Apparatus for brake-by-wire system, pedal system, brake-by-wire system and method for brake-by-wire system

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for a brake-by-wire system, a pedal system, a brake-by-wire system and a method for a brake-by-wire system. The device comprises a displacement sensor which is designed to detect a travelled displacement of a first target which can be coupled to a brake pedal of the vehicle; detecting a passing displacement of a second target coupleable to the brake pedal; and processing circuitry configured to determine a difference between a displacement traveled by the first target and a displacement traveled by the second target; determining a force acting on the brake pedal based on the difference; and generating a control signal for actuating a brake of the brake-by-wire system on the basis of the force.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a brake-by-wire system. Embodiments relate to an apparatus for a brake-by-wire system of a vehicle, a pedal system for a brake-by-wire system of a vehicle, a brake-by-wire system, and a method for a brake-by-wire system of a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Brake-by-wire systems conventionally measure the travel of the brake pedal in order to actuate the brakes. However, the actual desired braking force can therefore only be adjusted to a limited extent. Furthermore, conventional brake-by-wire systems are unable to detect a mechanical stop on the brake pedal. Therefore, there is a need for improved detection of the braking movement. Summary of the invention

[0003] This need is covered by the technology described in the independent claims.

[0004] An example relates to a device for a brake-by-wire system for a vehicle, the device comprising: a displacement sensor configured to detect a displacement of a first target that can be coupled to a brake pedal of the vehicle; detect a displacement of a second target that can be coupled to the brake pedal; and a processing circuit configured to determine a difference between a displacement traversed by the first target and a displacement traversed by the second target; determine a force acting on the brake pedal based on the difference; and generate a control signal for operating a brake of the brake-by-wire system based on the force.

[0005] Another example relates to a pedal system for a brake-by-wire system of a vehicle, the pedal system comprising: a device according to the invention; a first object; and a second object.

[0006] Another example relates to a brake-by-wire system including: a pedal system according to the present invention; and a brake, wherein the brake is configured to apply a braking effect to a vehicle based on a control signal.

[0007] Another example relates to a method for a wire-controlled brake system for a vehicle, the method comprising: detecting a displacement of a first target that can be coupled to a brake pedal of the vehicle with the help of a displacement sensor; detecting a displacement of a second target that can be coupled to the brake pedal with the help of a displacement sensor; and determining a difference between a displacement traversed by the first target and a displacement traversed by the second target with the help of a processing circuit; determining a force acting on the brake pedal based on the difference with the help of the processing circuit; and generating a control signal for operating a brake of the wire-controlled brake system based on the force with the help of the processing circuit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Subsequently, some examples of the apparatus and / or method are explained in detail only by way of example with reference to the drawings.

[0009] in:

[0010] Figure 1 An embodiment of an apparatus for a brake-by-wire system is shown;

[0011] Figure 2 An embodiment of a pedal system for a brake-by-wire system is shown;

[0012] Figure 3 Another embodiment of a pedal system for a brake-by-wire system is shown;

[0013] Figure 4a and 4b illustrative diagrams showing input signals and output signals of a processing circuit of an apparatus according to the invention;

[0014] Figure 5 An embodiment of a brake-by-wire system is shown; and

[0015] Figure 6 A flow chart of an embodiment of a method for a brake-by-wire system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Now, some examples are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other possible examples are not limited to the features of the embodiments described in detail. They may have modifications of features and equivalents and alternatives of features. In addition, the terms used to describe specific examples in this article should not limit other possible examples.

[0017] Throughout the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements or features, which can be implemented in the same or modified form, respectively, while providing the same or similar functions. In addition, in the drawings, the thickness of the lines, layers and / or regions used for illustration may be exaggerated.

[0018] When two elements A and B are combined using "or", this is understood to disclose all possible combinations, i.e. only A, only B and A and B, unless otherwise explicitly defined in individual cases. As alternative expressions of the same combination, "at least one of A and B" or "A and / or B" can be used, which also applies to combinations of more than two elements.

