Hydraulic block for a service brake assembly of a hydraulic brake assist device

Abstract

The invention relates to a drilling structure of a hydraulic block (19) of a service brake assembly (2) of a hydraulic assisted vehicle brake device (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydraulic block of a service brake assembly of a hydraulic power-assisted braking device for an autonomous vehicle having the features of the present disclosure. Background Technology

[0002] To enable autonomous driving up to Level 4 (where the driver can be asked to intervene) and Level 5 (the highest level; no driver required), a redundant power-assisted braking system is needed that can eliminate the possibility of complete failure of the vehicle's braking system with near-safety without driver intervention.

[0003] International patent application WO 2012 / 143 312 A1 discloses an electro-hydraulic power-assisted braking device for an automobile having a service brake assembly and a brake pressure regulating assembly. The service brake assembly has a manually operable master brake cylinder and a piston-cylinder unit serving as a power-assisted brake pressure generator. The piston of the piston-cylinder unit is movable within the cylinder via a threaded drive using an electric motor. The power-assisted brake pressure generator is hydraulically connected in parallel with the master brake cylinder. The brake pressure regulating assembly has a solenoid valve and a hydraulic pump in each brake circuit for wheel-specific brake pressure regulation. The brake pressure regulating assembly is connected to the service brake assembly, and hydraulic wheel brakes are connected to the brake pressure regulating assembly.

[0004] Publication DE 10 2016 202 113 A1 discloses a narrow, square hydraulic block for a hydraulically assisted braking device with sliding adjustment. The hydraulic block has three ports for brake fluid reservoirs located on its upper side. Below these ports, a master brake cylinder bore extends parallel to the upper side from one narrow side to an opposite narrow side adjacent to the upper side of the hydraulic block. Below the master brake cylinder bore, an assist cylinder bore extends transversely to the master brake cylinder bore from one large side of the hydraulic block to an opposite large side, the large side being adjacent to the upper side and two narrow sides of the hydraulic block. To generate braking pressure with assistance, an assist piston can be moved within the assist cylinder bore by an electric motor via a ball screw drive. The electric motor is externally arranged coaxially with the assist cylinder bore on the hydraulic block, and the ball screw drive is also coaxially positioned between the electric motor and the assist piston. The electric motor and ball screw drive form a power-assisted drive unit and, together with the power-assisted piston and power-assisted cylinder bore, form a power-assisted brake pressure generator for hydraulic vehicle braking systems. The interface for the hydraulic wheel brake via the brake lines is located near the upper side at the height of the interface for the brake fluid reservoir in one of the two large sides of the hydraulic block. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The hydraulic block according to the invention, having the features of this disclosure, is configured for use in a service brake assembly of a hydraulically powered braking system with brake pressure regulation. Brake pressure regulation means generating and regulating brake pressure in the vehicle braking system, in the brake circuit of the vehicle braking system, and / or in the hydraulic wheel brakes of the vehicle braking system connected to the hydraulic block. The brake pressure regulation can also include slip regulation in particular. Slip regulation is, for example, anti-lock braking system (ABS), anti-slip regulation, and / or driving dynamics regulation, commonly referred to by the abbreviations ABS, ASR, and / or FDR. Slip regulation is known and will not be explained herein.

[0006] The hydraulic blocks are used to mechanically fasten and hydraulically connect hydraulic structural elements of the vehicle braking system, for generating and / or regulating brake pressure and / or for sliding adjustment. These hydraulic structural elements include, in particular, solenoid valves, check valves, hydraulic accumulators, damping chambers, and pressure sensors. The hydraulic structural elements are fastened in receiving portions within the hydraulic blocks, which are mostly constructed as recessed, blind, or through-hole sections with stepped diameters. "Connection" means that the receiving portions or the hydraulic structural elements fastened therein are connected via piping within the hydraulic blocks according to the hydraulic wiring diagram of the vehicle braking system. However, such piping is not typically forcibly drilled into the hydraulic blocks.

[0007] In the case of a hydraulic structural element or its sliding adjustment device equipped with a vehicle braking device, the hydraulic block forms a service brake assembly, wherein "equipped" means that the hydraulic structural element is fastened in a receiving portion provided for it in the hydraulic block.

[0008] Furthermore, the hydraulic block specifically has interfaces for brake lines that lead to the hydraulic wheel brakes of the vehicle's braking system.

[0009] To enable autonomous driving at levels 4 and 5, this invention specifies connecting an auxiliary braking assembly to the service braking assembly. Level 4 is also known as highly automated driving and means that the electronic system continuously takes over driving the vehicle, requiring driver intervention only when the system ceases to perform its driving task. Level 5 is also known as fully automated and requires no driver intervention. For this purpose, the hydraulic blocks of the service braking assembly have interfaces for brake lines leading to and from the auxiliary braking assembly. The auxiliary braking assembly has a boost-brake pressure generator for generating hydraulic braking pressure in the event of a failure of the boost-brake pressure generator in the service braking assembly. This invention can also be used for lower levels of autonomous and non-autonomous driving.

[0010] The present invention relates in particular to the arrangement of hydraulic structural elements or their receiving portions and their hydraulic connections in hydraulic blocks.

