Brake pedal simulator, brake pedal feel selection module and vehicle brake system

Abstract

This application relates to a brake pedal simulator (100), comprising: a simulator cylinder (110); a simulator piston (120) within the simulator cylinder (110), defining a simulator chamber (115) between the simulator piston (120) and a first end (110a) of the simulator cylinder (110); an elastically deformable component (44) and an adjusting component (46), the elastically deformable component (44) being disposed between the simulator piston (120) and the adjusting component (46) and being placed in a pre-deformed state by both, the adjusting component (46) being movable to change the elastic deformation amount of the elastically deformable component (44) to present multiple pre-deformed states, and being able to maintain it in each of the multiple pre-deformed states. This application also relates to a brake pedal feel selection module (40) including the brake pedal simulator (100) and a vehicle braking system including the module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to a brake pedal simulator capable of providing multiple basic pedal reaction forces, a brake pedal feel selection module capable of providing multiple different brake pedal sensations, and a vehicle braking system including the brake pedal feel selection module. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, many vehicle braking systems use electro-hydraulic braking mode. Compared with traditional hydraulic braking systems, electro-hydraulic braking mode has faster braking response, higher control precision, more consistent pedal characteristics, and is easier to integrate with the vehicle's braking control system, thus having good development prospects.

[0003] In an electro-hydraulic braking system, there is no direct hydraulic or mechanical connection between the brake pedal and the vehicle's wheel cylinders. When the wheels brake, the braking force on the wheels cannot be fed back to the brake pedal and perceived by the driver. The electro-hydraulic braking system uses a brake pedal simulator to simulate the characteristics of the brake pedal, more accurately and reliably reflecting the driver's braking intentions and allowing the driver to perceive the braking sensation.

[0004] Brake pedal feel is the feedback a driver experiences after pressing the brake pedal, typically related to the pedal force and travel when the driver presses the pedal, as well as the vehicle's deceleration. For one-box braking systems, which integrate an active pressure-building unit (including the brake pedal and master cylinder) and a wheel cylinder braking unit (including the brake pump and wheel cylinders), the relationship between pedal force and travel is pre-designed by the original manufacturer using brake pedal simulator hardware, which is not adjustable for the end user (the vehicle's owner or driver).

[0005] The lack of adjustability for end users in brake pedal simulator hardware makes it impossible to meet the diverse needs, preferences, or habits of different drivers regarding brake pedal feel when braking (e.g., in the same vehicle). Furthermore, brake pedal simulators differ between brands and even different models of the same brand, resulting in varying brake pedal feel for the same driver, further hindering their adaptability to different driver preferences. Modifying the brake pedal simulator to accommodate different driver preferences would require redesigning the simulator, consuming considerable time, manpower (designers), and resources (manufacturing production lines and molds for the simulator's components), making it impractical in practice. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the above issues, this application aims to provide a vehicle braking system that is user-friendly and allows end-users to adjust or select the brake pedal feel to suit their preferences.

[0007] Therefore, according to a first aspect of this application, a novel brake pedal simulator is provided, wherein an elastically deformable component can be placed and maintained in a variety of different pre-deformation states by an adjustable component, thereby providing a variety of different preload forces.

[0008] The brake pedal simulator for a vehicle braking system in this application includes:

[0009] A cylindrical simulator cylinder body, having a first end;

[0010] A simulator piston is disposed within the simulator cylinder, and a simulator chamber is defined between the simulator piston and a first end of the simulator cylinder. The first end has a brake fluid port configured to allow the simulator chamber to be in fluid communication with the master cylinder chamber of the vehicle braking system.

[0011] An elastically deformable component and an adjusting component are provided, wherein the elastically deformable component is disposed between the simulator piston and the adjusting component and is placed in a pre-deformed state by the simulator piston and the adjusting component, and the adjusting component is movable to change the elastic deformation amount of the elastically deformable component to present multiple pre-deformed states, and is capable of holding the elastically deformable component in each of the multiple pre-deformed states.

[0012] In one embodiment, the adjusting component is an adjusting piston disposed within the simulator cylinder.

[0013] In one embodiment, the simulator cylinder has a second end opposite to the first end, and a closed regulating chamber is defined between the regulating piston and the second end, wherein regulating fluid enters and exits the regulating chamber, causing the regulating component to shift.

[0014] In one embodiment, the elastically deformable component includes one or more elastic elements, which are provided as elastic blocks or springs.

[0015] In one embodiment, the elastically deformable component includes a first elastic element, the opposite ends of which abut against the simulator piston and the adjusting component, respectively.

[0016] In one embodiment, the elastically deformable component further includes a second elastic element having a first end that abuts against the simulator piston and an opposite second end that is fixed relative to the simulator cylinder.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first elastic element and the second elastic element are arranged in parallel and disposed inside the second elastic element.

[0018] In one embodiment, fixing relative to the simulator cylinder includes abutting or attaching to a stop portion, which is either separately provided and fixed to the simulator cylinder or is an integral part extending inward from the simulator cylinder.

[0019] In one embodiment, the elastically deformable component further includes a second elastic element arranged in series with the first elastic element, the second elastic element having a first end abutting the simulator piston and a second end abutting the first elastic element.