[0019] If singular forms such as "a", "an" and "the" are used and the use of only one single element is neither explicitly nor implicitly defined as mandatory, then additional examples may also use multiple elements in order to achieve the same functionality. If the functionality is subsequently described as being achieved using multiple elements, then additional examples may achieve the same functionality using a single element or a single processing entity. It is also understood that the terms "comprising", "having" when used describe the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, parts and / or components thereof described, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, parts and / or components thereof.

[0020] Figure 1 An embodiment of a device 100 for a brake-by-wire system for a vehicle is shown. A brake-by-wire system is an electronic braking system for a vehicle which at least partially replaces the mechanical connection between the brake pedal and the brake. Instead of a physical brake force amplifier or a hydraulic brake system, such a brake-by-wire system uses electronic signals to control the braking process. To this end, the brake pedal is detected by a sensor which detects the braking movement on the brake pedal applied by the driver. For example, the information is forwarded to a control device which controls the brakes (e.g. brake calipers or brake pads) on the wheels of the vehicle. The electronic control device interprets the braking force signal and ensures appropriate braking action on the individual wheels. This enables a more precise and more individualized control of the braking force, which is advantageous in particular in vehicles with electronic stability control systems or other driver assistance systems.

[0021] For example, the device 100 may be integrated into a brake-by-wire system, or located outside the brake-by-wire system, and may be communicatively connected with a control device or a brake, for example, via a wired or wireless signal transmission technology.

[0022] The device 100 includes a displacement sensor 110 and a processing circuit 120 (e.g., a measurement integrated circuit). The displacement sensor 110 can be any sensor for detecting a displacement that has occurred, such as an incremental encoder or a linear displacement sensor. For example, an incremental encoder can generate pulses corresponding to changes in the position or motion of an object, i.e., the pulses represent relative movement relative to a reference point or a starting position. Such an incremental encoder can increase the resolution of the measurement.

[0023] The displacement sensor 110 may be based on any physical principle, such as magnetic induction, Hall effect, optical scanning or capacitive measurement. The displacement sensor 110 outputs, for example, an output voltage or a digital value representing the displacement being measured.

[0024] In some embodiments, the displacement sensor 110 includes an inductive sensor or is an inductive sensor. An inductive displacement sensor can measure the displacement or position of a target by means of an inductive principle. An inductive displacement sensor, for example, includes at least one coil that generates a high-frequency electromagnetic field. When a metal target approaches the sensor, the metal target changes the electromagnetic field in the coil and causes a change in the inductance in the coil. This change in inductance is detected by the sensor and converted into a corresponding electrical signal. Such an inductive displacement sensor can be advantageous for brake-by-wire applications due to its robustness, accuracy and short response time.

[0025] The processing circuit 120 may be, for example, a single dedicated processor, a single commonly used processor, or multiple individual processors (some or all of which may be commonly used), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a microcontroller, or a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The processing circuit 120 may optionally be connected to a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and / or a non-volatile memory for storing software.

[0026] The displacement sensor 110 and the processing circuit 120 are communicatively coupled, that is, the processing circuit 120 receives the measurement value of the displacement sensor via a signal connection between the displacement sensor 110 and the processing circuit 120. For example, the processing circuit 120 may intercept the output voltage of the displacement sensor 110.

[0027] The displacement sensor 110 is configured to detect the displacement of a first target that can be coupled to a brake pedal of the vehicle. The displacement sensor 110 is also configured to detect the displacement of a second target that can be coupled to the brake pedal. The target can be any structure that is suitable as a position encoder. In an inductive displacement sensor, the target can be, for example, a ferrite core or other at least partially metallic, diamagnetic or magnetizable object.