[0011] The hydraulic block according to the invention has an upper side surface configured to house a brake fluid reservoir. On the upper side surface, the hydraulic block has one or more interfaces for the brake fluid reservoir.

[0012] The fastening side of the hydraulic block, adjacent to its upper surface, is configured to fasten the hydraulic block or service brake assembly—that is, a hydraulic structural element equipped with vehicle braking devices—to the front bulkhead of the vehicle. For this purpose, the hydraulic block has, for example, two standardized internal threaded holes on its fastening side, into which double-ended screws or support bolts for fastening the hydraulic block or service brake assembly to the front bulkhead of the vehicle can be screwed. A master brake cylinder bore extends into the fastening side of the hydraulic block, allowing the master brake cylinder piston to be manually moved within the master brake cylinder bore via a pedal rod mounted on the front bulkhead opposite the hydraulic block, the pedal rod hinged to the master brake cylinder piston.

[0013] The booster cylinder bore, used to generate braking pressure with assistance, is transverse to the master brake cylinder bore and is positioned within the hydraulic block between the upper side of the hydraulic block and the master brake cylinder bore. The master brake cylinder bore is therefore located below the booster cylinder bore; that is, it is located on the side of the booster cylinder bore opposite to the upper side of the hydraulic block, or between the booster cylinder bore and the lower side of the hydraulic block opposite to the upper side.

[0014] The interfaces for connecting the hydraulic wheel brakes and auxiliary braking assembly via brake lines are located on the motor side of the hydraulic block according to the invention. The motor side is adjacent to the upper side and the fastening side of the hydraulic block and is provided for fastening an electric motor used to drive the boost-brake pressure generator. Here, three interfaces for the wheel brakes are located on the motor side near the side of the hydraulic block opposite the fastening side. "Near" means preferably a spacing no larger than the diameter of the interfaces.

[0015] The interface for the brake lines leading to or from the auxiliary brake assembly is located on the motor side, at an angle of approximately 45° upwards or downwards relative to the upper side of the hydraulic block, originating from the axis of the booster cylinder bore and facing the side of the hydraulic block opposite the fastening side. One or more interfaces for the auxiliary brake assembly can also be located on the motor side of the hydraulic block near the lower side.

[0016] Through holes or blind holes in the hydraulic block, referred to herein as “pipelines”, “drill holes”, or “cylinder holes”, can also be manufactured in a manner different from drilling.

[0017] In one design of the present invention, a receiving portion for a check valve is concentrically provided in one of the interfaces for the brake fluid reservoir or concentrically therewith, and the brake line leading to the auxiliary braking assembly through the check valve is connected to the brake fluid reservoir.

[0018] All features disclosed in the specification and drawings can be implemented individually or in virtually any combination in embodiments of the invention. The following embodiments of the invention are possible in principle, and these embodiments do not possess all the features of the embodiments of the invention, but only one or more features of those embodiments. For example, the following embodiments of the invention are also possible in which the interface for the auxiliary braking assembly is arranged in different locations. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The invention will now be explained in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Wherein: Figure 1 A hydraulic circuit diagram of the service brake assembly of the electro-hydraulic power-assisted braking device according to the present invention is shown; Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Hydraulic circuit diagram of the auxiliary braking assembly of the electro-hydraulic power-assisted braking system; Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 1 A view of the motor side of the hydraulic block of the service brake assembly of the vehicle braking device according to the present invention; Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A view of the hydraulic block on the valve side opposite the motor side; and Figure 5 , 5a 6 and 7 show Figure 3 and 4 The drilling structure of the hydraulic block in the middle.

[0020] The attached diagram is a partially simplified illustration. Detailed Implementation

[0021] exist Figure 1 and 2 The electro-hydraulic power-assisted braking device 1 according to the invention shown is configured for autonomous driving at levels 4 or 5 in passenger vehicles. Level 4 means autonomous driving that may require driver intervention, while level 5, the highest level, means autonomous driving that does not require driver intervention.

[0022] The power-assisted braking device 1 includes a service brake assembly 2 and an auxiliary brake assembly 3. The service brake assembly 2 is configured to perform braking operation, and the auxiliary brake assembly 3 is configured to perform braking operation in the event of a malfunction or failure of the service brake assembly 2. Hydraulic wheel brakes 4 are connected to the service brake assembly 2 via four brake lines as described in this embodiment. The auxiliary brake assembly 3 is connected to the service brake assembly 2 via brake lines such that the wheel brakes 4 can also be operated using the auxiliary brake assembly 3. The service brake assembly 2 and the auxiliary brake assembly 3 are each their own structural components, wherein the service brake assembly 2 is fastened to the front bulkhead of the passenger vehicle, and the auxiliary brake assembly 3 can be positioned anywhere within the passenger vehicle. The brake lines connecting the auxiliary brake assembly 3 to the service brake assembly 2 are hereinafter referred to as inlet lines V1, V2 and return lines R1, R2.

[0023] The vehicle braking device 1 according to the invention is manufactured as a dual-circuit braking device, and its braking assemblies 2 and 3 are manufactured as dual-circuit braking assemblies. Two wheel brakes 4 are each equipped with a braking circuit. The auxiliary braking device 3 is connected to the service brake assembly 2 in each braking circuit via inlet pipes V1 and V2 and return pipes R1 and R2. The connection points of the inlet pipes V1 and V2 and the return pipes R1 and R2 are consistently represented by V1, V2, R1, and R2 in both the service brake assembly 2 and the auxiliary braking assembly 3.