[0020] In one embodiment, the plurality of pre-deformation states are a plurality of consecutive pre-deformation states located between a first critical pre-deformation state and a second critical pre-deformation state, or the plurality of pre-deformation states are a plurality of pre-deformation states set in a discrete manner.

[0021] According to a second aspect of this application, a brake pedal feel selection module is provided, which is configured to allow the end user of the vehicle to select a preferred brake pedal feel option from a variety of preset brake pedal feel options before the vehicle is started.

[0022] The brake pedal feel selection module for a vehicle braking system in this application includes:

[0023] The controller is configured to provide multiple brake pedal feel options corresponding to various braking sensations and includes a human-machine interface through which a user can select a desired brake pedal feel option from the multiple brake pedal feel options.

[0024] The aforementioned brake pedal simulator; and

[0025] A drive component for shifting the adjustment component of the brake pedal simulator.

[0026] The controller is configured as follows:

[0027] Based on the user-selected desired brake pedal feel option, the drive component is activated to actuate the adjustment component, which shifts the adjustment component to change the amount of elastic deformation of the elastically deformable component.

[0028] When the elastically deformable component is placed in a pre-deformed state corresponding to the desired brake pedal feel option, the drive component is deactivated to hold the elastically deformable component in the pre-deformed state.

[0029] In one embodiment, the drive component actuates the regulating component by at least one of hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical means.

[0030] In one embodiment, the regulating component is a regulating piston disposed within the simulator cylinder, the second end of the simulator cylinder opposite to the first end and the regulating piston defining a closed regulating chamber, and the driving component is a driving pump and an inlet control valve in fluid communication with the regulating fluid inlet of the regulating chamber, and an outlet control valve in fluid communication with the regulating fluid outlet of the regulating chamber.

[0031] In one embodiment, the drive pump is an electro-hydraulic pump or a pneumatic pump.

[0032] In one embodiment, the human-computer interaction interface is in the form of one or more buttons or toggle switches actuated by pressing or flicking, one or more knobs actuated by rotating, or a dialog box that allows users to input information.

[0033] A third aspect of this application provides a vehicle braking system including such a brake pedal feel selection module.

[0034] The vehicle braking system of this application includes: a brake pedal; the brake master cylinder, which includes a master cylinder piston actuated by the brake pedal and the master cylinder chamber in fluid communication with a brake fluid reservoir; and the aforementioned brake pedal feel selection module, wherein the simulation chamber of the brake pedal simulator is in fluid communication with the brake master cylinder via a brake fluid port.

[0035] In one embodiment, the vehicle braking system further includes a wheel cylinder braking unit comprising: a brake pump, a brake fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the brake pump, and four brake wheel cylinders in fluid communication with the brake pump, wherein the drive component of the brake pedal feel selection module includes the brake pump, and the regulating fluid is the brake fluid; or, the drive component is independent of the drive pump provided by the brake pump, and the regulating fluid is the brake fluid or a fluid different from the brake fluid.

[0036] In one embodiment, the vehicle braking system further includes a brake control unit, which is communicatively connected to a master cylinder stroke sensor for measuring the pedal travel of the brake pedal and to the brake pump, and is configured to activate the brake pump based on the pedal travel measured by the master cylinder stroke sensor so that the brake pump supplies brake fluid to the brake wheel cylinders, wherein the controller of the brake pedal feel selection module is integrated into the brake control unit or provided independently of the brake control unit.

[0037] In one embodiment, the active pressure-building unit, which includes a brake pedal, a brake master cylinder, and the brake pedal simulator, is disposed within a single brake module along with the wheel cylinder braking unit.

[0038] This application also relates to a method for braking a vehicle using the aforementioned vehicle braking system, the method comprising the step of a user selecting a brake pedal feel option before vehicle startup, the step comprising: a selection sub-step, wherein the user selects one of a plurality of brake pedal feel options provided by the brake pedal feel selection module via a human-machine interface of a controller of the brake pedal feel selection module; an adjustment sub-step, wherein the controller activates a drive component of the brake pedal feel selection module based on the user-selected brake pedal feel option, the drive component driving an adjustment component of the pedal simulator to displace the elastically deformable component to a pre-deformed state corresponding to the selected brake pedal feel option; and a holding sub-step, wherein the controller deactivates the drive component, thereby the adjustment component holding the elastically deformable component in the pre-deformed state corresponding to the selected brake pedal feel option.

[0039] In one embodiment, the selection sub-step is achieved by the user pressing a button, toggling a toggle switch, rotating a knob, or entering one of the brake pedal feel options in a dialog box.

[0040] The brake pedal feel selection module of this application includes the aforementioned brake pedal simulator. The brake pedal feel selection module allows the driver to select a desired brake pedal feel option suitable for their preferences via the human-machine interface of the controller. Based on the driver's input, the controller activates the module's drive unit to displace a movable adjustment component of the brake pedal simulator, thereby placing and maintaining an elastically deformable component in one of a variety of preset pre-deformation states, corresponding to the selected desired brake pedal feel option. The elastically deformable component then provides a corresponding preload. When the vehicle is then started and braking is performed, the driver experiences the desired brake pedal feel suitable for their preferences.

