the fourth conductor, and the resistor are all located inside the first housing. The distal end of the rotating shaft extends into the first housing and is connected to the first brush and the second brush.

[0011] Preferably, the first conductor includes a first conductive part, a first connecting part, and a first conductive terminal for outputting a braking trigger signal. The first conductive part is fan-shaped and arranged along the movement path of the first brush. The first conductive part is in contact with the first brush. One end of the first connecting part is connected to the first conductive part, and the other end is connected to the first conductive terminal.

[0012] Preferably, the second conductor includes a second conductive part, a second connecting part, and a second conductive terminal for grounding. The second conductive part is fan-shaped and slidably connected to the first brush. The second conductive part is arranged along the movement path of the first brush. The second connecting part is connected to the second conductive part at the middle position. One end of the second connecting part is connected to the resistor and the other end is connected to the second conductive terminal.

[0013] Preferably, it further includes a second housing, the connecting component is located inside the second housing, the potentiometer is mounted on the second housing, and an elastic component is provided between the bottom of the connecting component and the second housing.

[0014] The present invention also provides a method for generating the braking signal using the present invention, comprising the following steps:

[0015] Step 1: Under the pressure of the brake pedal, the push rod pushes the connecting component to move, which in turn drives the rotating shaft to rotate through the rotating part. The first brush is connected to the first conductor, and a brake trigger signal is emitted.

[0016] Step 2: Continue pressing the brake pedal. The push rod continues to push the connecting component to move, the rotating shaft rotates, and the second brush is connected to the resistor, sending a braking intensity signal.

[0017] One of the above technical solutions has at least one of the following advantages or beneficial effects: During the operation of the brake signal generator, when the push rod just begins to press down, the connecting component drives the rotating shaft to rotate. Since the first conductor is located on the movement path of the first brush, the first brush connects to the first conductor during rotation, and the first conductor sends out a signal to confirm braking. As the push rod presses down, the second brush rotates simultaneously. Since the resistor and the second brush are slidably connected, the resistance value in the circuit gradually increases or decreases during the rotation of the second brush, so that the system obtains voltages of different intensities to emit signals of different braking intensities, thereby realizing the output of signals indicating the magnitude of braking intensity. The brake signal generator confirms the braking signal through the first brush, effectively improving the response time, reducing the failure rate, and increasing the braking response time. By controlling the intensity of the braking signal through the second brush, the braking distance is reduced.

[0018] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of one embodiment of the potentiometer of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] This section will describe in detail specific embodiments of the present invention. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. The purpose of the drawings is to supplement the textual description with graphics, so that people can intuitively and vividly understand each technical feature and overall technical solution of the present invention, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] In this invention, when directions (up, down, left, right, front, and back) are described, it is only for the convenience of describing the technical solution of this invention, and does not indicate or imply that the technical features referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0024] In this invention, "several" means one or more, "multiple" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," "exceeding," etc., are understood to exclude the stated number; "above," "below," "within," etc., are understood to include the stated number. In the description of this invention, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0025] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly defined, the terms "setting," "installing," and "connecting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrally formed connection; a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection capable of mutual communication; or the internal connection of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific content of the technical solution.