[0024] The service brake assembly 2 has a piston-cylinder unit 5, whose piston 6 is movable in a cylinder 9 by an electric motor 7 via a threaded transmission device 8, which serves as a rotation / translation-conversion transmission mechanism. The electric motor 7, the threaded transmission device 8, and the piston-cylinder unit 5 form a booster-brake pressure generator 10 of the service brake assembly 2 for generating braking pressure for the service brake. The service brake is a common and configured braking operation.

[0025] The power assist-brake pressure generator 10 is connected to two brake circuits via the service brake valve 11 between the release valve 12 and the inlet valve 13.

[0026] The service brake assembly 2 has an inlet valve 13 and an outlet valve 14 for each wheel brake 4, which allow for individual adjustment of the wheel braking pressure in each wheel brake 4. This enables slip-free adjustment of the wheel braking pressure and consequently the braking force of the wheel brake 4 during normal driving. Furthermore, slip adjustment, such as anti-lock braking and drive slip adjustment, driving dynamic adjustment (also colloquially known as anti-skid adjustment), automatic braking, distance adjustment, etc., are all possible. Such adjustments are known and will not be explained in detail here. The inlet valve 13 and outlet valve 14 can also be understood as wheel brake pressure regulating valve devices 13 and 14.

[0027] In addition to the boost-brake pressure generator 10, the service brake assembly 2 has a manually operable master brake cylinder 15, to which the wheel brakes 4 are connected via a release valve 12 and an inlet valve 13. The service brake assembly 2 has a release valve 12 in each brake circuit and an inlet valve 13 and an outlet valve 14 for each wheel brake 4. The master brake cylinder 15, when the driver is operating the vehicle, functions as a sensor for the rated wheel brake pressure to be set in the wheel brakes 4 during service braking. This brake pressure is generated not only during driver operation but also during autonomous driving using the boost-brake pressure generator 10. The master brake cylinder 15 is hydraulically disengaged from the wheel brakes 4 during service braking by the closure of the release valve 12.

[0028] As described, the master brake cylinder 15 serves as a sensor for the rated braking pressure of the wheels during service braking by the driver, wherein the braking pressure is generated by the booster-brake pressure generator 10 of the service brake assembly 2. In the event of a failure of the booster-brake pressure generator 10, braking pressure can be generated by manipulating the master brake cylinder 15. This is known as human-assisted braking, and the master brake cylinder 15 can therefore also be understood as a human-assisted brake pressure generator.

[0029] In order to expel brake fluid from the master brake cylinder 15 when the release valve 12 is closed and to enable movement of the piston of the master brake cylinder 15 and the brake pedal 16, the service brake assembly 2 has a pedal travel simulator 17, which is connected to the brake circuit of the master brake cylinder 15 via a simulator valve 18. The pedal travel simulator 17 is a piston-cylinder unit having a piston that is spring-loaded or, for example, also loaded by gas pressure.

[0030] In the described and illustrated embodiments of the present invention, the separation valve 12 and the inlet valve 13 are open 2 / 2-reversing solenoid valves in their de-energized base position, and the service brake valve 11 of the power assist-brake pressure generator 10, the discharge valve 14, and the simulator valve 18 are closed 2 / 2-reversing solenoid valves in their de-energized base position.

[0031] The hydraulic structural components of the service brake assembly 2 of the electro-hydraulic power-assisted braking device 1 according to the present invention, namely the valves 11, 12, 13, 14, 18, the power-assisted braking pressure generator 10, the master brake cylinder 15, the pedal travel simulator 17, and other structural components such as pressure sensors, are arranged in the receiving part of the hydraulic block 19 of the service brake assembly 2 and are connected to each other through the drilling structure of the hydraulic block 19 according to the hydraulic circuit diagram drawn for the vehicle braking device 1 or the service brake assembly 2.

[0032] As is known from conventional master brake cylinders, a depressurized brake fluid reservoir 20 is placed on the hydraulic block 19, and the master brake cylinder 15 is connected to this hydraulic block. The booster-brake pressure generator 10 is also connected to this hydraulic block via a check valve 28. In one of the two braking circuits, a test valve 21 is provided between the brake fluid reservoir 20 and the master brake cylinder 15. In this embodiment, the test valve 21 is also a 2 / 2 reversing solenoid valve that opens in its de-energized base position. A check valve 29, which allows flow toward the master brake cylinder 15, is hydraulically connected in parallel with the test valve 21; however, this check valve is not present in all embodiments of the invention.

[0033] The auxiliary braking assembly 3 has a hydraulic pump 22 in each of its two braking circuits, which can be driven by a common electric motor 23. The hydraulic pump 22 is a piston pump, but other hydraulic pumps, such as gear pumps, are also possible. The hydraulic pump 22 and the electric motor 23 together form a power-assisted braking pressure generator 24.

