Solenoid actuator and brake system including the same

Abstract

The invention relates to a solenoid actuator and a brake system including the same. The solenoid actuator includes: a bobbin having a through hole formed inside the bobbin and including a winding portion around which a coil is wound along an outer surface of the bobbin; a lower housing coupled to a lower side of the bobbin and surrounding an outer surface of the bobbin; a driving part which is inserted into the through hole of the bobbin so as to be vertically driven; a core fixedly disposed above the driving portion; and a return spring disposed between the driving portion and the core and configured to elastically support the driving portion such that the driving portion can return to its original position. The spool may include a damper protruding from an inner circumferential surface of a through hole of the spool and positioned between the lower housing and the driving portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a solenoid actuator and a brake system including the same, and more particularly, to a solenoid actuator and a brake system including the same that improve assemblability and durability by simplifying the structure. Background Art

[0002] In a vehicle, a brake system for braking must be installed, and various types of brake systems have been developed for the safety of a driver and passengers.

[0003] Conventional brake systems use a mechanically connected booster to supply hydraulic pressure required for braking to a wheel cylinder in response to a driver stepping on a brake pedal. However, nowadays, an electromechanical brake system for braking a vehicle has been developed for the convenience of the driver. For example, the electromechanical brake system receives the driver's braking intention as an electrical signal and operates a power transmission device such as a motor based on the electrical signal.

[0004] In the related art, an electronic parking brake (EPB) implements a service brake hydraulically and implements a parking brake only electrically. An electromechanical brake (EMB) that implements both a service brake and a parking brake electrically is being developed.

[0005] When the parking brake is activated, the electromechanical brake may hold the vehicle in the parked state using a parking gear, and the parking gear holds the vehicle in the parked state by engaging with one of the gear elements provided in the actuator of the brake system. Summary of the invention

[0006] Therefore, an aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a solenoid actuator capable of reducing operation noise and a brake system including the same.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a solenoid actuator capable of maintaining a constant magnetic force during operation and a braking system including the solenoid actuator.

[0008] Still another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a solenoid actuator capable of improving assemblability and productivity by simplifying a product structure and shape, and a brake system including the same.

[0009] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a solenoid actuator capable of simplifying product design and reducing manufacturing costs, and a brake system including the solenoid actuator.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a solenoid actuator includes: a bobbin having a through hole formed on an inner surface thereof and including a winding portion around which a coil is wound along an outer surface of the bobbin; a lower shell connected to the lower side of the bobbin and surrounding the outer surface of the bobbin; a driving portion inserted into the through hole so as to be drivable up and down; a core fixedly mounted above the driving portion; and a return spring disposed between the driving portion and the core and configured to elastically support the driving portion to an original position of the driving portion, wherein the bobbin includes a damper protruding from an inner peripheral surface of the through hole and inserted between the lower shell and the driving portion.

[0011] The lower shell may include: a cylindrical main body which surrounds the outer surface of the bobbin; a lower surface which extends inward from the lower end of the main body and surrounds the lower side of the bobbin; and a cylindrical inner surface which extends upward from the inner end of the lower surface and is inserted into the through hole, and the damper may be arranged between the upper end of the inner surface and the driving part.

[0012] The driving portion may include a large diameter portion inserted into the through hole and a small diameter portion having a diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion, the small diameter portion may be inserted into the inner surface, and the damper may be configured to contact a step portion formed by a diameter difference between the large diameter portion and the small diameter portion.

[0013] The solenoid actuator may include a driving rod moved by a driving portion.

[0014] The driving rod may pass through the driving portion and be coupled thereto.

[0015] A first bushing may be disposed between the drive rod and the inner surface, and the first bushing may be disposed in a first opening formed inside the inner surface.

[0016] A second bushing may be disposed between the drive rod and the core.

[0017] The lower housing may have a main body, a lower surface, and an inner surface that are integrally formed.

