Simulation system for simulating braking system, in particular for gaming applications, and associated gaming system

Abstract

The invention relates to a simulation system (100) for simulating a braking system, in particular for gaming applications, comprising: a mechanical lever (110) rotatably connected (115) to a base surface (180) and operable by a user to apply a braking force; a hydraulic pump (120) containing a hydraulic fluid configured to be pressurized by a piston (121) mechanically connected to the mechanical rod (110) by a rigid mechanical connection (111), the hydraulic pump (120) being connected to the ground by a rotatable ground connection (145) on the side opposite the mechanical rod (110), wherein:-a first mechanism (140, 150) for manually adjusting the idle stroke of the hydraulic pump (120), which is arranged between the hydraulic pump (120) and the rotatable ground connection (145); a second mechanism (160) for manually adjusting the rest height (hvAR) of the mechanical rod (110), connected between the base surface (180) and the rigid mechanical connection (111); and-a brake caliper (130, 230) located outside the hydraulic pump (120, 220) and hydraulically connected to the hydraulic pump (120, 220) and further comprising or being connected to a load sensor (135, 235) for detecting and measuring the braking force. The invention also relates to an electronic simulation system (1000) which uses the simulation system (100) to simulate a brake system according to the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a simulation system for simulating braking systems, particularly for gaming applications, and a related gaming system. Background Technology

[0002] Several patent documents exist that describe braking simulation systems for use in games.

[0003] Patent document US2022333618 (Asetek Danmark) describes a hydraulic pedal simulator capable of providing accurate feedback to the user during operation. More specifically, this pedal simulator includes a hydraulic pump with a housing having a main chamber, a secondary chamber, and a wall disposed between the main and secondary chambers. The wall defines at least one opening configured to allow fluid communication between the main and secondary chambers. The hydraulic pump also includes a master cylinder configured to pressurize fluid in the main chamber when the brake pedal is depressed. The hydraulic pump also includes a secondary piston and a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the secondary chamber. The pressure sensor is configured to measure the pressure in the secondary chamber and send a signal to a processor indicating brake pedal movement. When the fluid in the main chamber is pressurized, the master piston is configured to guide fluid from the main chamber through at least one opening to the secondary chamber to increase the pressure in the secondary chamber.

[0004] Document US2021197083 (Logitech Europe) describes a gaming pedal assembly comprising a base and a pedal arm. The pedal arm is rotatably coupled to the base in a first mounting position, which provides a first axis of rotation of the pedal arm relative to the base. The gaming pedal assembly also includes a piston assembly with a resistance distribution, coupled to the pedal arm in a coupling position, which provides a second axis of rotation of the piston assembly relative to the pedal arm. The piston assembly is rotatably coupled to the base in a second mounting position, which provides a third axis of rotation of the piston assembly relative to the base. When pressure is received on the user interface area of ​​the pedal arm, the piston assembly is compressed according to the resistance distribution of the piston assembly.

[0005] However, the braking force absorption-damping systems described in the prior art fail to accurately represent pedal stiffness equivalent to the actual pedal stiffness experienced by the vehicle calipers. Furthermore, the aforementioned prior art does not allow for easy modification of pedal stiffness. More specifically, the pedal simulator does not support adjusting the idle stroke, nor does it support simple adjustment of the pedal ratio (limited to the tilt of the hydraulic pump relative to the base when stationary) during setup and customization steps according to user needs. In particular, users of the system described in document US2022333618 (Asetek Danmark) inevitably require external tools to adjust the pedal ratio, making the process inconvenient for users.

[0006] Furthermore, traditional brake pedal simulators with hydraulic systems do not include real brake calipers as a necessary component for transmitting stiffness response, which helps to provide users with a more realistic driving experience.

[0007] Similarly, commercially available brake pedal simulators measure the force on the pedal, but this measurement is insufficient to represent the actual braking force measured in a real braking system. In fact, in a real braking system, the braking force is measured in the caliper, and therefore downstream of the entire braking system, meaning that all series components involved in building the overall system stiffness must be considered.

[0008] Currently, brake pedal simulators used in games face several technical challenges that need to be addressed. These challenges primarily concern providing users with the most comfortable and realistic gaming experience possible, and ensuring that users can easily adjust pedal settings during setup. Specifically, analysis of the closest existing technical literature reveals the following main technical problems: difficulty in simulating the realistic braking sensation when a user operates a brake pedal simulator, difficulty in easily adjusting brake simulation system settings, especially in the case of hydraulic systems, and difficulty in customizing settings to meet specific user needs. Finally, it was also found that it is difficult to accurately represent the braking force applied to the pedal.

