Module for brake system of motor vehicle and brake system

Abstract

The invention relates to a module for a brake system of a motor vehicle, in which module at least one electrical pressure supply device is formed and a circuit separating valve KTV is also formed, which is designed to be normally closed. The invention further relates to a brake system having such a module.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a module for a brake system of a motor vehicle and to a brake system having such a module.

[0002] Braking systems are usually used in motor vehicles in order to decelerate the motor vehicle in a targeted manner. Known braking systems are especially implemented as hydraulic and are based on the following: the driver actuates the master brake cylinder by means of a brake pedal, and the pressure generated here acts directly on the wheel brakes. If appropriate, this pressure can be increased (for example by a known brake booster). Newer braking systems use the following principle, for example: although pressure is generated in the master brake cylinder, this pressure is directed to the simulator during normal braking operation, at which time the driver's braking request is sensed and it is converted into a braking action only by means of an electrically operated pressure generator. During normal braking operation, the master brake cylinder that can be actuated by the driver is therefore disconnected from the wheel brakes. Here, it is usually proposed only for the case of failure of the electrical pressure supply: the valve that is closed in other cases is opened, and pressure can be applied directly to the wheel brakes by means of the master brake cylinder. In the future, the braking system should be designed so that such a hydraulic backup mode can be omitted, wherein the corresponding redundancy can usually be provided in other ways. Such a braking system can also be divided into a plurality of modules.

[0003] The object of the invention is to provide a module for a brake system of a motor vehicle, which module is embodied as an alternative or better than the known embodiments. It is also the object of the invention to provide a brake system having such a module. According to the invention, this is achieved by a module and a brake system according to the corresponding main claim. Advantageous embodiments can be derived, for example, from the corresponding dependent claims. The content of the claims is given by explicit reference to the content of the description.

[0004] The invention relates to a module for a brake system of a motor vehicle. The module has an electrical pressure supply device. The module has a first module port and a second module port. The module also has a circuit separation valve. The second module port is in particular directly connected to the electrical pressure supply device. The first module port is in particular connected to the electrical pressure supply device via the circuit separation valve. The circuit separation valve is designed to be normally closed.

[0005] By means of such a module, circuit separation between two brake circuits can be implemented in a simple manner, wherein circuit separation is activated automatically in particular by disconnecting the energy source of the module. Therefore, the normally closed circuit separation valve does not require any electrical energy to achieve circuit separation.

[0006] The pressure supply device can be designed in particular such that hydraulic pressure is generated when electrical energy is applied. For example, the electrical pressure supply device can be a linear actuator or a pump. Linear actuators usually work according to the hydrostatic principle. In this case, a piston is usually moved in a cylinder, and the displaced volume is directed directly into the wheel brake cylinder. Pumps usually work according to the principle of fluid dynamics. In this case, the pressure is usually built up continuously.

[0007] The module ports are usually used to connect the module to external units, for example to further modules. In such further modules, it can be provided in particular that two brake circuits are at least partially and / or switchably separated from one another, wherein each brake circuit is usually assigned one of the module ports of the module. A circuit separation valve is usually connected to the two module ports, so that in the open state it can connect the two module ports and, if necessary, the brake circuits connected thereto to one another.

[0008] According to an advantageous embodiment, the module also has a first separating valve and a second separating valve. The first module port is usually directly connected to the first separating valve. The second module port is usually directly connected to the second separating valve. The separating valve can be connected or can be connected to the brake fluid container in particular opposite to the corresponding module port (i.e. on the side opposite to the module port). The separating valve is usually implemented as normally open. With the help of such a separating valve, a direct connection can be established between the module port and the brake fluid container, which direct connections can be used in particular to discharge residual pressure when the motor vehicle is stopped. As a result, the braking system can be reliably converted to a pressure-free state when the vehicle is parked or has a malfunction, for example. If a brake fluid container is present on the module, the separating valve is usually connected thereto. In other cases, the module can be provided in particular for connection to such a brake fluid container.

[0009] The first isolating valve can be connected in particular to a first container port, and the second isolating valve can be connected in particular to a second container port which is separate from the first container port. In this context, in particular different chambers of the brake fluid container can be mentioned, wherein in particular each container port can be connected or connectable to a chamber of the brake fluid container.

