Pedal simulator for vehicle

Abstract

A pedal simulator for a vehicle includes: a housing unit; a piston unit movably provided in the housing unit; an elastic unit that elastically supports the piston unit in the housing unit; a damper unit coupled to the piston unit and compressed by coming into contact with the housing unit; and at least one friction unit coupled to the piston unit, contacting the housing unit, and generating friction forces of different magnitudes according to movement of the piston unit in the first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction. According to the present disclosure, a friction unit, which is coupled to a piston unit and moves together with the piston unit and contacts a housing unit to generate friction forces, generates friction forces of different magnitudes according to a moving direction of the piston unit. Therefore, when the driver maintains the operation of the brake for a long period of time by implementing a lag, there is an effect of reducing driver fatigue.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure relate to a pedal simulator for a vehicle, and more specifically, to a pedal simulator for a vehicle capable of providing braking feedback. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, hydraulic systems are used in vehicle brakes. In recent years, with the emergence of electric braking devices (brake-by-wire systems) and technologies related to autonomous vehicles, there is a need to develop non-hydraulic braking devices.

[0003] An electronic pedal (e-pedal) or pedal simulator is a component mounted on an electric brake booster or electromechanical brake and provides the driver with the braking feel produced by a conventional mechanical (hydraulic) brake.

[0004] The background technology disclosed herein is in Korean registered patent application No. 10-2223847 (published on March 8, 2021, entitled "Pedal Simulator"). Utility Model Content

[0005] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a pedal simulator for a vehicle is provided, which is capable of providing braking feel.

[0006] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a pedal simulator for a vehicle is provided, which can be applied to pedals of any type and shape.

[0007] In a general aspect of this disclosure, a pedal simulator for a vehicle may include: a housing unit; a piston unit movably disposed within the housing unit; an elastic unit elastically supporting the piston unit within the housing unit; a damper unit coupled to the piston unit and compressed by contacting the housing unit; and at least one friction unit coupled to the piston unit, contacting the housing unit, and generating a frictional force of varying magnitude depending on the movement of the piston unit in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0008] At least one friction unit may include: a first friction portion coupled to a first portion of the piston unit; and a second friction portion configured to be spaced apart from the first friction portion and coupled to a second portion of the piston unit.

[0009] The piston unit may include: a piston body portion disposed within a housing unit and including a first seat groove, wherein a first friction portion is located in the first seat groove; a piston rod portion disposed on a first side of the piston body portion and including a second seat groove, wherein a second friction portion is located in the second seat groove; and a piston pressurizing portion disposed on a second side of the piston body portion and coupled to the piston body portion.

[0010] The housing unit may further include: a hollow portion in which the piston unit is movably housed; a solid portion disposed on one side of the hollow portion and supporting the damper unit, the damper unit being compressed by movement of the piston unit in a first direction; and an insertion portion disposed on the outside of the solid portion and configured to communicate with the hollow portion, the piston rod portion being inserted into the insertion portion.

[0011] Each friction unit may include: an annular friction body portion surrounding a piston unit; a sealing cup portion protruding from the outer surface of the friction body portion and having an opening facing a second direction; and a sealing lip portion extending from the sealing cup portion and contacting the inner surface of the housing unit.

[0012] Multiple sealing lips can be configured to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the friction body.

[0013] Each friction unit may also include an airflow section disposed between multiple sealing lips and not in contact with the inner surface of the housing unit, through which air flows.

[0014] The pedal simulator may also include a retainer unit, wherein the housing unit further includes a slit orifice, and wherein the retainer unit is coupled to the housing unit by passing through the slit orifice and interfering with the piston pressurization section to prevent the piston unit from disengaging from the housing unit.

[0015] Each of the damper unit and at least one friction unit comprises an elastically deformable material.