[0041] The vehicle braking system, including the aforementioned brake pedal feel selection module, allows drivers to choose a brake pedal feel option that suits their preferences, providing a user-friendly experience. This module can preset various possible brake pedal feel options, making it suitable for different brands and models of vehicles, thus achieving excellent versatility. Attached Figure Description

[0042] A more comprehensive understanding of the principles and aspects of this application will be gained from the detailed description below, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the scale of the drawings may vary for clarity, but this will not affect the understanding of this application. In the drawings:

[0043] Figure 1This is a schematic block diagram of the vehicle braking system of this application;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a brake pedal simulator constructed according to the first embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 3 It includes Figure 2 A diagram of the hydraulic circuit structure of the vehicle braking system in a brake pedal simulator;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a structural diagram of a brake pedal simulator constructed according to the second embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The variant of the brake pedal simulator shown;

[0048] Figure 6 yes Figure 2 Another variant of the brake pedal simulator shown;

[0049] Figure 7 yes Figure 4 The variant of the brake pedal simulator shown; and

[0050] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a method for braking a vehicle using the vehicle braking system according to this application. Detailed Implementation

[0051] As stated above, this application aims to improve existing vehicle braking systems, specifically electro-hydraulic braking systems, by providing them with multiple brake pedal feel options. Before the vehicle starts and the braking system performs the braking function (the brake pedal is depressed), the driver can select a brake pedal feel option that suits their preferences from a variety of preset options to achieve greater pedal feel comfort, thus making it more user-friendly. The principles of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of the vehicle braking system of this application; Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a brake pedal simulator constructed according to the first embodiment of this application; Figure 3 It includes Figure 2 The hydraulic circuit structure diagram of the vehicle braking system in the brake pedal simulator.

[0053] First refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3The vehicle braking system 1 includes an active pressure build-up unit 10, a wheel cylinder braking unit 20, and a brake control unit 30. The active pressure build-up unit 10 includes a brake pedal 12, a master cylinder 14 associated with the brake pedal 12, and a brake pedal feel selection module 40 associated with the master cylinder 14. The active pressure build-up unit 10 also includes a master cylinder stroke sensor 122 for detecting the master cylinder stroke of the master cylinder 14 to obtain the pedal stroke of the brake pedal 12. Figure 3 ).

[0054] The wheel cylinder braking unit 20 includes a brake pump 22, a brake fluid reservoir 24 in fluid communication with the brake pump 22 and the master cylinder 14, and four wheel cylinders 26 in fluid communication with the brake pump 22. During vehicle braking operation, the brake pump 22 supplies brake fluid to the wheel cylinders 26.

[0055] The brake control unit 30 is communicatively connected to the master cylinder stroke sensor 122 of the active pressure build-up unit 10 and to the brake pump 22 of the wheel cylinder braking unit 20. When the brake pedal 12 is depressed by the driver, the master cylinder stroke sensor 122 feeds back the pedal stroke to the brake control unit 30. Based on the received pedal stroke command, the brake control unit 30 pumps the brake pump 22 to the brake wheel cylinders 26 with the amount of brake fluid required for the pedal stroke, thus achieving vehicle braking. Figure 1 As mentioned above, the vehicle braking system 1 is an electro-hydraulic braking system in which the active pressure building unit 10 and the wheel cylinder braking unit 20 are not directly hydraulically or mechanically connected.

[0056] The active pressure build-up unit 10 of the vehicle braking system 1 also includes a brake pedal feel selection module 40 containing a brake pedal simulator 100. Figure 1 The brake pedal simulator 100 is configured to provide feedback to the driver on the desired pedal force under the current braking intensity, giving the driver a braking feel. The entire brake pedal feel selection module 40 is configured to provide multiple brake pedal feel options and allows the driver to select their desired brake pedal feel option from the multiple options before the vehicle is started and the aforementioned vehicle braking operation is performed, in order to obtain a brake pedal feel that suits their preferences.

[0057] As shown in the figure, the brake pedal feel selection module 40 generally includes a brake pedal feel selection controller (hereinafter referred to as "controller") 42, an elastically deformable component 44 and a movable adjustment component 46 provided by the brake pedal simulator 100, and a drive component 48.

[0058] The controller 42 of the brake pedal feel selection module 40 has a human-machine interface configured to receive input from a user or driver. The driver can select a desired brake pedal feel option from a plurality of brake pedal feel options (corresponding to different brake pedal feels) provided or pre-set by the brake pedal feel selection module 40 via this human-machine interface.

[0059] The controller 42 may be a separate control unit or integrated with the brake control unit 30. The human-machine interface of the controller 42 may take any form known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the human-machine interface is a plurality of selective buttons, toggle switches, knobs, or switches corresponding to the plurality of brake pedal feel options, which the driver can selectively choose by pressing, toggling, or rotating. In some embodiments, the human-machine interface may be in the form of a dialog box, in which the driver can input information corresponding to the desired brake pedal feel option based on prompts.

