Pedal travel sensor, brake pedal assembly and brake system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a pedal travel sensor which is used for being connected with a brake pedal module, and the brake pedal module comprises a cylinder body and a piston capable of linearly moving relative to the cylinder body. The pedal travel sensor comprises a support (1) provided with a connecting end (11) and a rotating end (12), the connecting end is used for being movably connected with the piston, and the connecting end is associated with linear movement of the piston and swings around the axis of the rotating end so as to drive the rotating end to rotate around the axis of the rotating end; the magnetic element (2) is fixedly connected with the rotating end of the bracket so as to synchronously rotate along with the rotating end; and the fixedly arranged printed circuit board (3) responds to the magnetic field change generated by the rotation of the magnetic element (2) so as to output an electric signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a sensor device, and more particularly to a pedal travel sensor device. Background Technology

[0002] The vehicle braking system is an important component of automobile safety. Its main function is to slow down the vehicle or stop it when necessary.

[0003] Modern car braking systems typically include: a brake pedal, which the driver activates by pressing the brake pedal; and a braking control system, such as an electric braking system.

[0004] Currently, electric braking systems (EBS) are more widely used in commercial vehicles. The pedal travel sensor (PTS) is an essential sensor for EBS brake pedal modules. The main function of the pedal travel sensor is to convert pedal displacement into a PWM position signal, which is then transmitted to the BCU of the electric braking system to achieve braking control.

[0005] However, current pedal travel sensors are complex in structure, and their design, verification, and manufacturing costs are high. Utility Model Content

[0006] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a pedal travel sensor that has a simple structure, high adaptability, and can accurately sense the pedal travel.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model proposes a pedal travel sensor for connection to a brake pedal module, the brake pedal module including a cylinder and a piston capable of linear movement relative to the cylinder; the pedal travel sensor includes:

[0008] A bracket having a connecting end and a rotating end, the connecting end being movably connected to the piston, the connecting end oscillating about the axis of the rotating end in relation to the linear movement of the piston, thereby causing the rotating end to rotate about its own axis.

[0009] A magnetic element is fixedly connected to the rotating end of the bracket so as to rotate synchronously with the rotating end;

[0010] A fixed printed circuit board that outputs an electrical signal in response to changes in the magnetic field generated by the rotation of magnetic components.

[0011] Furthermore, in the pedal travel sensor described in this utility model, the bracket includes: a bracket body, the connecting end being configured as a connecting shaft extending from the bracket body, and the rotating end being configured as a rotating shaft extending from the bracket body.

[0012] Furthermore, in the pedal travel sensor described in this utility model, the connecting shaft is fitted with a bushing.

[0013] Furthermore, the pedal travel sensor of this utility model further includes: a fixed plate, the fixed plate having a bushing, and the rotating shaft being rotatably disposed within the bushing.

[0014] Furthermore, in the pedal travel sensor described in this utility model, an elastic element is provided between the bushing and the rotating shaft to apply a circumferential elastic force to the rotating shaft.

[0015] Furthermore, in the pedal travel sensor described in this utility model, the elastic element includes a torsion spring.

[0016] Furthermore, the pedal stroke sensor of this utility model also includes a housing for fixed connection with the cylinder body, and the bracket, magnetic element and printed circuit board are all disposed inside the housing.

[0017] Furthermore, in the pedal travel sensor described in this utility model, a sealing groove is provided on the connecting end face of the housing, and a sealing element is provided in the sealing groove.

[0018] Another objective of this invention is to provide a brake pedal assembly that is simple in structure, easy to manufacture and use, and highly adaptable.

[0019] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides a brake pedal assembly, which includes a brake pedal module, the brake pedal module including a cylinder and a piston capable of linear movement relative to the cylinder; the brake pedal assembly also includes a pedal travel sensor as described above.

[0020] Furthermore, in the brake pedal assembly described in this utility model, the piston is provided with a connecting groove, and the connecting end is movably inserted into the connecting groove.

[0021] This invention also provides a braking system, which includes a pedal travel sensor as described above.