[0016] The pedal simulator for a vehicle according to this disclosure may include: a housing unit detachably connected to a pedal unit; a piston unit movably disposed within the housing unit; an elastic unit elastically supporting the piston unit within the housing unit; a damper unit coupled to the piston unit and compressed by contacting the housing unit; and at least one friction unit coupled to the piston unit, contacting the housing unit and generating frictional forces of different magnitudes depending on the movement of the piston unit in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0017] According to this disclosure, a friction unit coupled to and moving with the piston unit and contacting the housing unit to generate friction generates friction of varying magnitudes depending on the direction of movement of the piston unit. Therefore, when the driver applies the brakes for an extended period with a delay, it reduces driver fatigue.

[0018] Furthermore, by inserting a friction element between the piston unit and the housing unit to absorb the tolerance between the piston unit and the housing unit, this disclosure has the effect of preventing piston unit wobbling and ensuring the straightness of the piston unit.

[0019] Furthermore, this disclosure has the effect of preventing noise and changes in operating feel when the piston unit moves through the airflow section formed in the friction unit.

[0020] Furthermore, by enabling various types of pedal units to be used together through modularity that can be applied regardless of the type and shape of the pedal unit, this disclosure has the effect of reducing the maintenance and replacement costs of pedal simulators and increasing productivity.

[0021] Furthermore, by using the elastic element that elastically supports the piston unit, this disclosure has the effect of eliminating the need for a pedal return spring. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a pedal simulator for a vehicle mounted on a pendant-type pedal unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a pedal simulator for a vehicle, viewed from one direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 3 It shows the view from another direction. Figure 2 A perspective view of a vehicle pedal simulator.

[0025] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a pedal simulator for a vehicle, viewed from one direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 5 It shows from another direction Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of a vehicle pedal simulator.

[0027] Figure 6 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from the VI-VI line.

[0028] Figure 7 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from line VII-VII.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a friction unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 The front view.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the initial braking operation state of a pedal simulator for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the operating state of a pedal simulator for a vehicle in the mid-to-late stage of braking according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Hereinafter, a pedal simulator for a vehicle according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings through various exemplary embodiments. In this process, for clarity and convenience, the thickness of lines or the dimensions of elements shown in the drawings may be exaggerated. The terms to be described below are defined by consideration of their function in this disclosure and may vary depending on the intent or practice of the user or operator. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted in light of the overall content of this specification.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a pedal simulator for a vehicle mounted on a suspended pedal unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] refer to Figure 1 The vehicle pedal simulator 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be detachably mounted on the pedal unit 10, regardless of the type and shape of the pedal unit 10 (e.g., a suspended pedal unit, an organ-type pedal unit, etc.). Therefore, the vehicle pedal simulator 1 according to embodiments of the present disclosure is modular and can be easily assembled and mounted on the pedal unit 10 (e.g., a suspended pedal unit and an organ-type pedal unit), thereby achieving standardization.

[0036] The vehicle pedal simulator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a bracket unit 140 disposed on a housing unit 100, which is coupled to a hanging pedal unit or an organ-type pedal unit by a coupling member 20 (e.g., bolts and nuts) to facilitate assembly.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a pedal simulator for a vehicle, viewed from one direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 It is viewed from another direction. Figure 2 A perspective view of a vehicle pedal simulator. Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a pedal simulator for a vehicle, viewed from one direction, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 It's from another direction. Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the vehicle's pedal simulator. Figure 6 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from the VI-VI line.

[0038] Reference Figures 2 to 6The vehicle pedal simulator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a housing unit 100; a piston unit 200; an elastic unit 300; a damper unit 400; and at least one friction unit 500, which will be described in more detail below.

[0039] The housing unit 100 forms the overall appearance of the vehicle pedal simulator 1 according to this embodiment, and can support the piston unit 200, the elastic unit 300, the damper unit 400, at least one friction unit 500, etc. The housing unit 100 includes a hollow portion 110, a solid portion 120, and an insertion portion 130.

[0040] The hollow portion 110 is disposed inside the housing unit 100 and is formed into a hollow shape with a predetermined length. The piston unit 200 can be movably accommodated in the hollow portion 110.

