Sensor assembly, measuring unit, brake system and vehicle

Abstract

The utility model provides a sensor assembly, a measuring unit, a braking system and a vehicle. The sensor assembly (1) is used for a measuring unit (100) of the brake pedal stroke, the sensor assembly (1) comprises a movement module (11), a triggering mechanism (12) and a microswitch (13), the movement module (11) can move along with movement of a brake pedal rod, so that the movement of the movement module (11) can reflect the brake pedal stroke, and the microswitch (13) is used for detecting the brake pedal stroke. In response to the movement of the movement module (11), the trigger mechanism (12) applies a force to the microswitch (13) to trigger the microswitch (13). According to the invention, triggering of the microswitch is realized in a compact and efficient manner after the brake pedal rod reaches the stroke.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of vehicle braking, in particular to a sensor assembly, a measuring unit, a brake system and a vehicle. BACKGROUND

[0002] This section is intended to provide background information to assist with understanding various technologies described herein. As the title of this section implies, it is believed that the discussion is relevant to the present disclosure. However, any recognition that the discussion relates to a relevant art in no way shall be construed as an admission that the discussion is prior art to this disclosure.

[0003] According to the requirements of GB 12676 and GB / T 13594, vehicle brake systems, such as Electronic Braking System (EBS) are widely used in Commercial Vehicles (CV). The Pedal Travel Sensor (PTS) is an essential sensor of the brake pedal module of the brake system. The main function of the pedal travel sensor is, for example, to convert the pedal displacement into a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) position signal and send it to the brake control unit (BCU) of the brake system.

[0004] In order to save power, a micro switch is provided in the pedal travel sensor for waking up the electronic brake system when the brake pedal is stepped on. Therefore, a structure is needed to trigger the micro switch when the pedal is in travel.

[0005] In some technical solutions, when the brake pedal moves, the micro switch triggers the pedal to rotate around the pin, and then contacts the micro switch contactor to turn on the micro switch. In this technical solution, the trigger structure is not provided in the pedal travel sensor, so that the valve structure of the brake pedal module is relatively complex. CONTENT OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to different aspects, the purpose of the present disclosure is to achieve the triggering of the micro switch after the brake pedal rod reaches the travel in a compact and efficient manner.

[0007] In addition, the purpose of the present disclosure is to solve or at least alleviate one or more problems existing in the prior art.

[0008] The present disclosure solves the above problems by providing a sensor assembly, a measuring unit, a brake system and a vehicle. Specifically, according to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided:

[0009] A sensor assembly for a brake pedal stroke measuring unit, wherein the sensor assembly comprises a movement module, a triggering mechanism and a micro switch, wherein

[0010] the movement module is movable with the movement of a brake pedal rod, such that the movement of the movement module is able to reflect the brake pedal stroke,

[0011] the triggering mechanism applies a force to the micro switch to trigger the micro switch in response to the movement of the movement module.

[0012] Optionally, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the movement module moves in a first direction with the movement of the brake pedal rod, the micro switch is triggered in a second direction, and the first direction is parallel or perpendicular to the second direction.

[0013] Optionally, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the triggering mechanism comprises a bracket and a rotating shaft arranged on the bracket, the rotating shaft abuts against the micro switch, and in response to the movement of the movement module, the rotating shaft contacts the movement module and performs rotating and moving movements to trigger the micro switch.

[0014] Optionally, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the triggering mechanism is configured as a spring piece, a first part of the spring piece is fixedly arranged, and in response to the movement of the movement module, a second part of the spring piece contacts the movement module and applies a force to the micro switch to trigger the micro switch.

[0015] Optionally, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the triggering mechanism is configured as a rotating block, the rotating block abuts against the micro switch and the movement module, and in response to the movement of the movement module, the rotating block performs rotating movement and applies a force to the micro switch to trigger the micro switch.

[0016] Optionally, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the triggering mechanism comprises a housing, a triggering piece arranged at least partially in the housing and able to perform linear movement in the first direction, and a first spring abutting between the housing and the triggering piece, the triggering piece is configured with an interaction part extending beyond the housing, the interaction part is used to cooperate with the movement module, and the first direction is parallel to the second direction.

[0017] Optionally, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, in an initial position of the movement module, the movement module abuts against the interaction part, and the first spring applies a force to the triggering piece towards the micro switch; or

[0018] In response to the movement of the movement module, the movement module exerts a force on the interaction portion towards the micro switch, so that the trigger triggers the micro switch.