[0060] The brake pedal feel selection module 40's brake pedal simulator 100 includes a resiliently deformable component 44, which is typically linearly resiliently deformable. Figure 2 The exemplary structure of the brake pedal simulator 100 shown includes a first elastic element 152 and a second elastic element 154 (which will be described in further detail below) and a movable adjustment component 46 (in... Figure 2 In the exemplary configuration of the brake pedal simulator 100 shown, an adjusting piston 130 (which will be described in further detail below) is provided, wherein the adjusting member 46 engages one end of the elastically deformable member 44 or other suitable position and changes the amount of elastic deformation of the latter upon displacement.

[0061] The drive component 48 of the brake pedal feel selection module 40 is communicatively connected to and controlled by the controller 42, and is configured to drive the aforementioned adjustment component 46 to move or shift.

[0062] For the brake pedal feel selection module 40, the user or driver first selects the desired brake pedal feel option via the human-machine interface of the controller 42. Then, based on the brake pedal feel option selected by the driver, the controller 42 activates the drive component 48. The drive component 48, i.e., the adjusting component 46 of the brake pedal simulator 100, causes it to shift, changing the elastic deformation amount of the elastically deformable component 44, until the elastically deformable component 44 reaches the expected pre-deformation state (elastic deformation amount) corresponding to the selected brake pedal feel option. At this time, the elastically deformable component 44 has a preload associated with the selected brake pedal feel option. Finally, the controller 42 controls the drive component 48 to stop the shift of the adjusting component 46, and the elastically deformable component 44 is held at this preload. At this time, when the vehicle is started and the vehicle braking operation is performed, the driver can obtain the desired brake pedal feel.

[0063] During this process, the displacement of the adjusting component 46 changes the amount of elastic deformation of the elastically deformable component 44, thereby altering its elastic deformation state (referred to herein as the "pre-deformation state" since no vehicle braking operation is performed and the brake pedal 12 is not depressed) and preload. Under the control of the driving component 48, the adjusting component 46 is moved to such that the pre-deformation state or preload of the elastically deformable component 44 corresponds to the user-selected desired brake pedal feel option.

[0064] During the displacement of the adjusting component 46, the elastically deformable component 44 can be presented and maintained in multiple (e.g., two, three, four, five, etc.) different pre-deformation states, elastic deformation amounts, or preloads, corresponding to multiple different brake pedal feel characteristics, providing the driver with different brake pedal feel during vehicle braking. These preloads provided by the elastically deformable component 44 can be multiple discrete preload values. Correspondingly, the adjusting component 46 (e.g., adjusting piston 130) has corresponding positions corresponding to the multiple preload values. Similarly, the human-machine interface of the controller 42 can have multiple "gears" or options or multiple different buttons or knobs for the user to select. In other embodiments, the multiple preloads can be in the form of multiple consecutive preload values ​​within a range of minimum and maximum preload values; correspondingly, the human-machine interface of the controller 42 can be configured as a continuously variable adjustment knob for the user to rotate.

[0065] For each pre-deformation state or pre-tension force of the elastically deformable component 44, the brake pedal feel experienced by the driver when the brake pedal 12 is depressed is different. The greater the pre-tension force, the greater the pedal force under the same pedal travel, and the "harder" brake pedal feel experienced by the driver; conversely, the smaller the pre-tension force, the "softer" brake pedal feel experienced by the driver.

[0066] Those skilled in the art will understand that the drive component 48 can drive the adjustment component 46 in any suitable manner, including but not limited to hydraulic (as shown in the illustrated embodiment), pneumatic, mechanical, or combinations thereof.

[0067] In the hydraulic or pneumatic drive mode, the drive component 48 can be provided as any form of pump and valve structure. For example, the drive component 48 can be a drive pump and valve structure shared with other units of the vehicle braking system (e.g., wheel cylinder brake unit 20), or with other vehicle functional systems or subsystems other than the vehicle braking system. In this case, if the active pressure building unit 10 and the wheel cylinder brake unit 20 are configured as a single braking module, the drive pump and valve structure providing the function of the drive component 48 can be located or integrated within that braking module. As another example, the drive component 48 may include a drive pump and valve structure dedicated to the brake pedal feel selection module 40. In this case, the drive pump and valve structure providing the function of the drive component 48 can be located inside or outside the braking module.

[0068] For example, in combination below Figure 2 and 3 In the described embodiments, the drive component 48 of the brake pedal feel selection module 40 includes an electro-hydraulic pump shared with the brake pump 22 of the wheel cylinder braking unit 20, thereby hydraulically actuating the exemplary structural adjustment piston 130 of the adjustment component 46 by means of the same regulating fluid supplied to the brake wheel cylinder 26. As described above, the drive component 48 of this application is not limited thereto. For example, it is conceivable to provide a separate electric regulating pump for the exemplary structural adjustment piston 130 of the adjustment component 46, which may be in fluid communication with the brake fluid reservoir 24 to still use brake fluid as the regulating fluid. In other embodiments, it is also conceivable that this regulating fluid may be a fluid other than brake fluid. As another example, it is also conceivable to provide a separate pneumatic regulating pump for the exemplary structural adjustment piston 130 of the adjustment component 46, so that the regulating fluid may be gas. In embodiments where a separate regulating pump independent of the brake pump 22 is provided for the adjustment piston 130, the regulating pump may be provided or integrated in the same brake module as other components of the vehicle braking system, or alternatively, the regulating pump may be located outside the brake module.

