Brake pedal system and vehicle

Abstract

The application relates to a brake pedal system and a vehicle. The brake pedal system comprises a brake pedal, a brake master cylinder connected with the brake pedal, a first pedal simulator, a second pedal simulator, a switching valve assembly and a controller connected with the switching valve assembly. The switching valve assembly is connected with the first pedal simulator, the second pedal simulator and the brake master cylinder. In a first driving mode, the controller controls the switching valve assembly to connect the first pedal simulator and the brake master cylinder, and the first pedal simulator works according to a first relationship between pedal force and pedal stroke; in a second driving mode, the controller controls the switching valve assembly to connect the second pedal simulator and the brake master cylinder, and the second pedal simulator works according to a second relationship between pedal force and pedal stroke, and the second relationship has a free stroke greater than the first relationship. The brake pedal system adds the function of a rest pedal to the brake pedal, and can provide a more comfortable driving experience for a driver when the second driving mode is started.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of automobiles, and in particular to a brake pedal system and a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] The brake pedal is an important component of an automobile. The main function of the current brake pedal is to control the braking of the automobile. Users with long-distance driving needs usually use the cruise function when driving on the highway. In the cruise mode, the user's right foot has no place to put. If it is placed on the brake pedal, it will be tiring to put the right foot for a long time because the brake pedal is relatively high. If it is placed on the accelerator pedal, it is easy to mistakenly step on the accelerator or not to quickly step on the brake pedal when encountering an emergency situation because the speed is fast when driving on the highway and long-distance driving is easy to make people tired. If it is placed on the floor, it is not comfortable to put for a long time because the floor is relatively flat, and it is not easy to step on the brake pedal when encountering an emergency situation. Of course, in other driving modes, the user also has no place to put the right foot.

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new brake pedal system to solve the above problems. SUMMARY

[0004] The purpose of the present application is to provide a brake pedal system and a vehicle that are convenient for users to rest their feet.

[0005] The present application adopts the following technical solution: a brake pedal system, comprising:

[0006] a brake pedal;

[0007] a brake master cylinder connected with the brake pedal;

[0008] a first pedal simulator;

[0009] a second pedal simulator;

[0010] a switching valve assembly connected with the first pedal simulator and the brake master cylinder, and connected with the second pedal simulator and the brake master cylinder; and

[0011] a controller connected with the switching valve assembly;

[0012] In a first driving mode, the controller is configured to control the switching valve assembly to connect the first pedal simulator and the brake master cylinder, and the first pedal simulator is configured to work according to a first relationship between pedal force and pedal stroke.

[0013] In the second driving mode, the controller is configured to control the switching valve assembly to connect the second pedal simulator and the brake master cylinder, and the second pedal simulator is configured to operate according to a second relationship between pedal force and pedal stroke, wherein a free stroke in the second relationship between pedal force and pedal stroke is greater than a free stroke in the first relationship between pedal force and pedal stroke.

[0014] Further, the switching valve assembly comprises a first switching valve and a second switching valve; the first switching valve is connected to the first pedal simulator and the brake master cylinder; the second switching valve is connected to the second pedal simulator and the brake master cylinder; the controller is connected to the first switching valve and the second switching valve, and controls the first switching valve to connect the first pedal simulator and the brake master cylinder in the first driving mode, and controls the second switching valve to connect the second pedal simulator and the brake master cylinder in the second driving mode.

[0015] Further, the brake pedal system further comprises a brake caliper and a first control valve and a second control valve connected between the brake master cylinder and the brake caliper; the controller is connected to the first control valve and the second control valve, and controls the first control valve to be closed and controls the second control valve to be opened when the first pedal simulator and / or the second pedal simulator fails.

[0016] Further, the second driving mode is a cruise mode, and the first driving mode is a non-cruise mode.

[0017] Further, the brake pedal system further comprises a brake fluid reservoir connected to the switching valve assembly, and the brake fluid reservoir provides brake fluid for the brake pedal system when the switching valve assembly connects the first pedal simulator or the second pedal simulator.