[0041] A through hole communicating with the hollow portion 110 can be formed on the outside of the housing unit 100. Figure 6 (Left side of the middle). The hollow part 110 can be formed as a cylindrical groove.

[0042] The hollow portion 110 may include a first hollow portion 111 and a second hollow portion 112, wherein the inner diameter of the second hollow portion 112 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first hollow portion 111. A stepped portion 110a may be formed between the first hollow portion 111 and the second hollow portion 112 and bends toward the center of the housing unit 100. An elastic unit 300 may be located in the stepped portion 110a.

[0043] The solid portion 120 is disposed inside the housing unit 100, and may be disposed on one side of the hollow portion 110. Figure 6 (Right side of the middle). The solid part 120 can be formed into a solid shape with a set length.

[0044] The solid portion 120 can be located inside the second hollow portion 112. The outer diameter of the solid portion 120 can be smaller than the inner diameter of the second hollow portion 112. The solid portion 120 can support the damper unit 400, such that the damper unit 400 is positioned according to the piston unit 200 in the first direction D1 ( Figure 6 The movement to the right (in the middle) is compressed by the pressure of the piston unit 200.

[0045] The insertion portion 130 can be disposed inside the housing unit 100 and outside the solid portion 120. The insertion portion 130 can be formed between the inner surface of the second hollow portion 112 and the outer surface of the solid portion 120. The insertion portion 130 can be formed along the circumferential direction of the second hollow portion 112 and the solid portion 120.

[0046] The insertion portion 130 can communicate with the first hollow portion 111. The piston rod portion 220, described later, can be inserted into the insertion portion 130.

[0047] The housing unit 100 can be detachably connected to the pedal unit 10 (e.g., a hanging pedal unit, an organ-type pedal unit, etc.). The housing unit 100 may be provided with a support unit 140 connected to the pedal unit 10. The support unit 140 may be configured to protrude from the outer surface of the housing unit 100. A plurality of support units 140 may be provided on the housing unit 100 at intervals.

[0048] The support unit 140 may be provided with a hole 141. The hole 141 may be configured to penetrate the support unit 140 in the thickness direction. The support unit 140 is coupled to the coupling hole formed in the pedal unit 10 by a coupling member 20 (e.g., a bolt or nut), thereby maintaining a stable connection between the housing unit 100 and the pedal unit 10 and preventing rotation of the housing unit 100.

[0049] The piston unit 200 can be movably disposed or movably engaged within the housing unit 100. The piston unit 200 can be positioned along the longitudinal direction of the housing unit 100 in a first direction D1 (…). Figure 6 It can move in the right direction (in the first direction D1), or it can move in the second direction D2 (opposite to the first direction D1). Figure 6 Move upwards (from the center to the left).

[0050] The piston unit 200 includes a piston body 210, a piston rod 220, and a piston pressurization part 230.

[0051] The piston body 210 can be located inside the housing unit 100. The piston body 210 can be accommodated in the hollow portion 110 of the housing unit 100. The piston body 210 can be movably accommodated in the first hollow portion 111. The piston body 210 can be formed as a plate with a predetermined thickness. A gap can be formed between the inner surface of the first hollow portion 111 and the outer surface of the piston body 210.

[0052] The piston body 210 may be provided with a spherical portion 211. The spherical portion 211 may be formed to protrude from the outer surface of the piston body 210 in the direction facing the piston pressurization portion 230. Specifically, the spherical portion 211 may protrude from the piston body 210 along a second direction D2. The socket portion 231 of the piston pressurization portion 230 may be coupled to the spherical portion 211.

[0053] The piston body 210 may be provided with a protrusion 210a. The protrusion 210a may be formed to protrude from the outer surface of the piston body 210 in the direction facing the solid portion 120. Specifically, the protrusion 210a may protrude from the piston body 210 along a first direction D1. The protrusion 210a may be located at the center of the piston body 210. The damper unit 400 may be forcibly fitted to the protrusion 210a.

[0054] The piston body 210 may be provided with a first seat groove 212. The first seat groove 212 may be recessed into the outer surface of the piston body 210 and formed along the circumferential direction of the piston body 210. The first friction part 501, which will be described later, may be located in the first seat groove 212.