[0069] The following is for reference. Figure 2 The structure of the brake pedal simulator 100 of the brake pedal feel selection module 40 is described in detail in the first embodiment.

[0070] The brake pedal simulator 100 includes a simulator cylinder 110 defining opposite first ends 110a and second ends 110b. A simulator piston 120 is disposed within the simulator cylinder 110, defining a simulator chamber 115 with the first end 110a of the simulator cylinder 110. A brake fluid port 112 is formed on the simulator cylinder 110 and in fluid communication with the simulator chamber 115. The brake fluid port 112 may, for example, be formed on the end wall of the first end 110a of the simulator cylinder 110 to be in fluid communication with the simulator chamber 115. The brake fluid port 112 is configured to allow the simulator chamber 115 of the brake pedal simulator 100 to be in fluid communication with the master cylinder chamber 144 of the master cylinder 14 of the active pressurization unit 10, so as to receive pressurized brake fluid from the master cylinder 14 when the brake pedal 12 is depressed and to return the brake fluid to the master cylinder 14 when the brake pedal 12 is released.

[0071] An adjusting piston 130 is also provided inside the simulator cylinder 110, defining a closed adjusting chamber 125 between the adjusting piston 130 and the second end 110b of the simulator cylinder 110. An adjusting fluid inlet 132 and an adjusting fluid outlet 134 are formed at the second end 110b of the simulator cylinder 110 and are in fluid communication with the adjusting chamber 125. The adjusting piston 130 serves as an adjusting component 46 of the brake pedal feel selection module 40.

[0072] The aforementioned elastically deformable component 44 is disposed between the adjusting piston 130 and the simulator piston 120. The elastically deformable component 44 may include only one elastic element or a combination of multiple elastic elements. The term "elastic element" may include, but is not limited to, various springs, elastic blocks (e.g., rubber blocks), and any other elastic element known in the art. In this embodiment, the elastically deformable component 44 includes both a first elastic element 152 and a second elastic element 154.

[0073] The first end of the first elastic element 152 directly abuts against the simulator piston 120, for example, against its surface opposite to the simulator chamber 115, while the opposite second end abuts against the adjusting piston 130. Similarly, the first end of the second elastic element 154 directly abuts against the simulator piston 120, while the opposite second end is fixed relative to the simulator cylinder 110, for example, abutting against or attached to a fixed stop portion 141. The stop portion 141 may be an integral portion protruding inward from the simulator cylinder 110, or a separate stop member fixedly attached to the simulator cylinder 110. The stop portion 141 may be an annular inner protrusion extending along the entire simulator cylinder 110 in the circumferential direction, or one or more spaced-apart inner protrusions.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, the drive pump of the drive component 48 of the brake pedal feel selection module 40 is supplied by the brake pump 22 of the wheel cylinder braking unit 20. Therefore, the regulating fluid inlet 132 of the simulator cylinder 110 is in fluid communication with the brake pump 22. The regulating fluid outlet 134 is in fluid communication with the brake fluid reservoir 24. Those skilled in the art will understand that although the regulating fluid inlet 132 and the regulating fluid outlet 134 are shown separately in the illustrations, they may be the same opening.

[0075] For including Figure 2 Brake pedal simulator 100 Figure 3 For the vehicle braking system, before the vehicle is started and before the braking system is operated, the user or driver first inputs or selects the desired brake pedal feel option from a set of preset brake pedal feel options through the human-machine interface of the controller 42. Then, based on the driver's input or selection, the controller 42 either directly opens the inlet control valve 131 and actuates the brake pump 22 to replenish the regulating fluid in the regulating chamber 125 (when a "harder" brake pedal feel is desired), or first opens the outlet control valve 133 to drain the regulating fluid in the regulating chamber 125 and then opens the inlet control valve 131 and actuates the brake pump 22 to replenish the regulating fluid in the regulating chamber 125 (when a "softer" brake pedal feel is desired). During this process, as an exemplary structure of the adjusting component 46, the adjusting piston 130 moves away from or towards the second end 110b of the simulator cylinder 110 as the amount of adjusting fluid in the adjusting chamber 125 changes, thereby increasing or decreasing the pre-elastic deformation and preload of the elastically deformable component 44 (a combination of the first elastic element 152 and the second elastic element 154) (while the simulator piston 120 remains stationary). Ultimately, the amount of adjusting fluid in the adjusting chamber 125 is controlled by the brake pump 22 to obtain the preload of the elastically deformable component 44 corresponding to the selected desired brake pedal feel option. In this way, the elastically deformable component 44, including the first elastic element 152 and the second elastic element 154, is placed in a pre-deformed state corresponding to the desired brake pedal feel option. Only then can the vehicle be started and the vehicle braking function executed.

