Braking force generator for a control device of a braking device, control device

Abstract

The invention relates to a brake force generator (4) for a control device (1) of a brake system, comprising an electric motor (5) which is designed to drive a drive shaft (6) which is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (7), a transmission (31) which is connected to the drive shaft (6), a control sensor, and a control unit (14) for controlling the electric motor (5). It is provided that the control unit (14) is arranged at least substantially axially between the electric motor (5) on the one hand and the transmission (31) on the other hand, and that a first plug connector (19) for electrically contacting the control unit (14) and a second plug connector (24) for electrically contacting the control sensor are arranged at the control unit (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a braking force generator for a control device of a braking apparatus, comprising: an electric motor configured to drive a drive shaft supported in a manner rotatable about a rotation axis; a transmission device effectively connected to the drive shaft; a control sensor; and a controller for controlling the electric motor.

[0002] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a control device with such a braking force generator. Background Technology

[0003] Hydraulic braking systems in motor vehicles typically have multiple friction braking devices. To operate these friction braking devices, an operating mechanism with a master brake cylinder is usually provided, in which at least one hydraulic piston is movably supported. The master brake cylinder is fluidly connected to the driven cylinder of the friction braking device in such a way that the friction braking device can be operated by the movement of the hydraulic piston.

[0004] Increasingly, control devices with brake force generators are being installed in motor vehicle structures. These brake force generators have an electric motor and are configured to move a hydraulic piston by means of the electric motor. Such brake force generators are known, for example, from publication DE 10 2013 016 912 A1. Here, the electric motor of the brake force generator is configured to drive a drive shaft supported in a manner rotatable about a rotational axis. The drive shaft is effectively connected to the transmission mechanism of the brake force generator. The transmission mechanism can therefore be driven by the electric motor via the drive shaft. Furthermore, the brake force generator also has a control sensor, i.e., a sensor configured to monitor the control of the brake force generator. The brake force generator also has a controller configured to drive the electric motor. The controller is typically configured to drive the electric motor based on sensor signals from the control sensor. In the case of the brake force generator disclosed in publication DE 10 2013 016 912 A1, the controller surrounds the electric motor radially about the rotational axis of the drive shaft. Publication DE 10 2013 006 795 A1 discloses an electric braking force generator in which the rotation axis of the drive shaft is oriented perpendicular to the movement axis of the hydraulic piston. Furthermore, publication DE 10 2014 220 358 A1 also discloses an electric braking force generator in which the sensor element of the actuating sensor is integrated into the controller. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a braking force generator for an operating device of a braking apparatus, comprising: an electric motor configured to drive a drive shaft supported in a manner rotatable about a rotational axis; a transmission mechanism effectively connected to the drive shaft; an operating sensor; and a controller for controlling the electric motor. The controller is characterized in that it is axially arranged at least substantially between the electric motor and the transmission mechanism on the other side, and a first plug connector for electrically contacting the controller and a second plug connector for electrically contacting the operating sensor are arranged at the controller. The braking force generator according to the invention has the advantage of simplifying the installation of the braking force generator in terms of the electrical or signal technology connection of the controller and the operating sensor. According to the invention, for this purpose, the controller is axially arranged at least substantially between the electric motor and the transmission mechanism on the other side, and a first plug connector for electrically contacting the controller and a second plug connector for electrically contacting the operating sensor are arranged at the controller. Where the terms "axial" and "radial" are used in the disclosure, these terms refer to the rotational axis of the drive shaft, unless other references to these terms are explicitly disclosed. According to the invention, the controller is axially arranged at least substantially between the electric motor and the transmission mechanism on the other side. This does not preclude the controller from having a section that is axially at the same height as the electric motor or at the same height as the transmission. With this arrangement according to the invention, the controller is positioned in a location that allows easy access for the installer and, on the other hand, enables a technically simple connection of the actuator sensor to the second plug connector. The controller preferably has a section axially opposite the electric motor. This section is therefore radially at the same height as the electric motor, thus axially separating the electric motor from the transmission via this section of the controller. The controller preferably has a section radially offset from the electric motor. First and second plug connectors are preferably arranged in this section of the controller. The first plug connector is configured to contact the controller. In this respect, the first plug connector is electrically connected to the controller and has at least one electrical contact, preferably multiple electrical contacts, to contact the controller. The second plug connector is configured to contact the actuator sensor. In this respect, the second plug connector is electrically connected to the actuator sensor and has at least one electrical contact, preferably multiple electrical contacts, to contact the actuator sensor. The plug connector is preferably configured as a plug receiving portion to accommodate the plug device. Alternatively, the plug connector is preferably constructed as a plug device for insertion into a plug receptacle. Elements that can be connected by mating with the plug connector for contacting the controller or manipulating the sensor are hereinafter referred to as mating plug connectors. First and second plug connectors are arranged at the controller according to the invention. The controller preferably has a controller housing, wherein the first and second plug connectors are arranged at the controller housing.The braking force generator preferably has an actuating element movable along the movement axis of a hydraulic piston and connected to the hydraulic piston such that the hydraulic piston can be moved by the movement of the actuating element. The drive shaft is preferably connected to the actuating element via a transmission mechanism such that the actuating element can be moved by an electric motor. The actuating element, for example, involves a threaded spindle, the external thread of which engages with the internal transmission mechanism of the spindle nut of the transmission mechanism. The actuation sensor is preferably configured to monitor the movement position of the actuating element and / or the movement position of an input rod that can be connected to the brake pedal. The actuation sensor, for example, has a measuring sensor connected to the input rod and a receiver connected to the actuating element. The actuation sensor is then configured as a differential travel sensor to detect the axial differential travel between the measuring sensor and the receiver.

