Actuating device for brake system

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuating device (1) for a brake system (2) having an actuatable master brake cylinder (10), comprising: a transmission device (12) having a displaceably mounted transmission element (13); an electric motor (8) for driving the transmission (12); a movably mounted pressure transmission part (20) which is connected to the input rod (24) in such a way that the pressure transmission part (20) can be moved by means of the input rod (24), the master brake cylinder (10) being actuatable by means of the movement of the transmission element (13) and by means of the movement of the pressure transmission part (20); and a sensor (30) having a first sensor part (32) which can be moved together with the pressure transmission part (20) and a second sensor part (33) which can be moved together with the transmission element (13). According to the invention, the first sensor part (32) and the second sensor part (33) are movably mounted on a common carrier element (31) of the sensor (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an operating device for a brake system, the brake system having an operable master brake cylinder, the operating device having: a transmission device, which has a movably supported transmission element; an electric motor for driving the transmission device; a movably supported pressure transmission part, which is connected to an input rod so that the pressure transmission part can be moved by the input rod, wherein the master brake cylinder can be operated by moving the transmission element and by moving the pressure transmission part; and a sensor, which has a first sensor component that can be moved together with the pressure transmission part and a second sensor component that can be moved together with the transmission element. Background Art

[0002] A hydraulic brake system of a motor vehicle usually has a plurality of friction brake devices, which are hydraulically connected to a master brake cylinder of the brake system. If the master brake cylinder is actuated, hydraulic fluid is moved into a slave cylinder of the friction brake device, so that the friction brake device now generates a friction brake torque. In this case, an actuating device is usually present to actuate the master brake cylinder. As the degree of electrification of motor vehicles continues to increase, the actuating devices of the brake system are also increasingly electrified. An actuating device of the type mentioned at the beginning is known, for example, from the patent publication DE 10 2019 203 511 A1. The actuating device has a transmission device, which has a transmission element that is movably supported. The transmission device can be driven by an electric motor of the actuating device. In addition, the actuating device also has a movable pressure transmission part. The pressure transmission part is connected to an input rod, so that the pressure transmission part can be moved by the input rod. If the actuating device is installed in the brake system as specified, the master brake cylinder can be actuated by moving the transmission element and by moving the pressure transmission part. The actuating device also has a sensor, which has a first sensor component that can be moved together with the pressure transmission part and a second sensor component that can be moved together with the transmission element. The sensor can detect the displacement position of the pressure transmission part relative to the displacement position of the transmission element. In the operating device known from the patent publication DE10 2019 203 511A1, the first sensor part is the measured value provider of the sensor. The second sensor part is the receiver of the sensor. Here, the first sensor part and the second sensor part are fixed to the pressure transmission part and the transmission element. Summary of the invention

[0003] The actuating device according to the invention having the features of claim 1 is characterized in that the first sensor component and the second sensor component are movably mounted on a common carrier element of the sensor. By mounting the first sensor component and the second sensor component on a common carrier element, the components of the sensor can be easily handled together as a component. Thus, the assembly of the sensor into the actuating device and the disassembly of the assembled sensor are significantly simplified compared to previously known solutions. The carrier element is preferably made of plastic.

[0004] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the support element is constructed in a frame shape, and the first sensor component and the second sensor component are movably supported in a frame opening of the support element. By being supported in the frame opening, the support element protects the first sensor component and the second sensor component from damage. Preferably, the frame-shaped support element has two first legs oriented in the movement direction of the sensor unit and two second legs oriented perpendicularly to the movement direction, so that the frame is constructed in a rectangular shape. Particularly preferably, the sensor component is movably supported by the first leg of the frame-shaped support element. Therefore, the first leg contributes to supporting the sensor component.

[0005] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one, in particular metallic, guide rod is fastened to the carrier element and the first sensor component and the second sensor component are supported movably by the guide rod. The first sensor component and the second sensor component are supported particularly mechanically firmly by the guide rod. Preferably, the first sensor component and the second sensor component are plugged or pushed onto the guide rod. Particularly preferably, a plurality of guide rods arranged parallel to one another are fastened to the carrier element, wherein the first sensor component and the second sensor component are supported movably by the plurality of guide rods.