[0010] In particular, a first non-return valve with a flow direction toward the first module port can be connected in parallel to the first separating valve. Likewise, a second non-return valve with a flow direction toward the second module port can be connected in parallel to the second separating valve. This ensures that brake fluid is sucked in at the module port independently of the functionality of the respective separating valve.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the module can also have a brake fluid container. The brake fluid container can have, in particular, a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber can be connected, in particular, to a first container port, and the second chamber can be connected, in particular, to a second container port. As a result, different chambers in the brake fluid container can be used, which can prevent, for example, outflow from both chambers in the event of a leak in only one brake circuit. The brake system thus remains at least partially functional. Circuit separation can be carried out, in particular, by closing the circuit separation valve already mentioned.

[0012] The circuit separation valve can be designed in particular in such a way that it cannot be opened by the pressure of the electrical pressure supply device, thereby reliably avoiding an unintentional opening of the circuit separation valve.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the module has a container warning device or can be connected to a container warning device, wherein the module is configured to close the circuit separation valve in response to the triggering of the container warning device. The container warning device can in particular be a device that is triggered when a leak is detected. Such a leak can in particular be detected by a drop in pressure (for example in the brake fluid container or in a chamber of the brake fluid container) or a drop in the brake fluid level. By closing the circuit separation valve, it can be avoided that there is a flow in both brake circuits when there is a leak in only one of the brake circuits.

[0014] The electrical pressure supply device can be designed in particular as a linear actuator. This corresponds to a very reliable embodiment, which enables a very fast and well-controlled generation of brake pressure. However, in principle, other embodiments can also be used, for example as a fluid dynamic pump / power pump.

[0015] The first module port can be designed in particular for connection with a connecting line leading to a further module. The second module port can be designed in particular for connection with a connecting line leading to a further module. The two module ports can be connected in particular with connecting lines, wherein these connecting lines establish a hydraulic connection with the further module. The two modules mentioned can in particular together form a brake system or at least form an essential part of a brake system.

[0016] Furthermore, the invention relates to a braking system for a motor vehicle. The braking system has a module as described herein. With regard to the modules, all embodiments and variants described herein can be used. The braking system also has a further module. The further module has a first brake circuit, which is connected to a first module port and has one or more wheel ports; the further module also has a second brake circuit, which is connected to a second module port and has one or more wheel ports. With the aid of such a braking system, a braking system for a motor vehicle can be provided in an advantageous manner, which makes it possible to utilize the advantages of the module, which have been mentioned earlier in the text, with the aid of the normally closed separation valve of the module. The further module can in particular be connected to the module port with the aid of the connecting line, which has been mentioned earlier in the text.

[0017] The further module can in particular have a further electrical pressure supply which is designed to generate pressure in both brake circuits. Redundancy can thus be created so that in the event of a failure of the electrical pressure supply of a module, the further electrical pressure supply of the further module is available.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the brake system has at least one control device. In particular, it can be provided that the module and the further module each have their own control device and / or each have their own power supply. In this case, the functionality can be divided, in particular the individual control devices can be designed to control the respective modules. Redundancy can be provided by means of separate power supplies (for example by connection to different onboard power supplies), so that the functionality of the brake system is at least limitedly ensured in the event of a power failure.

[0019] The control device can be configured in particular to deactivate the electrical pressure supply device in one operating mode in response to the triggering of the tank warning device and to load both brake circuits with the aid of the further electrical pressure supply device. In this case, circuit separation is usually activated, i.e. the circuit separation valve is closed, so that if a leak occurs in only one brake circuit, there is no outflow from both brake circuits. The control device can be configured in a second operating mode in response to the triggering of the tank warning device in response to the triggering of the tank warning device to load the first brake circuit only with the aid of the further electrical pressure supply device and the second brake circuit only with the aid of the electrical pressure supply device. In this way, a separation of the brake circuits can also be achieved. Usually, the circuit separation valve is closed for this purpose. In particular, both operating modes can be implemented in the control device or in a plurality of control devices, wherein different parameters can be used to determine which operating mode is activated when the tank warning device is triggered.