[0018] The upper end of the driving part may be provided with a first inclined portion formed to be at least partially inclined, and the lower end of the core may be provided with a second inclined portion formed to be at least partially inclined at an angle corresponding to the first inclined portion and arranged to contact the first inclined portion.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a solenoid actuator includes: a bobbin having a through hole formed on its inner surface and including a winding portion around which a coil is wound along the outer surface of the bobbin; a lower shell connected to the lower side of the bobbin and surrounding the outer surface of the bobbin; a driving portion, which is inserted into the through hole so as to be drivable up and down; a core, which is fixedly installed above the driving portion; a return spring, which is arranged between the driving portion and the core and is configured to elastically support the driving portion to an original position of the driving portion; and a damper, which is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole and inserted between the lower shell and the driving portion, wherein the lower shell includes: a cylindrical main body, which surrounds the outer surface of the bobbin; a lower surface, which extends inwardly from the lower end of the main body and surrounds the lower side of the bobbin; and a cylindrical inner surface, which extends upward from the inner end of the lower surface and is inserted into the through hole, and the damper is arranged between the upper end of the inner surface and the driving portion.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a brake system includes a power transmission unit and a ratchet unit, wherein the power transmission unit is configured to transmit the rotational driving force of the motor to the pressing unit, the pressing unit is used to press the brake pads arranged on both sides of the brake disc, and the ratchet unit is configured to prevent the reverse operation of the power transmission unit, wherein the ratchet unit includes a pawl and a solenoid actuator, the pawl is arranged to engage with a ratchet wheel that rotates with the rotation of the motor, the solenoid actuator is configured to rotate the pawl, and the solenoid actuator includes: a spool having a shape A through hole is formed on its inner surface, and includes a winding portion around which a coil is wound along the outer surface of the bobbin; a lower shell, which is connected to the lower side of the bobbin and surrounds the outer surface of the bobbin; a driving portion, which is inserted into the through hole so as to be drivable up and down; a core, which is fixedly installed above the driving portion; and a return spring, which is arranged between the driving portion and the core and is configured to elastically support the driving portion to the original position of the driving portion, and the bobbin includes a damper, which protrudes from the inner circumferential surface of the through hole and is inserted between the lower shell and the driving portion.

[0021] The lower shell may include: a cylindrical main body which surrounds the outer surface of the bobbin; a lower surface which extends inwardly from the lower end of the main body and surrounds the lower side of the bobbin in an annular shape; and a cylindrical inner surface which extends upward from the inner end of the annular lower surface and is inserted into the through hole, and a damper may be arranged between the upper end of the inner surface and the driving portion.

[0022] The driving portion may include a large diameter portion inserted into the through hole and a small diameter portion having a diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion, the small diameter portion may be inserted into the inner surface, and the damper may be configured to contact a step portion formed by a diameter difference between the large diameter portion and the small diameter portion.

[0023] The solenoid actuator may include a driving rod moved by a driving portion.

[0024] The driving rod may pass through the driving portion and be coupled thereto.

[0025] The first bushing may be disposed between the drive rod and the inner surface, and the first bushing may be disposed in an opening formed inside the inner surface.

[0026] A second bushing may be disposed between the drive rod and the core.

[0027] The lower housing may have a main body, a lower surface, and an inner surface that are integrally formed.

[0028] The upper end of the driving part may be provided with a first inclined portion formed to be at least partially inclined, and the lower end of the core may be provided with a second inclined portion formed to be at least partially inclined at an angle corresponding to the first inclined portion and arranged to contact the first inclined portion.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a braking system includes a power transmission unit and a ratchet unit, wherein the power transmission unit is configured to transmit the rotational driving force of the motor to the pressing unit, the pressing unit is used to press the brake pads arranged on both sides of the brake disc, and the ratchet unit is configured to prevent the reverse operation of the power transmission unit, wherein the ratchet unit includes a pawl and a solenoid actuator, the pawl is configured to engage with a ratchet wheel that rotates with the rotation of the motor, and the solenoid actuator is configured to rotate the pawl, and the solenoid actuator includes: a bobbin having a through hole formed on its inner surface and including a winding portion, a coil being wound around the winding portion along the outer surface of the bobbin; a lower shell connected to the lower side of the bobbin and surrounding The outer surface of the winding shaft; a driving part, which is inserted into the through hole so as to be drivable up and down; a core, which is fixedly installed above the driving part; a return spring, which is arranged between the driving part and the core and is configured to elastically support the driving part to the original position of the driving part; and a damper, which is arranged on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole and inserted between the lower shell and the driving part, and the lower shell includes: a cylindrical main body, which surrounds the outer surface of the bobbin; a lower surface, which extends inwardly from the lower end of the main body and surrounds the lower side of the bobbin in an annular shape; and a cylindrical inner surface, which extends upward from the inner end of the annular lower surface and is inserted into the through hole, and the damper is arranged between the upper end of the inner surface and the driving part. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] These and / or other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1is a side view for illustrating a ratchet unit of a brake system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figures 2 to 4 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating a solenoid actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view for illustrating a driving portion and a core of a solenoid actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating a solenoid actuator in a state in which a driving portion is driven upward according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0035] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a solenoid actuator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Figure 1 is a side view showing a ratchet unit of a brake system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] The brake system according to the present embodiment may be, for example, but not limited to, a disc brake system. In the disc brake system, brake pads may be provided on both sides of a brake disc, and the disc brake system may include a caliper housing, a bracket, a motor for providing a driving force, a pressing unit for pressing the brake pad, a power transmission unit for transmitting the rotational driving force of the motor to the pressing unit, and a ratchet unit for preventing reverse movement or operation of the power transmission unit.

