Pedal feel simulator, control method thereof, hydraulic brake control system, and vehicle

Abstract

The application discloses a pedal feeling simulator, a control method thereof, a hydraulic brake control system and a vehicle. The control method of the pedal feeling simulator comprises the following steps: obtaining a mode request of pedal feeling; determining a target stiffness of an elastic element of the pedal feeling simulator according to the mode request; and controlling a temperature control device to perform temperature control on the elastic element so that the elastic element reaches the target stiffness. In the control method of the pedal feeling simulator, the stiffness of the elastic element is changed by temperature control, so that the user can switch to the pedal force suitable for individual needs, the needs of the user for different pedal feelings are met, the switching mode is relatively convenient, the pedal feeling at different temperatures is relatively obvious, and the use experience of the user is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle technology, and in particular to a pedal feel simulator and its control method, a hydraulic braking control system, and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Within the same vehicle model, individual differences exist among users, leading to varying requirements for the force required to depress the brake pedal. Current drive-by-wire hydraulic brake control systems have a relatively fixed relationship between the actuator stroke and force of the brake pedal feel simulator, making automatic adjustment impossible. Adjusting this relationship necessitates replacing the elastic element within the simulator, a complex process; alternatively, adjusting the actuator stroke and hydraulic fluid volume via a hydraulic pump can provide minimal feedback on brake pedal feel and fail to meet individual user needs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a pedal feel simulator and its control method, a hydraulic braking control system, and a vehicle.

[0004] The control method of the pedal feel simulator in this application includes:

[0005] A request to obtain pedal feel mode;

[0006] The target stiffness of the elastic element of the pedal feel simulator is determined according to the mode request;

[0007] The temperature control device controls the temperature of the elastic element to achieve the target stiffness.

[0008] In the control method of the pedal feel simulator in this application embodiment, the stiffness of the elastic element is changed by temperature control, so that the user can switch to the pedal force that suits their personal needs, meet the user's needs for different pedal feel, the switching method is more convenient, the difference in pedal feel at different temperatures is more obvious, and the user experience is improved.

[0009] In some implementations, the request for obtaining pedal feel includes:

[0010] The mode request is obtained based on the instructions collected from the control panel.

[0011] In some embodiments, the temperature control device controls the temperature of the elastic element to make the elastic element reach the target stiffness, including:

[0012] The temperature control device heats the elastic element for a first duration to cause the elastic element to transition from a first stiffness to a second stiffness, where the first stiffness is less than the second stiffness; or

[0013] The temperature control device is controlled to cool the elastic element for a second duration, so that the elastic element transitions from a second stiffness to a first stiffness, where the first stiffness is less than the second stiffness; or

[0014] The temperature control device is controlled to heat the elastic element for a third duration, so that the elastic element changes from a first stiffness to a third stiffness, where the first stiffness is less than the third stiffness; or

[0015] The temperature control device is controlled to cool the elastic element for a fourth duration, so that the elastic element transitions from a third stiffness to a first stiffness, where the first stiffness is less than the third stiffness; or

[0016] The temperature control device is controlled to heat the elastic element for a fifth duration, so that the elastic element changes from a second stiffness to a third stiffness, where the second stiffness is less than the third stiffness; or

[0017] The temperature control device is controlled to cool the elastic element for a sixth time, so that the elastic element changes from a third stiffness to a second stiffness, where the second stiffness is less than the third stiffness.

[0018] In some embodiments, when the stiffness of the elastic element is at any stiffness, the temperature control device controls the temperature of the elastic element within a range of less than 80°C.

[0019] In some embodiments, the temperature control device controls the temperature of the elastic element to make the elastic element reach the target stiffness, including:

[0020] When the current temperature of the elastic element is lower than the target temperature, the temperature control device heats the elastic element with a laser to make the elastic element reach the target stiffness;

[0021] When the current temperature of the elastic element is greater than the target temperature, the temperature control device turns off the laser to cool the elastic element so that the elastic element reaches the target stiffness.

[0022] The pedal feel simulator in this application includes a housing, a piston, an elastic element, and a temperature control device. The piston is movably installed inside the housing. The elastic element is installed inside the housing, with one end abutting against the inner wall of the housing and the other end abutting against the piston. The temperature control device is installed on the housing and faces the elastic element. The temperature control device is used to control the temperature of the elastic element according to the pedal feel mode request so that the elastic element reaches a target stiffness.