[0009] Patent document US2022 / 333618 describes a braking simulation system that uses a complex hydraulic pump and an internal damping device, the pump having a master piston and a slave piston. This device is complex and costly to manufacture, and due to its specific design features, the feedback provided to the user is not realistic enough.

[0010] Given the above, there is still room for improvement, which can enhance the user experience when setting up and using the braking system simulator. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Purpose and objective of the present invention The purpose of this invention is to provide a simulation system for simulating braking systems, particularly for gaming applications, but not limited thereto, and to provide a related gaming system to address the problems and overcome the deficiencies of the prior art.

[0012] The present invention relates to a simulation system for simulating a braking system according to the appended claims, particularly for gaming applications, but not limited thereto, and to a related gaming system according to the appended claims.

[0013] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention Attached Figure Description The invention will now be described by way of non-limiting examples and with particular reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: - Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the system according to the present invention is shown; - Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Detailed schematic diagram of the hydraulic pump-caliper connection; - Figure 3 Different embodiments of the system according to the present invention are shown; - Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A detailed schematic diagram of the load sensor located between the brake disc and the brake pad; - Figure 5 A video game system is schematically illustrated, which uses a simulation system to simulate the braking system according to the invention.

[0014] It is hereby explicitly stated that, while respecting the technical concept of this invention, elements of different embodiments can be combined to provide other embodiments without any limitation, as those skilled in the art can readily understand from the specification.

[0015] This specification also refers to embodiments of the prior art, such as detailed features not described, such as minor elements commonly used in similar solutions in the prior art.

[0016] When an element is introduced, it should always be understood as "at least one" or "one or more".

[0017] When elements or features are listed in this specification, it should be understood that the discovery of the present invention "includes" or "consists of" these elements.

[0018] When features are listed in the same sentence or bulleted list, one or more individual features can be included in this invention without being associated with other features in the list.

[0019] The two or more components (elements, devices, systems) mentioned above can be freely combined and are considered as a kit of parts of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention provides a brake pedal simulation or “simulator” system that is particularly useful for gaming, but not limited thereto, and that overcomes the limitations in customization and user experience highlighted in the prior art discussion above.

[0021] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the brake pedal simulator according to the invention includes a user-operable mechanical lever 110 connected to a hydraulic pump 120 (which includes a piston 121 for compressing hydraulic fluid) via first mechanical connectors 111, 112 (e.g., rods or tubes made of metal or plastic) of predetermined length and which are rigid. The first mechanical connectors 111, 112 are, for example, rods or tubes made of metal or plastic.

[0022] Therefore, the mechanical connector preferably includes a rigid rod-shaped member (mechanical connector) 111 connected to a thrust element 113 configured to receive foot movements. The rigid rod-shaped member can be mechanically connected to the thrust element in various ways; for example, the end 112 of the rigid rod-shaped member can slide into a slot 112a such that the rod-shaped member 111 is always substantially aligned with the thrust direction of the hydraulic pump 120 (containing hydraulic fluid). The thrust element 113 is supported (or fixed to a fixed reference or surface 180) by means of a rotatable connector 115, such as a pin, in a grounded connection, which rests on a support element 116 relative to the base surface 180. The distance between the ground (or the fixed reference or base surface 180) and the end 112 of the rod-shaped member 111 is referred to as hVAR and can be pre-adjusted by an adjustment system 160 (see below) (i.e., when the system is stationary and the user has not yet operated it). Starting from the stationary adjustment position, the height of end 112 can be changed during pedal operation.

[0023] Hydraulic pump 120 is connected to brake caliper 130 (a mechanism for buffering the braking force applied by the user), which acts on at least one brake disc portion (not shown, see the next embodiment). Hydraulic pump 120 and brake caliper 130 are fluidly connected via hydraulic line 170 so that pressure generated by the user on the hydraulic pump via mechanical lever 110 is transmitted to brake caliper 130. The connection assembly of hydraulic pump 120 and brake caliper 130 constitutes a braking force absorption buffer system that simulates the braking feel as closely as possible to real vehicle driving. A load cell 135 is provided in the brake caliper to actually detect and measure the braking force in the caliper caused by the force applied by the user to mechanical lever 110 connected to the hydraulic pump.