[0038] The caliper housing is the outer frame of the brake system. The caliper housing is usually made of metal and is used to protect and support the brake pads and the press unit. The caliper housing is positioned around the brake disc in a disc brake and holds the brake pads close to the brake disc.

[0039] The brake disc rotates with the wheel of the vehicle and has brake pads on both sides.

[0040] The bracket is a component located inside the caliper housing and provides a mechanism configured to support and move the brake pad. The bracket controls the movement of the brake pad toward and away from the brake disc or contact and discontinuity with the brake disc, and transmits the pressure of the brake pad to the brake disc.

[0041] The pressing unit is a device configured to press the brake pad toward the brake disc. Generally, the pressing unit operates when the brake pedal is depressed and generates pressure by utilizing hydraulic or electromechanical principles or mechanisms. The pressure generated in this way is transmitted to the piston or cylinder in the caliper housing, thereby pressing the brake pad to the brake disc.

[0042] The above configuration is a general configuration of a disc brake system and is a known technology that can be easily performed by those skilled in the art, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted. Also, the configuration is described as an example only for the purpose of explanation, so the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0043] The motor may be configured to provide a rotational driving force.The motor may be positioned behind the caliper housing or coupled to the caliper housing and located on the power transmission unit side, and provide a rotational driving force to the power transmission unit.

[0044] The power transmission unit transmits the rotational driving force of the motor to the pressing unit. For example, the power transmission unit may include, for example but not limited to, one or more gears, a belt mechanism including a belt and a pulley, a nut-screw mechanism and / or a ball nut-screw mechanism.

[0045] That is, the brake system of the present embodiment performs braking by transmitting the driving force of the motor to the pressing unit by means of the power transmission unit to press the brake pad toward the rotor. An electronic control unit (ECU) for controlling the motor can rotate the motor in a direction for pressing the brake pad, or rotate the motor in a reverse direction for releasing the pressure applied to the brake pad.

[0046] The ratchet unit can be configured to limit or prevent movement in one direction, for example, reverse operation or movement of the power transmission unit. Unlike the electric parking brake in the related art, the electromechanical braking system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure can electrically implement both the service brake and the parking brake, and therefore can require a short time to operate the brake. Therefore, the electromechanical braking system reduces the operating time by using a ball screw spindle instead of the existing leadscrew spindle. However, in the ball nut-screw mechanism, reverse gear rotation may occur. The ratchet unit is provided with a power transmission unit to limit or prevent reverse gear rotation under certain conditions.

[0047] refer to Figure 1 The ratchet unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a ratchet 20 configured to rotate in association with the rotation of a motor, a pawl 31 configured to be engageable with the ratchet 20, a solenoid actuator 10 configured to rotate or pivot the pawl 31, and a spring 32 configured to provide a restoring force to the pawl 31. The spring 32 may be, for example, but not limited to, a pawl spring.

[0048] The ratchet 20 is rotated by the rotational force of the motor. The ratchet 20 may be directly coupled to the motor, or may be indirectly or operably connected to the motor through one or more gears and / or belt mechanisms. The ratchet 20 may be a component of a power transmission unit, or may be configured to be connected to the power transmission unit to rotate in response to the operation of the power transmission unit.

[0049] The ratchet 20 is rotated by a motor and may be provided in the shape of a ratchet having teeth angled in one direction around the wheel, thereby allowing rotation in a specific direction by a stopper such as a pawl 31, but limiting or restricting rotation in a direction opposite to the specific direction.

[0050] The solenoid actuator 10 moves, rotates, or pivots the pawl 31. The solenoid actuator 10 may include: a bobbin 100 around which a coil is wound; a driving portion 410 inserted into a through hole of the bobbin 100 to be driven; and a driving rod 420 configured to be movable by the driving portion 410. The driving rod 420 may protrude outside the housing of the solenoid actuator 10, and is configured to press the pawl 31 to the ratchet 20 so that the pawl 31 engages with one of the teeth of the ratchet 20.

[0051] The pawl 31 is rotatably connected to a pawl support portion or shaft such that when the solenoid actuator presses the pawl 31 , one end of the pawl 31 engages with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 20 .