[0034] The suction side of the hydraulic pump 22 of the auxiliary braking assembly 3 is connected to the two brake circuits of the master brake cylinder 15 of the service brake assembly 2 via the suction valve 25 and the aforementioned brake lines, i.e., the inlet lines V1 and V2. The auxiliary braking assembly 3 is connected to the service brake assembly 2 via the inlet lines V1 and V2. The pressure side of the hydraulic pump 22 of the auxiliary braking assembly 3 is connected to the two brake circuits of the master brake cylinder 15 of the service brake assembly 2 via the pressure valve 26 and the inlet lines V1 and V2. Furthermore, the pressure side of the hydraulic pump 22 of the auxiliary braking assembly 3 is connected to the release valve 12 of the service brake assembly 2 via the brake lines, i.e., the return lines R1 and R2. The auxiliary braking assembly 3 is connected to the service brake assembly 2 via the return lines. Thus, the wheel brakes 4 can be operated by generating braking pressure with the hydraulic pump 22 of the auxiliary braking assembly 3, and the hydraulic pump forms the power-assisted braking pressure generator 24 of the auxiliary braking assembly. The wheel braking pressure in the wheel brake 4 can be regulated by the inlet valve 13 and outlet valve 14 of the service brake assembly 2, which form a wheel brake pressure regulating valve device, provided that these valves 13 and 14 and their regulating functions are normal. In the event of a malfunction or failure of the service brake assembly 2, braking pressure is generated by the hydraulic pump 22 of the auxiliary brake assembly 3, which forms a booster-brake pressure generator 24. This type of braking is called auxiliary braking.

[0035] In the described and illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the intake valve 25 of the auxiliary braking assembly 3 is configured as a 2 / 2 reversing solenoid valve closed in its de-energized base position, and the pressure valve 26 is configured as a 2 / 2 reversing solenoid valve open in its de-energized base position. During auxiliary braking, the intake valve 25 is opened, allowing the hydraulic pump 22 of the auxiliary braking assembly 3 to draw brake fluid from the brake fluid reservoir 20 of the service brake assembly 2 via the master brake cylinder 15. Furthermore, the pressure valve 26 is closed to apply braking pressure to the wheel brakes 4.

[0036] During service braking, the wheel brake 4 is loaded with braking pressure generated by the booster-brake pressure generator 10 of the service brake assembly 2 through the open pressure valve 26 of the auxiliary brake assembly 3 and the service brake valve 11 to be opened in this case of the service brake assembly 2, or the wheel brake is loaded with braking pressure generated by the booster-brake pressure generator 10 through the open pressure valve 26 of the auxiliary brake assembly 3 and through the open release valve 12 of the service brake assembly 2.

[0037] To quickly build up braking pressure during assisted braking, the hydraulic pump 22 of the booster-brake pressure generator 24 of the auxiliary braking assembly 3 is connected to the brake fluid reservoir 20 of the service brake assembly 2 via a check valve 30. In this embodiment, the check valve 30 is located in the hydraulic block 19 of the service brake assembly 2. Preferably, the hydraulic pump 22 of the primary circuit is connected to the brake fluid reservoir 20 via the check valve 30, but it is also possible that the hydraulic pump 22 of the secondary circuit or the hydraulic pumps of both braking circuits are connected to the brake fluid reservoir 20 via check valves 30 (not shown). The primary circuit is a braking circuit directly operated by the brake pedal 16 via the pedal lever.

[0038] The hydraulic structural components of the auxiliary braking assembly 3, namely the hydraulic pump 22, valves 25 and 26, and other structural components such as pressure sensors, are arranged in the hydraulic block 27 of the auxiliary braking assembly 3 and are interconnected with each other through the drilling structure of the hydraulic block 27 according to the drawn hydraulic circuit diagram. This can also be referred to as the connection of the hydraulic structural components 22, 25 and 26.

[0039] The brake fluid reservoir 20 has chambers 31', 31''' for each brake circuit and additionally a chamber 31'' for the booster-brake pressure generator 10 of the service brake assembly 2, for a total of three chambers 31', 31'', 31'''. A check valve 30, like a test valve 21, is connected to the same chamber 31' of the brake fluid reservoir 20, through which the hydraulic pump 22 of the auxiliary brake assembly 3 is connected to the brake fluid reservoir 20. The hydraulic pump 22 of the auxiliary brake assembly 3 is connected to different chambers 31', 31''' of the brake fluid reservoir 20. The booster-brake pressure generator 10 of the service brake assembly 2 is connected to its own chamber 31'' or to a chamber 31'' of the brake fluid reservoir 20 that is different from the hydraulic pump 22 of the auxiliary brake assembly 3.

[0040] Figure 3 Motor side 32 is shown and Figure 4 The valve side 33 of the hydraulic block 19 of the service brake assembly 2 is shown. In this embodiment, the hydraulic block 19 is a flat, square metal block used for mechanically fastening and hydraulically connecting the hydraulic structural elements of the vehicle braking device 1. When equipped with the hydraulic structural elements, the hydraulic block 19 forms the service brake assembly 2 of the vehicle braking device 1. "Flat" means that the width or length of the hydraulic block 19 is approximately three to four times its thickness. The two large, opposing sides of the hydraulic block 19 are almost square in this embodiment and form the motor side 32 and the valve side 33. Figure 3 and 4The diagram shows the hydraulic block 19 without any hydraulic structural components, that is, without any hydraulic structural components.