[0055] The piston rod portion 220 can be disposed on one side of the piston body portion 210. Figure 6 (Right side of the image). The piston rod portion 220 may be formed on the outer surface of the piston body portion 210 facing the direction where the solid portion 120 is located. Specifically, the piston rod portion 220 may be formed to extend from the piston body portion 210 along the first direction D1.

[0056] The piston rod portion 220 can be movably accommodated in the hollow portion 110. The piston rod portion 220 can be movably accommodated in the first hollow portion 111, and can be inserted into the insertion portion 130 according to movement along the first direction D1, so as to be movably accommodated in the second hollow portion 112.

[0057] The outer diameter of the piston rod portion 220 can be smaller than the outer diameter of the piston body portion 210. A gap can be formed between the inner surface of the second hollow portion 112 and the outer surface of the piston rod portion 220.

[0058] The piston rod portion 220 may be located at one end facing the solid portion 120. Figure 6 The piston rod portion 220 (on the right side) has an opening and can be formed into a hollow shape. The piston rod portion 220 can be formed into a cylindrical shape with a set length. The damper unit 400 can be mounted on the piston rod portion 220.

[0059] The piston rod portion 220 may be provided with a second seat groove 221. The second seat groove 221 may be recessed into the outer surface of the piston rod portion 220 and formed along the circumferential direction of the piston rod portion 220. The second seat groove 221 may be formed at the free end of the piston rod portion 220. The second friction portion 502 described below may be located in the second seat groove 221.

[0060] The piston pressurizing part 230 can be mounted on the piston body part 210. Specifically, the piston pressurizing part 230 can be mounted on the ball part 211. The piston pressurizing part 230 can be exposed through a through-hole in the housing unit 100. When an external force is applied, the piston pressurizing part 230 can move along a first direction D1 (… Figure 6 (Move to the right in the middle).

[0061] The piston pressurizing part 230 can be rotatably coupled to the piston body part 210 in an engaging manner. Specifically, the socket part 231 provided in the piston pressurizing part 230 can be rotatably coupled to the ball part 211 provided in the piston body part 210.

[0062] The piston body 210 can be caulked into the piston pressurizing portion 230. For example, by pressing the opening of the socket 231 toward the piston body 210, the piston pressurizing portion 230, which is moved by external force, can be held in a state where it is rotatably coupled to the ball portion 211. The piston body 210 can be caulked into the piston pressurizing portion 230, thereby reducing assembly time and cost.

[0063] The piston unit 200 may be provided with a protrusion 201. The protrusion 201 may be provided on the outer surface of the piston unit 200. The protrusion 201 may protrude in the radial direction of the piston unit 200 and may be provided along the circumferential direction of the piston unit 200.

[0064] The protrusion 201 may be provided on the piston body portion 210. Specifically, the protrusion 201 may be located between the piston body portion 210 and the piston rod portion 220. The elastic unit 300 may be located on the protrusion 201.

[0065] The elastic unit 300 can elastically support the piston unit 200 inside the housing unit 100. The elastic unit 300 can elastically support the piston unit 200 in the hollow portion 110.

[0066] One side of the elastic unit 300 ( Figure 6 The right side of the first hollow portion 111 can contact the inner surface of the first hollow portion 111, and the other side ( Figure 6 The left side of the elastic unit 200 can contact the outer surface of the piston body 210. Specifically, one side of the elastic unit 300 can be located on the stepped portion 110a, and the other side of the elastic unit 200 can be located on the protrusion 201.

[0067] The elastic unit 300 can provide elastic force to the piston body 210 that moves along the first direction D1 by applying an external force to the piston pressurization part 230.

[0068] The elastic unit 300 can be compressed by the piston body 210, which moves along the first direction D1, by an external force applied to the piston pressurization part 230 between the protrusion 201 and the step part 110a.