[0022] This utility model also provides a braking system, which includes the brake pedal assembly as described above.

[0023] The pedal travel sensor described in this invention has a simple structure, high adaptability, and can achieve accurate sensing of pedal travel.

[0024] The pedal travel sensor described in this invention has a convenient and accurate sensing process and can be used in vehicle braking systems, especially electric braking systems. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This image shows a cross-sectional view of the pedal travel sensor described in this invention, according to one embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 The diagram shows a three-dimensional structure of the pedal travel sensor described in this invention in one embodiment, viewed from a partially cross-sectional perspective.

[0027] Figure 3 The structure of the pedal travel sensor described in this utility model is shown from a top-down perspective in one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 4 This illustration shows a partial structure of a printed circuit board for the pedal travel sensor described in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 5 The structure of the magnetic element of the pedal travel sensor described in this invention is shown in one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 6 The structure of the housing of the pedal travel sensor according to this invention is shown in one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 7 The structure of the bracket for the pedal travel sensor described in this utility model is shown in one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 8 The structure of the mounting plate of the pedal travel sensor described in this utility model is shown in one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 9 This diagram shows a three-dimensional structural schematic of the brake pedal assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 10 This image shows a cross-sectional view of the brake pedal assembly described in one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0035] The pedal travel sensor, brake pedal assembly, and braking system of this utility model will be further explained and described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. However, such explanation and description do not constitute an undue limitation on the technical solution of this utility model.

[0036] The pedal travel sensor is an essential component of the brake pedal module in an electric braking system. Its main function is to convert pedal displacement into a PWM position signal, which is then transmitted to the BCU (Brake Control Unit) of the electric braking system to achieve braking control. However, current pedal travel sensors have complex structures, and their design, verification, and manufacturing costs are all high.

[0037] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a simple and accurate pedal travel sensor in one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 1 This image shows a cross-sectional view of the pedal travel sensor described in this invention, according to one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the pedal travel sensor described in this utility model is shown in a partially sectional view in one embodiment.

[0040] Figure 3 The structure of the pedal travel sensor described in this utility model is shown from a top-down perspective in one embodiment.

[0041] In some embodiments, the pedal travel sensor of the present invention is used to connect with a brake pedal module, the brake pedal module being associated with the brake pedal, and the brake pedal module including a fixedly mounted cylinder and a piston that moves linearly relative to the cylinder.

[0042] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the pedal travel sensor of this utility model includes: a bracket 1 having a connecting end 11 and a rotating end 12, wherein the connecting end 11 is movably connected to the piston of the brake pedal module, so that the connecting end 11 swings around the axis of the rotating end 12 in relation to the linear movement of the piston, thereby driving the rotating end 12 to rotate around its own axis; a magnetic element 2, which is fixedly connected to the rotating end 12 of the bracket 1 to rotate synchronously with the rotating end 12; and a fixedly mounted printed circuit board (PCBA) 3, which responds to the magnetic field change generated by the rotation of the magnetic element 2 to output an electrical signal, which can be output through pin 32 connected to the printed circuit board 3.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the printed circuit board 3 has an ASIC chip 31 including a Hall element, as well as transmission circuitry and pins. Figure 4 (not shown in the image), thereby enabling the transmission of electrical signals.

[0044] Based on the above settings, when the piston associated with the brake pedal moves linearly, for example in... Figure 1 When moving linearly in the height direction, such as Figure 3As shown, the linear movement of the piston causes the connecting end 11 of the bracket 1 connected to it to swing around the axis O of the rotating end 12. That is, the connecting end 11 moves with the piston in the height direction and rotates at the same time. This swinging will cause the rotating end 12 to rotate around its own axis O. At the same time, the magnetic element 2, which rotates synchronously with the rotating end 12, will also rotate. As a result, the printed circuit board 3 will sense the change in magnetic field generated by the rotation of the magnetic element 2 with the linear movement of the piston, and thus convert the movement of the piston, which represents the brake pedal stroke or movement, into an electrical signal (e.g., a PWM position signal) for output, and then transmit it to the BCU of the electric braking system to realize brake control.