[0041] The narrow side of the hydraulic block 19, referred to herein as the upper side 34, has three cylindrical blind holes as interfaces 20' for the brake fluid reservoir 20, which is arranged on the upper side 34 of the hydraulic block 19 (see...). Figure 6 Here, the connecting sleeve on the bottom of the brake fluid reservoir 20 reaches the blind hole of the forming interface 20' of the hydraulic block 19 and is sealed there with an O-ring.

[0042] In the hydraulic block 19, the main brake cylinder bore 15', forming the main brake cylinder 15, is parallel to the upper side surface 34 and is positioned midway between the motor side 32 and the valve side 33. Figure 3 and 4 In the diagram, the main brake cylinder bore 15' is shown with a dashed line. In this embodiment, the main brake cylinder bore is located slightly below the middle of the hydraulic block 19 between the upper side 34 and the opposite lower side 35, such that the main brake cylinder bore 15' is approximately tangentially abutting against the mid-plane of the hydraulic block 19 between the upper side 34 and the lower side 15.

[0043] The booster cylinder bore 9' of the cylinder 9 forming the booster-brake pressure generator 10 is positioned perpendicularly to the main brake cylinder bore 15' in the motor side 32 of the hydraulic block 19 and protrudes as a dome 49 on the valve side 33. The booster cylinder bore 9' is slightly above the main brake cylinder bore 15', that is, between the main brake cylinder bore 15' and the upper side 34 of the hydraulic block 19. The booster cylinder bore 19 passes beside the main brake cylinder bore 15' at a small interval. It is arranged slightly off-center toward the fastening side 36 of the hydraulic block 19.

[0044] The above Figure 3 The electric motor 7 of the boost-brake pressure generator 10 (not shown in the diagram) is coaxially arranged externally on the motor side 32 of the hydraulic block 19 with the boost cylinder bore 9'. The planetary gear transmission mechanism, which serves as a reduction transmission mechanism, and the threaded transmission device 8, which serves as a ball screw transmission device in this embodiment, are coaxially arranged between the electric motor 7 and the piston 6 of the boost-brake pressure generator 10 with the boost brake cylinder bore 9'. Figure 3 (Not shown in the drawing).

[0045] The fastening side 36 is the narrow side of the hydraulic block 19, on which the master brake cylinder bore 15' is open. The fastening side 36 is adjacent to the upper side 34, lower side 35, motor side 32, and valve side 33 and is configured to fasten the hydraulic block 19 to a front bulkhead of the vehicle (not shown). The hydraulic block 19 is fastened to the front bulkhead of the vehicle such that the upper side 34, which has the brake fluid reservoir 31, is positioned above. The master brake cylinder bore 15' is open on the fastening side 36 of the hydraulic block 19, allowing the master brake cylinder piston to move within the master brake cylinder bore 15' via a pedal rod that articulates with the foot brake pedal, which is fastened to the opposite side of the front bulkhead.

[0046] In the valve side 33 of the hydraulic block 19, the cylinder bore 17' of the pedal travel simulator 17 is arranged parallel to the booster cylinder bore 9' and perpendicular to the main brake cylinder bore 15'. In this embodiment, the cylinder bore 17' is located between the main brake cylinder bore 15' and the upper side 34 of the hydraulic block 19, and is closer to the upper side 34 than the main brake cylinder bore 15', and is located between the booster cylinder bore 9' and the narrow side 48 of the hydraulic block 19 opposite the fastening side 36.

[0047] The receiving portions for solenoid valves 12, 13, 14, and 18, and the receiving portions for other structural components such as pressure sensors, are housed in the valve side 33 of the hydraulic block 19. Figure 4 The receiving portion, indicated by the corresponding solenoid valve or other structural element reference numerals supplemented with an apostrophe, is a cylindrical, partially diameter-graded recess or blind hole in the hydraulic block 19. The hydraulic structural element is fitted into the receiving portion and is pressure-sealed around it. In solenoid valves 12, 13, 14, and 18, the hydraulic section forming the actual valve is located in the receiving portion, armature, and solenoid coil housed in the valve top, protruding from the valve side 33 of the hydraulic block 19.

[0048] The hydraulic block 19 of the service brake assembly 2 is based on... Figure 1 The hydraulic circuit diagram shown is used for drilling. "Drilled" or "drilled structure" refers to the cylinder bores housed in the hydraulic block 19, the receiving and connecting holes for the solenoid valves, and the drilled holes forming pipelines that connect them according to the hydraulic circuit diagram. The hydraulic block 19 is drilled in a Cartesian manner, meaning that the drilled holes, receiving parts, interfaces, pipelines, etc., are arranged in the hydraulic block 19 parallel and perpendicular to each other and parallel and perpendicular to the sides and edges of the hydraulic block 19. This does not exclude individual inclined extensions of pipelines and drilled holes.

[0049] The auxiliary braking assembly 3 is connected to the hydraulic block 19 of the service brake assembly 2 via four brake lines, two inlet lines, and two return lines. Similarly, the four wheel brakes 4 are connected to the hydraulic block of the service brake assembly via brake lines. For connection, the hydraulic block 19 has blind holes, referred to herein as interfaces V1', V2', R1', R2', and 4'. Interfaces V1', V2', R1', R2', and 4' are located in the motor side 32 of the hydraulic block 19. The brake lines are pressure-sealed to the interfaces using a self-clinch technique with press-fit sleeves (not shown). The connection of the brake lines can also be made, for example, using threaded sleeves.