[0069] The compressed elastic element 300 can provide elastic force (elastic restoring force) to the protrusion 201 along the second direction D2, so that the piston body 210 returns to its original position. The elastic element 300 may include a helical spring surrounding the circumference of the piston rod 220.

[0070] The damper unit 400 can be disposed in the piston unit 200. The damper unit 400 can be accommodated in the piston rod portion 220. A gap can be formed between the inner surface of the piston rod portion 220 and the outer surface of the damper unit 400. The damper unit 400 can be coupled to the interior of the piston rod portion 220 through an opening in the piston rod portion 220.

[0071] The damper unit 400 may include an elastically deformable material. The damper unit 400 may include rubber, silicone resin, plastic, etc. as elastically deformable materials.

[0072] The damper unit 400 can be formed into a hollow shape. An opening communicating with the internal space of the damper unit 400 can be provided at both ends of the damper unit 400. A protrusion 210a formed from the outer surface of the piston body 210 can be pressed into an opening of the damper unit 400, so that the damper unit 400 can be fixed to the interior of the piston rod 220.

[0073] The two ends of the damper unit 400 may be exposed or not exposed through the opening in the piston rod portion 220.

[0074] The damper unit 400 moves together with the piston unit 200 and can elastically deform according to the movement of the piston unit 200. The damper unit 400 can be supported and compressed on the solid part 120 according to the movement of the piston unit 200 in the first direction D1.

[0075] When the piston rod portion 220 moves toward the solid portion 120 in the first direction D1 by the external force applied to the piston pressurization portion 230, the damper unit 400 can be supported by the solid portion 120, and when the piston rod portion 220 is inserted into the insertion portion 130, the damper unit 400 can be compressed between the protrusion 201 and the solid portion 120.

[0076] Figure 7 It is along Figure 2 A cross-sectional view taken from line VII-VII. Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a friction unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 9 yes Figure 8The front view.

[0077] Reference Figures 2 to 9 The friction unit 500 can be coupled to the piston unit 200. The friction unit 500 can be coupled to the piston unit 200 in such a way that the friction unit 500 surrounds the outer surface of the piston unit 200. The friction unit 500 can move together with the piston unit 200. The friction unit 500 may include an elastically deformable material. The friction unit 500 may include rubber, silicone resin, plastic, etc., as the elastically deformable material.

[0078] Friction unit 500 can contact housing unit 100. Friction unit 500 can contact the inner surface of housing unit 100. Friction unit 500 can guide the linear movement of piston unit 200. Friction unit 500 can generate different magnitudes of frictional force according to the movement of piston unit 200 in the first direction D1 or the second direction D2.

[0079] Each friction unit 500 may include a friction body portion 510, a sealing cup portion 520, a sealing lip portion 530, and an airflow portion 540.

[0080] The friction body portion 510 can be formed as an annular or ring-shaped ring surrounding the piston unit 200. The friction body portion 510 can be in close contact with the outer surface of the piston unit 200.

[0081] The sealing cup portion 520 may protrude from the outer surface of the friction body portion 510. The sealing cup portion 520 may protrude from the friction body portion 510 in the radial direction. The sealing cup portion 520 may be provided with an opening 521. The opening 521 may open towards the second direction D2. The cross-section of the sealing cup portion 520 may approximate the shape of the letter "U". The sealing cup portion 520 may not contact the inner surface of the housing unit 100.

[0082] A sealing lip 530 may be provided at the sealing cup portion 520. The sealing lip 530 may extend from the sealing cup portion 520. The sealing lip 530 may extend from the free end of the sealing cup portion 520 along the second direction D2 and extend obliquely along the radial direction of the friction body portion 510.

[0083] The sealing lip 530 can contact the housing unit 100. The sealing lip 530 can make close contact with the inner surface of the housing unit 100. A plurality of sealing lips 530 can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the friction body portion 510.

[0084] The sealing cup portion 520 has an opening shape in the second direction, and the sealing lip portion 530 is in close contact with the inner surface of the housing unit 100. Therefore, when the piston unit 200 moves along the first direction D1, friction is generated because the sealing cup portion 520 is pressed between the piston unit 200 and the housing unit 100.