[0019] Optionally, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the trigger mechanism comprises a box, a trigger body arranged at least partially in the box, and a second spring abutting between the trigger body and the box, in response to the movement of the movement module, the trigger body moves and exerts a force on the micro switch to trigger the micro switch.

[0020] Optionally, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the trigger body is configured with a slope towards the end of the movement module, the slope is used to convert the movement of the movement module into the movement of the trigger body.

[0021] Optionally, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the box is configured with a hollow guide portion, the trigger body passes through the guide portion and can move in the guide portion, the trigger body is configured with a flange towards the end of the micro switch, in the initial position of the movement module, the flange abuts the end surface of the guide portion.

[0022] Optionally, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the flange is configured with a stopper, the guide portion is configured with a notch, in the initial position of the movement module, the stopper is engaged into the notch.

[0023] Optionally, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the movement module comprises an engaging portion and an acting portion with fixed positions relative to each other, the engaging portion is used to be directly or indirectly connected with the brake pedal rod, the acting portion is used to interact with the trigger mechanism.

[0024] Optionally, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the sensor assembly comprises a first housing and a guide, the trigger mechanism, the micro switch and the guide are arranged in the first housing, the movement module is at least partially arranged in the first housing, the movement module is sleeved on the guide and can move along the guide.

[0025] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a measuring unit for brake pedal stroke, wherein the measuring unit comprises any one of the above-mentioned sensor assemblies, the measuring unit further comprises a second housing and a connecting member, the connecting member is movably arranged at least partially in the second housing and is used to be connected with the brake pedal rod, the movement module moves with the movement of the connecting member.

[0026] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a brake system, wherein the brake system comprises the above-mentioned measurement unit and a brake pedal rod connected with the connecting piece.

[0027] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the present disclosure provides a vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises the above-mentioned brake system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0028] The above mentioned and other features of this disclosure will become apparent and the disclosure will be understood by those skilled in the art by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of a measurement unit according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0030] Figure 2 A sectional view of a measurement unit according to the present disclosure is shown;

[0031] Figure 3 An internal view of a sensor assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0032] Figure 4 A sectional view of a sensor assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] Figure 5 An internal view of a sensor assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0034] Figure 6 A sectional view of a sensor assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0035] Figure 7 An internal view of a sensor assembly according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0036] Figure 8 A sectional view of a sensor assembly according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0037] Figure 9 An internal view of a sensor assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0038] Figure 10 A sectional view of a sensor assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0039] Figure 11 A perspective view of a trigger mechanism of a sensor assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0040] Figure 12 A sectional view of a trigger mechanism of a sensor assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure in an initial position is shown;

[0041] Figure 13 a cross-sectional view of a trigger mechanism of a sensor assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in a final position;

[0042] Figure 14 an internal view of a sensor assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0043] Figure 15 a cross-sectional view of a sensor assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0044] Figure 16 a perspective view of a trigger mechanism area of a sensor assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0045] Figure 17 a perspective view of a trigger body of a sensor assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0046] Figure 18 a perspective view of a case of a sensor assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] It is easily understood that, according to the technical solution of the present disclosure, a person skilled in the art can propose various structural modes and implementation modes that can be replaced with each other without changing the essential spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings are only exemplary descriptions of the technical solution of the present disclosure, and should not be regarded as the whole or as a limitation or restriction of the technical solution of the present disclosure.

[0048] In the present specification, the orientation terms such as up, down, left, right, front, back, front surface, back surface, top, bottom, etc. mentioned or possibly mentioned are defined with respect to the configuration shown in the drawings, and they are relative concepts, so they can be changed accordingly depending on the different positions and different use states. Therefore, these or other orientation terms should not be interpreted as restrictive terms. In addition, the terms "first", "second", "third" or the like or similar expressions are only used for description and differentiation purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying the relative importance of the corresponding members.

