Pedal simulator and electronic brake system

Abstract

The application discloses a pedal simulator and an electronic brake system, and relates to the technical field of automobile brake systems. The pedal simulator comprises a valve block, a piston and a pressing plate. The valve block is provided with a hydraulic cavity for accommodating the piston. The piston and the pressing plate are respectively arranged in the hydraulic cavity in a sliding mode. A spring is arranged between the piston and the pressing plate. Rubber is arranged on the side of the pressing plate away from the piston. The other end of the rubber is in abutment with the bottom of an end cover. An oil injection port is arranged on the side of the valve block close to the piston and is communicated with a hydraulic assembly. The hydraulic oil is injected into the hydraulic cavity through the oil injection port. The pedal simulator can simplify the structure of the pedal simulator on the basis of ensuring the layering of the pedal feeling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive braking system technology, and more specifically, to a pedal simulator and an electronic braking system. Background Technology

[0002] Pedal feel is a very intuitive dimension for drivers to evaluate the overall impression of a vehicle, and its quality directly affects consumers' assessment of the vehicle's overall quality. Pedal feel is usually simulated using a pedal simulator. To achieve energy recovery, decoupled pedal simulators are often used, meaning the brake pedal is separated from the master cylinder. The driver cannot apply pressure to the master cylinder; instead, the electric motor applies pressure to the master cylinder through a reduction gear to achieve braking.

[0003] Traditional pedal simulators use a single elastic element, which takes up little space and has a simple structure. However, the pedal simulator has a short travel and poor pedal feel, making it suitable for sports cars. Current improvements involve stacking multiple disc springs and elastic elements with different stiffnesses in the pedal simulator. To increase the level of pedal feel adjustment, this type of pedal simulator usually requires a complex combination of multiple structures and springs, which is costly. At the same time, the installation production line is complex, with many workstations and large investment. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a pedal simulator and an electronic braking system that can simplify the structure of the pedal simulator while ensuring the layering of pedal feel.

[0005] The embodiments of this application are implemented as follows:

[0006] In one aspect of this application, a pedal simulator is provided, including a valve block, a piston, and a pressure plate. The valve block has a hydraulic chamber for accommodating the piston. The piston and the pressure plate are slidably disposed within the hydraulic chamber. A spring is disposed between the piston and the pressure plate. A rubber is disposed on the side of the pressure plate away from the piston, and the other end of the rubber abuts against the inner wall of the hydraulic chamber. An oil injection port communicating with a hydraulic assembly is disposed on the side of the valve block near the piston, through which hydraulic oil is injected into the hydraulic chamber.

[0007] Alternatively, as one possible implementation, the piston has a first recess, in which the spring portion is received.

[0008] Optionally, as an implementable method, the piston can switch between a first position and a second position. When the piston is in the first position, there is a preset gap between the pressure plate and the piston end face. The piston moves from the first position to the second position under the action of hydraulic oil. The piston drives the spring to store energy and then abuts against the pressure plate, and the pressure plate drives the rubber to deform.

[0009] Optionally, as an implementable method, an end cap is attached to the valve block, a first cavity is provided on the valve block, and a second cavity is provided on the end cap, wherein the first cavity and the second cavity communicate to form the hydraulic cavity.

[0010] Alternatively, as one possible implementation, the outer diameter of the piston is smaller than the inner diameter of the second chamber.

[0011] Alternatively, as an implementable method, the rubber is cylindrical, with the diameter of the middle section of the rubber being larger than the diameters of the two ends of the rubber.

[0012] Optionally, as an implementable method, the inner wall of the hydraulic chamber is provided with an annular groove for accommodating a sealing ring, and the inner side of the sealing ring abuts against the outer ring of the piston.

[0013] Optionally, as an implementable method, the pressure plate is provided with an oil passage groove on its outer periphery, and the oil passage groove is connected to the hydraulic chambers on both sides of the pressure plate.

[0014] Optionally, as an implementable method, a first locking protrusion and a first locking groove are respectively provided on the pressure plate and the rubber for engaging and locking, and / or a second locking protrusion and a second locking groove are respectively provided on the end cap and the rubber for engaging and locking.

[0015] In another aspect of this application, an electronic braking system is provided, including a hydraulic assembly and a pedal simulator as described in any of the above embodiments, wherein the hydraulic assembly is connected to the oil injection port of the pedal simulator.