[0006] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second plug connectors are arranged axially at the same height. This allows for particularly simple connection of the controller and control sensor when installing the braking force generator. The first and second plug connectors are preferably arranged radially adjacent to each other.

[0007] The first and second plug connectors are preferably arranged on the same housing wall of the controller housing. The advantage of this is that only this housing wall needs to be accessible for connecting the controller and the control sensor. The first and second plug connectors are preferably arranged on a housing wall oriented perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drive shaft. The first and second plug connectors are particularly preferably arranged on a housing wall oriented perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drive shaft and facing away from the transmission mechanism.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the second plug connector is connected to the control sensor via at least one wire extending through the controller housing. This simplifies the connection of the control sensor to the second plug connector, particularly because the wire does not need to be guided around the controller housing. Since the wire extends through the controller housing, it is also protected from mechanical influence by the housing. The housing wall of the controller housing, oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft and facing away from the electric motor, preferably has an axial notch through which the wire enters the controller housing.

[0009] The first and second plug connectors preferably have a common plug housing. The plug housing refers to a component where the electrical contacts of the plug connectors are directly arranged or constructed. In this embodiment, the electrical contacts of the first and second plug connectors are thus arranged on the same component. The first and second plug connectors can therefore be easily operated together. The common plug housing is preferably formed from a controller housing. Alternatively, the common plug housing may be constructed separately from the controller housing and inserted into a recess or notch in the controller housing.

[0010] According to an alternative embodiment, the first plug connector preferably has a first plug housing, and the second plug connector has a second plug housing that is separately constructed from the first plug housing. The first plug housing is preferably formed from a controller housing. Alternatively, the first plug housing is preferably formed from a plug housing separately constructed from the controller housing, which is inserted into a recess or notch in the controller housing. The second plug housing is preferably separately constructed from the controller housing and inserted into a recess or notch in the controller housing.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the transmission device is arranged in the main housing of the braking force generator, and the electric motor is arranged in a motor housing of the braking force generator, which is constructed separately from the main housing. The main housing and the motor housing are connected to each other via a housing flange. Therefore, a housing flange is provided, which is connected to the main housing on one side and to the controller housing on the other. This achieves a stable connection between the main housing and the motor housing. The housing flange here refers to a plate-shaped housing portion. The housing flange is preferably connected to the main housing by a screw connection. The housing flange is preferably oriented perpendicular to the rotation axis of the drive shaft.

[0012] The controller is preferably arranged axially, at least substantially, between a housing flange on one side and a motor housing on the other. The housing flange is then thus arranged axially between the controller on one side and the transmission on the other. The advantage obtained is that the housing flange can be in direct contact with the main housing, thus resulting in a particularly stable fixation of the housing flange at the main housing. Preferably, the controller housing rests planarly against the housing flange. The controller housing is preferably connected to the housing flange here. For example, the controller housing is firmly bonded to the housing flange.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the braking force generator has a slightly elongated fixing element that extends axially through the controller, through which the motor housing is connected to a housing flange. The fixing element stably secures the motor housing to the housing flange or the main housing, even if the motor housing is axially spaced from the housing flange. The fixing element is preferably connected to the motor housing by a press-fit connection. Preferably, a plurality of slightly elongated fixing elements are provided, spaced radially apart, through which the motor housing is connected to the housing flange.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the main housing has a radial protrusion axially opposite the controller, wherein the radial protrusion has an axial notch through which a wire extends. The actuator sensor is typically arranged within the main housing. Therefore, in order to contact the actuator sensor, the wire must be guided into the main housing. If the wire is guided into the main housing in the area of ​​the radial protrusion, then the wire can extend at most a very short distance outside the housing. The axial notch of the radial protrusion is particularly preferably located axially opposite to an axial notch in the housing wall of the controller housing, through which the wire enters the controller housing.