[0045] In some more specific embodiments, the magnetic element 2 may include a magnet, the shape of which may be as follows: Figure 5 The magnetic element is circular as shown. In other embodiments, the magnetic element may also be square or other shapes. A through hole 21 is provided in the middle of the magnetic element 2 for fitting the magnetic element onto the rotating end 12. In some embodiments, the magnetic element and the rotating end 12 can be fixedly connected by interference fit between the through hole 21 and the rotating end 12.

[0046] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 6 As shown, in some embodiments, the pedal travel sensor may further include a housing 5 for fixed connection with the cylinder of the brake pedal module. The bracket 1, magnetic element 2, and printed circuit board 3 are all housed within the housing 5. The printed circuit board 3 can be fixedly mounted via the housing 5. The rear of the housing 5 has an interface 52 for mating with matching elements in the braking system.

[0047] In some more specific implementations, such as Figure 6 As shown, the connecting end face of the housing 5 is provided with a connecting hole 53. The housing connecting parts (such as bolts, pins, rivets) can pass through the connecting hole 53 to realize the fixed connection between the housing 5 and the cylinder of the brake pedal module.

[0048] Furthermore, in some more specific implementations, such as Figure 1 As shown, a sealing groove 51 is also provided on the connecting end face of the housing 5. A sealing element 6 can be provided in the sealing groove to achieve a sealed connection between the housing 5 and the cylinder, thereby providing better protection for the components inside the housing 5.

[0049] Figure 7 The structure of the bracket for the pedal travel sensor described in this utility model is shown in one embodiment.

[0050] like Figure 7As shown, in some more specific embodiments, the bracket 1 includes: a bracket body 13, a connecting end 11 configured as a connecting shaft extending from the bracket body 13, and a rotating end 12 configured as a rotating shaft extending from the bracket body.

[0051] In some more specific embodiments, a bushing 14 may also be fitted over the connecting shaft. Since the connecting shaft, which serves as the connecting end 11, is movably connected to the piston of the brake pedal module, meaning there is relative movement between the connecting shaft and the piston, the bushing can protect the connecting shaft. Furthermore, when the connecting shaft moves relative to the piston, for example, when it slides relative to the connecting groove of the piston, the bushing can reduce friction, thereby reducing the resistance to relative movement and making the movement smoother.

[0052] In some more specific embodiments, the bracket can be a plastic bracket, thereby further reducing weight while ensuring structural strength. In this case, the bushing can be a metal bushing, thereby providing protection for the plastic connecting shaft.

[0053] In this invention, the rotating end of the bracket does not move linearly, so it is fixed in the linear direction.

[0054] like Figure 1 and Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, the rotating end can be supported by a fixing plate. The fixing plate 4 is fixedly disposed in the housing 5. The fixing plate 4 has a bushing 41, and the rotating shaft of the rotating end 12 is rotatably disposed in the bushing 41.

[0055] In some other embodiments, instead of using a fixed plate, a bearing-like element can be formed directly inside the housing to provide support for the rotating end.

[0056] In some specific embodiments, an elastic element (not shown in the figure) can also be provided between the bushing 41 and the rotating shaft to apply a circumferential elastic force to the rotating shaft. In this way, when the force applied to the piston of the pedal brake module is removed, the rotating end can rotate in the opposite direction under the action of the elastic force to reset.

[0057] In some more specific embodiments, the elastic element may include a torsion spring.

[0058] In another embodiment, the present invention also provides a brake pedal assembly, which includes a brake pedal module and a pedal travel sensor as described above.

[0059] Figure 9 This diagram shows a three-dimensional structural schematic of the brake pedal assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 10 This image shows a cross-sectional view of the brake pedal assembly described in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the brake pedal assembly includes a brake pedal module and a pedal travel sensor 100 as described above, wherein the brake pedal module includes a fixedly mounted cylinder 200 and a piston 300 that moves linearly relative to the cylinder in its axial direction P. The piston 300 is associated with the brake pedal, and the amount of movement of the piston 300 in its axial direction characterizes the travel or movement of the brake pedal.