[0020] In particular, an inlet valve can be connected between each wheel port and the pressure supply device. In addition, a further first separating valve can be connected between the first module port and the wheel port. This is usually used to separate the first module port from the wheel port. Similarly, a further second separating valve can be connected between the second module port and the wheel port. Thus, the second module port can also be separated from the wheel port. The inlet valve can be designed in particular to selectively allow pressure to pass to the corresponding wheel port or to cut it off, so that independent pressure control for the wheel can be achieved.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a normally closed first switching valve is connected between the first module port and the suction side of the further electrical pressure supply device. Similarly, a normally closed second switching valve can be connected between the second module port and the suction side of the further electrical pressure supply device. Such a switching valve can be used in particular to enable the suction of the further electrical pressure supply device to be selectively realized. The suction side of the further electrical pressure supply device can be connected to the wheel port in particular via one or more check valves with a flow direction toward the further electrical pressure supply device, or to an outlet valve, which is connected to the respective wheel port opposite to the check valve (on the side opposite to the check valve). This can achieve suction via the check valve or these check valves, wherein the check valve closes automatically when it is desired to build up pressure.

[0022] A person skilled in the art will derive additional features and advantages from the following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0023] Figure 1 The braking system is shown.

[0024] Figure 1 A brake system BS according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. The brake system BS is divided into a module MOD1 and a further module MOD2. Each of these modules MOD1, MOD2 has a respective control device ECU1, ECU2. The following functions are implemented here, which will be described in more detail below.

[0025] The module MOD1 may also be referred to as a first module. The further module MOD2 may also be referred to as a second module.

[0026] The module MOD1 has an electrical pressure supply device DE1 which can be actuated by a motor M and is designed in the present case as a linear actuator.

[0027] A first module port MA1 and a second module port MA2 are formed on the module MOD1 . Here, the electrical pressure supply device DE1 is directly connected to the second module port MA2 . Here, the pressure sensor P / U monitors the pressure.

[0028] The first module port MA1 is connected to the first container port BA1 via a first normally open separation valve TV1. A first check valve R1 is connected in parallel to the first separation valve, whose flow direction is toward the first module port MA1. In addition, the second module port MA2 is not only directly connected to the electrical pressure supply device DE1, but also connected to the second container port BA2 via a second separation valve TV2 that is designed to be normally open. A second check valve R2 is connected in parallel to the second separation valve, whose flow direction is toward the second module port MA2.

[0029] A circuit separation valve KTV is connected between the two module ports MA1 and MA2 and is designed to be normally closed.

[0030] A brake fluid container BFB is arranged above the module MOD1 , which is divided into two chambers, each of which is connected to one of the above-mentioned tank ports BA1 , BA2 .

[0031] The further module MOD2 is connected to the first module port MA1 via a first connecting line VL1 and also to the second module port MA2 via a second connecting line VL2. In the immediate vicinity of the connection to the first module port MA1 a pressure sensor U / P monitors the pressure.

[0032] The further module MOD2 has a further electrical pressure supply device DE2, which is designed as a piston pump in this context and is driven by a motor M. As shown in the figure, the piston pump is divided into two parts, both of which are however driven by the same motor M. On the suction side, the piston pump is connected to the two connecting lines VL1, VL2 (in particular via a normally closed first switching valve S1 and a normally closed second switching valve S2). These connecting lines can be used to enable selective suction via the module ports MA1, MA2. For this purpose, for example, the separation valves TV1, TV2 can be opened, or the already mentioned check valves R1, R2 can be used. The module ports MA1, MA2 are also connected to the inlet valves E1, E2, E3, E4 via a further first separation valve WT1 and a further second separation valve WT2, which are respectively assigned to the corresponding wheel ports RA1, RA2, RA3, RA4. Check valves whose flow direction is away from the corresponding wheel port RA are respectively connected in parallel so that the pressure can be reduced. In this context, the respective wheel brakes B1, B2, B3, B4 are connected to the wheel ports RA1, RA2, RA3, RA4. The wheel ports RA1, RA2, RA3, RA4 are connected to the first pressure accumulator DS1 or the second pressure accumulator DS2 via the respective outlet valves A1, A2, A3, A4. These pressure accumulators can be used for intermediate storage / buffering of pressure. In addition, the pressure accumulators are connected to the respective suction sides of the further electrical pressure supply device DE2 via the respective check valves R3, R4, wherein the flow direction points to the respective suction side.