[0018] Further, the switching valve assembly is an electromagnetic valve.

[0019] Further, the controller is configured to acquire road condition information and vehicle speed information during vehicle driving, to generate a prompt information if it is determined according to the road condition information and the vehicle speed information that there is a safety hazard during vehicle driving, and to acquire feedback information of the prompt information from a driver, and to control the switching valve assembly to connect the first pedal simulator or the second pedal simulator in response to the feedback information.

[0020] Further, the road condition information comprises distance and quantity information of preceding and following vehicles, weather information, and / or traffic information.

[0021] Further, the prompt information comprises voice prompt information or visual prompt information.

[0022] The application provides a vehicle comprising the brake pedal system.

[0023] The application can give the function of brake pedal rest to the brake pedal system by setting the second pedal simulator with more free travel in the relationship between pedal force and pedal stroke compared to the first pedal simulator, so that the driver can put the right foot on it during long-distance driving and get a more comfortable driving experience.

[0024] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the specification. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0025] The drawings incorporated into the specification and forming a part of the specification, show embodiments consistent with the specification, and together with the specification serve to explain the principles of the specification.

[0026] Figure 1 The structure diagram of an embodiment of the brake pedal system of the application.

[0027] Figure 2 The flow chart of the function switching of the brake pedal of the brake pedal system of the application.

[0028] Figure 3 The flow chart of the function switching of the brake pedal of the brake pedal system of the application.

[0029] Reference signs: 10, brake pedal; 11, brake master cylinder; 12, first pedal simulator; 13, second pedal simulator; 14, brake caliper; 20, switching valve assembly; 21, first switching valve; 22, second switching valve; 30, controller; 41, first control valve; 42, second control valve; 50, brake fluid reservoir. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The exemplary embodiments will be described in detail herein with reference to the attached drawings. The following description is only exemplary and explanatory, and cannot limit the specification. The same reference numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all the embodiments consistent with the specification. Instead, they are only examples of devices and methods consistent with some aspects of the specification, as detailed in the appended claims.

[0031] The terminology used in the present application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used in this specification and the appended claims should have the meanings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The use of the terms "first", "second", and "like" in this specification and the appended claims are not meant to denote any sort of order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish one element from another. Also, the use of the terms "a" or "an" are not meant to denote a quantity of one, but rather a quantity of one or more. "Plural" or "a plurality" means two or more. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "front", "rear", "upper", and / or "lower" and like terms are used for ease of description and are not meant to denote a specific orientation or spatial arrangement. The terms "comprise", "comprising", "include", "including" and the like are meant to be interpreted as specifying a presence of something and not limiting. The terms "connected", "coupled", and like terms are meant to encompass a physical or mechanical connection or linkage of the entities, and can also include an electrical connection or linkage between entities.

[0032] The terminology used in the present application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used in this specification and the appended claims should have the meanings commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The use of the terms "first", "second", and "like" in this specification and the appended claims are not meant to denote any sort of order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish one element from another. Also, the use of the terms "a" or "an" are not meant to denote a quantity of one, but rather a quantity of one or more. "Plural" or "a plurality" means two or more. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms "front", "rear", "upper", and / or "lower" and like terms are used for ease of description and are not meant to denote a specific orientation or spatial arrangement. The terms "comprise", "comprising", "include", "including" and the like are meant to be interpreted as specifying a presence of something and not limiting. The terms "connected", "coupled", and like terms are meant to encompass a physical or mechanical connection or linkage of the entities, and can also include an electrical connection or linkage between entities.

[0033] Next, the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail.

[0034] Please refer to Figure 1 As shown in the drawings, the present application provides a brake pedal system, comprising: a brake pedal 10, a master cylinder 11, a first pedal simulator 12, a second pedal simulator 13, a switching valve assembly 20 and a controller 30. The master cylinder 11 is connected with the brake pedal 10. The switching valve assembly 20 connects the first pedal simulator 12 and the master cylinder 11, and connects the second pedal simulator 13 and the master cylinder 11. The controller 30 is connected with the switching valve assembly 20. The switching valve assembly 20 is an electromagnetic valve.