[0026] in, Figure 1 The reference direction coordinate system of this invention is given below, in conjunction with... Figure 1 The directions shown illustrate embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] An embodiment of the present invention provides a braking signal generator, see below. Figure 1 The device includes a push rod 100, a connecting component 200, and a potentiometer 300. The top end of the push rod 100 is connected to the brake pedal of the vehicle, and the bottom end of the push rod 100 is connected to the top of the connecting component 200. A rotating shaft 400 is provided between the connecting component 200 and the potentiometer 300. The proximal end of the rotating shaft 400 is connected to the outer wall of the connecting component 200, and the distal end of the rotating shaft 400 is connected to the potentiometer 300. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 2 The potentiometer 300 includes a first brush 310, a second brush 320, a first conductor 330 for outputting a braking trigger signal, and a resistor 340 for outputting a stroke signal. The first conductor 330 is disposed on the movement path of the first brush 310, and the first conductor 330 and the first brush 310 are in contact connection. The resistor 340 is disposed along the movement path of the second brush 320, and the resistor 340 and the second brush 320 are slidably connected. Both the first brush 310 and the second brush 320 are connected to the distal end of the rotating shaft 400 and rotate with the rotating shaft 400. See [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1The near end of the rotating shaft 400 is provided with a rotating part 410 for driving the rotating shaft 400 to rotate axially. The outer wall of the connecting component 200 is provided with a first groove 210 that mates with the rotating part 410. The connecting component 200 drives the rotating part 410 to move through the first groove 210. When the push rod 100 just begins to press down, the connecting component 200 drives the rotating shaft 400 to rotate. Since the first conductor 330 is located on the movement path of the first brush 310, the first brush 310 connects the first conductor 330 during rotation. The first conductor 330 sends a signal confirming braking outward. When the push rod 100 presses down... Simultaneously, the second brush 320 rotates. Since the resistor 340 and the second brush 320 are slidably connected, the resistance value in the circuit gradually increases or decreases during the rotation of the second brush 320, resulting in different voltage intensities in the system to output signals with different braking intensities. The braking signal generator confirms the braking signal through the first brush 310. The potentiometer 300 has strong anti-electromagnetic interference capability and does not interfere with other components with magnetic fields, ensuring a more stable braking signal, effectively improving response time, reducing failure rate, and increasing braking response time. The second brush 320 controls the intensity of the braking signal, reducing braking distance.

[0028] It is understood that in some embodiments, two sets of potentiometers 300 are provided, each with an independent electrical structure to output braking trigger signals and braking intensity signals. As a redundancy design, even if one set of potentiometers 300 fails or the corresponding electrical connection fails, the normal operation of the entire braking signal generator can still be guaranteed.

[0029] See Figure 2 The potentiometer 300 includes a second conductor 360 for grounding. One end of the first brush 310 is in contact with the first conductor 330, and the other end is slidably connected to the second conductor 360, so that a closed loop is formed between the second conductor 360, the first brush 310 and the first conductor 330. A high-level signal is connected to the first conductor 330. When one end of the first brush 310 is connected to the first conductor 330, the high-level signal connected to the first conductor 330 will become a low-level signal, thereby confirming the braking signal.

[0030] See Figure 2 The potentiometer 300 is provided with a third conductor 350 for input power and a fourth conductor 380 for stroke signal output. The third conductor 350 is connected to the resistor 340. One end of the second brush 320 is slidably connected to the resistor 340, and the other end is in contact with the fourth conductor 380. The fourth conductor 380, the resistor 340 and the second conductor 360 form a closed loop to control the magnitude of the output voltage and realize the output of the braking intensity signal.

[0031] Preferably, the resistor 340 includes a first resistor 341, a second resistor 342 and a third resistor 343 arranged sequentially along the circumference of the rotation axis 400. The resistance value of the second resistor 342 is greater than the resistance values ​​of the first resistor 341 and the third resistor 343, which facilitates the control of the braking signal.

[0032] It is understood that in some embodiments, the first brush 310 and the second brush component 320 are elastic components. The first brush 310 is in contact with the first conductor 330 and the second conductor 360 in an elastic pre-tightening connection, and the second brush component 320 is in contact with the resistor 340 and the fourth conductor 380 in an elastic pre-tightening connection, so as to ensure that the output braking signal is more stable.

[0033] In some embodiments, see Figure 2 The first brush 310 and the second brush 320 are both located on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft 400, and the resistor 340, the third conductor 350, the fourth conductor 30, the first conductor 330 and the second conductor 360 are all arranged along the circumference of the rotating shaft 400.

[0034] Preferred, see Figure 2 The second brush 320 and the first brush 310 are respectively disposed on both sides of the rotating shaft 400 along the radial direction, and the first conductor 330 and the resistor 340 are respectively disposed on both sides of the rotating shaft 400 along the radial direction, so that the operation of the second brush 320 and the first brush 310 does not interfere with each other.

[0035] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 2 The potentiometer 300 includes a first housing 370, and a first brush 310, a second brush 320, a first conductor 330, a second conductor 360, a third conductor 350, a fourth conductor 380, and a resistor 340, all located inside the first housing 370. The distal end of the rotating shaft 400 extends into the first housing 370 and is connected to the first brush 310 and the second brush 320, making the structure of the braking signal generator more stable. Preferably, a first substrate 390 is provided inside the housing and fixed inside the first housing 370. One side of the first substrate 390 is provided with the first conductor 330, the second conductor 360, the third conductor 350, the fourth conductor 380, and the resistor 340.