[0024] The hydraulic pump 120 is also connected to the ground or a fixed reference (e.g., base 180) at its end opposite to the mechanical lever 110 via a rotatable connector 145 and a mechanical connector 140 located on the rotatable connector. The connector 140 can optionally be automated via an electromechanical mechanism (not shown). The mechanical connector 140 has a variable length and can optionally be manually adjusted, particularly via a recirculating ball system connected to a manual adjusting element 150, such as a mechanical ring nut. This mechanism allows for manual operation by the user when setting up the brake pedal simulator without the need for external tools, enabling simple and quick adjustment of the pedal simulator's free travel according to the user's specific needs.

[0025] Finally, as described above, the brake pedal simulator according to the invention includes a mechanism 160 for adjusting the height hVAR (stationary state) of the mechanical lever, which can be pre-operated by the user. This mechanism allows the user to adjust and customize the tilt of the hydraulic pump relative to a horizontal plane parallel to the aforementioned hypothetical base 180 (stationary state), i.e., to adjust the pedal ratio. In particular, the mechanism for adjusting the height of the mechanical lever 110 may include, for example, a geared screw mechanism directly connected to the aforementioned rigid mechanical connection 111. Optionally, this mechanism 160 can be automated by an electromechanical mechanism (not shown). To accurately simulate a realistic braking experience, the proposed device includes the following elements: these elements exist individually in actual braking systems, but are arranged in a novel and more efficient configuration in this system, particularly suitable for gaming environments. The device includes the following elements: - Mechanical lever (“pedal”); - Hydraulic pump (“master cylinder”); - Brake calipers with load sensors for force measurement; - A free-stroke adjustment mechanism, such as a recirculating ball screw mechanism; and - A gear and screw mechanism used to adjust the pedal lever ratio.

[0026] The coexistence and arrangement of these components in the various configurations described above enable the system to provide users with a realistic braking experience and to adapt and adjust the product.

[0027] The working principle of the described component is as follows: - The pedal is connected to the hydraulic pump via a fixed mechanical connection; - Then, the brake hydraulic pump is fixed to the ground (base) by a mechanically adjustable connector, for example by a circulating ball screw system located behind the brake hydraulic pump, which adjusts the dead zone (idle stroke) of the hydraulic pump. - The hydraulic pump is connected to the caliper via a hydraulic hose (e.g., braided), which allows the hydraulic pressure generated by the pump to be delivered to the caliper; and - The fluid pressure received by the caliper is then detected and measured by a load sensor located on the caliper to effectively measure the braking force in the caliper.

[0028] In addition to these mechanisms, the system also has an additional positioning adjustment device 160, which adjusts the tilt of the hydraulic pump by adjusting the height of the pedal. Figure 1 The α in the figure is used to adjust the pedal thrust ratio. This adjustment can be achieved by a manual lead screw and gear mechanism or an electromechanical mechanism (not shown). According to one aspect of the invention, it also applies to the next embodiment, in which the geared lead screw mechanism is directly connected to the aforementioned rigid mechanical connection 111 via a threaded rigid rod 161.

[0029] Now for reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In embodiment 200, the mechanical lever 210 is connected to the hydraulic pump 220 (and thus includes hydraulic fluid configured to be pressurized by a piston, not shown) in a similar manner to the previous embodiment. Similarly, an adjustment system 260 is provided for adjusting the pedal tilt positioning. Furthermore, the hydraulic pump 220 and the brake caliper 230 are in fluid communication via the hydraulic line 270 as described above.

[0030] The thrust element 213 is supported in a grounded connection (or supported on a fixed reference portion or surface) by a rotatable connector 215, such as a pin, which rests on the support element relative to the base surface (not shown, but similar to the aforementioned embodiment). A rigid rod-shaped member (mechanical connector) 211 is connected to the thrust element 213, which is configured to receive foot movements.

[0031] Similarly, the hydraulic pump 220 is connected to the ground or fixed to a reference unit (not shown) at its end opposite to the mechanical rod 210 via a rotatable connector (not shown) and a mechanical connector 240 on the rotatable connector. The mechanical connector 240 can optionally be automated via an electromechanical mechanism (not shown). The length of the mechanical connector 240 is variable and can optionally be manually adjusted, specifically via a circulating ball system located behind the hydraulic pump itself and connected via a manual adjustment element (not shown), such as a mechanical ring nut.

[0032] However, see Figure 3 In the system of the present invention, a portion of a brake disc 280 may be used, and a brake caliper 230 actuates on the brake disc upon operation of the pedal 210. The caliper can generally actuate on any useful element, as its operation implies; the brake disc is merely a preferred embodiment.

[0033] exist Figure 4 In the detailed diagram of the brake caliper, the load sensor 235 can be seen located between the brake disc 280 and the bushing 290.