[0050] The pipe 51, manufactured as a borehole, connects the interface R1' of the return pipe R1 for the primary circuit to the receiving part 12' for the separation valve 12. (As in...) Figure 6 As can be seen, this pipe 51 extends coaxially from the bottom of the interface R1' for the return pipe R1 to the center of the hydraulic block 19 between the motor side 32 and the valve side 33, and then, after bending towards the fastening side 36, extends further in the middle plane of the hydraulic block 19 between the motor side 32 and the valve side 33, until the pipe bends further downward near the fastening side 36 and extends towards the master brake cylinder bore 15', from where the pipe 51, after further bending, coaxially enters the receiving part 12' for the release valve 12.

[0051] As in Figure 7 As can be seen, the pipe 52 extends from the interface R2' of the return pipe R2 for the secondary circuit in the middle plane of the hydraulic block 19 between the motor side 32 and the valve side 33, parallel to the lower side 35 of the hydraulic block 19, toward the narrow side 48 opposite to the fastening side 36, and after bending upwards, leads to the receiving part 12' for the separation valve 12.

[0052] Three ports 4' for the brake lines leading to the three wheel brakes 4 are located in the motor side 32 along the narrow side 48 opposite the fastening side 36, and one port 4' for the fourth wheel brake 4 is located in the motor side 32 offset from the narrow side 48 near the lower side 35 of the hydraulic block 19. "Near" means a spacing no greater than the radius of the respective port.

[0053] The two ports R2' and V1' for the auxiliary braking assembly 3 are also located near the lower side 35, and the other two ports V2' and R1' are located in the hydraulic block 19 at an angle of approximately 45° from the axis of the booster cylinder bore 9' towards the upper side 34 and towards the lower side 35 and towards the narrow side 48 opposite the fastening side 36.

[0054] Three through holes, extending from the motor side 32 to the valve side 33, are disposed between the booster cylinder bore 9' and the upper side surface 34. These holes serve as motor connection holes 37 for supplying power to the electric motor 7 of the booster-brake pressure generator 10 in the hydraulic block 19. The motor connection holes 37 are located in the hydraulic block 19 on an imaginary arc surrounding the booster cylinder bore 9' between the booster cylinder bore 9' and the upper side surface 34. Signal holes 38 for control lines and / or signal lines to or from the electric motor in the hydraulic block 19 are also disposed on the imaginary arc where the motor connection holes 37 are located.

[0055] Figure 5 A portion of the drilled structure of the hydraulic block 19 according to the invention is shown in the service brake assembly 2 of the electro-hydraulic power-assisted braking device 1. Figure 5 And also Figure 6 and 7 The hydraulic block 19 described in the figure is transparent and only a portion of the drilling structure of the hydraulic block 19 is shown. Figure 5 The connection between one of the interfaces 20' of the brake fluid reservoir 20 in the upper side 34 of the hydraulic block 19 and the interface V1' of the inlet line V1 leading to the auxiliary brake assembly 3 is shown. Figure 5 The diagram shows an overview of the motor side 32 of the hydraulic block 19, with the fastening side 36 located on the left. A conduit 39, constructed as a borehole or as a plurality of mutually right-angled boreholes parallel or perpendicular to the side of the hydraulic block 19, first extends coaxially from the bottom of the interface 20' for the brake fluid reservoir 20 downwards between the power assist cylinder bore 9' and the cylinder bore 17' of the pedal travel simulator 17, that is, down to the side of the cylinder bore 17' of the pedal travel simulator 17 facing the lower side 35 of the hydraulic block 19. Below the cylinder bore 17', the conduit 39 continues to extend toward the narrow side 48 of the hydraulic block 19 opposite the fastening side 36, so that it then bends again at a right angle downwards toward the lower side 35 of the hydraulic block 19 below the cylinder bore 17'. This downwardly extending portion of the conduit 39 leading to the inlet conduit passes beside the master brake cylinder bore 15' on the motor side 32 of the hydraulic block 19. Approximately at the center between the master brake cylinder bores 15', the conduit 39 bends back at a right angle toward the fastening side 36 and then extends in a final section toward the lower side 35 to the inlet conduit V1', which is located in the motor side 32 of the hydraulic block 19, near the lower side 35, approximately at the center between the fastening side 36 and the opposite narrow side 48.

[0056] The above Figure 5The check valve 30, shown as a switching symbol in the middle, is located in the receiving part 30' in the pipe 39 leading from the brake fluid reservoir 20 to the inlet pipe. This receiving part is coaxially positioned on the bottom of the blind hole as a smaller diameter protrusion, which forms an interface 20' for the brake fluid reservoir 20.