[0036] See Figure 2The first conductor 330 includes a first conductive part 331, a first connecting part 332, and a first conductive terminal 333 for outputting a braking trigger signal. The first conductive part 331 is fan-shaped and is arranged along the movement path of the first brush 310. The first conductive part 331 can be contacted and connected to the first brush 310. One end of the first connecting part 332 is connected to the first conductive part 331, and the other end is connected to the first conductive terminal 333. The first conductive terminal 333 is riveted to the first substrate 390 and contacted and connected to the first connecting part 332. Preferably, the first conductive part 331 and the first connecting part 332 are an integral structure to ensure the structural stability of the potentiometer 300.

[0037] See Figure 2 The second conductor 360 includes a second conductive part 361, a second connecting part 362, and a second conductive terminal 363 for grounding. The second conductive part 361 is fan-shaped and is slidably connected to the first brush 310. The second conductive part 361 is arranged along the movement path of the first brush 310. The second connecting part 362 is connected to the second conductive part 361 at the middle position. One end of the second connecting part 362 is connected to the resistor 340, and the other end is connected to the second conductive terminal 363. The second conductive terminal 363 is riveted to the first substrate 390 and is in contact with the second connecting part 362. Preferably, the second conductive part 361 and the second connecting part 362 are an integral structure to ensure the structural stability of the potentiometer 300. Specifically, one end of the second connecting part 362 is connected to the second resistor 342.

[0038] See Figure 2 The third conductor 350 includes a third conductive part 351 and a third conductive terminal 352 for power input. The third conductive part 351 is used to connect the third resistor 343 and the third conductive terminal 352. The third conductive terminal 352 is connected to the first third conductive part 351 by riveting to the first substrate 390, thereby ensuring the structural stability of the potentiometer 300.

[0039] See Figure 2 The fourth conductor 380 includes a fourth conductive part 381, a third connecting part 382, ​​and a fourth conductive terminal 383 for stroke signal output. The fourth conductive part 381 is disposed on the movement path of the second brush component 320 and is slidably connected to the first brush 310. One end of the third connecting part 382 is connected to the fourth conductive part 381, and the other end is connected to the fourth conductive terminal 383. The fourth conductive terminal 383 is riveted to the first substrate 390 and is in contact with the third connecting part 382. The fourth conductive part 381 and the third connecting part 382 are an integral structure to ensure the structural stability of the potentiometer 300.

[0040] Preferably, the fourth conductive part 381, the second brush 320 and the resistor 340 are arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside along the radial direction of the rotation shaft 400, and the second conductive part 361, the first brush 310 and the first conductor 330 are arranged sequentially from the inside to the outside along the radial direction of the rotation shaft 400.

[0041] In some embodiments, see Figure 1 The top of the connecting component 200 is provided with a second groove 220 that cooperates with the push rod 100. The bottom end of the push rod 100 extends into the second groove 220 and connects with the connecting component 200, ensuring that the push rod 100 moves in a certain direction.

[0042] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 1 The brake signal generator also includes a second housing 500, a connecting member 200 located inside the second housing 500, a potentiometer 300 mounted on the second housing 500, and an elastic member 510 provided between the bottom of the connecting member 200 and the second housing 500 to provide restoring force for the push rod 100. Preferably, the top of the second housing 500 is provided with a support member 520 for supporting the push rod 100 to prevent the push rod 100 from shifting during movement.

[0043] Preferably, a torsion spring is connected between the rotating shaft 400 and the rotating part 410. The torsion spring causes the rotating part 410 to be pre-tightly fitted into the first groove 210, ensuring that the brake signal generator structure is more stable and less prone to failure.

[0044] Preferably, the elastic component 510 includes a first spring and a second spring. The second spring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the first spring. When the push rod 100 just begins to press down, that is, when the driver lightly presses the brake pedal, the first spring works. When the push rod 100 continues to press down, that is, when the driver presses the brake pedal hard, the first spring and the second spring work together to give the driver a better braking feel.