[0028] The first target and the second target can be coupled to the brake pedal as long as the first target and the second target are mechanically connected to the brake pedal, i.e. the movement or position of the first target and the second target indicates the movement or position of the brake pedal. The first target and the second target are directly or indirectly connected to the brake pedal, for example via a spring. The first target can be coupled to the second target, for example, via a spring. For example, the first target and the second target can be directly mechanically connected to different parts of the brake pedal, and these different parts are mechanically coupled to each other using springs. The brake pedal can, for example, include a foot pedal coupled to the second target and a body coupled to the first target, wherein the body and the foot pedal are coupled via a spring.

[0029] The processing circuit 120 is configured to determine the difference between the displacement traversed by the first target and the displacement traversed by the second target, and to determine the force applied to the brake pedal based on the difference. The processing circuit 120 is also configured to generate a control signal for operating a brake of the wire control brake system based on the force. For example, the processing circuit 120 can transmit a control signal to a control device of the brake or even operate the brake to generate a braking effect according to the calculated braking force applied to the brake pedal.

[0030] The processing circuit 120 can, for example, receive the corresponding positions or corresponding displacements of the two objects as measurement signals from the displacement sensor 110, or even determine the corresponding positions or corresponding displacements with the aid of the measurement signals of the displacement sensor 110. By calculating the difference between the two positions or displacements, the force acting on the spring coupled between the two objects can be determined. This force is determined based on the known spring constant of the spring and represents the force acting on the brake pedal, which is, for example, proportional to the force acting on the brake pedal.

[0031] Compared to conventional technology, the device 100 is able to determine the actual braking force and not (only) the path of the brake pedal. This can improve the control of the brakes of the wire control brake system and the responsiveness of the brakes. For example, different drivers can operate the brake pedal with different strengths, which leads to different braking force levels. By measuring the braking force, it can be ensured that a specific braking force is generated regardless of the pedal path. This ensures consistent braking characteristics taking into account the corresponding different uses of the drivers. In addition, the determination of the braking force makes it possible to monitor the power of the brakes and identify potential problems in advance. This contributes to safety by identifying and eliminating possible defects or signs of wear before they lead to brake failure.

[0032] Furthermore, the device 100 can also increase the safety of the wire control brake system for the following reasons: During an unimpeded braking process, the deflection (or deformation) of the spring or the difference in displacement can be very small, because the two targets move together with the braking movement: the deflection of the spring is determined by the counterpressure of the brake pedal body. The spring can, for example, have a prestress so that it pushes the first target away with a small deflection under normal circumstances. However, in the case of a mechanical blocking of the first target, a greater deflection of the spring and therefore a greater displacement difference occurs. In the case of such a blocking, the displacement difference can be used to continue to ensure the functionality of the brake, by deriving the braking force from the difference. Using conventional methods, the blocking of the brake pedal can only be detected with difficulty or not at all, but this can be achieved with high precision using the device 100.

[0033] Therefore, the processing circuit 120 can be configured to detect the mechanical blocking of the brake pedal based on the force. For example, the detection of the blocking can be used to output a warning signal to the driver, or to switch from a conventional brake control to the brake control proposed here by determining the pedal path. The blocking of the brake pedal may have different reasons, for example, a part of the brake pedal, such as its spring mechanism, may be damaged or blocked. This may result in that the brake pedal is no longer able to move freely and can no longer be (completely) pressed down. The infiltration of foreign matter into the area of ​​the brake pedal may also cause the blocking. These foreign matter may jam the pedal or hinder its movement in other ways. The device 100 is capable of detecting the blocking caused by rigid bodies and elastic bodies.

[0034] In some embodiments, the processing circuit 120 can also be configured to generate a control signal based on at least one of the displacement of the first target and the displacement of the second target. This means that in addition to the displacement difference, the pedal path itself can also be used to control the brake. This can further increase the accuracy of the brake control. Alternatively, the last-mentioned measurement and control principle can be used as a default, wherein switching to control via the displacement difference is only performed if a jam is detected. This can simplify the brake control without having to cancel the detection of a jam.