[0049] Figure 1 a perspective view of a measuring unit according to the present disclosure is shown; Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of a measuring unit according to the present disclosure is shown; Figure 3 an internal view of a sensor assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and Figure 4 a cross-sectional view of a sensor assembly according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0050] The present disclosure relates to a sensor assembly 1 for a brake pedal travel measuring unit 100, wherein the sensor assembly 1 comprises a movement module 11, a triggering mechanism 12 and a micro switch 13, wherein the movement module 11 is movable with the movement of a brake pedal lever, such that the movement of the movement module 11 can reflect the brake pedal travel, and in response to the movement of the movement module 11, the triggering mechanism 12 exerts a force on the micro switch 13 to trigger the micro switch 13.

[0051] It should be noted that the brake pedal travel can also be understood as the position of the brake pedal or the travel or position of the pedal lever of the brake pedal, all of which can be sensed using the sensor assembly of the present measuring unit. According to the present technical solution, when the driver steps on the brake, the pedal drives the brake pedal lever to make a corresponding brake movement, and the pedal lever in turn directly or indirectly drives the movement module to make a corresponding movement, for example, from the perspective of Figure 2 the movement is a lifting or vertical movement, and the pedal travel is inferred through the travel sensing of the movement of the movement module.

[0052] Exemplarily, the movement module comprises a magnet 113, whereby such movement will cause a change in the magnetic field of the magnet, which is sensed by a sensing module 16, and in turn outputs a response signal, based on which the pedal travel can be directly or indirectly obtained by those skilled in the art. For this purpose, the sensing module of the sensor assembly can comprise, for example, a circuit board 161 and a sensing chip 162 arranged on the circuit board. The sensing chip is used to sense the change in the magnetic field of the magnet. Among them, it is feasible that the sensing chip is an ASIC chip (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), or is further connected or comprises an analysis component for data processing or signal processing.

[0053] The present disclosure does not particularly limit the specific structure or working principle of the sensing module. Exemplarily, the sensing module can be based on the principle of a capacitive sensor, which is composed of two or more capacitor plates, one of which moves with the movement module. Thus, when the movement of the movement module causes a change in the distance or facing area between the capacitor plates, it will cause a change in the capacitance, and in turn generate an electrical signal output, that is, the position or position change of the movement module is reflected through the change in the capacitance or electrical signal.

[0054] As to the micro switch itself, it should be understood that it represents that the contact spacing of the switch is relatively small, also known as sensitive switch, fast switch, touch switch, etc. In the technical solution, the triggering of the micro switch is realized through the linkage design between the movement module, the triggering mechanism and the micro switch. The movement of the movement module and the structure or layout of the micro switch can be easily and flexibly linked together through the triggering mechanism, or in other words, the structure of the movement module or the triggering mechanism or the layout of the micro switch can be flexibly designed in practice according to the movement range of the movement module and the time point at which the micro switch is desired to be triggered (i.e. the brake pedal lever triggers the micro switch at what stroke). In addition, the movement module, the triggering mechanism and the micro switch are integrated in the sensor assembly, so the whole system is relatively compact and responds quickly, can accurately reflect the movement state of the brake pedal, can reliably wake up the electronic brake system when the micro switch is triggered, and also simplifies the brake pedal module valve body structure (i.e. the assembly where the second housing and the connecting piece are located, which will be explained below).

[0055] For example, the micro switch is triggered by the movement of the movement module via the triggering mechanism, and can be designed to be linked with the circuit board of the electronic brake system and the measurement unit of the vehicle. Specifically, when the micro switch is not triggered, it can be considered that the driver has not stepped on the brake, at this time, considering the reduction of energy consumption and cost, the electronic brake system of the vehicle is not awakened, and the sensing chip on the circuit board does not work; when the driver steps on the brake, the brake pedal lever descends, driving the movement module to descend, triggering the micro switch via the triggering mechanism. At this time, the electronic brake system is awakened, and the circuit board and its chip start to work and output a response signal for the pedal stroke. As can be seen, the design of the micro switch can balance the functions of power consumption control and pedal stroke sensing. In addition, the micro switch itself has the characteristics of small size, durability and reliability, high precision, etc. In addition, the micro switch can be configured as a mechanical micro switch. The mechanical micro switch has high sensitivity, simple structure, strong reliability and flexible operation.

[0056] In some embodiments, the movement module 11 moves in a first direction with the movement of the brake pedal lever, and the micro switch 13 is triggered in a second direction, the first direction being parallel or perpendicular to the second direction.