[0016] The beneficial effects of the embodiments of this application include:

[0017] The pedal simulator and electronic braking system provided in this application include a valve block, a piston, and a pressure plate. The valve block has a hydraulic chamber accommodating the piston. The piston and pressure plate are slidably disposed within the hydraulic chamber. A spring is disposed between the piston and the pressure plate. A rubber is disposed on the side of the pressure plate away from the piston, with the other end of the rubber abutting against the inner wall of the hydraulic chamber. An oil injection port communicating with the hydraulic assembly is disposed on the side of the valve block near the piston, through which hydraulic oil is injected into the hydraulic chamber. The combination of rubber and spring provides the pedal simulator with unique and superior pedal feel adjustment capabilities. The spring provides stable linear feedback force, laying the foundation for the basic characteristics of pedal feel, allowing the driver to perceive the basic resistance of pedal operation; the rubber, with its non-linear elastic deformation, dynamically adjusts the feedback force under different pedal pressures, supplementing the shortcomings of the spring's linear feedback and simulating the complex force changes during vehicle braking. Working in tandem, these two components, compared to traditional pedal simulators relying on a single elastic element or complex spring combinations, can more realistically and delicately simulate the pedal feel under different driving conditions, from light braking to emergency braking. This greatly enhances the driver's braking experience, meets diverse driving needs, and provides crucial support for improving overall vehicle quality. It abandons the traditional complex spring arrangement, utilizing hydraulic oil to drive the piston movement, and combines a relatively simple structural design of rubber and springs, reducing the number and types of parts. It eliminates the need for complex combinations of multiple disc springs and elastic elements with varying stiffness, reducing raw material costs. Simultaneously, the simplified structural design simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces the number of workstations on the assembly line, lowers investment in production equipment and labor costs, improves production efficiency, and facilitates large-scale product promotion and application. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the pedal simulator provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the pedal simulator provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0021] Icons: 100 - Pedal simulator; 110 - Valve block; 111 - Hydraulic chamber; 112 - Sealing ring; 113 - Seal; 120 - Piston; 121 - First cavity; 130 - Pressure plate; 131 - Pressure plate oil groove; 140 - Spring; 150 - Rubber; 160 - End cap. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0023] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures indicate similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0025] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "set up," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment provides a pedal simulator 100, including a valve block 110, a piston 120, and a pressure plate 130. The valve block 110 has a hydraulic chamber 111 for accommodating the piston 120. The piston 120 and the pressure plate 130 are slidably disposed in the hydraulic chamber 111. A spring 140 is disposed between the piston 120 and the pressure plate 130. A rubber 150 is disposed on the side of the pressure plate 130 away from the piston 120. The other end of the rubber 150 abuts against the inner wall of the hydraulic chamber 111. An oil injection port communicating with the hydraulic assembly is disposed on the side of the valve block 110 near the piston 120. Hydraulic oil is injected into the hydraulic chamber 111 through the oil injection port.

[0027] In actual operation, the hydraulic assembly injects hydraulic oil into the hydraulic chamber 111 through the oil injection port. The pressure generated by the hydraulic oil pushes the piston 120 to slide within the hydraulic chamber 111. During the movement of the piston 120, the spring 140 is compressed, and the spring 140 generates a stable and linearly varying elastic force, providing basic feedback resistance for the pedal and simulating the feedback characteristics of the pedal in the initial stage. Simultaneously, the piston 120 pushes the pressure plate 130, and the rubber 150 on the pressure plate 130 interacts with the inner wall of the hydraulic chamber 111. The rubber 150 has unique nonlinear elastic deformation characteristics; under different pressures, its deformation degree and reaction force exhibit nonlinear changes. When the pedal pressure is low, the elastic deformation of the rubber 150 is small, and its influence on the pedal feedback force is relatively weak. As the pedal pressure increases, the deformation degree of the rubber 150 intensifies, providing additional and nonlinearly increasing resistance, thereby further adjusting the pedal feedback force. The combination of spring 140 and rubber 150 creates a rich variety of pedal feel under different pressure levels. It provides both the stable basic feedback of spring 140 and the non-linear adjustment characteristics of rubber 150, simulating a more realistic, delicate, and ergonomic pedal feel. By controlling the injection volume and pressure of hydraulic oil, the stroke and force of piston 120 can be precisely adjusted, thereby achieving fine-tuning of the synergistic effect of spring 140 and rubber 150 to meet the needs of different driving scenarios and vehicle types.