[0033] The two wheel ports RA1, RA2 arranged at the top form a first brake circuit BK1 together with the components shown and connected thereto. Correspondingly, the two wheel ports RA3, RA4 arranged further down form a second brake circuit BK2 together with the components shown and connected thereto. When the circuit separation valve KTV is open, the brake circuits are connected to each other, so that fluid compensation can be performed between the two brake circuits BK1, BK2. However, if the container warning device U / s (which monitors the brake fluid level) arranged in the brake fluid container BFB is triggered, the circuit separation valve KTV is closed according to the programming of the first control device ECU1, so that the two brake circuits BK1, BK2 are separated from each other in a fluid sense. Therefore, if a leak occurs at any part in one of the two brake circuits BK1, BK2, the leak will at most cause one of the two brake circuits BK to leak, but will not cause both brake circuits BK to leak.

[0034] As shown, the brake system BS, in which the master brake cylinder could be connected directly to the wheel brakes B, does not have a hydraulic fallback mode. Instead, the braking request is generally detected electronically, for example by means of an electromechanical brake pedal, and by means of the two pressure supplies DE.

[0035] In conventional braking operation, for example, the pressure for both brake circuits BK can be generated directly by the electrical pressure supply DE1. Likewise, a further electrical pressure supply DE2 can be used. It is also possible to use both pressure supplies DE together. In this case, the circuit separation valve KTV can in particular be opened. This can be done by a pedal signal or also continuously by ignition start, the latter, for example, to avoid rattling noises.

[0036] If a leak is detected in the wheel brake B by the plausibility check or if there is a low fluid level warning in the brake fluid reservoir BFB, the brake system BS can be divided into two brake circuits BK by deactivating the circuit separation valve KTV (i.e. closing the circuit separation valve). The two options described below are then useful when brake pressure is required.

[0037] According to a first option, the electrical pressure supply DE1 is deactivated and the brake pressure is built up only by the further electrical pressure supply DE2. The two switching valves S1, S2 are normally open and suction can be carried out by opening the isolating valves TV1, TV2 or via the parallel check valves R1, R2. In particular, pressure control can be carried out via the assigned further isolating valves WT1, WT2.

[0038] According to a second option, the electrical pressure supply device DE1 generates pressure only in the second brake circuit BK2, and the further electrical pressure supply device DE2 generates pressure only in the first brake circuit BK1. Although the components in the two brake circuits are driven by a common motor M, closing the second switching valve S2 and opening the further second isolating valve WT2 ensures that no work is performed in the second brake circuit BK2.

[0039] Overall, the advantages achieved by the embodiments described herein are that the circuit separation can be maintained indefinitely in time and also without electrical energy when the vehicle is parked. The circuit separation is thus robust against secondary faults in the first module MOD1. In the event of an external leak in the line to the wheel brakes B when the vehicle is parked, an emptying of the two reservoir chambers is avoided.

[0040] It should be noted that in the claims and the description, features may be described in combination, for example to facilitate understanding, even though these features can also be used separately from each other. Those skilled in the art recognize that such features can also be combined with other features or feature combinations independently of each other.

[0041] The references in the dependent claims may characterize preferred combinations of individual features, but do not exclude other combinations of features.

[0042] List of Reference Numerals

[0043] BS Braking System

[0044] MOD Module

[0045] BA Container Port

[0046] BFB brake fluid container

[0047] TV Separation Valve

[0048] R Check valve

[0049] MA Module Ports

[0050] KTV circuit separation valve

[0051] M Motor

[0052] DE Pressure Supply Unit

[0053] P / U Pressure Sensor

[0054] U / s container warning device

[0055] BK brake circuit

[0056] S Switching valve

[0057] DS Accumulator

[0058] WT Additional separation valve

[0059] E Inlet valve

[0060] A Outlet valve

[0061] RA Wheel Port

[0062] B Wheel brake

[0063] ECU Control Equipment

[0064] VL connecting line

Claims

1. A module (MOD1) for a braking system (BS) of a motor vehicle, The module (MOD1) has: - electrical pressure supply unit (DE1), - the first module port (MA1), - Second module port (MA2), - Circuit separation valve (KTV), - the second module port (MA2) is directly connected to the electrical pressure supply (DE1), - the first module port (MA1) is connected to the electrical pressure supply device (DE1) via a circuit separation valve (KTV), The circuit separation valve (KTV) is designed to be normally closed.