[0057] That is, the technical solution provides two forms for the triggering direction of the micro switch, i.e., parallel or perpendicular to the movement direction of the movement module, which will be explained in combination with various embodiments. Different triggering forms can be realized, for example, by the structural design of the triggering mechanism or the layout or orientation design of the micro switch. In the case where the first direction is parallel to the second direction, the force from the movement module can be directly transmitted to the micro switch without conversion of the direction, which is simple in structure and fast in response. In the case where the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction, the micro switch has a flexible layout, for example, the micro switch can be fixed on the circuit board in a flat manner, which is compact and stable. When needed, the first direction and the second direction with other angle relationships can also be adopted by those skilled in the art to adapt to different installation spaces and layout requirements, which has good universality and applicability.

[0058] In this embodiment, the triggering mechanism 12 includes a bracket 121 and a rotating shaft 122 arranged on the bracket 121, the rotating shaft 122 abuts against the micro switch 13, and in response to the movement of the movement module 11, the rotating shaft 122 contacts and moves with the movement module 11 to trigger the micro switch 13.

[0059] The bracket is fixed on the circuit board of the sensor assembly or the first housing, for example. Through the design of the bracket and the rotating shaft, when the movement module moves from the initial position to the final position and contacts the rotating shaft, the rotating shaft rotates in the movement direction of the movement module and moves towards the micro switch to trigger the function of the micro switch. When the movement module returns to the initial position, the rotating shaft can be reset by the reset function of the micro switch for the next use. Thus, the rotating shaft can always contact or be supported by the micro switch.

[0060] The effects of the technical solution include that the design of the bracket and the rotating shaft makes the structure of the triggering mechanism stable, and the rotating and moving mode of the rotating shaft can more flexibly adapt to the movement state of the movement module and accurately transmit the movement to the micro switch to trigger the micro switch to generate a corresponding electrical signal. For this purpose, the bracket can be provided with an open accommodating portion, and the rotating shaft is arranged in the accommodating portion and can rotate and move in the accommodating portion. The accommodating portion limits the movement range of the rotating shaft as needed and stabilizes the working process of the rotating shaft.

[0061] In addition, the micro switch can also be arranged in the bracket, so that the bracket has multiple functions. On the one hand, it can support the rotating shaft, and on the other hand, it can protect the micro switch, and also makes the combination of the triggering mechanism and the micro switch more compact and stable.

[0062] Figure 5An internal view of a sensor assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a sensor assembly according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0063] The triggering mechanism 12 is constructed as a spring. The first part of the spring is fixedly disposed. In response to the movement of the motion module 11, the second part of the spring contacts the motion module 11 and applies force to the micro switch 13 to trigger the micro switch 13.

[0064] by Figure 6 Taking the perspective of the spring as an example, the first part of the spring is, for example, the right end of the spring, which is fixedly mounted on the first housing of the sensor assembly. For this purpose, the first housing may be constructed with a support post 141 that passes through and extends beyond the circuit board so that the free end of the support post can form a fixed connection with the first part of the spring, providing a stable support point. The fixed connection may be, for example, a threaded connection.

[0065] The second part of the spring is either the left end or the free end. In the initial state of the motion module, it can maintain slight contact with the micro switch or be spaced apart from the micro switch. During the motion of the motion module from the initial state to the final state, the motion module presses the spring towards the micro switch to trigger it. During the return motion of the motion module, the spring can return to its initial state through both the reset force of the micro switch and the elasticity of the spring itself.

[0066] Figure 7 An internal view of a sensor assembly according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; and Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a sensor assembly according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0067] The triggering mechanism 12 is configured as a rotating block, which abuts against the micro switch 13 and the motion module 11. In response to the movement of the motion module 11, the rotating block rotates and applies force to the micro switch 13 to trigger the micro switch 13.

[0068] Similar to the previous embodiment, the rotating block is, for example, disposed on a support pillar of the first housing of the sensor assembly, and additionally, can be connected to the support pillar via a hinge connection, allowing the rotating block to be rotatably connected with the hinge as the axis of rotation. This technical solution also utilizes the microswitch's own reset capability to achieve the reset of the rotating block. For this purpose, the outer contour of the rotating block can be constructed in the form of a cam, so that as the motion module moves from the initial position to the final position, the rotating block can move in the direction of the microswitch. Due to the stability and rotational characteristics of the rotating block, it ensures accurate triggering of the microswitch, improving the reliability and accuracy of the sensor.