[0052] The spring 32 may provide an elastic force in a direction to move the pawl 31 away from the ratchet 20 .

[0053] The brake system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a ratchet unit such that a pawl 31 of the ratchet unit may be coupled to or engaged with the ratchet 20 through the solenoid actuator 10 , thereby preventing reverse movement or operation of the brake.

[0054] Hereinafter, the solenoid actuator 10 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail.

[0055] Figures 2 to 4 is a cross-sectional view for illustrating a solenoid actuator according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] refer to Figures 2 to 4 , the configuration and manufacturing sequence of the solenoid actuator 10 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail.

[0057] refer to Figures 2 to 4, the solenoid actuator 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a bobbin 100, a lower housing 200, a driving part 410, a core 300, a driving rod 420, and a return spring 500. The bobbin 100 may have a through hole formed on its inner surface. The bobbin 100 may include a winding part 110, and a coil 120 is wound around the winding part 110 along the outer surface of the bobbin 100. The lower housing 200 may be coupled to the lower side of the bobbin 100 and surround the outer surface of the bobbin 100. The driving part 410 may be inserted into the through hole of the bobbin 100 so as to be driven up and down. The core 300 may be fixedly mounted above the driving part 410. The driving rod 420 may protrude above the core 300 through the core 300 or protrude outside the core 300, and may be moved by the driving part 410. The return spring 500 may be disposed between the driving part 410 and the core 300, and may be configured to provide a restoring force according to the driving of the driving part 410.

[0058] refer to Figure 2 The bobbin 100 has a winding portion 110 around which a coil 120 is wound, and a through hole is formed on an inner surface of the bobbin 100. The coil 120 is configured to generate a magnetic field when power is applied or supplied to the coil 120.

[0059] The bobbin 100 may further include an upper frame 111 and a lower frame 113, wherein the upper frame 111 is disposed above the winding portion 110 to limit an upper winding range of the coil 120 or movement of the coil 120 in an upward direction, and the lower frame 113 is disposed below the winding portion 110 to limit a lower winding range of the coil 120 or movement of the coil 120 in a downward direction.

[0060] The bobbin 100 is provided with a through hole into which the driving part 410 and the core 300 are allowed to be inserted, so that the driving part 410 and the core 300 can move in the through hole of the bobbin 100 .

[0061] The lower housing 200 may basically have a cylindrical body 205 surrounding an outer surface of the bobbin 100. The bobbin 100 may be inserted into the interior of the cylindrical body 205 of the lower housing 200.

[0062] In addition, the lower housing 200 may include a lower portion or lower surface (or extension) 210 and a cylindrical inner portion or inner surface 220. The lower portion or lower surface or extension 210 may extend inwardly (e.g., in the direction of the axis of the solenoid actuator 10) from the lower end of the body 205 of the lower housing 200, and surround the lower side portion of the spool 100, and may have an annular shape. The cylindrical inner portion or inner surface 220 may extend upwardly from the inner end of the annular lower surface 210, and at least partially inserted into the through hole of the spool 100.

[0063] That is, the lower housing 200 may accommodate therein the bobbin 100 having a shape surrounding the outer portion, the lower portion, and the inner portion of the bobbin 100 except for the upper portion of the bobbin 100. In this exemplary embodiment, the inner surface or the inner portion 220 of the lower housing 200 may have an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the through hole of the bobbin 100. Thus, as Figure 2 As shown in , when the bobbin 100 is assembled to the inside of the lower housing 200 , the through hole of the bobbin 100 and the inner surface or interior 220 of the lower housing 200 contact each other so that the bobbin 100 can be fixed at a specific position inside the lower housing 200 .

[0064] The lower housing 200 may have an integrally formed body 205, a lower portion or lower surface or extension 210, and an interior or inner surface 220. For example, the lower housing 200 may have a shape in which the upper side of the lower housing 200 is open, so that the lower housing 200 may be formed as one piece by a process such as press molding.

[0065] As described above, the lower housing 200 includes: a cylindrical body 205; an annular lower portion or lower surface or extension 210, which extends inwardly from the lower end of the body; and an inner portion or inner surface 220, which extends upwardly from the inner end of the lower surface. A first opening 230 open downwardly may be formed inside the cylindrical inner portion or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200, and a second opening 240 open upwardly may be formed inside the cylindrical body 205 of the lower housing 200.

[0066] refer to Figure 3 , the driving part 410 is inserted into the through hole of the bobbin 100 so as to be driven up and down. The driving part 410 is configured to be driven up and down by the magnetic field generated by the coil 120, which is wound around the bobbin 100 and is induced by the core 300. Preferably, the driving part 410 may be made of a magnetic material, although it is not necessary.