[0006] Preferably, the first sensor component and the second sensor component are supported one behind the other in the displacement direction on the support element. By arranging the sensor components in this way, a sensor with a small width can be realized. According to an alternative embodiment, the sensor components are arranged side by side in the displacement direction, for example.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment, the operating device has a housing in which the transmission element and the pressure transmission part are at least partially arranged and the sensor is fixed to the housing. This embodiment of the operating device is particularly stable in mechanical terms. In particular, the sensor is fixed to the housing by means of a support element. Preferably, the sensor is detachably fixed to the housing. This simplifies the replacement of the mounted sensor. Particularly preferably, the sensor is fixed to the housing by a detachable screw connection.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the sensor is installed in a penetration of the peripheral wall of the housing. By installing in the penetration, it is technically convenient to achieve mechanical connection of the first sensor component and the second sensor component with the pressure transmission component and the transmission element, respectively, and to achieve electrical connection with a controller arranged outside the housing. Preferably, the sensor is installed in the penetration so that the first sensor component and the second sensor component face the housing interior of the housing.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the first entrainment part is fixed to the pressure transmission part, wherein the first entrainment part is connected to the first sensor part by a form-fit connection. The form-fit connection enables the first sensor part to move reliably together with the pressure transmission part, wherein the form-fit connection is configured to transmit a force acting at least in the movement direction of the pressure transmission part to the first sensor part. In this case, the first entrainment part can be fixed directly or indirectly to the pressure transmission part. Alternatively or additionally, the operating device preferably has a second entrainment part fixed to the transmission element, wherein the second entrainment part is connected to the second sensor part by a form-fit connection.

[0010] Preferably, the first entraining part cooperates with the fork-shaped holding structure of the first sensor component to form a form-fitting connection. This form-fitting connection reliably ensures that the first sensor component moves together with the pressure transmission part. In addition, the form-fitting connection can be easily formed, namely by inserting the first entraining part into the fork-shaped holding structure. Alternatively or additionally, the second entraining part cooperates with the fork-shaped holding structure of the second sensor component to form a form-fitting connection.

[0011] According to a preferred embodiment, the first entrainment part is fixed to the first sensor part by means of a latching connection or a clamping connection. This ensures a particularly mechanically stable connection between the first entrainment part and the first sensor part, so that the connection can also withstand vibrations of the operating device, for example. In addition, the latching connection or the clamping connection can be easily produced when the sensor is installed in the operating device, for example by plugging the first entrainment part and the first sensor part together. The latching connection or the clamping connection is preferably designed to be detachable. This has the advantage that the sensor can be easily replaced. Preferably, the second entrainment part is fixed to the second sensor part by means of a particularly detachable latching connection or a particularly detachable clamping connection.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the sensor has a circuit board located at the support element, on which at least one receiver coil is constructed. Therefore, the receiver coil is formed by the conductor path of the circuit board. This design of the receiver coil can be realized in a technically simple and cost-effective manner. By fixing the circuit board to the support element, the electrical connection of the circuit board, more precisely the receiver coil, for example, with the controller is simplified. If the circuit board, more precisely the receiver coil, is movably supported at the support element, the electrical connection with the controller will at least be more difficult. The receiver coil can realize contactless detection of the displacement position of the first sensor component and the second sensor component. The sensor is preferably constructed as an inductive sensor. Particularly preferably, the circuit board has a transmitter coil and two receiver coils. As described above, the support element is preferably constructed in a frame shape. At this time, the circuit board is preferably arranged so that it covers or closes the frame opening of the support element. According to an alternative embodiment, the first sensor component or the second sensor component is constructed as a receiver. The second sensor component or the first sensor component is then constructed as a measured value provider.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment, the circuit board has at least one small conductive contact plate for electrical contact with the controller. Such a small contact plate can be contacted technically easily, for example, by a conductive contact spring on the controller side. As mentioned above, the sensor preferably has a transmitter coil and two receiver coils. In this case, the circuit board preferably has six small conductive contact plates, wherein each coil of the coils is respectively assigned two of the small contact plates. Particularly preferably, the small contact plates are arranged in a row one after the other.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the first sensor part comprises an electrically conductive material and is arranged such that the voltage of the receiver coil can be influenced by a displacement position of the first sensor part, and / or the second sensor part comprises an electrically conductive material and is arranged such that the voltage of the receiver coil can be influenced by a displacement position of the second sensor part. This achieves a particularly advantageous inductive sensor. Particularly preferably, the first sensor part and / or the second sensor part each comprise a base body made of plastic, wherein the electrically conductive material is arranged on the side of the base body facing the receiver coil.