[0069] Figure 9 An internal view of a sensor assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 10 A cross-sectional view of a sensor assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 11 A perspective view of the triggering mechanism of a sensor assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 12 A cross-sectional view of the triggering mechanism of the sensor assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in its initial position; and Figure 13 A cross-sectional view of the triggering mechanism of the sensor assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown in its final position.

[0070] The triggering mechanism 12 includes a housing 123, a trigger member 124 at least partially disposed within the housing 123 and capable of linear movement along the first direction, and a first spring 125 abutting between the housing 123 and the trigger member 124. The trigger member 124 is configured with an interaction portion 1241 extending beyond the housing 123. The interaction portion 1241 is used to cooperate with the motion module 11. The first direction is parallel to the second direction.

[0071] The outer casing is, for example, fixed to the circuit board or the first housing. Here, depending on the arrangement, the first spring can be used, for example, to reset the trigger or to provide power to the trigger toward the micro switch, without relying on the micro switch's own reset to reset the trigger mechanism, or without relying on the force of the motion module to provide power, thus reducing the burden on both.

[0072] It should be mentioned that this technical solution defines the first and second directions as parallel, thus allowing the force exerted by the motion module to be applied directly to the microswitch without needing to change its direction. For this reason, the microswitch can be arranged, for example, perpendicular to the circuit board, freeing up some space on the circuit board. In this embodiment, the housing provides protection and support for the triggering mechanism, while also limiting and guiding the movement range of the trigger element. This design is compact, reliable, and accurately converts the movement of the brake pedal lever into a trigger signal for the microswitch, facilitating the activation of the electronic braking system.

[0073] Furthermore, with Figure 10 For example, in the initial position of the motion module 11, the motion module 11 abuts against the interaction part 1241, and the first spring 125 applies a force toward the micro switch 13 to the trigger member 124.

[0074] Therefore, in the initial position of the motion module, the first spring is in a pre-tensioned state, and the contact between the motion module and the interaction part keeps the trigger element disengaged from the micro switch. As the motion module moves from the initial position to the final position, the spring force of the first spring causes the trigger element to move towards the micro switch and trigger it, thus activating the electronic braking system. During the retraction of the motion module, the contact between the motion module and the interaction part causes the trigger element to disengage from the micro switch and return to the initial position, while the first spring returns to its pre-tensioned initial state. As mentioned earlier, this design utilizes the first spring as the power source, eliminating the load of the motion module as the power source, and cleverly utilizes the contact between the motion module and the interaction part to reset the trigger element, eliminating the load of using the micro switch's own reset characteristics to reset the trigger mechanism. Furthermore, this pre-tension of the first spring ensures that the trigger element can move quickly and accurately and trigger the micro switch when the motion module moves, even when the motion module is moving at a high speed, it can keep up with the motion module in a timely manner. Those skilled in the art can flexibly adjust the stiffness coefficient or preload of the first spring by setting the number, series / parallel connection method, material, size, and structural form (straight spring, conical spring) as needed.

[0075] Alternatively, in other embodiments, in response to the movement of the motion module 11, the motion module 11 applies a force toward the micro switch 13 to the interaction part 1241, causing the trigger 124 to trigger the micro switch 13.

[0076] This implementation can be achieved, for example, by placing the interaction section on the left side of the motion module (to...). Figure 10 (This is achieved from a perspective). Therefore, the first spring plays different roles. During the movement of the motion module from the initial position to the final position, the trigger activates the micro switch, and the first spring is stretched. However, due to the contact between the interaction part and the motion module, the trigger maintains contact with the micro switch, preventing them from disengaging due to the spring force caused by the stretching of the first spring. During the retraction of the motion module, the spring force caused by the stretching of the first spring causes the trigger to disengage from the micro switch, returning the trigger to its initial position. It should be understood that the spring constant can be chosen to be relatively small to avoid excessive restoring force under large stroke conditions.

[0077] Figure 14 An internal view of a sensor assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of a sensor assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0078] Figure 16 A perspective view of the trigger mechanism region of the sensor assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;Figure 17 Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a trigger body of a sensor assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 18 Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of a box body of a sensor assembly according to a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] The trigger mechanism 12 comprises a box body 126, a trigger body 127 arranged at least partially within the box body 126, and a second spring 128 abutting between the trigger body 127 and the box body 126, in response to the movement of the movement module 11, the trigger body 127 moves and exerts force on the micro switch 13 to trigger the micro switch 13.