[0035] In the first driving mode, the controller 30 is configured to control the switching valve assembly 20 to connect the first pedal simulator 12 and the master cylinder 11, and the first pedal simulator 12 is configured to work according to a first relationship between the pedal force and the pedal stroke.

[0036] In the second driving mode, the controller 30 is configured to control the switching valve assembly 20 to connect the second pedal simulator 13 with the brake master cylinder 11, and the second pedal simulator 13 is configured to operate according to a second relationship between pedal force and pedal stroke, the free stroke in the second relationship between pedal force and pedal stroke being greater than the free stroke in the first relationship between pedal force and pedal stroke.

[0037] The free stroke in the second relationship between pedal force and pedal stroke is greater than the free stroke in the first relationship between pedal force and pedal stroke, so the second pedal simulator 13 has a greater free stroke than the first pedal simulator 12, so that when the brake pedal 10 is connected to the second pedal simulator 13, the free stroke can allow the driver to lower the brake pedal 10 to a higher comfort level without triggering the brake pedal brake function, the height of the brake pedal 10 can be lowered to improve comfort and achieve the function of resting the foot.

[0038] Therefore, when the brake pedal 10 is connected to the second pedal simulator 13, the brake pedal 10 has the function of a rest pedal within the range of the free stroke. When the brake pedal 10 is stepped beyond the range of the free stroke, the brake pedal 10 still retains the brake function, so that when an emergency situation occurs and the brake function of the brake pedal needs to be used, the vehicle can be quickly braked to ensure the safety of the vehicle.

[0039] The switching valve assembly 20 includes a first switching valve 21 and a second switching valve 22. The first switching valve 21 connects the first pedal simulator 12 with the brake master cylinder 11. The second switching valve 22 connects the second pedal simulator 13 with the brake master cylinder 11. The controller 30 is connected to the first switching valve 21 and the second switching valve 22, and controls the first switching valve 21 to connect the first pedal simulator 12 with the brake master cylinder 11 in the first driving mode, and controls the second switching valve 22 to connect the second pedal simulator 13 with the brake master cylinder 11 in the second driving mode.

[0040] In the first driving mode, the controller 30 controls the first switching valve 21 to open and the second switching valve 22 to close, and in the second driving mode, the controller 30 controls the second switching valve 22 to open and the first switching valve 21 to close. The first switching valve 21 and the second switching valve 22 are configured to connect the first pedal simulator 12 and the second pedal simulator 13, respectively, to prevent both pedal simulators from being unable to connect if the switching valve assembly fails when only one switching valve assembly is used to switch between the first pedal simulator 12 and the second pedal simulator 13. In other embodiments, the switching valve assembly can be a three-phase valve that can switch between the first pedal simulator 12 and the second pedal simulator 13.

[0041] In some embodiments, the second driving mode is a cruise mode, which can include a constant speed cruise mode and an adaptive cruise mode, and the first driving mode is a non-cruise mode. When the vehicle is in the cruise mode, the driver generally relies on the vehicle itself to increase or decrease the vehicle speed to maintain a safe distance from the preceding vehicle, and at this time the vehicle is generally in a relatively safe driving mode. At this time, switching the brake pedal to the rest pedal function can more accurately meet the needs of the driver at this time and reduce the situation that the rest pedal function cannot be started quickly due to an emergency in complex traffic conditions.

[0042] The brake pedal system provided by the application further comprises a brake caliper 14 and a first control valve 41 and a second control valve 42 connecting the brake master cylinder 11 and the brake caliper 14. The controller 30 is connected with the first control valve 41 and the second control valve 42. When the first pedal simulator 12 and the second pedal simulator 13 are working normally, the first control valve 41 is kept open, the second control valve 42 is closed, and the brake pedal 10 drives the brake master cylinder 11 through the first pedal simulator 12 or the second pedal simulator 13 to control the brake caliper 14 to realize the brake function of the brake pedal system.