[0015] The operating device preferably has a controller, which is arranged on the housing of the operating device so that the controller covers the sensor. By arranging the controller in this way, the controller protects the sensor from external influences. In addition, since the controller is very close to the sensor, the connection of the sensor to the controller is simplified. The controller is preferably electrically connected to the circuit board. Particularly preferably, the electrical connection is achieved by means of a contact spring on the controller side, which contacts a small contact plate on the aforementioned circuit board side. The controller is preferably designed to control the electric motor as a function of the sensor signal of the sensor.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment, the controller has a controller housing and the sensor is arranged in a penetration of the peripheral wall of the controller housing. The sensor is thereby better protected from external influences and the connection of the sensor to the controller is also simplified. Preferably, the sensor protrudes into the controller so that a circuit board of the sensor is arranged in the housing interior of the controller housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an operating device for a brake system,

[0019] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the operating device,

[0020] Figure 3 The sensors of the manipulator are shown,

[0021] Figure 4 Another diagram of the sensor is shown,

[0022] Figure 5 A sensor coupled to an element of the operating device is shown,

[0023] Figure 6 The housing of the operating device is shown, and

[0024] Figure 7 Another illustration of an actuation device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Figure 1 The present invention shows a perspective view of an actuating device 1 for a brake system 2 of a motor vehicle (not shown in detail). The actuating device 1 has a housing 3. The housing 3 is tubular and therefore has a surrounding circumferential wall 4 which surrounds a housing interior 5 of the housing 3. The actuating device 1 also has a drive unit 6 which is arranged on the housing 3. The drive unit 6 has an electric motor 8 which is arranged in a motor housing 7 and thus is located in the housing 3. Figure 1 6 . The actuating device 1 also has a control unit 9. The control unit 9 is arranged on the housing 3 on the side of the housing 3 facing away from the drive unit 6. The control unit 9 is designed to actuate the electric motor 8. A master brake cylinder 10 is arranged on the end side of the housing 3, in which two hydraulic pistons 11 are movably mounted in the present case. If the actuating device 1 is installed in the brake system 2 as intended, the master brake cylinder 10 is fluidically connected to the slave cylinders of the friction brake devices of the brake system 2.

[0026] Figure 2The longitudinal section of the operating device 1 is shown. The operating device 1 has a transmission 12. The transmission 12 is operatively connected to the electric motor 8 so that the transmission 12 can be driven by the electric motor 8. The transmission 12 has a movably mounted transmission element 13, wherein the transmission element 13 is at least partially arranged in the housing 3. The transmission element 13 can be moved in a first direction 14 and in a second direction 15 opposite to the first direction 14. In the present case, the transmission element 13 is a threaded spindle 13, which is part of a spindle drive 16. The spindle drive 16 has, in addition to the threaded spindle 13, a rotatably mounted spindle nut 17. The inner toothing of the spindle nut 17 meshes with the outer toothing of the threaded spindle 13. In order to ensure that the threaded spindle 13 moves when the spindle nut 17 rotates and does not rotate with the spindle nut 17, the threaded spindle 13 is provided with a rotation prevention 18. For this purpose, an anti-rotation element 19 is provided, which is fixed to the threaded spindle 13, in the present case to the end of the threaded spindle 13 facing the master brake cylinder 10. The anti-rotation element 19 cooperates with the housing 3 to form an anti-rotation portion 18. In the present case, a pot-shaped displacement body 26 is fixed to the anti-rotation element 19.