[0015] The controller preferably has a printed circuit board with an axial notch through which the drive shaft axially passes. Because the controller is positioned between an electric motor on one side and a transmission device on the other, the connection between the electric motor and the transmission device becomes inherently difficult. The previous solution, which used a printed circuit board with an axial notch (through which the drive shaft axially passes), ensured a mechanically simple connection while simultaneously saving structural space.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the controller is in thermally conductive contact with the housing flange for heat dissipation, and / or the controller is in thermally conductive contact with the main housing for heat dissipation. The housing flange and the main housing are typically made of metal and have high thermal conductivity. The thermally conductive contact is preferably provided through a physical contact between the controller and the housing flange or between the controller and the main housing. The advantage of this is that a separate cooling element for heat dissipation of the controller can be eliminated. This saves cost and structural space.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the controller is configured to be curved. In this respect, the controller has a first arm and a second arm that extend curvedly relative to each other. This design of the controller offers the advantage of effectively eliminating radial misalignment between the electric motor and the area where the wiring exits the main housing. The first arm of the controller is preferably axially opposed to the electric motor, and the second arm is axially opposed to a radial protrusion of the main housing.

[0018] The operating device for a braking device according to the invention has a master brake cylinder, in which at least one hydraulic piston is supported in a manner axially movable. The invention also proposes an operating device for a braking device comprising: a master brake cylinder, in which at least one hydraulic piston is supported in a manner axially movable; and a braking force generator according to the invention, wherein the hydraulic piston is axially movable by an electric motor. An advantage of the operating device according to the invention is the braking force generator according to the invention, wherein the hydraulic piston is axially movable by an electric motor. This also provides the advantages already mentioned. Further preferred features and combinations thereof are derived from the specification. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The invention will now be explained in more detail with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 It is a top view of the control device; and Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the control device. Detailed Implementation

[0021] Figure 1 A top view of the operating device 1 of a hydraulic braking system for a motor vehicle is shown. The operating device 1 has a master brake cylinder 2. At least one hydraulic piston is supported in the master brake cylinder 2 in a manner axially movable along a movement axis 3. Currently, the master brake cylinder 2 involves tandem master brake cylinders 2. Two hydraulic pistons are correspondingly supported in the master brake cylinder 2 in a manner axially movable back and forth sequentially. If the operating device 1 is installed in a motor vehicle as part of the braking system, then the master brake cylinder 2 is connected to the driven cylinder of the friction brake device of the braking system via a hydraulic joint (not shown), so that the friction brake device can be operated by the movement of the hydraulic piston.

[0022] The control device 1 also includes an electrically powered braking force generator 4. The braking force generator 4 has an electric motor 5, which is housed in a motor housing 11. The electric motor 5 is configured to drive a drive shaft 6 supported in a manner that allows it to rotate about a rotation axis 7. For this purpose, the rotor of the electric motor 5 is torsionally connected to the drive shaft 6. Currently, the movement axis 3 and the rotation axis 7 extend parallel to each other.

[0023] The braking force generator 4 also has a main housing 8. The main housing 8 is constructed to consist of multiple parts, wherein... Figure 1 Only the cover 9 of the main housing 8 can be seen. The main brake cylinder 2 is connected to the cover 9 via a fixing device 10.

[0024] Braking force generator 4 also has the following functions: Figure 1The control element, which is not visible in the image, is supported in a manner that allows it to move along the movement axis 3. The control element is connected to the hydraulic piston in such a way that the hydraulic piston can be moved by moving the control element.

[0025] Braking force generator 4 also has the following functions: Figure 1 The transmission device 31 is not visible in the image. The operating element is connected to the drive shaft 6 via the transmission device 31, so that the operating element can move axially via the rotation of the drive shaft 6. The hydraulic piston supported in the master brake cylinder 2, or the plurality of hydraulic pistons supported in the master brake cylinder 2, can therefore be moved by the electric motor 5, and thus the friction brake device of the braking device can ultimately be operated by the electric motor 5.