[0043] When the first pedal simulator 12 and / or the second pedal simulator 13 fail, the controller 30 controls the first control valve 41 to be closed and controls the second control valve 42 to be opened, so that the brake pedal 10 can control the brake caliper 14 directly through the brake master cylinder 11 to realize the brake function of the vehicle, preventing the vehicle from being unable to brake due to the failure of the pedal simulator.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 2 The flow of the brake pedal rest pedal function switching of the application is shown in the following table:

[0045] S10: When the vehicle starts, the brake pedal system starts to work;

[0046] S20: Detect whether the vehicle starts the cruise mode; the user can start the cruise mode through operation of a key, voice, etc. Control mode, and the state of the operation part such as the key can be detected to determine whether the vehicle enters the cruise mode.

[0047] S31: When the vehicle does not activate the cruise mode, the first pedal simulator 12 is in communication with the brake pedal 10 and the brake master cylinder 11, and the first pedal simulator 12 starts to work;

[0048] S41: The first pedal simulator works according to the first relationship between the pedal force and the pedal stroke of the first pedal simulator; the first relationship between the pedal force and the pedal stroke can be a first pedal force-pedal stroke curve;

[0049] S32: When the vehicle activates the cruise mode, the controller 30 controls the second switching valve 22 to open and the first switching valve 21 to close, at which time the brake pedal has a resting pedal function; the second pedal simulator 13 communicates with the brake pedal 10 and the brake master cylinder 11, and the second pedal simulator 13 starts to work;

[0050] S42: The second pedal simulator 13 works according to a second relationship between the pedal force and the pedal stroke of the second pedal simulator 13, and the second relationship between the pedal force and the pedal stroke can be a second pedal force-pedal stroke curve.

[0051] The second pedal force-pedal stroke curve is calibrated to have a greater free stroke than the first pedal force-pedal stroke curve, so that the distance of the free stroke can reduce the pedal height to a place with high comfort, and the pedal is endowed with the resting pedal function.

[0052] The process of opening the pedal direct braking function of the brake pedal system of the present application is as follows:

[0053] When the vehicle starts, the brake pedal system starts to work. When it is detected that the first pedal simulator 12 and / or the second pedal simulator 13 fails, the controller 30 controls the first control valve 41 to close and the second control valve 42 to open, so that the brake pedal system is switched to the brake pedal 10 directly controlling the brake master cylinder 11 to drive the brake caliper 14, realizing the brake function of the vehicle. When the first pedal simulator 12 and the second pedal simulator 13 are both working normally, the controller 30 keeps the first pedal simulator 12 communicating with the brake master cylinder 11 or the second pedal simulator 13 communicating with the brake master cylinder 11.

[0054] In some embodiments, back to Figure 1 The brake pedal system provided by the present application further comprises a brake fluid reservoir 50. The brake fluid reservoir 50 is connected to the switching valve assembly 20, and when the switching valve assembly 20 communicates with the first pedal simulator 12 or the second pedal simulator 13, it provides brake fluid for the brake pedal system, realizing the hydraulic braking function of the brake pedal system. The first control valve 41 and the second control valve 42 of the brake pedal system provided by the present application are also connected to the brake fluid reservoir 50. The brake pedal system provided by the present application realizes brake braking in a hydraulic manner, which has higher transmission efficiency and lower maintenance cost compared with the traditional mechanical connection structure.

[0055] In some embodiments, the controller 30 obtains road condition information and vehicle speed information during vehicle driving. The road condition information includes at least one of the distance between the front and rear vehicles, the number information of the front and rear vehicles, the surrounding weather information, and the surrounding traffic information during vehicle driving. The vehicle speed information includes high speed state, low speed state, normal speed state, and safe driving state.

[0056] If it is determined according to the road condition information and the vehicle speed information that there is a potential safety risk in the vehicle driving process, a prompt information is generated. The controller 30 obtains feedback information of the driver to the prompt information, and controls the switching valve assembly 20 to communicate the first pedal simulator 12 or the second pedal simulator 13 in response to the feedback information.