[0027] The actuating device 1 further comprises a pressure transmission part 20 which is supported displaceably relative to the transmission element 13, wherein the pressure transmission part 20 is also arranged at least partially in the housing 3. The pressure transmission part 20 can be moved in a first direction 14 and in a second direction 15. In the present case, the pressure transmission part 20 is supported in a penetration 21 in the transmission element 13. Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure transmission part 20 is constructed in multiple parts. For this purpose, the pressure transmission part 20 has a rod-shaped section 22 arranged in the penetration part 21. In addition, the pressure transmission part has a pressure cover 23, which is arranged at the end of the pressure transmission part 20 facing the master brake cylinder 10. The pressure cover 23 is fixed to the rod-shaped section 22, in the present case by a fold. The end of the pressure transmission part 20 facing away from the master brake cylinder 10 is connected to an input rod 24, so that the pressure transmission part 20 can be moved by the input rod 24. In the present case, the pressure transmission part 20 is connected to the input rod 24 via a ball joint 25. The end of the input rod 24 facing away from the pressure transmission part 20 is fixed to a brake pedal (not shown).

[0028] The master brake cylinder 10 can be actuated by moving the transmission element 13 and by moving the pressure transmission part 20. The actuation of the master brake cylinder 10 is understood to mean that the hydraulic piston 11 is moved in the first direction 14. If the actuation device 1 is installed in the brake system 2 as intended, hydraulic fluid is thereby moved from the master brake cylinder 10 to the slave cylinder of the friction brake device, so that the friction brake device now generates a friction braking torque. In the present case, the transmission element 13 and the pressure transmission part 20 are operatively connected or operatively connectable to the hydraulic piston 11 via a coupling 27. The coupling 27 has an elastically deformable coupling disk 28 and a rigid push rod 29. If the master brake cylinder 10 is actuated by the electric motor 8, the electric motor 8 acts on the hydraulic piston 11 via the transmission element 13, the anti-rotation element 19, the displacement body 26 and the coupling 27. If the master brake cylinder 10 is actuated by actuating the brake pedal, the brake pedal acts on the hydraulic piston 11 via the input rod 24, the pressure transmission part 20 and the coupling 27.

[0029] The operating device 1 also has a sensor 30. The sensor 30 is designed to monitor the displacement position of the pressure transmission part 20 and the displacement position of the transmission element 13. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 The structure of the sensor 30 is explained in more detail. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In this regard, a perspective view of a sensor 30 is shown in each case. Figure 5 The sensor 30 and other elements of the operating device 1 are shown.

[0030] The sensor 30 has a support element 31. The support element 31 is made of plastic. A first sensor component 32 and a second sensor component 33 are movably supported on the support element 31. As can be seen from the figure, the sensor component 32 and the sensor component 33 are arranged one behind the other in the moving direction.

[0031] According to the embodiment shown in the figure, the support element 31 is frame-shaped, so that the support element 31 has a frame opening 34. The support element 31 has two first legs 35 oriented parallel to each other and two second legs 36 oriented parallel to each other, wherein the second legs 36 are oriented perpendicularly relative to the first legs 35. The first leg 35 is longer than the second leg 36, so that the support element 31 is elongated as a whole. The legs 35 and the legs 36 together form or define the frame opening 34. The sensor component 32 and the sensor component 33 are movably supported in the frame opening 34, so that the sensor component 32 and the sensor component 33 are protected by the support element 31. Two metal guide rods 37 are fixed to the support element 31. The guide rods 37 extend through the frame opening 34 and are oriented parallel to the first legs 35. As can be seen from the figure, the sensor component 32 and the sensor component 33 are supported by the guide rods 37. For this purpose, the sensor component 32 and the sensor component 33 each have two penetrations and are inserted or pushed onto the guide rods 37.