[0080] The micro switch can be arranged within the box body, such that the box body not only has a protective effect on the trigger mechanism itself, but also on the micro switch, so that the trigger mechanism and the micro switch have higher compactness and matching ability. Through the action of the second spring, the trigger body can be restored to the initial position during the back-off process of the movement module.

[0081] Regarding the arrangement of the micro switch on the circuit board. Exemplarily, the micro switch can be welded to the circuit board through the pin 131 and realize electrical connection, and the box body is connected with the circuit board through the pin 1262, which does not need to be conductive. Other connection methods, such as threaded connection, gluing, buckle connection, etc. are also optional. In terms of assembly process, the box body and the pin can be made into one body through injection molding process, which has higher durability, improves production efficiency and reduces cost, and then assembled with other parts such as trigger body, second spring, etc. to form a trigger mechanism, and finally assembled with the circuit board in the above-mentioned manner.

[0082] Further, the trigger body 127 is configured with a slope 1272 towards the end of the movement module 11, which is used to convert the movement of the movement module 11 into the movement of the trigger body 127.

[0083] The design of the slope makes the trigger body better adapt to the movement direction of the movement module, and also improves the adaptability and flexibility of the trigger mechanism, so that it can stably and reliably trigger the micro switch under different installation conditions and movement states.

[0084] After understanding the purpose of the technical solution, those skilled in the art should be clear how to set the direction of the slope to achieve the purpose, for example, the slope is towards the movement module in the initial position, thereby the movement module can contact the slope in the expected way and the movement direction is converted and transmitted during the downward movement.

[0085] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the box 126 is configured with a hollow guide portion 1261, the trigger body 127 passes through the guide portion 1261 and can move within the guide portion 1261, the trigger body 127 is configured with a flange 1271 towards the end of the microswitch 13, and in the initial position of the movement module 11, the flange 1271 abuts the end face of the guide portion 1261.

[0086] The guide portion of the box provides a limit and guide for the displacement movement of the trigger body, ensures the stability and accuracy of the trigger body during movement, and can better cooperate with the microswitch. The guide portion is configured and extended inwardly from the outer surface of the box, so that the layout among the box, the trigger body and the microswitch is more compact, which is beneficial to reduce the overall volume of the device and improve the space utilization efficiency. In addition, the flange of the trigger body and the guide portion also form a limit effect of the limit position, so that in the initial position of the movement module, the trigger body is in the expected initial position by the spring force of the second spring and the abutment of the flange and the guide portion.

[0087] It is also possible that the flange 1271 is configured with a stopper 12711, and the guide portion 1261 is configured with a notch 12611, and in the initial position of the movement module 11, the stopper 12711 is engaged into the notch 12611.

[0088] Therefore, through the design of the stopper and the notch, in the initial position of the movement module, the trigger body is prevented from rotating relative to the box, ensuring the consistency and stability of the initial position of the trigger body, avoiding position deviation, and also ensuring that the inclined surface of the trigger body can face the movement module in the expected direction, so that the movement module can transmit its movement to the trigger body in the expected manner.

[0089] Regarding the structure of the movement module, those skilled in the art can adaptively adjust the structure of the movement module according to different embodiments of the trigger mechanism and the microswitch, especially according to various action relationships between the movement module and the trigger mechanism, to better cooperate with the trigger mechanism.

[0090] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the movement module 11 includes an engaging portion 111 and an acting portion 112 with fixed relative positions, the engaging portion 111 is used to be directly or indirectly connected with the brake pedal rod, and the acting portion 112 is used to interact with the trigger mechanism 12.

[0091] Thus, in the example, the movement module is divided into an engaging part for interacting with the brake pedal lever and an acting part for interacting with the trigger mechanism, so that the engaging part and the acting part can be designed in a targeted manner in terms of structure or relative position. Since the relative position of the engaging part and the acting part is fixed, the movement module can be regarded as a whole, and the stability and reliability of the movement module are improved. This helps to reduce faults or performance degradation caused by changes in the relative position of the components. For example, the engaging part extends beyond the first housing and is engaged in a recess designed for this purpose of the connecting piece, so as to move with the connecting piece; the acting part is arranged in the first housing. For example, the acting part is configured with a protrusion 1121 on the side facing the trigger mechanism, so as to interact with the trigger mechanism, or the acting part is configured with a hook structure 1122 and abuts against the trigger mechanism. For another example, the acting part and the engaging part are generally at right angles to each other, which improves the acting range of the movement module, makes full use of the space, and can reflect the stroke of the brake pedal lever on the one hand and cooperate with the trigger mechanism on the other hand.