[0023] In some embodiments, the elastic element includes a first elastic element, a second elastic element, and a third elastic element, wherein the third elastic element is made of a heat-sensitive material, and the temperature control device faces the third elastic element;

[0024] The first elastic element and the second elastic element have a fixed stiffness, the stiffness of the first elastic element is less than that of the second elastic element, and the stiffness of the third elastic element is positively correlated with temperature.

[0025] In some embodiments, the third elastic element includes a thermosensitive bimetallic disc spring.

[0026] The hydraulic braking control system of this application includes a master cylinder, a brake pedal, and a pedal feel simulator as described in any of the above embodiments. Both the brake pedal and the pedal feel simulator are connected to the master cylinder, and the brake pedal can exert different pedal forces depending on the stiffness variation of the third elastic element.

[0027] The vehicle described in this application includes the hydraulic braking control system described in the above embodiments.

[0028] Additional aspects and advantages of this application 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 this application. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the pedal feel simulator according to an embodiment of this application;

[0031] Figure 2 This is a graph showing the relationship between pedal travel and pedal force in an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the control method of the pedal feel simulator according to the embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the control method of the pedal feel simulator according to the embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the control method of the pedal feel simulator according to the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of the control method of the pedal feel simulator according to the embodiments of this application;

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic braking control system according to an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to an embodiment of this application.

[0038] Explanation of key component symbols:

[0039] The system includes a pedal feel simulator 100, a housing 10, a first mounting base 11, a second mounting base 12, a piston 20, an elastic element 30, a first elastic element 31, a second elastic element 32, a third elastic element 33, a temperature control device 40, a hydraulic brake control system 200, a brake master cylinder 201, a brake pedal 202, an electro-hydraulic control device 203, and a vehicle 300. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0041] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments or examples for implementing different structures of this application. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples; such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed. In addition, various specific examples of processes and materials are provided in this application, but those skilled in the art will recognize the application of other processes and / or the use of other materials.

[0042] Please see Figure 1 The pedal feel simulator 100 in this application includes a housing 10, a piston 20, an elastic element 30, and a temperature control device 40. The piston 20 is movably installed inside the housing 10. The elastic element 30 is installed inside the housing 10, with one end of the elastic element 30 abutting against the inner wall of the housing 10 and the other end abutting against the piston 20. The temperature control device 40 is installed on the housing 10 and faces the elastic element 30. The temperature control device 40 is used to control the temperature of the elastic element 30 according to the pedal feel mode request so that the elastic element 30 reaches the target stiffness.

[0043] In the pedal feel simulator 100 of this application embodiment, the elastic force of the elastic element 30 is controlled by the temperature control device 40, so that the piston 20 can move in the housing 10 with different forces. Thus, when braking, the user can switch the pedal force to a pedal force that suits their personal needs through the pedal feel simulator 100, so as to meet the user's needs for different pedal feel. The switching method is relatively convenient.

[0044] Specifically, the pedal feel simulator 100 can control the force required for the user to press the pedal when braking by using the elastic force of its internal elastic element 30. Thus, if the user feels that the brake pedal 202 of the currently driven vehicle 300 is too soft or too hard, the user can change the stiffness of the elastic element 30 to change its elastic force to match the pedal feel that suits the user's needs.

[0045] The housing 10 can be made of materials such as plastic or metal to provide support and protection for the piston 20 and elastic element 30 inside. The interior of the housing 10 can be hollow to provide stable space for the piston 20 and elastic element 30 to move, so that the piston 20 can compress the elastic element 30 more stably within the housing 10.

[0046] The piston 20 and the elastic element 30 are connected within the housing 10. The piston 20 can move within the housing 10 and can compress the elastic element 30 under hydraulic pressure, thereby transmitting the elastic force of the elastic element 30 to the pedal and converting it into pedal force. The elastic element 30 can be made of a heat-sensitive metal material; in other words, the elastic element 30 has different stiffness at different temperatures, thus generating different elastic forces on the piston 20.