[0067] The driving part 410 may be driven up and down inside the through hole of the bobbin 100. The drivable or movable range of the driving part 410 may be limited by the core 300 and the lower housing 200. For example, the drivable or movable range of the uppermost portion of the driving part 410 is limited by the core 300, and the drivable or movable range of the lowermost portion of the driving part 410 is limited by the lower housing 200.

[0068] The bobbin 100 may be provided with a damper 115 protruding from an inner circumferential surface of the through hole of the bobbin 100 to prevent the lower housing 200 and the driving part 410 from directly contacting each other.

[0069] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown in , the damper 115 has a shape protruding inwardly from the inner circumferential surface of the through hole of the bobbin 100. In the present embodiment, the damper 115 may protrude in a ring shape along the circumferential direction from the inner circumferential surface of the through hole of the bobbin 100. Alternatively, the damper 115 may be formed as a plurality of protrusions protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the through hole of the bobbin 100, which are spaced apart from each other and aligned along the circumferential direction.

[0070] The damper 115 may be interposed between the driving part 410 and the lower housing 200 by protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the through hole of the bobbin 100 , thereby preventing the driving part 410 from directly contacting the lower housing 200 .

[0071] The driving part 410 is driven within a drivable or movable range according to the magnetic field generated by the coil 120. When the driving part 410 directly contacts the lower housing 200 while being driven up and down, noise may be generated due to the impact of direct contact, and the lower housing 200 or the driving part 410 may be damaged.

[0072] However, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the damper 115 of the bobbin 100 may prevent the driving part 410 from directly contacting the lower housing 200 , thereby preventing noise and damage due to impact.

[0073] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the damper 115 may be formed integrally with the bobbin 100. For example, the damper 115 may be formed on the inner surface of the bobbin 100 by molding. By forming the damper 115 integrally with the bobbin 100, the assemblability and productivity of the solenoid actuator 10 may be improved, and the manufacturing cost may be reduced by simplifying the design.

[0074] Alternatively, the damper 115 may be manufactured as a separate piece member and inserted into the interior of the bobbin 100 to be positioned between the driving part 410 and the lower housing 200 .

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the damper 115 may contact an upper end of the inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200, thereby preventing the driving part 410 from directly contacting the inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200. The interior or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200 is inserted into the through hole of the bobbin 100. In this exemplary embodiment, the damper 115 may be positioned on an upper end of the interior or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200, thereby preventing the driving part 410 from contacting the interior or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200.

[0076] If the damper is not provided in the bobbin 100, the driving part 410 inside the through hole of the bobbin 100 may contact the inside or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200 when the driving part 410 moves downward. Therefore, when the driving part 410 is driven to move downward, noise may be generated due to the contact between the driving part 410 and the inside or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200. The damper 115 may be inserted and positioned between the lower end of the driving part 410 and the upper end of the inside or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200 by protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the through hole of the bobbin 100, thereby preventing direct contact between the driving part 410 and the inside or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200, so that noise can be reduced and damage due to contact impact can be prevented.

[0077] The driving rod 420 may pass through the driving portion 410 and be fixedly coupled to the driving portion 410. The driving rod 420 may be moved by the driving portion 410 and apply force to an external device or another component, such as but not limited to the pawl 31, through the end of the driving rod 420 protruding outward from the solenoid actuator 10. Preferably, one end of the driving rod 420 may protrude above the housing of the solenoid actuator 10, and the protruding end of the driving rod 420 may press the external device. For example, in Figure 1 In the ratchet unit shown in FIG. 4 , the end of the driving rod 420 can rotate or pivot the pawl 31 by pressing the pawl 31 , so that the pawl 31 is fastened to the ratchet 20 or engaged with the ratchet 20 .

[0078] refer to Figure 4 , the core 300 is fixedly mounted above the driving portion 410. For example, the core 300 may be fixed to the lower housing 200 or any portion of the housing of the solenoid actuator 10. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in , the core 300 may be fixedly installed to close or cover the second opening 240 formed at the upper side of the lower case 200 .

[0079] The core 300 induces a magnetic field generated in the coil 120. The core 300 is made of, for example, but not limited to, a magnetic material, and is fixedly installed above the driving part 410. At least a portion of the core 300 may be inserted into the through hole of the bobbin 100.

[0080] The core 300 senses the magnetic field generated in the coil 120, and causes the driving part 410 to move toward the core 300 (for example, in Figure 4 Driven upward.