2. The module (MOD1) according to claim 1, - the module further comprises a first separation valve (TV1) and a second separation valve (TV2), - the first module port (MA1) is directly connected to the first separation valve (TV1), - the second module port (MA2) is directly connected to the second separation valve (TV2), - the isolating valve (TV) is connected or connectable to the brake fluid reservoir (BFB) opposite to the corresponding module port (M), The isolating valve (TV) is designed to be normally open.

3. The module (MOD1) according to claim 2, The first separation valve (TV1) is connected to the first container port (BA1), and the second separation valve (TV2) is connected to the second container port (BA2) separated from the first container port (BA1).

4. A module (MOD1) according to claim 2 or 3, - a first check valve (R1) is connected in parallel to the first separation valve (TV1), the first check valve having a flow direction toward the first module port (MA1), and / or A second check valve (R2) is connected in parallel to the second separation valve (TV2), the second check valve having a flow direction toward the second module port (MA2).

5. A module (MOD1) according to claim 3 or 4, - the module also has a brake fluid reservoir (BFB), - a brake fluid reservoir (BFB) having a first chamber and a second chamber, The first chamber is connected to the first container port (BA1) and the second chamber is connected to the second container port (BA2).

6. Module (MOD1) according to one of the preceding claims, - The circuit isolating valve (KTV) cannot be opened by the pressure of the electrical pressure supply (DE1).

7. Module (MOD1) according to one of the preceding claims, the module has a container warning device (U / s) or can be connected to a container warning device (U / s), - said module (MOD1) is configured to close the circuit separation valve (KTV) in response to the triggering of the container warning device (U / s).

8. Module (MOD1) according to one of the preceding claims, The electrical pressure supply (DE1) is designed as a linear actuator.

9. Module (MOD1) according to one of the preceding claims, - the first module port (MA1) is designed for connection to a connecting line (VL1) leading to a further module (MOD2), and / or The second module port (MA2) is designed for connection to a connecting line (VL2) leading to a further module (MOD2).

10. A braking system (BS) for a motor vehicle, the braking system comprising: - A module (MOD1) according to one of the preceding claims, - Additional module (MOD2), The further module (MOD2) has a first brake circuit (BK1) which is connected to the first module port (MA1) and has one or more wheel ports (RA), and a second brake circuit (BK2) which is connected to the second module port (MA2) and has one or more wheel ports (RA).

11. Braking system (BS) according to claim 10, The further module (MOD2) has a further electrical pressure supply device (DE2) which is designed to generate pressure in the two brake circuits (BK).

12. Braking system (BS) according to claim 11, - the module has at least one control unit (ECU), the at least one control device is configured to, in response to triggering of the tank warning device (U / s), deactivate the electrical pressure supply device (DE1) in a first operating mode and to load the two brake circuits (BK) by means of the further electrical pressure supply device (DE2), and / or - the at least one control device is configured to, in response to triggering of the tank warning device (U / s), load the first brake circuit (BK1) in a second operating mode only with the aid of a further electrical pressure supply device (DE1) and to load the second brake circuit (BK2) only with the aid of the electrical pressure supply device (DE1).

13. Braking system (BS) according to one of claims 10 to 12, The module (MOD1) and the further module (MOD2) each have their own control unit (ECU1, ECU2) and / or each have their own power supply.

14. Braking system (BS) according to one of claims 10 to 13, - an inlet valve (E) is connected between each wheel port (RA) and the pressure supply device (DE), and / or a further first separation valve (WT1) is connected between the first module port (MA1) and the wheel port (RA), and / or A further second isolating valve ( WT2 ) is connected between the second module port ( MA2 ) and the wheel port (RA).

15. Braking system (BS) according to one of claims 10 to 14, a normally closed first switching valve (S1) is connected between the first module port (MA1) and the suction side of the further electrical pressure supply device (DE2), and / or a normally closed second switching valve (S2) is connected between the second module port (MA2) and the suction side of the further electrical pressure supply (DE2), and / or - The suction side of the further electrical pressure supply device (DE2) is connected to the wheel port (RA) via one or more check valves (R), the flow direction of which is towards the further electrical pressure supply device (DE2), or to an outlet valve (A), which is connected to the respective wheel port (RA) opposite to the check valve (R).

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