[0047] A temperature control device 40 can be installed on the outer wall of the housing 10. Specifically, a mounting hole or other mounting structure can be formed on the outer wall of the housing 10. The temperature control device 40 is installed on the mounting structure of the housing 10 to control the temperature of the internal elastic element 30. The temperature control device 40 may include, but is not limited to, a laser heater, an electromagnetic heater, etc.

[0048] When the temperature control device 40 is activated to heat the elastic element 30, the elastic element 30 expands and increases in stiffness. As a result, the piston 20 requires more effort to compress the elastic element 30 compared to its lower temperature state. This increased elastic force, transmitted to the pedal, increases the pedal feel, making it more suitable for users who prefer a heavier pedal feel. When the user finds the pedal feel too heavy, the temperature control device 40 can be deactivated to cool the elastic element 30 and reduce its stiffness, making it easier for the user to pedal and more suitable for users who prefer a lighter pedal feel.

[0049] It should be noted that the temperature control device 40 can be turned on or off in a timely manner according to the actual temperature of the elastic element 30, so that the elastic element 30 is kept at a suitable elastic force for the user, so that the user can maintain a suitable pedal feel, improve the user experience, and also improve driving safety to a certain extent.

[0050] Of course, this application does not limit the specific method of temperature control of the elastic element 30 by the temperature control device 40, nor does it limit the change of the elastic element 30 relative to the temperature. The specific method can be determined according to the material of the elastic element 30. For example, the stiffness of the elastic element 30 can be reduced to allow the temperature to rise.

[0051] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the elastic element 30 includes a first elastic element 31, a second elastic element 32, and a third elastic element 33, wherein the third elastic element 33 is made of a heat-sensitive material, and the temperature control device 40 is oriented toward the third elastic element 33.

[0052] Among them, the stiffness of the first elastic element 31 and the second elastic element 32 is constant, the stiffness of the first elastic element 31 is less than the stiffness of the second elastic element 32, and the stiffness of the third elastic element 33 is positively correlated with temperature.

[0053] In this way, the three elastic elements 30 can increase the travel distance of the pedal lever, so that the user has a more comfortable pedal feel when pressing the brake pedal, and avoids the situation where the pedal is too hard due to the excessive compression distance of a single elastic element 30.

[0054] Specifically, the first elastic element 31, the second elastic element 32, and the third elastic element 33 can be connected in sequence. The first elastic element 31 can abut against the piston 20 inside the housing 10. The second elastic element 32 abuts against the first elastic element 31. The third elastic element 33 abuts against the second elastic element 32, and the other end of the third elastic element 33 abuts against the side of the housing 10 opposite to the piston 20.

[0055] In some embodiments, a first mounting base 11 may be provided on the outer side of the first elastic member 31, and the first elastic member 31 abuts against the first mounting base 11. The first elastic member 31 abuts against the second elastic member 32 through the first mounting base 11. A second mounting base 12 may be provided between the second elastic member 32 and the third elastic member 33, and the second elastic member 32 and the third elastic member 33 can abut against each other through the second mounting base 12, thereby making the connection between the three elastic members 30 more stable and matching, and improving the smoothness when stepping on the brake pedal.

[0056] The first elastic element 31 and the second elastic element 32 can be ordinary springs, whose stiffness will not change with temperature. The elastic force of the first elastic element 31 and the second elastic element 32 increases with the increase of the compression stroke. That is to say, as the stroke of the brake pedal 202 increases, the required force to press it also increases.

[0057] When the brake pedal 202 is pressed, the first elastic element 31 is initially subjected to force. The first elastic element 31 has the lowest stiffness, so the required pressing force is relatively small. As the pedal travel increases, the elastic force of the first elastic element 31 gradually increases and is gradually compressed onto the second elastic element 32 to convert the elastic force of the second elastic element 32 into the pressing force of the pedal. The stiffness of the second elastic element 32 is greater than that of the first elastic element 31, thus requiring a greater pressing force.

[0058] Compared to the first elastic element 31 and the second elastic element 32, the stiffness of the third elastic element 33 increases with the increase of temperature, and its length also expands and lengthens with the increase of temperature. Therefore, under the condition that the compression space inside the shell 10 is constant, the longer the length of the elastic element 30, the greater the pedaling force required. Thus, the increase or decrease of the temperature of the third elastic element 33 can control the overall pedaling feel, so that users can experience different pedal styles and feelings, and meet the user's needs for different pedal feel.