[0081] The return spring 500 may be provided between the core 300 and the driving portion 410. The return spring 500 is provided to elastically support the driving portion 410 to the original position of the driving portion 410 by providing a reaction force according to the driving of the driving portion 410. The return spring 500 may be configured to apply an elastic force to the driving portion 410 in a direction away from the core 300, so that the return spring 500 can return the driving portion 410 to its original position. For example, the return spring 500 may be provided as a coil spring, and when the driving portion 410 is driven upward by the magnetic field generated by the coil 120, the return spring 500 may be compressed, and when the magnetic field is not generated by the coil 120, the compressed return spring 500 may provide a reaction force to the driving portion 410, so that the driving portion 410 may be driven downward.

[0082] The driving rod 420 may pass through the core 300 and protrude above the core 300. The driving rod 420 may be movably positioned in the core 300. The driving rod 420 passes through the core 300 and may move up and down relative to the core 300 by being driven by the driving portion 410. Therefore, the end of the driving rod 420 protruding above the core 300 may provide or transmit a driving force to an external device by moving up and down.

[0083] Meanwhile, the driving rod 420 may pass through the driving portion 410 and protrude below the driving portion 410. In this exemplary embodiment, the first bushing 610 may be disposed between the driving rod 420 and the inner portion or inner surface 220 and may be positioned below the lower side of the driving portion 410. The driving rod 420 may be movably coupled to the first bushing 610 so that the driving rod 420 may move inside the first bushing 610. The first bushing 610 may be configured to guide the movement of the driving rod 420, which is configured to be movable according to the driving of the driving portion 410 and reduce friction.

[0084] In addition, a second bushing 620 may be disposed between the drive rod 420 and the core 300. The drive rod 420 may be movably positioned in the second bushing 620. The drive rod 420 may move up and down relative to the second bushing 620. The second bushing 620 may be configured to guide movement of the drive rod 420 and reduce friction.

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown in the figure, the first bushing 610 can be set on the lower part of the driving part 410, and the second bushing 620 can be set on the upper part of the driving part 410, so as to guide the vertical movement of the driving rod 420 caused by the driving of the driving part 410, reduce friction, and prevent the driving rod 420 from deviating from the axial direction.

[0086] Meanwhile, the first bushing 610 is disposed between the driving rod 420 and the interior or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200, and is disposed in the first opening 230 formed inside the cylindrical interior or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200. Since the first bushing 610 is disposed in the first opening 230 of the lower housing 200, wear dust generated by friction or the like during operation of the driving rod 420 can be discharged to the outside of the housing of the solenoid actuator 10 through the first opening 230 of the lower housing 200.

[0087] Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a driving portion and a core of a solenoid actuator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of a solenoid actuator in a state in which a driving portion is driven upward according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] refer to Figure 5 , the return spring 500 may be provided to be inserted or disposed between the first spring seating portion 413 on the upper side of the driving portion 410 and the second spring seating portion 330 of the core 300. For example, the second spring seating portion 330 of the core 300 may be formed as a concave groove located at the lower side of the core 300. Even when the return spring 500 is compressed by being inserted into the second spring seating portion 330 formed as the concave groove, the return spring 500 may be prevented from deviating, and the reaction force caused by the compression of the return spring 500 may be appropriately controlled.

[0089] In addition, the return spring 500 may be provided as a coil spring surrounding at least a portion of the driving rod 420 .

[0090] Meanwhile, the first spring seating portion 413 may be provided with a damping member or damper configured to absorb impact caused by the upward driving of the driving portion 410. The damping member or damper of the first spring seating portion 413 may be provided between the driving portion 410 and the core 300, so that direct contact between the driving portion 410 and the core 300 may be prevented when the driving portion 410 moves upward, thereby reducing noise and preventing damage due to driving impact.

[0091] refer to Figure 5 The driving part 410 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may have a large diameter part 412 inserted into the through hole of the bobbin 100 and a small diameter part 411 having a smaller diameter than that of the large diameter part 412 .

[0092] The large diameter portion 412 is inserted into the through hole of the bobbin 100 and has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the through hole of the bobbin 100. The small diameter portion 411 has an outer diameter smaller than the large diameter portion 412 and is inserted into the interior or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200 inserted into the through hole of the bobbin 100.

[0093] The driving portion 410 has a step portion formed by the diameter difference between the large diameter portion 412 and the small diameter portion 411. By having the step portion in the driving portion 410, the small diameter portion 411 can be inserted into the interior or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200, but the large diameter portion 412 cannot be inserted into the interior or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200. Therefore, the step portion of the driving portion 410 can contact the inner surface 220, and the downward movable range of the driving portion 410 can be limited.