[0035] In the case of an inductive sensor, the displacement sensor 110 may include the following: an excitation coil, a first periodic secondary coil pair configured to detect the displacement of a first target, and a second periodic secondary coil pair configured to detect the displacement of a second target. Thus, a corresponding coil pair may be configured to detect each target individually, which improves the accuracy of the displacement measurement.

[0036] For example, the periodic coil pair can be a so-called cosine and sine coil. The coils of the coil pair are phase-shifted by 90 degrees from each other in their geometry. When the target moves through the magnetic field of the coil pair, the voltage generated by each coil of the coil pair is modulated according to the cosine or sine value of the angle between the magnetic field and the axis of the coil. By measuring the voltage at the two coils, the position of the target can be calculated. The inverse tangent of the induced voltage can be calculated in order to determine the angle of rotation of the magnetic field relative to the coil, and therefore also determine the angle of movement of the target relative to the coil.

[0037] The excitation coil can be configured, for example, to generate an electromagnetic coupling with the first and second secondary coil pairs. The excitation coil can improve the accuracy and sensitivity of the displacement measurement together with the secondary coil pair. The excitation coil, for example, generates a magnetic field that is passed through by the target and generates an electrical signal, which is detected by the secondary coil pair. Therefore, the use of the excitation coil can enhance the magnetic field, which leads to a higher signal strength and thus contributes to an improvement in the sensitivity of the displacement measurement. The use of the excitation coil can also help reduce interference in the environment that may damage the signal of the secondary coil pair. Due to the generation of a constant magnetic field, external influences, such as electromagnetic interference or magnetic materials in the environment, can be separated from the secondary coil pair.

[0038] The first and second secondary coil pairs can be jointly excited by only one excitation coil. For example, the excitation coil can be wrapped around both secondary coil pairs. The use of a common excitation coil can save space, weight and costs. In addition, the control can also be simplified: instead of controlling two separate coils independently of each other, a single control circuit can be used to adjust the common excitation coil.

[0039] The first and second secondary coil pairs can also be implemented flat or planar. This can achieve simple production using circuit board technology, for example. In addition, the secondary coil pairs can be oriented more accurately and arranged spatially relative to the target due to the flat geometry.

[0040] In some embodiments, the device 100 includes a circuit board, which in turn includes a displacement sensor 110. In order to adapt the displacement sensor 110 to a curved pedal path, the circuit board can be at least partially implemented as an arc. Therefore, the distance of the displacement sensor 110 to the target can be kept constant in the direction that cannot be measured, so as not to distort the measurement of the displacement along the direction to be measured.

[0041] In order to achieve high-resolution force measurement, the number of cycles of one of the secondary coil pairs can be increased. For example, the first secondary coil pair can have a higher winding density than the second secondary coil pair, or the second secondary coil pair can have a higher winding density than the first secondary coil pair. In some embodiments, the second secondary coil pair has a higher winding density than the first secondary coil pair. This has the advantage that the above-mentioned foot pedal can be arranged slightly spaced apart from the rest of the brake pedal and the spring length of the spring coupled between them can be kept short. In this case, the resolution can still be large enough to determine the braking force accurately enough. If the structural space of the brake pedal is not increased or only slightly increased and the foot pedal is also prevented from being stuck relative to the rest of the brake pedal, then a small distance between the two brake pedal parts is advantageous.

[0042] Figure 2An embodiment of a pedal system 200 for a brake-by-wire system of a vehicle is shown. The pedal system 200 comprises a device 210 according to the invention, such as the device 100 described above.

[0043] The device 210 includes an inductive sensor as a displacement sensor, which includes an excitation coil 212, a first periodic secondary coil pair 214, and a second secondary coil pair 216. The first periodic secondary coil pair 214 is configured to detect a displacement of a first target 230. The second periodic secondary coil pair 216 is configured to detect a displacement of a second target 240. Figure 2 The use of inductive sensors in is to be understood only as an example. Figure 1 As described, the displacement sensor may be any sensor for detecting the respective passing displacements of the first target 230 and the second target 240 .