[0057] Instead of passing alongside the master brake cylinder bore 15', the conduit 39 from the brake fluid reservoir 20 to the inlet line V1 can also extend downward from the receiving portion 20' of the brake fluid reservoir 20 toward the master brake cylinder bore 15', bend parallel to the master brake cylinder bore 15' toward the narrow side 48 opposite the fastening side 36, bend further downward toward the master brake cylinder bore 15', and then bend back parallel to the master brake cylinder bore 15' toward the fastening side 36 until it reaches the center of the hydraulic block 19 between the fastening side 36 and the opposite narrow side 48. The conduit 39 then passes through the master brake cylinder bore 15' downward to the interface V1' of the inlet line V1. In this embodiment of the invention, the master brake cylinder bore 15' has a generally semi-circular side recess 40 that extends around the master brake cylinder piston / secondary piston 53 on the inner surface of the master brake cylinder bore 15'. Figure 5a This alternative piping guide is shown. The master brake cylinder piston / secondary piston 53 closes the side recess 40 on its inner surface, preventing it from communicating with the master brake cylinder bore 15'. The master brake cylinder piston / primary piston 54 and the secondary piston 53 are in... Figure 5 and 5a It is illustrated in the middle.

[0058] For so-called "hot unloading," the back side of the simulator piston (not shown) of the pedal travel simulator 17 is connected to an unpressurized brake fluid reservoir 20. The back side of the simulator piston is the side not pressure-loaded when the master brake cylinder 15 is operated. "Hot unloading" means that the brake fluid is not contained on the back side of the simulator piston, but rather flows out from the back side of the simulator piston into the brake fluid reservoir 20 as it heats up and expands in volume. In this embodiment, hot unloading of the simulator piston or pedal travel simulator 17 is performed via a conduit 41 that extends downward from the bottom of one of the interfaces 20' of the brake fluid reservoir 20 in the upper side 34 of the hydraulic block 19 to the cylinder bore 17' of the pedal travel simulator 17. In this embodiment, the conduit 41 is drilled obliquely, that is, not parallel to or perpendicular to the sides and edges of the hydraulic block 19.

[0059] In this embodiment, the connection between the chamber of the master brake cylinder 15, the secondary chamber, and the brake fluid reservoir 20 is made on the back side of the simulator piston, passing through the cylinder bore 17' of the pedal travel simulator 17. A conduit 42 extends downward from the cylinder bore of the pedal travel simulator to a surrounding groove 43 around the master brake cylinder bore 15', the groove surrounding the master brake cylinder piston (not shown), the secondary piston (or floating piston) in this embodiment. The groove 43 is sealed on both sides relative to the master brake cylinder piston by sealing rings (not shown), which are arranged on both sides of the groove 43 in a surrounding sealing groove 44 of the master brake cylinder bore 15'. If the master brake cylinder piston passes over the groove 43 when the master brake cylinder 15 is operated, the master brake cylinder piston hydraulically separates the master brake cylinder 15 from the brake fluid reservoir 20, thereby generating braking pressure in the master brake cylinder 15 as the master brake cylinder piston continues to move.

[0060] A first vent pipe 45 for the master brake cylinder 15 is connected to the master brake cylinder bore 15 at a circumferential position facing the upper side 34 of the hydraulic block 19. This means that when the hydraulic block 19 is arranged with its upper side 34 facing upward as specified, the vent pipe 45 opens upward into the master brake cylinder bore 15'. Air bubbles that may be contained in the brake fluid accumulate there, thereby venting the master brake cylinder 15. In this embodiment, the first vent pipe 45 extends tangentially from the circumferential position of the master brake cylinder bore 15' facing the upper side 34 of the hydraulic block 19 toward the motor side 32 and continues to extend between the motor side 32 and the master brake cylinder bore 15' after a downward bend, until it further bends toward the fastening side 36 and leads to one of the two interfaces V2' for the inlet pipe leading to the auxiliary braking assembly 3. In this embodiment, the vent pipe 45 leads into the secondary chamber of the master brake cylinder 15. The first exhaust pipe 45 extends obliquely between the motor side 32 and the valve side 33 between its two bends, and the first exhaust pipe is located near the motor side 32 and near the lower side 35 of the hydraulic block 19 near the valve side 32 at the height of the master brake cylinder bore 15'. The invention does not preclude the exhaust pipe 45 from running parallel to or perpendicular to the sides and edges of the hydraulic block 19.

[0061] To allow for possible venting of the primary chamber of the master brake cylinder 15, a second vent pipe 50 is positioned in the hydraulic block 19 parallel to and near the master brake cylinder bore 15'. This second vent pipe enters the narrow side 48 of the hydraulic block 19 opposite the fastening side 36. The second vent pipe 50 is positioned approximately at the height of the circumferential position of the master brake cylinder bore 15' facing the upper surface 34 of the hydraulic block 19 on the side of the master brake cylinder bore 15' facing the motor side 32, and after a bend, it enters the master brake cylinder bore 15' tangentially at the circumferential position facing the upper surface 34 of the hydraulic block 19. The second vent pipe 50 intersects with pipe 39, which connects the interface 20' for the brake fluid reservoir 20 to the interface V1' for the inlet pipe V1 leading to the auxiliary brake assembly 3.