[0062] like Figure 10 As shown, the housing 5 is connected to the outside of the cylinder 200. The piston 300 is provided with a connecting groove 301. The connecting end 11 of the bracket 1 is movably inserted into the connecting groove 301. In this way, when the piston 300 moves relative to the cylinder 200 in the axial direction P, it will drive the connecting end 11 of the bracket 1 to swing, thereby driving the rotating end 12 to rotate around its own axis, and thus causing the magnetic element 2 to rotate synchronously. As a result, the printed circuit board 3 will sense the change in the magnetic field generated by the magnetic element 2 as the piston 300 moves, and thus convert the piston movement that represents the brake pedal stroke or movement into an electrical signal (e.g., a PWM position signal) for output, and then transmit it to the BCU of the electric braking system to realize brake control.

[0063] In another embodiment, the present invention also provides a braking system, which includes a pedal travel sensor or brake pedal assembly as described above.

[0064] Since this utility model does not involve improvements to the pedal assembly and other components of the braking system, the braking process of the pedal assembly and braking system will not be described in detail here.

[0065] The pedal travel sensor described in this utility model has a simple structure, accurate sensing results, and high adaptability, and can be widely used in various electronic braking systems.

[0066] It should be noted that the prior art within the scope of protection of this utility model is not limited to the embodiments given in this utility model document. All prior art that does not contradict the solution of this utility model, including but not limited to prior patent documents, prior publications, prior public uses, etc., can be included in the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0067] Furthermore, the combination of the technical features in this case is not limited to the combination methods described in the claims of this case or the combination methods described in the specific embodiments. All technical features described in this case can be freely combined or combined in any way, unless they contradict each other.

[0068] It should also be noted that the embodiments listed above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments, and any similar changes or modifications made thereto that can be directly derived or easily conceived by those skilled in the art from the content disclosed in this utility model should fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A pedal travel sensor for connection to a brake pedal module, the brake pedal module comprising a cylinder and a piston capable of linear movement relative to the cylinder; characterized in that, The pedal travel sensor includes: A bracket (1) having a connecting end (11) and a rotating end (12), the connecting end being movably connected to the piston, the connecting end swinging about the axis of the rotating end in relation to the linear movement of the piston, so as to drive the rotating end to rotate about its own axis. A magnetic element (2) is fixedly connected to the rotating end of the bracket so as to rotate synchronously with the rotating end; A fixed printed circuit board (3) outputs an electrical signal in response to changes in the magnetic field generated by the rotation of the magnetic element (2).

2. The pedal travel sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The bracket (1) includes: a bracket body (13), the connecting end being configured as a connecting shaft extending from the bracket body, and the rotating end being configured as a rotating shaft extending from the bracket body.

3. The pedal travel sensor as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The connecting shaft is fitted with a bushing (14).

4. The pedal travel sensor as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A fixed plate (4) is fixedly installed, and a bushing (41) is provided on the fixed plate. The rotating shaft is rotatably disposed in the bushing.

5. The pedal travel sensor as described in claim 4, characterized in that, An elastic element is provided between the bushing and the rotating shaft to apply a circumferential elastic force to the rotating shaft.

6. The pedal travel sensor as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The elastic element includes a torsion spring.

7. The pedal travel sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a housing (5) for fixed connection with the cylinder body, and the bracket, magnetic components and printed circuit board are all disposed in the housing.

8. The pedal travel sensor as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The connecting end face of the housing (5) is provided with a sealing groove (51), and a sealing element (6) is provided in the sealing groove.

9. A brake pedal assembly comprising a brake pedal module, the brake pedal module including a cylinder (200) and a piston (300) capable of linear movement relative to the cylinder; characterized in that, The brake pedal assembly further includes a pedal travel sensor (100) as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. The brake pedal assembly as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that, The piston (300) is provided with a connecting groove (301), and the connecting end is movably inserted into the connecting groove.

11. A braking system, characterized in that, It includes the pedal travel sensor as described in any one of claims 1-8.

12. A braking system, characterized in that, It includes the brake pedal assembly as described in claim 9 or 10.

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