[0059] It is understandable that the magnitude of the pedaling force can be related to the compression stroke of the elastic element 30. When the stiffness and length of the third elastic element 33 change, since the space inside the housing 10 is constant, the degree of compression of the second elastic element 32 can be indirectly changed. The second elastic element 32 will deform under the action of the third elastic element 33, and its elastic force can be adjusted under the action of the third elastic element 33. Therefore, compared with the time before the third elastic element 33 changes, the pedaling force curve will also change accordingly, so that the user can find a comfortable pedaling force.

[0060] Please see Figure 1 In some embodiments, the third elastic element 33 includes a thermosensitive bimetallic disc spring. Thus, the third elastic element 33 can change its stiffness and length under the action of the temperature control device 40 to control the intensity of the pedaling sensation.

[0061] Specifically, the thermistor bimetallic disc spring can be made of two bimetallic sheets with different coefficients of thermal expansion, and their shape can be set as conical. The sheet that expands more with temperature can be the active layer, and the sheet that expands less with temperature can be the passive layer. The deformation of the active layer should be greater than that of the passive layer. The active layer can be located on the outer side of the disc spring's conical shape.

[0062] When the temperature control device 40 controls the temperature to rise, the taper of the disc spring will increase, and at the same time, its stiffness will also increase to increase the elastic force. This will change the overall elastic force of the elastic element 30 inside the housing 10, thereby changing the relationship curve between the pedal travel and the pedal force of the pedal feel simulator 100, allowing users to experience different pedal styles and feelings, and meeting users' needs for different pedal feel.

[0063] Please see Figure 3The control method of the pedal feel simulator 100 according to the embodiments of this application includes:

[0064] Step S10: Obtain the pedal feel mode request;

[0065] Step S20: Determine the target stiffness of the elastic element 30 of the pedal feel simulator 100 according to the mode request;

[0066] Step S30: Control the temperature control device 40 to control the temperature of the elastic element 30 so that the elastic element 30 reaches the target stiffness.

[0067] In the control method of the pedal feel simulator 100 in this application embodiment, the stiffness of the elastic element 30 is changed by temperature control, so that the user can switch to the pedal force that suits their personal needs, meet the user's needs for different pedal feel, the switching method is more convenient, the difference in pedal feel at different temperatures is more obvious, and the user's experience is improved.

[0068] Specifically, the pedal feel simulator 100 enables the brake pedal 202 to have different pedal feel modes, such as comfort mode, standard mode or sport mode, so that users can choose the appropriate pedal feel mode according to their personal needs to make the driving experience more comfortable.

[0069] In step S10, the user can select a mode that suits their needs. The processor can obtain the mode request selected by the user and perform corresponding processing according to the mode request.

[0070] In steps S20 and S30, the processor's system may include stiffness ranges for the elastic element 30 under different modes, and a temperature range that the elastic element 30 needs to maintain within that stiffness range. That is, when the user selects a suitable mode, the processor can control the temperature control device 40 to maintain the temperature of the elastic element 30 at the target temperature, thereby ensuring that the elastic element 30 maintains the target stiffness. The user can then experience the pedal feel at the target stiffness, making driving more comfortable and improving driving safety.

[0071] Please see Figure 4 In some implementations, the request for obtaining the pedal feel includes:

[0072] Step S11: Obtain the mode request based on the instructions collected by the control panel.

[0073] In this way, users can select the desired pedal mode from the mode options on the control panel inside the vehicle 300, making it more convenient for users to make mode requests.

[0074] Specifically, the vehicle 300 is generally equipped with a control panel, which can have buttons or knobs for selecting different modes. The control panel can be directly connected to the controller, which is connected to the temperature control device 40. By selecting different modes, the temperature control device 40 can directly control the temperature of the elastic element 30. In this way, the user can directly select the desired mode request through the control panel.

[0075] The control panel may include buttons or knobs, allowing users to select the appropriate mode. Alternatively, in some other implementations, a touchscreen may be used to select the mode. This application does not limit the method of selecting the pedal mode.