[0076] Different brake pedal feel options selected by the driver at the human-machine interface of controller 42 result in different amounts of regulating fluid in the regulating chamber 125 of the brake pedal simulator 100 controlled by brake pump 22. Consequently, the pre-deformable components 44, including the first elastic element 152 and the second elastic element 154, are elastically deformed to different pre-deformation states by the regulating piston 130, resulting in different preload forces. Therefore, the brake pedal feel experienced by the driver during subsequent vehicle braking operations also varies.

[0077] During subsequent vehicle braking, when the brake pedal 12 is depressed, the pressurized brake fluid in the master cylinder chamber 144 of the master cylinder 14 enters the simulation chamber 115 of the brake pedal simulator 100; when the brake pedal 12 is released, the brake fluid in the simulation chamber 115 of the brake pedal simulator 100 returns to the master cylinder 14. In this way, the brake pedal simulator 100 allows the driver to realistically experience the braking feel corresponding to the selected brake pedal feel option. The differences in these hydraulic components of the brake pedal simulator 100 before and after adjustment represent the difference between the actual pedal force generated when the driver depresses the brake pedal and the basic pedal reaction force.

[0078] In this embodiment, the regulating fluid outlet 134 of the regulating chamber 125 is fluidly connected to a regulating fluid source (brake fluid reservoir 24) that is normally at atmospheric pressure. However, this is not necessary; the regulating fluid outlet 134 can be fluidly connected to any atmospheric pressure container.

[0079] The above reference Figure 2 The first embodiment of the pedal simulator 100 describes in detail the principle of the vehicle braking system of this application. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the specific structure described above can be modified in any form without departing from the principle of this application.

[0080] For example, in Figure 2 In a vehicle braking system, the pedal simulator 100 is typically housed within the vehicle braking module for a compact design, but this is not always necessary. The adjusting component 46 (e.g., adjusting piston 130) of the pedal simulator 100 is located inside the simulator cylinder 110 to form an adjusting chamber 125 when driven by the driven component 48 in a hydraulic or pneumatic manner. However, when the adjusting component 46 is mechanically driven by the driven component 48, the second end 110b of the simulator cylinder 110 does not necessarily need to be closed, and a closed adjusting chamber 125 is not required. In this case, the adjusting component 46 does not necessarily need to be in the form of an adjusting piston 130 that engages with the inner surface of the simulator cylinder 110 on all sides; it only needs to be movable or rotatable and able to abut against and engage the elastically deformable component 44 to change its deformation. For example, the adjusting component 46 can be a mechanical member that is attached to the simulator cylinder 110 in any way and is capable of rotation and / or translation relative to the simulator cylinder 110.

[0081] Figure 4 A second embodiment of the pedal simulator 100 is shown. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the elastically deformable component 44 of the pedal simulator 100 includes only one elastic element, namely… Figure 2The first elastic element 152. By changing the pre-compression of the first elastic element 152 (the spring shown in the figure) in the same manner as described above, the preload of the first elastic element 152, which serves as the elastically deformable component 44, can be changed, achieving the same purpose as described above. This embodiment uses only one elastic element, requiring fewer components, and the elastically deformable component 44 generally provides lower stiffness; in contrast, including two (such as Figure 2 When multiple elastic elements are arranged in parallel, the elastically deformable component 44 generally provides greater stiffness.

[0082] Figure 5 The structure shown is Figure 2 This embodiment is a variant of the pedal simulator 100 of the first embodiment, and differs from the previous one. Figure 2 The first embodiment is only characterized in that the second elastic element 154 of the elastically deformable component 44 is configured as an elastic block, with one end of the second elastic element 154 abutting against the simulator piston 120 and the other end abutting against the stop portion 141. Similarly, one end of the first elastic element 152 of the elastically deformable component 44 abuts against the simulator piston 120 and the other end abuts against the adjusting piston 130. When the brake pedal 12 is in the default position where it is not depressed, the pre-deformation state or pre-deformation amount of the second elastic element 154, which is fixed at both ends, is fixed, and the provided preload force remains unchanged; by driving the adjusting piston 130 to cause it to move, the pre-deformation state or pre-deformation amount of the first elastic element 152 can be changed, and thus its preload force can be changed. Thus, the preload force provided by the elastically deformable component 44 of the brake pedal simulator 100, provided by the sum of the preload forces of the first elastic element 152 and the second elastic element 154, is variable and depends on the desired brake pedal feel option selected or input by the user.

[0083] Figure 6 for Figure 2 Another variant of . Figure 5 and Figure 2 The first elastic element 152 and the second elastic element 154 are arranged in parallel. Figure 6 The first elastic element 152 and the second elastic element 154 are arranged in series with each other. An annular protrusion 151 (or multiple annular segments) protruding inward from the simulator cylinder 110 provides auxiliary support or guidance for the second elastic element 154. If necessary, auxiliary support and guidance structures can also be provided for the first elastic element 152 in each of the figures. It is also conceivable that, in the case where the first elastic element 152 and the second elastic element 154 are arranged in parallel, the elastically deformable component 44 may also include one or more other, such as a third elastic element. Optionally, each elastic element may also consist of multiple sub-elastic elements arranged in series.