[0044] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the displacement sensor is formed flat on the circuit board. In addition, the second secondary coil pair 216 has a higher winding density than the first secondary coil pair 214. The first secondary coil pair 214 and the second secondary coil pair 216 are arranged together in the excitation coil pair 212. The geometric shape and arrangement of the coil pairs 214 and 216 should be understood as examples here. In other embodiments, the inductive sensor can, for example, have only one secondary coil pair or two separated inductive sensors with corresponding excitation coils and secondary coils. Another alternative is a three-dimensional embodiment of the coil without a circuit board or a curved shape of the circuit board.

[0045] Device 210 further includes a processing circuit 220 which is designed to determine a difference between a displacement traveled by first target 230 and a displacement traveled by second target 240 and, based on the difference, to determine a force acting on a brake pedal of pedal system 200. Processing circuit 220 is further designed to generate a control signal for actuating a brake of a brake-by-wire system based on the force.

[0046] The pedal system 200 also includes a first target 230 and a second target 240. Figure 2 , the pedal system 200 further comprises a first spring 250 configured to couple the first target 230 to a frame (not shown) of the vehicle. Thus, the movement of the first target 230 indicates a displacement of the pedal relative to the frame, which enables the desired braking action to be determined by means of the displacement.

[0047] exist Figure 2In the embodiment, the pedal system 200 further includes a second spring 260, which is configured to couple the second target 240 with the first target 230. Such a spring 260 enables the desired braking effect to be determined by means of the displacement difference between the two targets 230 and 240. It should be noted that the springs 250 and 260 do not necessarily have to be Figure 2 Mechanical spring shown: In other embodiments, springs 250, 260 may also be elastic springs or gas springs.

[0048] In some embodiments, the second spring 260 has a mechanical prestress. This results in that, when the pedal is actuated under normal circumstances, the first target 230 is pushed away from the second target 240 without causing a large deflection of the second spring 260.

[0049] In contrast, a jamming of the first target 230 results in a greater deflection, which can be used to continue normal operation of the brake and / or to detect the jamming. In contrast, a (e.g. elastic) jamming of the second target 240 relative to the first target 230 results in a smaller deflection or no deflection at all—which can also be detected and does not affect the functionality of the brake.

[0050] Figure 3 Another embodiment of a pedal system 300 for a brake-by-wire system of a vehicle is shown. The pedal system 300 comprises a device 310 according to the invention, such as the device 100 or 210 described above. The pedal system 300 further comprises a first target 330 and a second target 340.

[0051] The pedal system 300 also includes a first spring 350 configured to couple the first target 330 to the frame of the vehicle. Figure 3 In the example of FIG. 3 , the spring 350 is fixed to a portion 370 of the brake pedal, wherein the first portion 370 is rigidly connected to the first target 330 via a connecting portion 335 .

[0052] The pedal system 300 includes a second spring 360 configured to couple the second target 340 to the first target 330. Figure 3 In the example of , the spring 360 is fixed with a footrest 380 of the brake pedal, wherein the footrest 360 is rigidly connected to the second target 340 via the connecting portion 345. The footrest 380 is coupled to the remaining part 370 of the brake pedal and thus to the first target 330 via the second spring 360.

[0053] The pedal system 300 further comprises an optional pivot joint 390 on the frame of the vehicle, wherein a part 370 of the brake pedal is rotatably mounted on the pivot joint 390 .

[0054] Figure 4a and Figure 4b An exemplary diagram 400 of input signals 410, 420 and output signals 430 of a processing circuit of a device according to the invention, such as device 100 or 210, is shown. In this case, the input signals 410, 420 indicate the respective displacements of a first target and a second target in millimeters (mm). The output signal 430 indicates the displacement difference of the two targets, which is generated by the input signals 410, 420.