[0034] Optionally, the brake disc 280 is mounted between the mechanical connector 240 and the housing of the adjustment system 260. Therefore, the brake simulation system 200 is compact, easy to manufacture, and provides realistic feedback to the user by operating a real brake caliper (particularly by acting on a real brake disc).

[0035] The simulation system described in the various embodiments above can be used in electronic simulation system 1000, such as... Figure 5 As shown.

[0036] Devices 100 and 200 are operated by a user (not shown) by pressing pedals 113 and 213 and are connected to an electronic processing unit (computer, console or other peripheral device) 300, which receives measurements from load sensors 135 and 235 as input and processes the simulated braking by displaying them on a screen 400 connected to the electronic processing unit.

[0037] Measuring braking force using a load sensor, i.e., the caliper rather than the pedal, provides a more accurate reflection of the actual braking force than the force measurements performed on the pedal in the prior art.

[0038] In addition, in the event of a load sensor failure, a pressure sensor can optionally be provided as a backup system. This pressure sensor can be used to measure the pressure of the hydraulic pump (which, depending on the configuration, can be located upstream or downstream of the hydraulic pump itself).

[0039] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above and some variations have been proposed. However, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications and changes can be made without departing from the relevant protection scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A simulation system (100, 200) for simulating a braking system, in particular for gaming applications, the simulation system comprising: - a mechanical lever (110, 210) rotatably connected (115, 215) to a base surface (180) and operable by a user to exert a braking force; - a hydraulic pump (120, 220) comprising a hydraulic fluid configured to be pressurized by a piston (121) mechanically connected to the mechanical lever (110, 210) by a rigid mechanical link (111, 211), the hydraulic pump (120, 220) being connected to the ground on the opposite side of the mechanical lever (110, 210) by a rotatable ground link (145); The simulation system (100, 200) for simulating a braking system is characterized in that: - a first mechanism (140, 150, 240) for adjusting the dead travel of the hydraulic pump (120, 220) is provided between the hydraulic pump (120, 220) and the rotatable ground link (145); - a second mechanism (160, 260) for adjusting the lever ratio of the mechanical lever (110, 210), which second mechanism (160, 260) is connected between the base surface (180) and the rigid mechanical connection (111, 211), and which second mechanism (160, 260) is configured to adjust the rest height (hrest) of the mechanical lever (110, 210); h VAR ) of the mechanical lever (110, 210); and - a brake caliper (130, 230): - the brake caliper (130, 230) is external to the hydraulic pump (120, 220) and is hydraulically connected (170, 270) to the hydraulic pump (120, 220); - the brake caliper (130, 230) comprises or is connected to a load sensor (135, 235) configured to detect and measure the braking force.

2. The system (100, 200) of claim 1, wherein, The first mechanism (140, 150, 240) for adjusting the dead travel comprises a circulating ball system.

3. The system (100, 200) of claim 2, wherein, The first mechanism (140, 150, 240) is provided behind the hydraulic pump (120, 220) and is connected to the hydraulic pump (120, 220) by a manual adjustment element (150).

4. The system (100, 200) of claim 2, wherein, The first mechanism (140, 150, 240) for adjusting the dead travel of the hydraulic pump (120, 220) is an electromechanical mechanism.

5. The system (100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The second mechanism (160, 260) for adjusting the lever ratio comprises a toothed lead screw mechanism directly connected to the rigid mechanical link (111, 211), the lead screw mechanism being manually operable.

6. The system (100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The second mechanism (160, 260) for adjusting the lever ratio comprises a toothed lead screw mechanism directly connected to the rigid mechanical link (111, 211), the lead screw mechanism being an electromechanical mechanism.

7. The system (100, 200) of claim 6, wherein, Said lead screw mechanism with a gear is directly connected to said rigid mechanical connection (111, 211) by a threaded rigid rod.

8. The system (100) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein Said system (100) comprises a pressure sensor applied and configured to measure said brake force by measuring the pressure of said hydraulic pump in case of failure of said load sensor (135, 235).

9. The system (100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein Said hydraulic pump (120, 220) comprises only one piston.

10. The system (100, 200) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein Said brake caliper (130, 230) is configured to act on a portion of a brake disc (280).

11. The system (100, 200) of claim 10, wherein, Said load sensor (235) is inserted between said brake disc (280) and a brake pad.

12. A game system, the game system comprising a simulation system (100, 200) for simulating a braking system, an electronic processing unit (300) connected to a game screen (400), characterized in that, Said analog system (100, 200) is according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and wherein said electronic processing unit (300) receives said brake force as input from said load sensor (135, 235) or said pressure sensor.

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