[0076] In some embodiments, the temperature control device 40 controls the temperature of the elastic element 30 to make the elastic element 30 reach a target stiffness, including:

[0077] The temperature control device 40 heats the elastic element 30 for a first duration, causing the elastic element 30 to transition from a first stiffness to a second stiffness, where the first stiffness is less than the second stiffness; or

[0078] The temperature control device 40 cools the elastic element 30 for a second duration, causing the elastic element 30 to transition from a second stiffness to a first stiffness, where the first stiffness is less than the second stiffness; or

[0079] The temperature control device 40 heats the elastic element 30 for a third duration, causing the elastic element 30 to transition from a first stiffness to a third stiffness, where the first stiffness is less than the third stiffness; or

[0080] The temperature control device 40 cools the elastic element 30 for a fourth duration, causing the elastic element 30 to transition from a third stiffness to a first stiffness, where the first stiffness is less than the third stiffness; or

[0081] The temperature control device 40 heats the elastic element 30 for a fifth duration, causing the elastic element 30 to transition from a second stiffness to a third stiffness, where the second stiffness is less than the third stiffness; or

[0082] The temperature control device 40 cools the elastic element 30 for a sixth time so that the elastic element 30 changes from the third stiffness to the second stiffness, and the second stiffness is less than the third stiffness.

[0083] Specifically, when the elastic element 30 is at the first stiffness, it corresponds to the comfort mode in the mode request; when the elastic element 30 is at the second stiffness, it corresponds to the standard mode in the mode request; and when the elastic element 30 is at the third stiffness, it corresponds to the motion mode in the mode request. The switching between the three modes is achieved by controlling the temperature of the elastic element 30 through the temperature control device 40.

[0084] When the vehicle 300 is initially started, the temperature of the elastic element 30 is equivalent to the ambient temperature. The temperature control device 40 can control the temperature of the elastic element 30 to the first temperature, and its stiffness can be the first stiffness. At this time, the pedal mode is the comfort mode.

[0085] When the user switches from comfort mode to standard mode, the temperature control device 40 heats the elastic element 30 for a first duration to raise its temperature to a second temperature, thereby increasing its stiffness to a second stiffness, thus completing the switch from comfort mode to standard mode. The temperature control device 40 maintains the elastic element 30 at the second temperature to keep the pedal mode in standard mode.

[0086] Correspondingly, when switching from standard mode to comfort mode, the temperature control device 40 cools the elastic element 30 for a second period of time to reduce its temperature back to the first temperature, thereby reducing its stiffness back to the first stiffness and completing the switch from comfort mode to standard mode. The temperature control device 40 maintains the elastic element 30 at the first temperature to keep the pedal mode in comfort mode.

[0087] When switching from standard mode to sport mode, the temperature control device 40 heats the elastic element 30 for a third duration to raise its temperature to a third temperature, thereby increasing its stiffness to a third stiffness and completing the switch from standard mode to sport mode. The temperature control device 40 maintains the elastic element 30 at the third temperature to keep the pedal in sport mode.

[0088] Correspondingly, when switching from the motion mode to the standard mode, the temperature control device 40 cools the elastic element 30 for a fourth duration to reduce its temperature back to the second temperature, thereby reducing its stiffness back to the second stiffness and completing the switch from the motion mode to the standard mode. The temperature control device 40 maintains the elastic element 30 at the second temperature to keep the pedal mode in the standard mode.

[0089] When switching from Comfort mode to Sport mode, the temperature control device 40 heats the elastic element 30 for a fifth duration to raise its temperature to a third temperature, thereby increasing its stiffness to a third stiffness and completing the switch from Comfort mode to Sport mode. The temperature control device 40 maintains the elastic element 30 at the third temperature to keep the pedal mode in Sport mode.

[0090] Correspondingly, when switching from Sport mode to Comfort mode, the temperature control device 40 cools the elastic element 30 for a sixth time to reduce its temperature back to the first temperature, thereby reducing its stiffness back to the first stiffness and completing the switch from Sport mode to Comfort mode. The temperature control device 40 maintains the elastic element 30 at the first temperature to keep the pedal in Comfort mode.

[0091] The first temperature is less than the second temperature, the second temperature is less than the third temperature, which means the first stiffness is less than the second stiffness, and the second stiffness is less than the third stiffness.

[0092] Of course, this application does not limit the specific way of distinguishing modes, and can also divide them into more modes according to the different stiffness of the elastic element 30 at different temperatures.