[0032] The sensor 30 is configured as an inductive sensor 30 and for this purpose has an elongated circuit board 38 in the present case, on which a coil assembly 40, which is only schematically shown in the figure, is configured, and which has at least one receiver coil 41. In the present case, the coil assembly 40 has a transmitter coil and two receiver coils 41. The coils of the coil assembly 40 are configured as conductor tracks on the circuit board 38. The circuit board 38 is fixed to the support element 31, in the present case by two fixings 39. The circuit board 38 is arranged here so that it covers or closes the frame opening 34. The circuit board 38 also has a contact device, which has a plurality of conductive small circuit boards 42. The small circuit boards 42 are arranged on the side of the circuit board 38 facing away from the sensor component 32 and the sensor component 33. In the present case, there are six small circuit boards 42, wherein the small circuit boards 42 are arranged one after another along the movement direction of the sensor component 32 and the sensor component 33. Each coil in the coil is electrically connected to two different small circuit boards 42 in the small circuit boards.

[0033] The sensor components 32 and 33 each have a base body 43 and a base body 44 made of plastic. The base body 43 and the base body 44 each have an electrically conductive material on the side facing the circuit board 38. The sensor components 32 and 33 are arranged such that the voltage of the receiver coil 41 can be influenced or affected by the displacement position of the sensor components 32 and 33.

[0034] In order to monitor the moving position of the pressure transmission part 20 and the transmission element 13, the sensor component 32 and the sensor component 33 are operatively connected to the pressure transmission part 20 and the transmission element 13, respectively. Figure 5Explain in more detail. The first driving part 45 fixed at the pressure transmission part 20 is effectively connected to the first sensor component 32 through the first form-fit connection 46, so that the first sensor component 32 can move together with the pressure transmission part 20. In the present case, the first driving part 45 is integrally constructed with the pressure cover 23. The first form-fit connection 46 is formed by inserting the first driving part 45 into the fork-shaped holding structure 47 of the first sensor component 32. The first driving part 45 and the holding structure 47 are formed so that the holding structure 47 applies a clamping force to the first driving part 45. The first driving part 45 is held in the holding structure 47 by the clamping force. However, in order to separate the form-fit connection 46, the first driving part 45 can be pulled out of the holding structure 47 by a sufficiently large force. Therefore, the first form-fit connection 46 is designed as a detachable clamping connection 46. The second driving part 48 fixed at the transmission element 13 is effectively connected to the second sensor component 33 through the second form-fit connection 49, so that the second sensor component 33 can move together with the transmission element 13. In the present case, the second entrainment part 48 is formed integrally with the rotation-proof element 19, so that the second entrainment part 48 is indirectly fixed to the transmission element 13. Figure 5 The transmission element 13 itself is not shown in the figure. A second form-fitting connection 49 is formed by inserting the second entrainment portion 48 into the fork-shaped retaining structure 50 of the second sensor component 33. The second entrainment portion 48 and the retaining structure 50 are formed so that the retaining structure 50 applies a clamping force to the second entrainment portion 48. The second entrainment portion 48 is retained in the retaining structure 50 by the clamping force. However, in order to separate the form-fitting connection 49, the second entrainment portion 48 can be pulled out of the retaining structure 50 by a sufficiently large force. Therefore, the second form-fitting connection 49 is designed as a detachable clamping connection 49. According to another embodiment, the first form-fitting connection 46 and / or the second form-fitting connection 49 are preferably designed as a detachable latching connection.

[0035] Refer to the following Figure 6 and Figure 7 The arrangement of the sensor 30 on the housing 3 is explained in more detail. Figure 6 A perspective view of the housing 3 is shown. Figure 7 Another perspective view of the operating device 1 is shown, wherein Figure 7 The controller 9 is shown semi-transparently in FIG.

[0036] from Figure 6 It can be seen that the peripheral wall 4 has a penetration 51. Depending on the shape of the sensor 30 or the support element 31, the penetration 51 is designed so that the support element 31 can be inserted into the penetration 51 at least substantially without any play. Figure 7As shown, the sensor 30 is inserted into the penetration 51 and thus installed in the operating device 1 in accordance with the specification, and the sensor component 32 and the sensor component 33 face the housing interior 5 of the housing 3. In particular, the holding structure 47 and the holding structure 50 protrude into the housing interior 5. The sensor 30 is fixed to the housing 3 by two fixing elements 52, which are designed as screw elements 52 in the present case. Figure 7 It can be seen that in the operating device 1 assembled as required, the controller 9 is arranged to cover the sensor 30. The peripheral wall 53 of the controller housing 54 of the controller 9 has a Figure 7 The sensor 30 is arranged in the penetration that cannot be identified in the figure. Therefore, the circuit board 38 directly faces the housing interior of the controller housing 54. The controller 9 is electrically connected to the circuit board 38 via the small contact plate 42. For this purpose, the controller 9 has conductive contact springs, the number of which corresponds to the number of the small contact plates 42, wherein the contact springs cannot be identified in the figure. Each of the contact springs contacts a different small contact plate 42 of the small contact plates.