[0055] When the brake pedal is not locked, a relatively small displacement difference occurs, such as Figure 4a When the brake pedal is locked, a larger displacement difference is generated, such as Figure 4b shown.

[0056] The processing circuit can determine the force acting on the brake pedal with the aid of output signal 430 and generate a control signal for actuating the brakes of the wire control brake system based on this force. Figure 4b The illustrated mechanical locking is also possible.

[0057] Figure 5 An embodiment of a brake-by-wire system 500 is shown. The brake-by-wire system 500 includes a pedal system 510 according to the present invention, such as the pedal system 200 or 300, and a brake 520. The brake 520 is configured to apply a braking effect to the vehicle based on a control signal. For example, the brake 520 can be controlled directly by a processing circuit of the pedal system 510 or by a control device.

[0058] For example, information detected by sensors in the pedal system 510 may be converted into control signals and transmitted to the brake 520. The brake 520 may include one or more actuators that generate mechanical motion for operating the brake based on the control signal (or based on the output signal of the processing circuit). In the wire control brake system 500, this may be, for example, an electric actuator that generates hydraulic force to produce a braking effect.

[0059] Figure 6 The flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method 600 for a brake-by-wire system for a vehicle is shown. The method 600 may be executed, for example, by a device according to the present invention, for example, the device 100 .

[0060] The method 600 includes detecting 610 a displacement of a first object that can be coupled to a brake pedal of a vehicle by means of a displacement sensor, detecting 620 a displacement of a second object that can be coupled to the brake pedal by means of the displacement sensor, and determining 630 a difference between the displacement of the first object and the displacement of the second object by means of a processing circuit. The method 600 also includes determining 640 a force acting on the brake pedal by means of the processing circuit based on the difference, and generating 650 a control signal for actuating a brake of a brake-by-wire system by means of the processing circuit based on the force.

[0061] Further details of method 600 are provided in conjunction with the apparatus and system references. Figures 1 to 5 is described.

[0062] The above-described device and method make it possible to determine the actual braking force and not (only) the path of the brake pedal. This can improve the control of the brakes of the wire control brake system and the responsiveness of the brakes. In addition, the device and method can increase the safety of the wire control brake system by inferring a mechanical stop from the deflection of the spring between a first target and a second target and, for example, changing the operating mode of the wire control brake system.

[0063] Further embodiments of the proposed technology are described below:

[0064] A first example relates to a device for a brake-by-wire system for a vehicle, the device including a displacement sensor configured to detect a displacement of a first target that can be coupled to a brake pedal of the vehicle; and to detect a displacement of a second target that can be coupled to the brake pedal; and a processing circuit configured to determine a difference between a displacement traversed by the first target and a displacement traversed by the second target; determine a force acting on the brake pedal based on the difference; and generate a control signal for operating a brake of the brake-by-wire system based on the force.

[0065] The second example relates to the device of the above-mentioned example (like the first example), wherein the processing circuit is further designed to detect a mechanical blocking of the brake pedal based on the force.

[0066] A third example relates to the apparatus of the preceding example (eg, one of the first and second examples), wherein the displacement sensor comprises an incremental encoder.

[0067] A fourth example relates to the apparatus of the aforementioned example (such as one of the first to third examples), wherein the displacement sensor comprises an inductive sensor.

[0068] The fifth example relates to a device of the aforementioned example (such as the fourth example), wherein the inductive sensor includes: an excitation coil; a first periodic secondary coil pair, the first periodic secondary coil pair being constructed to detect the passing displacement of a first target; and a second periodic secondary coil pair, the second periodic secondary coil pair being constructed to detect the passing displacement of a second target.

[0069] A sixth example relates to the apparatus of the preceding example (eg, the fifth example), wherein the first and second secondary coil pairs are flat.