[0094] The damper 115 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may contact a step portion of the driving portion 410 formed by a diameter difference between the large diameter portion 412 and the small diameter portion 411. The damper 115 may prevent the driving portion 410 from directly contacting the interior or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200 by contacting the step portion of the driving portion 410. The damper 115 may contact an upper end of the interior or inner surface 220, and may be configured to contact the step portion of the driving portion 410 when the driving portion 410 is driven downward, so that the step portion of the driving portion 410 may be prevented from contacting the interior or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200.

[0095] On the other hand, in an example in which the surfaces of the core 300 and the driving part 410 facing each other are formed flat, when the driving part 410 approaches the core 300, the magnetic force between the driving part 410 and the core 300 may increase rapidly, thereby causing a driving shock when the driving part 410 moves upward.

[0096] Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the upper end of the driving portion 410 may be provided with a first inclined portion 414 at least partially inclined at a specific angle greater than 0°, the lower end of the core 300 may be provided with a second inclined portion 320 inclined at an angle substantially corresponding to the first inclined portion 414, and the second inclined portion 320 may be provided to face or contact the first inclined portion 414 by being inserted into the first inclined portion 414 when the driving portion 410 is driven upward.

[0097] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 4 , the upper end of the driving part 410 facing the core 300 may be provided with a first inclined portion 414 inclined at a certain angle, and the first inclined portion 414 of the driving part 410 may be formed at the large diameter portion 412 located at the upper side of the driving part 410 .

[0098] like Figure 5As shown in FIG, the lower end of the core 300 facing the driving part 410 is provided with a second inclined portion 320 inclined at a specific angle. The second inclined portion 320 of the core 300 may have a shape substantially corresponding to the first inclined portion 414 of the driving part 410, and when the driving part 410 is driven upward, the first inclined portion 414 contacts or faces the first inclined portion 414 of the driving part 410 by being inserted therein.

[0099] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 4 , when the driving part 410 moves closer to the core 300, the second inclined portion 320 is inserted into the first inclined portion 414, and the lower end of the second inclined portion 320 partially overlaps the upper end of the first inclined portion 414. Therefore, the magnetic force received by the driving part 410 due to the magnetic field induced by the core 300 may not increase rapidly, and the driving part 410 may be driven upward by a constant magnetic force.

[0100] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a solenoid actuator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] refer to Figure 7 , a solenoid actuator according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a bobbin 100, a lower housing 200, a driving part 410, a core 300, a driving rod 420, and a return spring 500. The bobbin 100 may have a through hole formed on the inner surface of the bobbin 100, and may include a winding part 110 around which a coil 120 is wound along the outer surface of the bobbin 100. The lower housing 200 may be coupled to the lower side portion of the bobbin 100 and surround the outer surface of the bobbin 100. The driving part 410 may be inserted into the through hole of the bobbin 100 so as to be driven up and down. The core 300 may be fixedly mounted above the driving part 410. The driving rod 420 may protrude above the core 300 or protrude outside the core 300 through the core 300, and may be configured to be movable by the driving part 410. The return spring 500 may be disposed between the driving part 410 and the core 300, and provide a restoring force according to the driving of the driving part 410.

[0102] according to Figure 7 The lower housing 200, the driving part 410, the core 300, the driving rod 420 and the return spring 500 of another embodiment shown in FIG. Figures 2 to 6 The same or similar configuration as the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] refer to Figure 7 The solenoid actuator 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a damper 115 disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the through hole of the bobbin 100 to prevent direct contact between the lower housing 200 and the driving part 410. Figures 2 to 6 The implementation methods are different, depending on Figure 7 The solenoid actuator 10 of another embodiment may have the damper 115 and the bobbin 100 separately provided or formed.

[0104] The damper 115 may be interposed or positioned between the driving part 410 and the lower housing 200 by being disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the through hole, thereby preventing the driving part 410 from directly contacting the lower housing 200 .

[0105] The driving part 410 is driven within a drivable or movable range according to the magnetic field generated or formed by the coil 120. When the driving part 410 directly contacts the lower housing 200 while being driven up and down, noise may be generated due to impact, and the lower housing 200 or the driving part 410 may be damaged.

[0106] The damper 115 may prevent the driving part 410 from directly contacting the lower housing 200 , thereby preventing noise and damage due to impact.