Claims

1. An actuating device for a brake system having an actuable master brake cylinder (10), the actuating device comprising: A transmission device (12) having a movably supported transmission element (13); an electric motor (8) for driving the transmission device (12); A movably supported pressure transmission part (20) is connected to an input rod (24) so ​​that the pressure transmission part (20) can be moved via the input rod (24), wherein: The master brake cylinder (10) can be actuated by moving the transmission element (13) and by moving the pressure transmission part (20); as well as A sensor (30) having a first sensor component (32) movable together with the pressure transmission part (20) and a second sensor component (33) movable together with the transmission element (13), The invention is characterized in that the first sensor part (32) and the second sensor part (33) are mounted displaceably on a common carrier element (31) of the sensor (30).

2. The operating device according to claim 1, characterized in that The support element (31) is designed in a frame-shaped manner, and the first sensor component (32) and the second sensor component (33) are movably supported in a frame opening (34) of the support element (31).

3. An operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one guide rod (37) is fixed to the carrier element (31), and the first sensor component (32) and the second sensor component (33) are movably supported by the guide rod (37).

4. An operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The first sensor component (32) and the second sensor component (33) are arranged one behind the other on the support element (31) in a displacement direction.

5. An operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The actuating device (1) has a housing (3), in which the transmission element (13) and the pressure transmission part (20) are at least partially arranged, and the sensor (30) is fastened to the housing (3), in particular detachably.

6. The operating device according to claim 5, characterized in that The sensor (30) is inserted into a penetration (51) of a peripheral wall (4) of the housing (3).

7. An operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A first driving portion (45) is fixed to the pressure transmission portion (20), wherein the first driving portion (45) is connected to the first sensor component (32) via a shape-fitting connection (46), and / or a second driving portion (48) is fixed to the transmission element (13), wherein the second driving portion (48) is connected to the second sensor component (33) via a shape-fitting connection (49).

8. The operating device according to claim 7, characterized in that The first driving portion (45) cooperates with the fork-shaped retaining structure (47) of the first sensor component (32) to form the form-fitting connection (46), and / or the second driving portion (48) cooperates with the fork-shaped retaining structure (50) of the second sensor component (33) to form the form-fitting connection (49).

9. The operating device according to any one of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that The first entrainment part (45) is fixed to the first sensor component (32) by means of a particularly detachable latching connection or a particularly detachable clamping connection (46), and / or the second entrainment part (48) is fixed to the second sensor component (33) by means of a particularly detachable latching connection or a particularly detachable clamping connection (49).

10. An operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The sensor (30) has a printed circuit board (38) which is fastened to the carrier element (31) and on which at least one receiver coil (41) is formed.

11. The operating device according to claim 12, characterized in that The circuit board (38) has at least one small conductive contact plate (42) for making electrical contact with the controller (9).

12. The operating device according to any one of claims 10 and 11, characterized in that The first sensor component (32) has a conductive material and is arranged so that the voltage of the receiver coil (41) can be influenced by the movement position of the first sensor component (32), and / or the second sensor component (33) has a conductive material and is arranged so that the voltage of the receiver coil (41) can be influenced by the movement position of the second sensor component (33).

13. An operating device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A controller (9) is provided, which is arranged on the housing (3) of the operating device (1) such that the controller (9) covers the sensor (30).

14. The operating device according to claim 13, characterized in that The controller (9) has a controller housing (54), and the sensor (30) is arranged in a penetration portion of a peripheral wall of the controller housing (54).

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