[0092] In addition, it can also be seen that the acting part is formed with a rib structure, or is configured based on a square body with grooves. This design is particularly suitable for movement modules manufactured by injection molding process, because if a whole square structure is used as the acting part, deformation is likely to occur during the injection molding process, and the rib structure formed by configuring grooves can improve this deformation problem, and in addition, can also enhance the structural strength of the movement module.

[0093] The sensor assembly 1 comprises a first housing 14 and a guide 15, the trigger mechanism 12, the micro switch 13 and the guide 15 are arranged in the first housing 14, and the movement module 11 is at least partially arranged in the first housing 14, and the movement module 11 is sleeved on the guide 15 and can move along the guide 15.

[0094] Through the design of the guide, the movement of the movement module in response to the brake pedal lever or the connecting piece can be limited and guided, ensuring the consistency and stability of the movement, accurately reflecting the pedal stroke, and maintaining consistent interaction with the trigger mechanism. Further, in order to prevent the movement module from rotating undesirably relative to the guide during movement, the cross section of the guide can be configured in a D shape or similar structure, and cooperates with the corresponding part of the movement module. The arrangement of the trigger mechanism, the micro switch and the guide in the first housing can improve the compactness and integration of the entire sensor assembly, and also provides good protection for the components in the first housing.

[0095] The present disclosure also relates to a measuring unit 100 for brake pedal stroke, wherein the measuring unit 100 comprises any one of the above sensor assemblies 1, and further comprises a second housing 2 and a connecting member 3 movably arranged at least partially in the second housing 2 and used for connecting with the brake pedal rod, and the movement module 11 moves with the movement of the connecting member 3.

[0096] Therefore, the measuring unit of the present disclosure can inherit various embodiments and corresponding technical effects of the sensor assembly, which will not be repeated here. However, it should be understood that, by providing the connecting member (also sometimes referred to as a tappet or valve cylinder, valve cylinder), the brake pedal rod drives the connecting member to move synchronously, and the connecting member in turn drives the movement module (magnet) to move accordingly. In this regard, the measuring unit can also be regarded as a brake pedal module (BPM, Braking Pedal Module) for an electronic brake system. By providing the first housing and the second housing, the two and the components inside them can be designed and constructed more targetedly and respectively, focusing on the sensing design and the movement transmission design of the brake pedal rod.

[0097] Also exemplarily, the first housing 14 is provided with a bushing 142, and the first housing 14 is threadedly connected with the second housing 2 via the bushing 142. The threaded connection is achieved, for example, by means of metal bolting. Therefore, the bushing can provide certain wear protection and also absorb the extrusion force generated during bolting, protecting the first housing. In the case where the first housing is made by injection molding, the bushing can prevent the plastic material of the first housing from creeping during bolting, improving the reliability. The bushing is exemplarily constructed as a hollow cylinder, and is fitted into the holes designed at the four corners of the first housing, and then the first housing is connected with the second housing, for example, by means of threaded connection. In addition, the threaded connection is easy to install and disassemble, facilitating deployment and debugging on the vehicle. At the same time, the maintenance work is relatively easy to carry out.

[0098] According to other aspects of the present disclosure, it also relates to a brake system, wherein the brake system comprises the above measuring unit 100 and a brake pedal rod connected with the connecting member 3; and a vehicle, wherein the vehicle comprises the above brake system.

[0099] Therefore, the brake system and the vehicle of the present disclosure inherit the various embodiments and technical effects of the sensor assembly and the measuring unit, which will not be repeated here.

[0100] It should be understood that all the above preferred embodiments are exemplary rather than limiting, and various modifications or variations of the specific embodiments described above made by those skilled in the art under the concept of the present disclosure should be within the legal protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A sensor assembly (1) for a brake pedal travel measuring unit (100), characterized in that The sensor assembly (1) comprises a movement module (11), a triggering mechanism (12) and a micro switch (13), wherein, The movement module (11) is capable of moving with the movement of the brake pedal rod, so that the movement of the movement module (11) can reflect the brake pedal stroke, In response to the movement of the movement module (11), the triggering mechanism (12) applies force to the micro switch (13) to trigger the micro switch (13).