[0085] However, when the piston unit 200 moves along the second direction D2, a greater frictional force is generated when the piston unit 100 moves along the second direction D2 than when the piston unit 300 moves along the first direction D1 because friction is generated in the opening direction of the sealing cup portion 520. This difference in friction enables hysteresis.

[0086] An airflow section 540 may be disposed between a plurality of sealing lips 530. The airflow section 540 may serve as a channel through which air flows without contacting the inner surface of the housing unit 100. When the piston unit 200 moves along a first direction D1 or a second direction D2, air within the housing unit 100 may flow through the airflow section 540.

[0087] Multiple friction units 500 can be provided. Each friction unit 500 may include a first friction part 501 and a second friction part 502.

[0088] The first friction part 501 can be coupled to the first portion 200a of the piston unit 200. The first portion 200a can refer to the piston body portion 210 of the piston unit 200. The first friction part 501 can be located in the first seat groove 212 formed in the piston body portion 210.

[0089] The outer diameter of the first friction part 501 located in the first seat groove 212 can be larger than the outer diameter of the piston body 210 and larger than the inner diameter of the first hollow part 111, so that the first friction part 501 can be compressed between the outer surface of the piston body 210 and the inner surface of the first hollow part 111.

[0090] The second friction portion 502 may be configured to be spaced apart from the first friction portion 501. The second friction portion 502 may be coupled to the second portion 200b of the piston unit 200. The second portion 200b may refer to the piston rod portion 220 of the piston unit 200. The second friction portion 502 may be located in the second seat groove 221 formed in the piston rod portion 220.

[0091] The outer diameter of the second friction part 502 located in the second seat groove 221 can be larger than the outer diameter of the piston rod part 220 and larger than the inner diameter of the second hollow part 112, so that the second friction part 502 can be compressed between the outer surface of the piston rod part 220 and the inner surface of the second hollow part 112.

[0092] The vehicle pedal simulator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a retainer unit 600.

[0093] The housing unit 100 may be provided with a slit hole 101. The slit hole 101 may be formed to penetrate the outer surface of the housing unit 100. The slit hole 101 may include a first slit hole 101a and a second slit hole 101b located on the opposite side of the first slit hole 101a.

[0094] The retainer unit 600 may be formed as an annular or ring-shaped opening on one side. The retainer unit 600 may pass through the first slit hole 101a, and the free end of the retainer unit 600 may be inserted into the second slit hole 101b, so that the retainer unit 600 may be coupled to the housing unit 100.

[0095] The retainer unit 600 may interfere with the piston pressurization part 230 to prevent the piston unit 200 from detaching from the housing unit 100 through the through hole of the housing unit 100.

[0096] The operation of a vehicle pedal simulator with the above configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described below.

[0097] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view showing the initial braking operation state of a pedal simulator for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operating state of a pedal simulator for a vehicle in the mid-to-late stages of braking according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] Reference Figure 10 When the piston pressurizing part 230 is pressurized by an external force, the piston rod part 220 and the piston body part 210 move together along the first direction D1. When the piston body part 210 moves along the first direction D1, the elastic unit 300 is compressed and deformed by the pressurization of the protrusion, and the damper unit contacts the solid part. When the elastic unit 300 is compressed, the user can feel the initial braking sensation.

[0099] Reference Figure 11 As external force continues to be applied to the piston pressurization section 230, the elastic unit 300 is further compressed, and the piston rod section 220 is inserted into the insertion section. Simultaneously, the damper unit 400, which moves along with the piston rod section 220, is compressed while being supported by the solid section 120. When the elastic unit 300 and the damper unit 400 are compressed together, the user can feel the mid-to-late stage of braking.

[0100] When the external force applied to the piston pressurization section 230 is released, the compressed elastic unit 300 provides elastic force (elastic restoring force) to the protrusion along the second direction D2, so that the piston body section 210 returns to its original position.