[0093] In some embodiments, when the stiffness of the elastic element 30 is at any stiffness, the temperature control device 40 controls the temperature of the elastic element 30 within a range of less than 80°C. Thus, the relationship between the temperature and stiffness of the elastic element 30 is relatively stable when the temperature is below 80°C, which allows for better control of the pedal feel and enables the user to control the vehicle 300 braking more precisely.

[0094] Of course, this application does not limit the temperature control range of the temperature control device 40 for the elastic element 30, which can be determined according to the material of the elastic element 30.

[0095] Please see Figure 5 and Figure 6 In some embodiments, the temperature control device 40 controls the temperature of the elastic element 30 to achieve a target stiffness, including:

[0096] Step S31: When the current temperature of the elastic element 30 is lower than the target temperature, the temperature control device 40 heats the elastic element 30 with a laser so that the elastic element 30 reaches the target stiffness.

[0097] Step S32: When the current temperature of the elastic element 30 is greater than the target temperature, the temperature control device 40 turns off the laser to cool down the elastic element 30 so that the elastic element 30 reaches the target stiffness.

[0098] In this way, the temperature control device 40 can adjust the stiffness of the elastic element 30 by controlling the temperature of the elastic element 30 through laser heating, so as to better adjust the pedal force.

[0099] Specifically, the target temperature can be understood as the temperature that the elastic element 30 needs to reach in the mode selected by the user. When it is necessary to increase the stiffness of the elastic element 30, laser heating can be used for a certain period of time to heat the elastic element 30 to the target temperature, so that the elastic element 30 achieves the target stiffness. When it is necessary to decrease the stiffness of the elastic element 30, laser heating can be turned off to allow the elastic element 30 to cool down naturally for a certain period of time, so that the elastic element 30 drops to the target temperature, so that the elastic element 30 achieves the target stiffness.

[0100] This application does not restrict the heating or cooling method of the elastic element 30; other methods can also be used for heating or cooling.

[0101] Please see Figure 7 The hydraulic braking control system 200 of this application includes a master cylinder 201, a brake pedal 202, and a pedal feel simulator 100 of any of the above embodiments. Both the brake pedal 202 and the pedal feel simulator 100 are connected to the master cylinder 201, and the brake pedal 202 can have different pedal forces according to the stiffness change of the third elastic element 33.

[0102] The brake pedal 202 can be directly mechanically connected to the brake master cylinder 201. The pedal feel simulator 100 can be hydraulically connected to the brake master cylinder 201. The pedal feel simulator 100 can indirectly change the pedal feel of the brake pedal 202 through the brake master cylinder 201, so that the brake pedal 202 has different pedal feel, allowing users to select a suitable pedal feel mode according to their personal needs, so as to make the driving experience more comfortable.

[0103] like Figure 7 As shown, in some embodiments, the hydraulic connection between the master cylinder 201 and the pedal feel simulator 100 can be controlled by an electro-hydraulic control device 203. The electro-hydraulic control device 203 can be installed on the brake fluid line connecting the master cylinder 201 and the pedal feel simulator 100 to control the flow of brake fluid between the master cylinder 201 and the pedal feel simulator 100, thereby controlling the opening or closing of the pedal feel simulator 100.

[0104] Specifically, the master cylinder 201 can be filled with brake fluid, which can flow to the electro-hydraulic control device 201 through the connection port. For example, when the driver presses the brake pedal 202 and applies force to it, the brake pedal 202 can drive the push rod to move. The push rod applies force to the brake fluid in the master cylinder 201, causing the brake fluid to flow to the electro-hydraulic control device 203 through the connection port. After passing through the electro-hydraulic control device 203, it enters the pedal feel simulator 100, and the brake fluid transmits the force to the pedal feel simulator 100, causing the pedal simulator 100 to generate a stroke.

[0105] The pedal feel simulator 100 generates a stroke under pressure, which can produce the same stroke as the brake pedal 202. By adjusting the stiffness of the elastic element 30 inside the pedal feel simulator 100, a variety of brake pedal feel can be provided to the user.