[0084] Figure 7 The structure shown is Figure 4 A variant of the second embodiment of the pedal simulator 100, which differs from... Figure 4 The second embodiment differs only in that the sole elastic element of the elastically deformable component 44 is configured as an elastic block, such as a rubber block, rather than a conventional helical spring. All other aspects are the same and will not be repeated here.

[0085] The principles of the vehicle braking system according to this application have been described in detail above. In particular, by incorporating a brake pedal feel selection module 40 including a brake pedal simulator 100 with an improved structure, the driver can select a desired brake pedal feel from a plurality of preset brake pedal feel options in this module, or input a desired brake pedal feel from the plurality of brake pedal feel options, to obtain a brake pedal feel that suits their preferences. On the one hand, this application improves the flexibility of vehicle end-users in selecting brake pedal feel, adapting to the different needs and preferences of drivers regarding brake pedal feel, thus improving user-friendliness. On the other hand, this module can be widely configured in vehicles of various brands and models, possessing good versatility and capable of meeting various brake pedal feel requirements.

[0086] Figure 8 A flowchart is shown of a method for braking a vehicle using the vehicle braking system according to this application.

[0087] In step 601, before the vehicle is started, the user or driver selects a brake pedal feel option from a plurality of brake pedal feel options provided or preset by the controller 42 of the brake pedal feel selection module 40 via the human-machine interface, either by selection or input. Depending on the form of the human-machine interface, such as a button, toggle, knob, dialog box, or voice recognition device, this step 601 can be achieved by the driver's actions such as pressing, toggling, rotating, or inputting.

[0088] In step 602, the controller 42 activates the drive component 48 (including the drive pump and the inlet control valve 131 or the outlet control valve 133) of the brake pedal feel selection module 40 based on the brake pedal feel option selected by the user. The drive component 48 drives the adjustment component 46 of the pedal simulator 100 to move. The displacement of the adjustment component 46 causes the preelastic deformation amount or preelastic deformation state or preload of the elastically deformable component 44 to change to the preelastic deformation amount or preelastic deformation state or preload corresponding to the selected brake pedal feel option.

[0089] In step 603, the controller 42 deactivates the adjustment component 46, thereby holding the elastically deformable component 44 at a pre-elastic deformation amount or pre-elastic deformation state or preload corresponding to the selected brake pedal feel option.

[0090] In step 604, a vehicle braking operation is performed. In this step, the depressed brake pedal 12 causes the brake piston 142 of the master cylinder 14 to compress the brake fluid in the master cylinder chamber 144. The pressurized brake fluid enters the simulation chamber 115 of the brake pedal simulator 100, and the simulator piston 120 is moved to further compress the elastically deformable component 44. Simultaneously, the master cylinder stroke of the master cylinder 14, measured by the master cylinder stroke sensor 122 of the active pressure building unit 10, obtains the pedal stroke of the brake pedal 12 and feeds it back to the brake control unit 30 of the vehicle braking system. The brake control unit 30 activates the brake pump 22 of the wheel cylinder braking unit 20, which pumps the amount of brake fluid corresponding to the pedal stroke to the brake wheel cylinder 26, completing the braking operation.

[0091] Although specific embodiments of this application are described in detail herein, they are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the various embodiments described herein can be used in combination with each other. Various substitutions, modifications, and alterations can be conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. A brake pedal simulator (100) for a vehicle braking system, comprising: A cylindrical simulator cylinder (110) having a first end (110a); A simulator piston (120) is disposed within the simulator cylinder (110), the simulator piston (120) defining a simulator chamber (115) between the simulator piston (120) and a first end (110a) of the simulator cylinder (110), the first end (110a) having a brake fluid port (112) configured to fluidly communicate the simulator chamber (115) with the master cylinder chamber (144) of the master cylinder (14) of the vehicle braking system; An elastically deformable component (44) and an adjusting component (46) are provided, wherein the elastically deformable component (44) is disposed between the simulator piston (120) and the adjusting component (46) and is placed in a pre-deformed state by the simulator piston (120) and the adjusting component (46), and the adjusting component (46) is movable to change the elastic deformation amount of the elastically deformable component (44) to present multiple pre-deformed states, and is capable of holding the elastically deformable component (44) in each of the multiple pre-deformed states. The elastically deformable component (44) includes a first elastic element (152), the opposite ends of which abut against the simulator piston (120) and the adjusting component (46), respectively. The elastically deformable component (44) further includes a second elastic element (154) having a first end that abuts against the simulator piston (120) and an opposite second end that is fixed relative to the simulator cylinder (110).

2. The brake pedal simulator (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The adjusting component (46) is an adjusting piston (130) disposed inside the simulator cylinder (110).

3. The brake pedal simulator (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The simulator cylinder (110) has a second end (110b) opposite to the first end (110a), and a closed regulating chamber (125) is defined between the regulating piston (130) and the second end (110b). The regulating fluid enters the regulating chamber (125) and exits from the regulating chamber (125), causing the regulating component (46) to shift.

4. The brake pedal simulator (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The first elastic element (152) and the second elastic element (154) are arranged in parallel and disposed inside the second elastic element (154).