[0057] The high-speed state is specifically that the vehicle speed is greater than 80 km / h. The normal-speed state is specifically that the vehicle speed is between 20 km / h and 40 km / h. The low-speed state is specifically that the vehicle speed is less than 20 km / h. The remaining speed intervals are safe driving states, and the prompt function does not work in the safe driving states.

[0058] When the vehicle speed is greater than 80 km / h, the controller 30 collects surrounding weather information and front road information, identifies the collected information, and sends a prompt information to the driver. The identified surrounding weather information includes various extreme weather such as heavy rain, heavy fog, and ice and snow. The identified front road traffic information includes traffic jams, rear-end collisions, and traffic accidents.

[0059] When the vehicle speed is between 20 km / h and 40 km / h, the controller 30 collects front and rear vehicle information. The controller 30 identifies the collected information and sends a prompt information to the driver. The identified front and rear vehicle information includes that the distance between the front and rear vehicles is less than 50 m or the number of the front and rear vehicles is greater than 2.

[0060] When the vehicle speed is less than 20 km / h, the controller 30 collects front and rear vehicle information and surrounding pedestrian information. The controller 30 identifies the collected information and sends a prompt information to the driver. The identified front and rear vehicle information includes that the distance between the front and rear vehicles is less than 10 m, the number of the front and rear vehicles is greater than 2, or the number of surrounding pedestrians is greater than 2.

[0061] The prompt information includes voice prompt information and / or visual prompt information. The voice prompt information can be sent through a speaker installed in the vehicle. The visual prompt information can be sent through a display device such as a center control screen or an instrument panel installed in the vehicle. The specific content of the prompt information can refer to “Potential safety risk found. Do you want to switch back to manual operation mode?” The prompt information is delivered to the driver in multiple ways, which can ensure that the driver can completely receive the prompt from the vehicle.

[0062] The controller 30 obtains feedback information of the driver to the prompt information, and controls the first switching valve 21 to communicate the first pedal simulator 12 and the brake master cylinder 11, or controls the second switching valve 22 to communicate the second pedal simulator 13 and the brake master cylinder 11, to realize the brake / foot-off function switching of the brake pedal.

[0063] The feedback information includes positive feedback information and negative feedback information of the driver. The controller 30 controls the first switching valve 21 to connect the first pedal simulator 12 and the brake master cylinder 11 according to the positive feedback information of the driver. The controller 30 controls the second switching valve 22 to connect the second pedal simulator 13 and the brake master cylinder 11 according to the negative feedback information of the driver.

[0064] The feedback information can include voice feedback information and gesture feedback information made by the driver. The voice feedback information includes answers of "yes" or "no", and can be received through a microphone loaded on the vehicle. The gesture feedback information includes preset specific gestures corresponding to "yes" or "no", and can be received through a camera recognition device. The driver can also directly operate the brake function of the switching brake pedal on the center console.

[0065] The reminding function of the application can determine whether there is a safety hazard when the vehicle is running according to the road conditions and the vehicle speed when the driver starts the second running mode and activates the rest pedal function of the brake pedal 10, and generate a prompt information to the driver, reduce the driver's lack of concentration due to fatigue driving and other reasons in the process of long-distance driving, ignore the surrounding traffic safety after starting the second running mode of the vehicle and activating the rest pedal function, and cause the situation that the danger cannot be handled in time.

[0066] Meanwhile, the brake pedal system of the application can switch the function of the brake pedal according to the instructions of the driver after receiving the feedback information of the driver, without the need for manual operation of the driver, and improves the intelligence of the brake pedal system.

[0067] Please refer to Figure 3 The specific implementation process of the function is as follows:

[0068] S100: When the vehicle starts the rest pedal function of the brake pedal, the controller 30 acquires road condition information and vehicle speed information;

[0069] S200: If the controller determines that there is a safety hazard according to the acquired information, a prompt information is generated;

[0070] S300: The controller 30 acquires the feedback information of the driver;

[0071] S400: According to the feedback information of the driver, the first switching valve 21 is controlled to connect the first pedal simulator 12 and the brake master cylinder 11, or the second switching valve 22 is controlled to connect the second pedal simulator 13 and the brake master cylinder 11, to realize the switching of the pedal function.