[0026] Motor housing 11 is connected to housing flange 12 Figure 1 The transmission mechanism housing 38, which is not visible in the main housing 8, is connected here. The housing flange 12 is connected to the transmission mechanism housing 38 via a fixing device 13. The fixing of the motor housing 11 at the housing flange 12 will be discussed further in the appendix. Figure 2 This will be explained in more detail. Furthermore, the transmission mechanism housing 38 is connected to the cover 9 of the main housing 8 via a fixing device (not shown).

[0027] The braking force generator 4 also has a controller 14 with a controller housing 15. The controller 14 is configured to drive the electric motor 5. The controller 14 is currently configured to be curved. In this regard, the controller 14 has a first arm 16 and a second arm 17, wherein the arms 16 and 17 are oriented to be curved relative to each other. Here, the first arm 16 has a section 18 that is axially opposed to the electric motor 5. The second arm 17 is arranged radially offset from the electric motor 5.

[0028] A first plug connector 19 for contacting the controller 14 is arranged in the region of the second arm 17. The first plug connector 19 has a first plug housing 20. The first plug housing 20 is inserted into an axial notch 22 in the housing wall 23 of the controller housing 15, wherein the housing wall 23 is oriented perpendicular to the movement axis 3 and faces away from the transmission device 31. A plurality of electrical contacts 21 for contacting the controller 14 are arranged at the first plug housing 20. The first plug connector 19 here relates to a plug receiving portion 19, which is configured to receive a plug device. Alternatively, the first plug connector 19 is configured as a plug device.

[0029] Braking force generator 4 also has Figure 1The control sensor, not visible in the main housing 8, is configured to monitor the movement position of the control element and / or the movement position of the input lever connected to the brake pedal of the braking device. The control sensor is configured, for example, as a differential travel sensor and has a measuring sensor connected to the input lever and a receiver connected to the control element. The controller 14 is configured to drive the electric motor 5 based on the sensor signal from the control sensor.

[0030] A second plug connector 24 for contacting a control sensor is provided in the region of the second arm 17. The second plug connector 24 has a second plug housing 25. The second plug housing 25 is inserted into an axial notch 26 in the housing wall 23 of the controller housing 15. A plurality of electrical contacts 27 for contacting the control sensor are arranged at the second plug housing 25. The contacts 27 are electrically connected to the control sensor via wires. The second plug connector 24 relates to a plug receiving portion 24, which is configured to receive a plug device. Alternatively, the second plug connector 24 may be configured as a plug device.

[0031] Depend on Figure 1 It is known that the first plug connector 19 and the second plug connector 24 are arranged adjacent to each other at the controller 14. This facilitates the connection of plug connectors 19 and 24 with their corresponding mating plug connectors when the control device 1 is installed in a motor vehicle.

[0032] The controller housing 15 has Figure 1 The housing wall, not visible in the diagram, is oriented perpendicular to the movement axis 3 and faces away from the electric motor 5. This housing wall has an axial notch that is flush with axial notch 26 in the axial direction. A wire exits from the controller housing 15 through the axial notch in the housing wall facing away from the electric motor 5, and a connector 27 is electrically connected to the control sensor via the wire.

[0033] The cover 9 has a radial protrusion 29, which is axially opposed to the controller 14 in the region where the second plug connector 24 is arranged. The radial protrusion 29 has an axial notch flush with the axial notch 26. A wire enters the main housing 8 through the axial notch of the radial protrusion 29 and extends from there to the control sensor, through which the connector 27 is electrically connected to the control sensor.

[0034] Figure 2 The operating device 1 is shown along Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of section plane 30 in view direction A is shown.

[0035] First refer to Figure 2The design scheme of the transmission device 31 is discussed. The transmission device 31 has a spur gear 32 that is torsionally connected to the drive shaft 6. The transmission device 31 also has a double gear 33 rotatably supported with a first toothed portion 34 and a second toothed portion 35. The toothed portion of the spur gear 32 meshes with the first toothed portion 34 of the double gear 33. The transmission device 31 also has a spindle nut 36 rotatably supported. The second toothed portion 35 of the double gear 33 meshes with the outer toothed portion of the spindle nut 36. The inner toothed portion (not shown) of the spindle nut 36 meshes with the outer toothed portion of a threaded spindle 37 supported in an axially movable manner, such that the threaded spindle 37 can move axially via the rotation of the spindle nut 36. The aforementioned axially movable operating element is formed by the threaded spindle 37 or by an element connected to the threaded spindle 37 in a manner that moves together with it. Figure 2 It is also known that the transmission device 31 is at least substantially arranged in the transmission mechanism housing 38.