2. The sensor assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The movement module (11) moves along a first direction with the movement of the brake pedal rod, and the micro switch (13) is triggered along a second direction, and the first direction is parallel or perpendicular to the second direction.

3. The sensor assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The triggering mechanism (12) comprises a bracket (121) and a rotating shaft (122) arranged on the bracket (121), the rotating shaft (122) abuts against the micro switch (13), in response to the movement of the movement module (11), the rotating shaft (122) is in contact with the movement module (11) and rotates and moves to trigger the micro switch (13).

4. The sensor assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The triggering mechanism (12) is configured as a spring, the first part of the spring is fixedly arranged, in response to the movement of the movement module (11), the second part of the spring is in contact with the movement module (11) and applies force to the micro switch (13) to trigger the micro switch (13).

5. The sensor assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The triggering mechanism (12) is configured as a rotating block, the rotating block abuts against the micro switch (13) and the movement module (11), in response to the movement of the movement module (11), the rotating block rotates and applies force to the micro switch (13) to trigger the micro switch (13).

6. The sensor assembly (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The triggering mechanism (12) comprises a housing (123), a triggering piece (124) arranged at least partially in the housing (123) and capable of linear movement along the first direction, and a first spring (125) abutting between the housing (123) and the triggering piece (124), the triggering piece (124) is configured with an interaction part (1241) extending beyond the housing (123), the interaction part (1241) is used to cooperate with the movement module (11), and the first direction is parallel to the second direction.

7. The sensor assembly (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that In the initial position of the movement module (11), the movement module (11) abuts against the interaction part (1241), and the first spring (125) applies force to the triggering piece (124) towards the micro switch (13); or In response to the movement of the movement module (11), the movement module (11) applies force to the interaction part (1241) towards the micro switch (13), so that the triggering piece (124) triggers the micro switch (13).

8. The sensor assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The trigger mechanism (12) comprises a box (126), a trigger body (127) arranged at least partially in the box (126), and a second spring (128) abutting between the trigger body (127) and the box (126), in response to the movement of the movement module (11), the trigger body (127) moves and exerts force on the micro switch (13) to trigger the micro switch (13).

9. The sensor assembly (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that The trigger body (127) is configured with a slope (1272) towards the end of the movement module (11), and the slope (1272) is used to convert the movement of the movement module (11) into the movement of the trigger body (127).

10. The sensor assembly (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that The box (126) is configured with a hollow guide (1261), the trigger body (127) passes through the guide (1261) and can move in the guide (1261), and the end of the trigger body (127) is configured with a flange (1271), and in the initial position of the movement module (11), the flange (1271) abuts the end face of the guide (1261).

11. The sensor assembly (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that The flange (1271) is configured with a stop block (12711), and the guide (1261) is configured with a notch (12611), and in the initial position of the movement module (11), the stop block (12711) is engaged into the notch (12611).

12. The sensor assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The movement module (11) comprises an engaging part (111) and an acting part (112) with fixed positions relative to each other, the engaging part (111) is used to be directly or indirectly connected with the brake pedal rod, and the acting part (112) is used to interact with the trigger mechanism (12).

13. The sensor assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The sensor assembly (1) comprises a first housing (14) and a guide (15), the trigger mechanism (12), the micro switch (13) and the guide (15) are arranged in the first housing (14), the movement module (11) is at least partially arranged in the first housing (14), and the movement module (11) is sleeved on the guide (15) and can move along the guide (15).

14. A measuring unit (100) for brake pedal travel, characterized in that The measurement unit (100) comprises the sensor assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and further comprises a second housing (2) and a connecting piece (3), the connecting piece (3) is movably arranged at least partially in the second housing (2) and is used to be connected with the brake pedal rod, and the movement module (11) moves with the movement of the connecting piece (3).

15. A brake system characterized by, The brake system comprises the measurement unit (100) according to claim 14 and a brake pedal rod connected with the connecting piece (3).

16. A vehicle characterized by comprising: The vehicle comprises the brake system according to claim 15.

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