[0028] The pedal simulator 100 provided in this application includes a valve block 110, a piston 120, and a pressure plate 130. The valve block 110 has a hydraulic chamber 111 for accommodating the piston 120. The piston 120 and the pressure plate 130 are slidably disposed within the hydraulic chamber 111. A spring 140 is disposed between the piston 120 and the pressure plate 130. A rubber 150 is disposed on the side of the pressure plate 130 away from the piston 120, and the other end of the rubber 150 abuts against the inner wall of the hydraulic chamber 111. An oil injection port communicating with a hydraulic assembly is provided on the side of the valve block 110 near the piston 120, through which hydraulic oil is injected into the hydraulic chamber 111. The combination of the rubber 150 and the spring 140 provides the pedal simulator 100 with unique and superior pedal feel adjustment capabilities. Spring 140 provides stable linear feedback force, laying the foundation for pedal feel and allowing the driver to perceive the basic resistance of pedal operation. Rubber 150, with its non-linear elastic deformation, dynamically adjusts the feedback force under different pedal pressures, supplementing the linear feedback of spring 140 and simulating the complex force changes during vehicle braking. Working together, compared to traditional pedal simulators 100 that rely on a single elastic component or only a complex combination of springs 140, they can more realistically and delicately simulate pedal feel under different driving conditions, from light braking to emergency braking, greatly improving the driver's braking experience, meeting diverse driving needs, and providing key support for improving overall vehicle quality. The design abandons the traditional complex arrangement of springs 140, utilizing hydraulic oil to drive piston 120, and combining the relatively simple structural design of rubber 150 and spring 140, reducing the number and types of parts. The elimination of the need for complex combinations of multiple disc springs 140 and elastic components with different stiffnesses reduces raw material costs. At the same time, the simple structural design makes the production process easier, reduces the number of workstations on the production line, lowers investment in production equipment and labor costs, improves production efficiency, and facilitates the large-scale promotion and application of the product.

[0029] In one possible embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the piston 120 has a first recess 121, and the spring 140 is partially housed in the first recess 121.

[0030] During the actual assembly of the pedal simulator 100, one end of the spring 140 can be placed in the first recess 121 of the piston 120, and the other end abuts against the pressure plate 130. When hydraulic oil pushes the piston 120 to move in the hydraulic chamber 111, the first recess 121 on the piston 120 can position and guide the spring 140, ensuring that the spring 140 remains stable during compression and extension, without shifting or twisting. At the same time, the partial housing of the spring 140 in the first recess 121 makes the connection between the spring 140 and the piston 120 more compact, enabling more effective transmission of the piston 120's motion to the spring 140, realizing the energy storage and release process of the spring 140, and thus providing a stable feedback force for the pedal simulator 100. The first cavity 121 provides a precise positioning space for the spring 140, effectively preventing the spring 140 from shifting, tilting, or even falling out of its original position due to uneven force during operation. This ensures that the spring 140 can elastically deform along a predetermined direction, making the feedback force of the pedal simulator 100 more stable and reliable, and improving the consistency of pedal feel.

[0031] In one possible embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the piston 120 can switch between a first position and a second position. When the piston 120 is in the first position, there is a preset gap between the pressure plate 130 and the end face of the piston 120. The piston 120 moves from the first position to the second position under the action of hydraulic oil. The piston 120 drives the spring 140 to store energy and then abuts against the pressure plate 130. The pressure plate 130 drives the rubber 150 to deform.

[0032] When hydraulic oil is injected into the hydraulic chamber 111 through the oil inlet of the hydraulic assembly, the pressure generated by the hydraulic oil pushes the piston 120 from the first position to the second position. During the movement of the piston 120, the piston 120 first compresses the spring 140, causing the spring 140 to store energy. As the piston 120 continues to move, after the spring 140 is compressed to a certain extent, the piston 120 abuts against the pressure plate 130, and the pressure plate 130 causes the rubber 150 to deform. The switching of the piston 120 between the first and second positions, in conjunction with the action of the spring 140 and the rubber 150, enables graded adjustment of the pedal feel. In the initial stage of the piston 120's movement from the first position, the spring 140 mainly plays a role, providing a relatively stable linear feedback force. When the piston 120 moves to abut against the pressure plate 130 and causes the rubber 150 to deform, the nonlinear elastic characteristics of the rubber 150 begin to intervene, bringing nonlinear changes to the pedal feedback force, simulating the changes in pedal feel under different braking conditions, allowing the driver to more clearly perceive the braking intensity and improving driving safety and comfort.