[0036] In addition, by Figure 2 It is also known that the controller 14 is axially arranged between the electric motor 5 on one side and the transmission device 31 on the other side. The electric motor 5 is thus axially spaced from the transmission device 31 by the controller 14. The controller 14 is axially opposed to the main housing 8 by this arrangement. This facilitates the connection of the control sensor to the second plug connector 24. The housing flange 12 is axially arranged between the controller 14 on one side and the transmission housing 38 on the other side. Here, the controller 14 rests planarly against the housing flange 12. This planar contact facilitates heat dissipation of the controller 14 through the metal housing flange 12 during its operation.

[0037] The controller 14 has a printed circuit board 39 on which power electronic devices for driving phases of the electric motor 5 are arranged, for example, with multiple switching elements. The switching elements of the power electronic devices are electrically connected to phases of the electric motor 5 via wires 40. The printed circuit board 39 has an axial notch 41. The drive shaft 6 acts axially through the axial notch 41.

[0038] To monitor the rotation angle of the drive shaft 6, a magnetic element 42 is provided, which is torsionally connected to the drive shaft 6. Additionally, a [further details are needed]. Figure 2 The receiver, which is not visible in the image, is configured to detect the magnetic field generated by the magnetic element 42. For this purpose, the receiver is positioned opposite the magnetic element 42, for example, in the radial or axial direction.

[0039] To secure the electric motor 5 to the housing flange 12, several slightly elongated fixing elements are provided. Figure 2Only one of these fixing elements, fixing element 43, is shown. Fixing element 43 extends axially through the controller 14. Fixing element 43 is connected to the motor housing 11 via a press-fit connection. Additionally, fixing element 43 is connected to the housing flange 12 via a press-fit connection. Currently, the printed circuit board 39 has an axial notch through which fixing element 43 extends. Alternatively, fixing element 43 extends through an area of ​​the controller 14 without the printed circuit board 39. Fixing element 43 currently refers to a sleeve-shaped fixing element 43.

Claims

1. A braking force generator for a control device of a braking apparatus, comprising: an electric motor (5) configured to drive a drive shaft (6) supported in a manner rotatable about a rotation axis (7); a transmission device (31) effectively connected to the drive shaft (6); a control sensor; and a controller (14) for controlling the electric motor (5), characterized in that, The controller (14) is arranged axially at least substantially between the electric motor (5) on one side and the transmission device (31) on the other side, and a first plug connector (19) for electrical contact controller (14) and a second plug connector (24) for electrical contact manipulator sensor are arranged at the controller (14), wherein the second plug connector (24) is connected to the manipulator sensor by at least one wire extending through the controller housing of the controller (14), wherein the housing wall of the controller housing, oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation (7) and facing away from the electric motor (5), has an axial notch, and wherein the wire enters the controller housing through the axial notch.

2. The braking force generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first plug connector (19) and the second plug connector (24) are arranged at the same height in the axial direction.

3. The braking force generator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The controller (14) has a controller housing (15), wherein the first plug connector (19) and the second plug connector (24) are arranged on the same housing wall (23) of the controller housing (15).

4. The braking force generator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first plug connector (19) and the second plug connector (24) have a common plug housing.

5. The braking force generator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first plug connector (19) has a first plug housing (20), and the second plug connector (24) has a second plug housing (25) constructed separately from the first plug housing (20).

6. The braking force generator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The transmission device (31) is arranged in the main housing (8), the electric motor (5) is arranged in the motor housing (11) which is constructed separately from the main housing (8), and the main housing (8) and the motor housing (11) are connected to each other by housing flange (12).

7. The braking force generator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The controller (14) is arranged axially at least substantially between the housing flange (12) on one side and the motor housing (11) on the other side.

8. The braking force generator according to claim 7, characterized in that... At least one slightly elongated fixing element (43) extends axially through the controller (14), wherein the motor housing (11) is connected to the housing flange (12) via the fixing element (43).

9. The braking force generator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The main housing (8) has a radial protrusion (29) that is axially opposite to the controller (14), wherein the radial protrusion (29) has an axial notch through which the wire extends.

10. The braking force generator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The controller (14) has a printed circuit board (39) having an axial notch (41) through which the drive shaft (6) acts axially.

11. The braking force generator according to claim 6, characterized in that, The controller (14) makes thermal contact with the housing flange (12) for heat dissipation, and / or the controller (14) makes thermal contact with the main housing (8) for heat dissipation.

12. The braking force generator according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The controller (14) is constructed in a curved manner.

13. An operating device for a braking apparatus, comprising: a master brake cylinder (2), wherein at least one hydraulic piston is supported in the master brake cylinder in a manner axially movable; and a braking force generator according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein, The hydraulic piston can move axially via an electric motor (5).

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