[0106] The electro-hydraulic control device 203 may include either an electromagnetic proportional valve or an electro-hydraulic servo valve. An electromagnetic proportional valve is a component that generates a corresponding action based on the applied current, thereby achieving a pressure output proportional to the applied current. An electro-hydraulic servo valve is a hydraulic control valve that receives an analog electrical signal and outputs a modulated pressure accordingly. Electro-hydraulic servo valves have advantages such as fast dynamic response, high control accuracy, and long service life.

[0107] Please see Figure 8 The vehicle 300 of this application includes the hydraulic brake control system 200 described in the above embodiments. The hydraulic brake control system 200 can be connected to the brake calipers in the vehicle 300 to control the braking function of the vehicle 300.

[0108] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with the described embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the 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.

[0109] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of this application, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A control method for a pedal feel simulator, characterized in that, include: Request a mode to get pedal feel, including: Comfort mode, Standard mode, or Sport mode; The target stiffness of the elastic element of the pedal feel simulator is determined according to the mode request. The temperature control device controls the temperature of the elastic element to make the elastic element reach the target stiffness; The elastic element includes a first elastic element, a second elastic element, and a third elastic element, wherein the third elastic element is made of a heat-sensitive material, and the temperature control device faces the third elastic element; Wherein, the stiffness of the first elastic element and the second elastic element are constant, the stiffness of the first elastic element is less than the stiffness of the second elastic element, and the stiffness change of the third elastic element is positively correlated with temperature. The third elastic element includes a thermosensitive bimetallic disc spring; The request for obtaining pedal feel includes: The mode request is obtained based on the instructions collected from the control panel; When the stiffness of the elastic element is at any stiffness, the temperature control device controls the temperature of the elastic element within a range of less than 80°C.

2. The control method for the pedal feel simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature control device controls the temperature of the elastic element to achieve the target stiffness, including: The temperature control device heats the elastic element for a first duration to cause the elastic element to transition from a first stiffness to a second stiffness, where the first stiffness is less than the second stiffness; or The temperature control device is controlled to cool the elastic element for a second duration, so that the elastic element transitions from a second stiffness to a first stiffness, where the first stiffness is less than the second stiffness; or The temperature control device is controlled to heat the elastic element for a third duration, so that the elastic element changes from a first stiffness to a third stiffness, where the first stiffness is less than the third stiffness; or The temperature control device is controlled to cool the elastic element for a fourth duration, so that the elastic element transitions from a third stiffness to a first stiffness, where the first stiffness is less than the third stiffness; or The temperature control device heats the elastic element for a fifth duration to cause the elastic element to transition from a second stiffness to a third stiffness, where the second stiffness is less than the third stiffness; or The temperature control device is controlled to cool the elastic element for a sixth time, so that the elastic element changes from a third stiffness to a second stiffness, where the second stiffness is less than the third stiffness.

3. The control method for the pedal feel simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature control device controls the temperature of the elastic element to achieve the target stiffness, including: When the current temperature of the elastic element is lower than the target temperature, the temperature control device heats the elastic element with a laser to make the elastic element reach the target stiffness; When the current temperature of the elastic element is greater than the target temperature, the temperature control device turns off the laser to cool the elastic element so that the elastic element reaches the target stiffness.

4. A pedal feel simulator, characterized in that, include: case; A piston, which is movably mounted within the housing; An elastic element is installed inside the housing, with one end of the elastic element abutting against the inner wall of the housing and the other end abutting against the piston; and A temperature control device is mounted on the housing and faces the elastic element. The temperature control device is used to control the temperature of the elastic element according to the pedal feel pattern request so that the elastic element reaches a target stiffness. The elastic element includes a first elastic element, a second elastic element, and a third elastic element, wherein the third elastic element is made of a heat-sensitive material, and the temperature control device faces the third elastic element; Wherein, the stiffness of the first elastic element and the second elastic element are constant, the stiffness of the first elastic element is less than the stiffness of the second elastic element, and the stiffness change of the third elastic element is positively correlated with temperature. The third elastic element includes a thermosensitive bimetallic disc spring.

5. A hydraulic braking control system, characterized in that, include: The master cylinder and the brake pedal connected to the master cylinder; and The pedal feel simulator of claim 4 is connected to the brake master cylinder, and the brake pedal can have different pedal forces according to the stiffness change of the third elastic element.

6. A vehicle, characterized in that, It includes a brake and the hydraulic braking control system as described in claim 5.

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