[0072] The application also provides a vehicle comprising the above brake pedal system.

[0073] The brake pedal system and vehicle provided by the application add the function of the rest pedal to the original brake function of the brake pedal 10 by setting the second pedal simulator 13 with a larger free stroke in the relationship between the pedal force and the pedal stroke compared with the first pedal simulator 12 in the brake pedal system, so as to provide the space for the right foot to rest for the driver with long-distance driving demand when driving, and create a more comfortable driving experience. Moreover, the brake pedal system can switch the brake or rest function of the brake pedal 10 according to the driving mode through the controller 30, so as to be more convenient and intelligent, and meet the growing demand for the intelligentization of the automobile.

[0074] It should be understood that the present specification is not limited to the precise construction which has been described above and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope thereof. The only scope of the present specification is limited by the appended claims.

[0075] The above only describes the preferred embodiments of the present specification, and does not limit the present specification. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present specification shall be included in the protection scope of the present specification.

Claims

1. A brake pedal system characterized by, The brake pedal system comprises: a brake pedal; a brake master cylinder connected with the brake pedal; a first pedal simulator; a second pedal simulator; a switching valve assembly connected with the first pedal simulator, the second pedal simulator and the brake master cylinder; and a controller connected with the switching valve assembly; in a first driving mode, the controller is configured to control the switching valve assembly to connect the first pedal simulator with the brake master cylinder, and the first pedal simulator is configured to operate according to a first relationship between pedal force and pedal stroke; in a second driving mode, the controller is configured to control the switching valve assembly to connect the second pedal simulator with the brake master cylinder, and the second pedal simulator is configured to operate according to a second relationship between pedal force and pedal stroke, wherein a free stroke in the second relationship between pedal force and pedal stroke is greater than a free stroke in the first relationship between pedal force and pedal stroke; the second driving mode is a cruise mode, and the first driving mode is a non-cruise mode. The switching valve assembly comprises a first switching valve and a second switching valve; the first switching valve is connected with the first pedal simulator and the brake master cylinder; the second switching valve is connected with the second pedal simulator and the brake master cylinder; the controller is connected with the first switching valve and the second switching valve, and is configured to control the first switching valve to connect the first pedal simulator with the brake master cylinder in the first driving mode, and control the second switching valve to connect the second pedal simulator with the brake master cylinder in the second driving mode.

2. The brake pedal system of claim 1, wherein The brake pedal system further comprises a brake caliper, and a first control valve and a second control valve connected with the brake master cylinder and the brake caliper; the controller is connected with the first control valve and the second control valve, and is configured to control the first control valve to be closed and the second control valve to be opened when the first pedal simulator and / or the second pedal simulator fails.

3. The brake pedal system of claim 1, wherein The brake pedal system further comprises a brake fluid reservoir connected with the switching valve assembly, and configured to provide brake fluid for the brake pedal system when the switching valve assembly connects the first pedal simulator or the second pedal simulator.

4. The brake pedal system of claim 1, wherein, The switching valve assembly is an electromagnetic valve.

5. The brake pedal system of claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to acquire road condition information and vehicle speed information during vehicle driving, generate a prompt information if it is determined according to the road condition information and the vehicle speed information that there is a safety hazard during vehicle driving, and acquire feedback information of the prompt information from a driver, and control the switching valve assembly to connect the first pedal simulator or the second pedal simulator in response to the feedback information.

6. The brake pedal system of claim 1, wherein, The road condition information comprises at least one of distance information of front and rear vehicles, quantity information of front and rear vehicles, weather information and traffic information.

7. The brake pedal system of claim 6, wherein, The prompt information comprises voice prompt information and / or visual prompt information.

8. The brake pedal system of claim 6, wherein, The brake pedal system comprises any one of the brake pedal systems according to claims 1-8.

9. A vehicle characterized by comprising: ​

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