[0070] The seventh example relates to the apparatus of the aforementioned example (such as one of the fifth and sixth examples), wherein the excitation coil is configured to generate electromagnetic coupling with the first and second secondary coil pairs.

[0071] An eighth example relates to the apparatus of the aforementioned example (such as one of the fifth to seventh examples), wherein the first secondary coil pair has a higher winding density than the second secondary coil pair, or the second secondary coil pair has a higher winding density than the first secondary coil pair.

[0072] A ninth example relates to the apparatus of the preceding example, further comprising a circuit board, wherein the circuit board comprises the displacement sensor.

[0073] A tenth example relates to the apparatus of the aforementioned example (such as the ninth example), wherein the circuit board is at least partially curved.

[0074] An eleventh example is directed to the apparatus of the preceding example, wherein the processing circuit is further configured to generate a control signal based on at least one of a passed displacement of the first target and a passed displacement of the second target.

[0075] A twelfth example relates to a pedal system for a brake-by-wire system of a vehicle, comprising: the apparatus of one of the aforementioned examples; a first target; and a second target.

[0076] The thirteenth example relates to the pedal system of the aforementioned example (such as the twelfth example), further comprising a first spring configured to couple the first target with a frame of the vehicle.

[0077] A fourteenth example relates to the pedal system of the aforementioned example (such as one of the twelfth and thirteenth examples), further comprising a second spring configured to couple the second target with the first target.

[0078] The fifteenth example relates to the pedal system of the aforementioned example (such as the fourteenth example), wherein the second spring has a mechanical prestress.

[0079] The sixteenth example relates to the pedal system of the aforementioned example (such as one of the twelfth to fifteenth examples), which further includes a brake pedal, wherein the brake pedal has a foot pedal coupled to the rest of the brake pedal by means of a spring.

[0080] A seventeenth example relates to a brake-by-wire system, which includes the pedal system of one of the aforementioned examples and a brake, wherein the brake is configured to apply a braking action to the vehicle based on a control signal.

[0081] The eighteenth example relates to a method for a wire control brake system for a vehicle, the method comprising: detecting a displacement of a first target that can be coupled to a brake pedal of the vehicle by means of a displacement sensor; detecting a displacement of a second target that can be coupled to the brake pedal by means of a displacement sensor; and determining a difference between a displacement traversed by the first target and a displacement traversed by the second target by means of a processing circuit; determining a force acting on the brake pedal based on the difference by means of the processing circuit; and generating a control signal for operating the brake of the wire control brake system based on the force by means of the processing circuit.

[0082] The aspects and features described in conjunction with a specific example in the foregoing examples may also be combined with one or more other examples in order to replace the same or similar features of the other examples or to additionally introduce features into the other examples.

[0083] The example may also be or relate to a (computer) program with program code for performing one or more of the above methods when the program is executed on a computer, processor or other programmable hardware component. Therefore, the steps, operations or processes of the different methods in the above methods may also be performed by a programmed computer, processor or other programmable hardware component. The example may also include a program storage device, such as a digital data storage medium, which is machine-readable, processor-readable or computer-readable and encodes or contains machine-executable, processor-executable or computer-executable programs and instructions. The program storage device may include or be a digital memory, a magnetic storage medium (such as a magnetic plate and a tape), a hard drive or an optically readable digital data storage medium. Other examples may also include a computer, a processor, a control unit, a field programmable logic array (FPLA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processor (GPU), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an integrated circuit (IC) or a system on a chip (SoC), which is programmed to perform the steps of the above methods.

[0084] It is further understood that the disclosure of multiple steps, processes, operations or functions disclosed in the specification or claims should not be interpreted as being mandatory in the order described, unless this is clearly stated in individual cases or is mandatory for technical reasons. Therefore, the execution of multiple steps or functions is not limited to a specific order by the foregoing description. In addition, in other examples, a single step, a single function, a single process or a single operation may include and / or be decomposed into multiple sub-steps, sub-functions, sub-processes or sub-operations.