[0062] The receiving portion 21' for testing valve 21 is positioned in the valve side 33 of hydraulic block 19 near the fastening side 36 on the lower side of the main brake cylinder bore 15' (see...). Figure 6 The axis of the receiving portion 21' for the test valve 21 extends tangentially to the circumferential position of the lower side surface 35 of the main brake cylinder bore 15' facing the hydraulic block 19. The connection between the test valve 21 and the brake fluid reservoir 20 is, in this embodiment, achieved through a complex piping system due to the drilled structure of the hydraulic block 19: the piping 46 first extends downward from the bottom of one of the interfaces 20' of the brake fluid reservoir 20 in the upper side of the hydraulic block 34 to a groove 47 that surrounds the piston 6 of the booster-brake pressure generator 10 in the booster cylinder bore 9. The groove 47 is sealed on both sides relative to the piston 6 of the booster-brake pressure generator 10 with sealing rings, preventing the piping 46 from communicating with the cylinder 9 of the booster-brake pressure generator 10. The conduit 46 extends from the groove 47 toward the narrow side 48 of the hydraulic block 19 opposite the fastening side 36 and, after a bend, extends downward into the groove 43 surrounding the master brake cylinder piston in the master brake cylinder bore 15', which, as described above, communicates with the receiving portion 21' for the test valve 21.

Claims

1. A hydraulic block for a service brake assembly of a hydraulically assisted braking device for an autonomous vehicle, wherein, The hydraulic block (19) has: an upper side (34) provided for housing a brake fluid reservoir (20) and having an interface (20') for the brake fluid reservoir (20); a fastening side (36) adjacent to the upper side (34), the fastening side being configured to fasten the hydraulic block (19) to the front bulkhead of the vehicle and having a main brake cylinder bore (15') extending into the fastening side; a motor side (32) adjacent to the upper side (34) and the fastening side (36), on which an electric motor (7) for driving a piston (6) of a boost-brake pressure generator (10) can be arranged; and an interface (4') for connecting a hydraulic wheel brake (4) and for connecting an auxiliary brake assembly (3) to a service brake assembly (2) in the motor side (32) via a brake line, characterized in that, in the A booster cylinder bore (9') is disposed on the motor side (32) of the hydraulic block (19) between the upper side surface (34) and the main brake cylinder bore (15'), and the hydraulic block (19) has an interface (V2', R1') for the auxiliary brake assembly (3) at an angle of 45° from the axis of the booster cylinder bore (9') relative to the upper side surface (34) of the hydraulic block (19) on the side of the booster cylinder bore (9') away from the fastening side (36) of the hydraulic block (19), the interface including a first interface (V2') or a second interface (R1'), and / or the hydraulic block (19) has an interface (V1', R2') for the auxiliary brake assembly (3) near the lower side surface (35) opposite to the upper side surface (34) on the motor side (32) of the hydraulic block (19), the interface including a third interface (V1') or a fourth interface (R2').

2. The hydraulic block according to claim 1, characterized in that, One of the interfaces (20') for the brake fluid reservoir (20) in the upper side (34) of the hydraulic block (19) has a concentric receiving portion (30') for the check valve (30), and the pipeline (39) in the hydraulic block (19) leads from the receiving portion to the first interface (V2') for the auxiliary braking assembly (3).

3. The hydraulic block according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conduit (39) passes laterally from the receiver (30') for the check valve (30) next to the booster cylinder bore (9'), bends below the cylinder bore (17') of the pedal travel simulator (17) away from the fastening side (36), bends further below the cylinder bore (17') of the pedal travel simulator (17), passes laterally from the main brake cylinder bore (15') next to the lower side (35) of the hydraulic block (19), and bends back towards the fastening side (36) of the hydraulic block (19) until it leads to the first interface (V2') for the auxiliary brake assembly (3), which is located near the lower side (35) in the motor side (32) of the hydraulic block (19).

4. The hydraulic block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The main brake cylinder bore (15') has a spiral groove (40), which is part of a conduit (39) in the hydraulic block (19) that connects one of the interfaces (20') for the brake fluid reservoir (20) on the upper side (34) of the hydraulic block (19) to the first interface (V2') for the auxiliary brake assembly (3) on the motor side (32) of the hydraulic block (19).

5. The hydraulic block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, A conduit extends from one of the interfaces (20') for the brake fluid reservoir (20) toward the back side of the simulator piston into the cylinder bore (17') for the pedal travel simulator (17).

6. The hydraulic block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The conduit runs from the cylinder bore (17') of the pedal travel simulator (17) to the groove (43) in the main brake cylinder bore (15') that surrounds the main brake cylinder piston.

7. The hydraulic block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The exhaust pipe (45) is connected to the main brake cylinder bore (15') at a circumferential position on the upper side (34) facing the hydraulic block (19).

8. The hydraulic block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The second interface (R1') for the auxiliary braking assembly (3) is located near the upper side (34) in the motor side (32) of the hydraulic block (19), and the pipeline from there leads to the receiving part (12') for the release valve (12) in the direction of the fastening side (36) of the hydraulic block (19) and after bending near the fastening side (36) towards the lower side (35) of the hydraulic block (19), the release valve is located in the valve side (33) of the hydraulic block (19) opposite the motor side (32) at the height of the axis having the booster cylinder bore (9').

9. The hydraulic block according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The pipeline exits the fastening side (36) from the fourth interface (R2') for the auxiliary braking assembly (3) near the lower side (35) of the motor side (32) of the hydraulic block (19) and after bending upwards, leads to the receiving part (12') for the separation valve (12) in the valve side (33) of the hydraulic block (19).

Images