[0045] The present invention also provides a method for generating a brake signal using the brake signal generator, comprising the following steps:

[0046] Step 1: Under the pressure of the brake pedal, the push rod 100 pushes the connecting part 200 to move, which drives the rotating shaft 400 to rotate through the rotating part 410. The first brush 310 is connected to the first conductor 330, and a brake trigger signal is sent.

[0047] Step 2: Continue pressing the brake pedal. The push rod 100 continues to push the connecting part 200 to move, the rotating shaft 400 rotates, and the second brush 320 is connected to the resistor 340, sending a signal of the braking intensity.

[0048] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "example," "embodiment," or "some embodiments" indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0049] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and these equivalent modifications or substitutions are all included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A braking signal generator, characterized in that: The device includes a push rod, a connecting component, and a potentiometer. The top end of the push rod connects to the brake pedal of a vehicle, and the bottom end of the push rod connects to the top of the connecting component. A rotating shaft is provided between the connecting component and the potentiometer. The proximal end of the rotating shaft is connected to the outer wall of the connecting component, and the distal end of the rotating shaft is connected to the potentiometer. The potentiometer includes a first brush, a second brush, a first conductor for outputting a brake trigger signal, and a resistor for outputting a travel signal. The first conductor is located on the movement path of the first brush, and the first conductor and the first brush are in contact. The resistor... The resistive element is arranged along the movement path of the second brush. The resistive element and the second brush are slidably connected. Both the first brush and the second brush are connected to the far end of the rotating shaft and rotate with the rotating shaft. The near end of the rotating shaft is provided with a rotating part for driving the rotating shaft to rotate axially. The outer side wall of the connecting component is provided with a first groove that cooperates with the rotating part. The connecting component drives the rotating part to move through the first groove. The potentiometer includes a second conductor for grounding. One end of the first brush is in contact with the first conductor, and the other end is slidably connected to the second conductor.

2. The braking signal generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The potentiometer has a third conductor for power input and a fourth conductor for travel signal output. The third conductor is connected to the resistor. One end of the second brush is slidably connected to the resistor, and the other end is in contact with the fourth conductor.

3. The braking signal generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first brush and the second brush are both disposed on the outer periphery of the rotating shaft, and the resistor, the third conductor, the fourth conductor, the first conductor and the second conductor are all arranged circumferentially along the rotating shaft.

4. The braking signal generator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second brush and the first brush are respectively disposed on both sides of the rotating shaft along the radial direction, and the first conductor and the resistor are respectively disposed on both sides of the rotating shaft along the radial direction.

5. The brake signal generator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The potentiometer includes a first housing, and the first brush, the second brush, the first conductor, the second conductor, the third conductor, the fourth conductor, and the resistor are all located inside the first housing. The distal end of the rotating shaft extends into the first housing and is connected to the first brush and the second brush.

6. The brake signal generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first conductor includes a first conductive part, a first connecting part, and a first conductive terminal for outputting a braking trigger signal. The first conductive part is fan-shaped and arranged along the movement path of the first brush. The first conductive part is in contact with the first brush. One end of the first connecting part is connected to the first conductive part, and the other end is connected to the first conductive terminal.

7. The brake signal generator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The second conductor includes a second conductive part, a second connecting part, and a second conductive terminal for grounding. The second conductive part is fan-shaped and slidably connected to the first brush. The second conductive part is arranged along the movement path of the first brush. The second connecting part is connected to the second conductive part at the middle position. One end of the second connecting part is connected to the resistor and the other end is connected to the second conductive terminal.

8. The brake signal generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a second housing, the connecting component is located inside the second housing, the potentiometer is mounted on the second housing, and an elastic component is provided between the bottom of the connecting component and the second housing.

9. A method for generating a braking signal using the brake signal generator according to claim 1, characterized in that... Includes the following steps: Step 1: Under the pressure of the brake pedal, the push rod pushes the connecting component to move, which in turn drives the rotating shaft to rotate through the rotating part. The first brush is connected to the first conductor, and a brake trigger signal is emitted. Step 2: Continue pressing the brake pedal. The push rod continues to push the connecting component to move, the rotating shaft rotates, and the second brush is connected to the resistor, sending a braking intensity signal.

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