[0085] If aspects are described in the preceding paragraphs in conjunction with an apparatus or system, these aspects are also to be understood as a description of the corresponding method. In this context, a block, an apparatus or a functional aspect of an apparatus or system may correspond, for example, to features of the corresponding method, such as method steps. Therefore, aspects described in conjunction with a method are also to be understood as a description of the properties or functional features of the corresponding block, corresponding element, corresponding apparatus or corresponding system.

[0086] The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim may be individually presented as a separate example. It should also be noted that, although a dependent claim refers to a specific combination with one or more other claims in the claims, other examples may also include a combination of a dependent claim with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent claim. Such combinations are therefore explicitly proposed, unless it is stated in individual cases that a specific combination is not intended. Furthermore, features of a claim should also be included in each other independent claim, even when the claim is not directly defined as dependent on the other independent claim.

Claims

1. A device (100) for a brake-by-wire system of a vehicle, the device comprising: a displacement sensor (110) configured to detect a displacement of a first object that is couplable to a brake pedal of the vehicle; detecting a passing displacement of a second object couplable to the brake pedal; and processing circuitry (120) configured to determine a difference between a displacement traversed by the first target and a displacement traversed by the second target; A force acting on the brake pedal is determined based on the difference; and a control signal for operating a brake of the brake-by-wire system is generated based on the force.

2. The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The processing circuit (120) is further designed to detect a mechanical blocking of the brake pedal based on the force.

3. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The displacement sensor (110) comprises an incremental encoder.

4. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The displacement sensor (110) comprises an inductive sensor.

5. The device (100) according to claim 4, wherein: The inductive sensor comprises the following: Excitation coil; a first periodic secondary coil pair configured to detect a passing displacement of the first target; and A second periodic secondary coil pair is configured to detect a passing displacement of the second target.

6. The device (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The first pair of secondary coils and the second pair of secondary coils are flat.

7. The device (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The excitation coil is configured to generate electromagnetic coupling with the first pair of secondary coils and the second pair of secondary coils.

8. The device (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein: The first secondary coil pair has a higher winding density than the second secondary coil pair, or the second secondary coil pair has a higher winding density than the first secondary coil pair.

9. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The device further comprises a circuit board, wherein the circuit board comprises a displacement sensor (110).

10. The device (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The circuit board is at least partially curved.

11. The device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The processing circuit (120) is further configured to generate the control signal based on at least one of the elapsed displacement of the first object and the elapsed displacement of the second object.

12. A pedal system (200) for a brake-by-wire system of a vehicle, the pedal system comprising: The device (210) according to any of the preceding claims; the first target (230); and The second target (240).

13. The pedal system (200) of claim 12, further comprising a first spring (250) configured to couple the first target (230) to a frame of the vehicle.

14. The pedal system (200) of claim 12 or 13, further comprising a second spring (260) configured to couple the second target to the first target.

15. The pedal system (200) of claim 14, wherein: The second spring (260) has a mechanical prestress.

16. The pedal system (200) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, further comprising a brake pedal, wherein: The brake pedal has a footrest which is coupled to the rest of the brake pedal by means of a spring (260).

17. A brake-by-wire system (500), comprising: The pedal system (510) according to any one of claims 12 to 16; and A brake (520), wherein the brake (520) is configured to apply a braking action to the vehicle based on the control signal.

18. A method (600) for a brake-by-wire system for a vehicle, the method comprising: Detecting (610) a displacement of a first object coupled to a brake pedal of the vehicle by means of a displacement sensor; detecting (620) a displacement of a second object coupled to the brake pedal by means of the displacement sensor; and determining (630) with processing circuitry a difference between a displacement traversed by the first target and a displacement traversed by the second target; determining (640) a force acting on the brake pedal based on the difference with the processing circuit; and A control signal for actuating a brake of the brake-by-wire system is generated (650) by means of the processing circuit based on the force.

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