5. The brake pedal simulator (100) according to claim 1, wherein, Fixing relative to the simulator cylinder (110) includes abutting or attaching to a stop (141), which is separately provided and fixed to the simulator cylinder (110) or is an integral part protruding inward from the simulator cylinder (110).

6. The brake pedal simulator (100) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The multiple pre-deformation states are either multiple consecutive pre-deformation states located between the first critical pre-deformation state and the second critical pre-deformation state, or multiple pre-deformation states set in a discrete manner.

7. A brake pedal feel selection module (40) for a vehicle braking system, comprising: The controller (42) is configured to provide multiple brake pedal feel options corresponding to a variety of braking sensations and includes a human-machine interface through which a user can select a desired brake pedal feel option from the multiple brake pedal feel options. Brake pedal simulator (100) according to any one of claims 1-6; and The drive component (48) is used to shift the adjustment component (46) of the brake pedal simulator (100). The controller (42) is configured as follows: Based on the user-selected desired brake pedal feel option, the drive component (48) is activated to actuate the adjustment component (46) to shift, the shift of the adjustment component (46) changing the amount of elastic deformation of the elastically deformable component (44), and When the elastically deformable member (44) is placed in a pre-deformed state corresponding to the desired brake pedal feel option, the drive member (48) is deactivated to hold the elastically deformable member (44) in the pre-deformed state.

8. The brake pedal feel selection module (40) according to claim 7, wherein, The drive component (48) actuates the adjustment component (46) by at least one of hydraulic, pneumatic and mechanical means.

9. The brake pedal feel selection module (40) according to claim 7, wherein, The adjusting component (46) is an adjusting piston (130) disposed within the simulator cylinder (110). The second end (110b) of the simulator cylinder (110) opposite to the first end (110a) and the adjusting piston (130) define a closed adjusting chamber (125). The drive component (48) is a drive pump and an inlet control valve (131) in fluid communication with the regulating fluid inlet (132) of the regulating chamber (125), and an outlet control valve (133) in fluid communication with the regulating fluid outlet (134) of the regulating chamber (125).

10. The brake pedal feel selection module (40) according to claim 9, wherein, The drive pump is an electric hydraulic pump or a pneumatic pump.

11. The brake pedal feel selection module (40) according to any one of claims 7-10, wherein, The human-computer interaction interface is in the form of one or more buttons or toggle switches actuated by pressing or flicking, one or more knobs actuated by rotating, or a dialog box that allows users to input information.

12. A vehicle braking system, comprising: Brake pedal (12); The brake master cylinder (14) includes a master cylinder piston (142) actuated by the brake pedal (12) and a master cylinder chamber (144) in fluid communication with a brake fluid reservoir (24); and According to any one of claims 8-11, the brake pedal feel selection module (40) wherein the simulation chamber (115) of the brake pedal simulator (100) is in fluid communication with the brake master cylinder (14) via the brake fluid port (112).

13. The vehicle braking system according to claim 12, further comprising: The wheel cylinder braking unit (20) includes: a brake pump (22), a brake fluid reservoir (24) in fluid communication with the brake pump (22), and four brake wheel cylinders (26) in fluid communication with the brake pump (22). The drive component (48) of the brake pedal feel selection module (40) includes the brake pump (22), and the regulating fluid is the brake fluid. Alternatively, the drive component (48) is independent of the drive pump provided by the brake pump (22), and the regulating fluid is the brake fluid or a fluid different from the brake fluid.

14. The vehicle braking system according to claim 13, further comprising: A brake control unit (30), which is communicatively connected to a master cylinder stroke sensor (122) for measuring the pedal stroke of the brake pedal (12) and to the brake pump (22), is configured to activate the brake pump (22) based on the pedal stroke measured by the master cylinder stroke sensor (122) so that the brake pump (22) supplies brake fluid to the brake wheel cylinders (26). The controller (42) of the brake pedal feel selection module (40) is either integrated into the brake control unit (30) or provided independently of the brake control unit (30).

15. The vehicle braking system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The active pressure building unit (10) including the brake pedal (12), the brake master cylinder (14) and the brake pedal simulator (100) is disposed in a single braking module along with the wheel cylinder braking unit (20).

16. A method of braking a vehicle using a vehicle braking system according to any one of claims 12-15, the method comprising the step of a user selecting a brake pedal feel option before starting the vehicle, the step comprising: Selecting a sub-step (601), wherein the user selects one of the multiple brake pedal feel options provided by the brake pedal feel selection module (40) via the human-machine interface of the controller (42) of the brake pedal feel selection module (40); Adjustment sub-step (602), wherein the controller (42) activates the drive component (48) of the brake pedal feel selection module (40) based on the user-selected brake pedal feel option, the drive component (48) drives the adjustment component (46) of the pedal simulator (100) to displace the elastically deformable component (44) to a pre-deformed state corresponding to the selected brake pedal feel option; and In the holding sub-step (603), the controller (42) deactivates the drive component (48), thereby the adjustment component (46) holds the elastically deformable component (44) in a pre-deformed state corresponding to the selected brake pedal feel option.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The selection sub-step (601) is achieved by the user pressing a button, tossing a toggle switch, rotating a knob, or entering one of the brake pedal feel options in a dialog box.

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