[0101] According to an embodiment of the vehicle pedal simulator 1 of this disclosure, a friction unit 500 is coupled to and moves with a piston unit 200, and contacts a housing unit 100 to generate frictional forces of varying magnitudes depending on the direction of movement of the piston unit 200. Therefore, hysteresis can be achieved, thereby reducing driver fatigue when the driver maintains brake operation for extended periods.

[0102] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in a vehicle pedal simulator 1, the tolerance between the piston unit 200 and the housing unit 100 is absorbed by a friction unit 500 inserted between the piston unit 200 and the housing unit 100, thereby preventing the piston unit 200 from wobbling and ensuring the straightness of the piston unit 200.

[0103] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle pedal simulator 1 can prevent changes in noise and operating feel when the piston unit 200 moves through the airflow section 540 formed in the friction unit 500.

[0104] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle pedal simulator 1 can reduce maintenance and replacement costs and increase productivity by enabling the common use of various types of pedal units through modularity, regardless of the type and shape of the pedal unit.

[0105] Furthermore, in the vehicle pedal simulator 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pedal return spring can be removed by means of the elastic unit 300 that elastically supports the piston unit 200.

[0106] While this disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, these are merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and other equivalent embodiments can be made to these embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A pedal simulator for a vehicle, characterized in that, include: Casing unit; A piston unit, which is movably disposed within the housing unit; An elastic element that elastically supports the piston unit within the housing unit; A damper unit, which is coupled to the piston unit and compressed through contact with the housing unit; as well as At least one friction unit is coupled to the piston unit, contacts the housing unit, and generates frictional forces of different magnitudes depending on the movement of the piston unit in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction.

2. The pedal simulator for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one friction unit includes: A first friction component, which is coupled to a first part of the piston unit; and The second friction part is configured to be spaced apart from the first friction part and coupled to the second part of the piston unit.

3. The pedal simulator for a vehicle according to claim 2, characterized in that, The piston unit includes: A piston body portion is disposed within the housing unit and includes a first seat groove, wherein the first friction portion is located in the first seat groove; A piston rod portion, disposed on a first side of the piston body portion and including a second seat groove, wherein the second friction portion is located in the second seat groove; and A piston pressurization section is disposed on the second side of the piston body and coupled to the piston body.

4. The pedal simulator for a vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, The housing unit further includes: The piston unit is movably housed within the hollow section. A solid portion, disposed on one side of the hollow portion and supporting the damper unit, the damper unit being compressed by movement of the piston unit in the first direction; and An insertion portion is provided on the outside of the solid portion and configured to communicate with the hollow portion, and the piston rod portion is inserted into the insertion portion.

5. The pedal simulator for a vehicle according to claim 4, characterized in that, Each friction unit includes: An annular friction body surrounds the piston unit; A sealing cup portion, which protrudes from the outer surface of the friction body portion and has an opening facing the second direction; and A sealing lip that extends from the sealing cup and contacts the inner surface of the housing unit.

6. The pedal simulator for a vehicle according to claim 5, characterized in that, Multiple sealing lips are configured to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential direction of the friction body.

7. The pedal simulator for a vehicle according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each friction unit also includes an airflow section disposed between the plurality of sealing lips and not in contact with the inner surface of the housing unit, through which air flows.

8. The pedal simulator for a vehicle according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a retainer unit, The housing unit further includes a slit hole, and The retainer unit is coupled to the housing unit by passing through the slit orifice and interfering with the piston pressurization section, in order to prevent the piston unit from detaching from the housing unit.

9. The pedal simulator for a vehicle according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the damper unit and the at least one friction unit comprises an elastically deformable material.

10. A pedal simulator for a vehicle, characterized in that, include: Housing unit, which is detachably connected to pedal unit; A piston unit, which is movably disposed within the housing unit; An elastic element that elastically supports the piston unit within the housing unit; A damper unit, which is coupled to the piston unit and compressed through contact with the housing unit; as well as At least one friction unit is coupled to the piston unit, contacts the housing unit, and generates frictional forces of different magnitudes depending on the movement of the piston unit in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction.

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