[0107] exist Figure 7 In another embodiment of the present invention, the damper 115 may contact the upper end of the interior or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200, thereby preventing the driving part 410 from directly contacting the interior or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200. The interior or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200 is inserted into the through hole of the bobbin 100. In this exemplary embodiment, the damper 115 may be positioned above or on the upper end of the inner surface 220, thereby preventing the driving part 410 from contacting the interior or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200.

[0108] If the damper is not provided in the bobbin 100, the driving part 410 inside the through hole of the bobbin 100 may contact the inside or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200 when the driving part 410 moves downward. Therefore, when the driving part 410 is driven to move downward, noise may be generated due to the contact between the driving part 410 and the inner surface 220. The damper 115 may be inserted and positioned between the lower end of the driving part 410 and the upper end of the inside or inner surface 220 of the lower housing 200 by protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the through hole of the bobbin 100, thereby preventing direct contact between the driving part 410 and the inner surface 220, so that noise can be reduced, and damage due to contact impact can be prevented.

[0109] Therefore, the solenoid actuator and the brake system including the solenoid actuator according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can reduce the operation noise of the solenoid actuator.

[0110] A solenoid actuator and a brake system including the same according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may maintain a constant magnetic force during operation of the solenoid actuator.

[0111] A solenoid actuator and a brake system including the same according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may improve assemblability and productivity by simplifying a product structure and shape of the solenoid actuator.

[0112] A solenoid actuator and a brake system including the same according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may facilitate design simplification and reduced manufacturing costs.

[0113] Although some embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present disclosure, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.

[0114] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0115] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0106223 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 14, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Claims

1. A solenoid actuator, comprising: a bobbin having a through hole formed inside the bobbin, wherein the coil is wound around the bobbin; a housing surrounding an outer surface of the spool; a driving portion, the driving portion being movably disposed in the through hole of the bobbin so as to be drivable; a core fixedly disposed above the driving portion; and a return spring disposed between the drive portion and the core and configured to apply an elastic force to the drive portion in a direction away from the core, Wherein, the spool has a damper positioned between the housing and the drive portion.

2. The solenoid actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes: a main body surrounding an outer side surface of the bobbin; an extension extending inwardly from the main body in a radial direction and surrounding an end of the bobbin; and an inner portion extending from the extension portion in an axial direction so that the inner portion of the housing is inserted into the through hole of the bobbin, and The damper is provided between an end portion of the housing inserted into the interior of the through hole of the bobbin and the driving portion.

3. The solenoid actuator according to claim 2, wherein: The driving portion includes a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion, the large diameter portion is inserted into the through hole of the bobbin, and the small diameter portion has a diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion, The small diameter portion is inserted into the interior of the housing that is inserted into the through hole of the bobbin, and The damper is configured to be contactable with a stepped portion of the driving portion, the stepped portion being formed by the large diameter portion and the small diameter portion. 4 . The solenoid actuator of claim 2 , further comprising a driving rod fixedly coupled to the driving portion.

5. The solenoid actuator according to claim 4, further comprising a first bushing positioned between the drive rod and the inner portion of the housing inserted into the through hole of the spool, in, The first bushing is disposed in a first opening formed in the interior of the housing that is inserted into the through hole of the spool.

6. The solenoid actuator of claim 4, further comprising a second bushing positioned between the drive rod and the core.

7. The solenoid actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The end of the driving part has a first inclined portion, and the end of the core has a second inclined portion inclined at an angle corresponding to the first inclined portion of the driving part, so that one of the first inclined portion of the driving part and the second inclined portion of the core can be inserted into the other of the first inclined portion of the driving part and the second inclined portion of the core.

8. The solenoid actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The damper is formed by a protrusion of the bobbin, the protrusion protruding inwardly from an inner surface of the through hole of the bobbin to be located between the housing and the driving portion.

9. The solenoid actuator according to claim 1, wherein: The damper is provided on an inner surface of the through hole of the bobbin to be disposed between the housing and the driving portion.

10. A braking system comprising a ratchet unit configured to prevent a reverse braking operation, in, The ratchet unit comprises: a pawl configured to engage with a ratchet wheel configured to rotate according to a force generated by a motor; and a solenoid actuator configured to move the pawl, The solenoid actuator comprises: a bobbin having a through hole formed inside the bobbin, wherein the coil is wound around the bobbin; a housing surrounding an outer surface of the spool; a driving portion, the driving portion being movably disposed in the through hole of the bobbin so as to be drivable; a core fixedly disposed above the driving portion; and a return spring disposed between the driving portion and the core and configured to apply an elastic force to the driving portion in a direction away from the core, and The spool has a damper positioned between the housing and the drive portion.

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