[0033] In one possible embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, an end cap 160 is fastened to the valve block 110, a first cavity is provided on the valve block 110, and a second cavity is provided on the end cap 160. The first cavity and the second cavity are connected to form a hydraulic cavity 111.

[0034] Specifically, a sealing element 113 is provided at the connection between the valve block 110 and the end cap 160 to ensure the airtightness of the hydraulic chamber 111. During the assembly of the pedal simulator 100, the end cap 160 is fastened onto the valve block 110, so that the first chamber and the second chamber are connected and interlocked, thereby forming a complete hydraulic chamber 111 space for accommodating components such as the piston 120 and the pressure plate 130. This design, in which the hydraulic chamber 111 is jointly formed by the valve block 110 and the end cap 160, facilitates the processing, manufacturing, and assembly of parts, and also allows for the optimization and adjustment of the internal structure of the hydraulic chamber 111. Dividing the hydraulic chamber 111 into the first chamber on the valve block 110 and the second chamber on the end cap 160 for separate processing reduces the overall processing difficulty. Compared to processing a single, complex hydraulic chamber 111 structure, this split design allows for simpler processing techniques and equipment, improving production efficiency and reducing production costs. Meanwhile, during the assembly process, the hydraulic chamber 111 can be formed simply by fastening the end cap 160 onto the valve block 110. This simplifies the operation, reduces assembly time and labor costs, and is beneficial for large-scale production.

[0035] In one possible embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the outer diameter of piston 120 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second chamber.

[0036] Specifically, when the piston 120 is in the first position, there is a preset gap between the pressure plate 130 and the end face of the piston 120. The piston 120 is in the first chamber on the valve block 110, and the pressure plate 130 is in the second chamber on the end cover 160. The outer diameter of the piston 120 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second chamber, so that the piston 120 can slide from the first chamber to the second chamber, thereby ensuring the integrity of the piston 120 stroke.

[0037] In one possible embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, rubber 150 is cylindrical, and the diameter of the middle section of rubber 150 is larger than the diameter of both ends of rubber 150.

[0038] Specifically, the unique columnar shape of Rubber 150, thicker in the middle and thinner at both ends, gives it unique non-linear characteristics when deformed under stress. When the pedal pressure is low, the ends of Rubber 150 deform first, providing a small feedback force. As the pedal pressure increases, the middle section of Rubber 150 gradually participates in deformation. Due to its larger diameter, the deformation is relatively small, resulting in a non-linearly increasing feedback force. This allows for a more accurate simulation of the complex force changes during vehicle braking, further optimizing the pedal feel and enabling the driver to perceive changes in braking intensity more subtly. Furthermore, designing Rubber 150 with a smaller diameter at both ends and a larger diameter in the middle ensures that it has deformation space within the second cavity. The larger diameter of the middle section enhances the overall structural stability, making it less prone to twisting or breakage under greater pressure. Even under frequent pedal operations and high pressure, Rubber 150 maintains its good shape and performance, ensuring the long-term stable operation of the pedal simulator 100, extending its service life, and reducing equipment maintenance and replacement costs due to Rubber 150 damage.

[0039] In one possible embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the inner wall of the hydraulic chamber 111 has an annular groove for accommodating the sealing ring 112, and the inner side of the sealing ring 112 abuts against the outer ring of the piston 120.

[0040] During the assembly of the pedal simulator 100, the sealing ring 112 is installed in the annular groove on the inner wall of the hydraulic chamber 111, ensuring a tight fit between the inner side of the sealing ring 112 and the outer ring of the piston 120. This effectively prevents hydraulic oil leakage from the gap between the piston 120 and the inner wall of the hydraulic chamber 111 when the pedal simulator 100 is operating, ensuring the sealing of the hydraulic system, maintaining stable pressure within the hydraulic chamber 111, and ensuring that the piston 120 can move normally under the pressure of the hydraulic oil. The tight fit between the sealing ring 112, the piston 120, and the inner wall of the hydraulic chamber 111 forms an effective sealing barrier, preventing hydraulic oil leakage. Good sealing is crucial for the normal operation of the hydraulic system, ensuring that the hydraulic oil flows along a predetermined path within the hydraulic chamber 111, providing stable pressure to the piston 120, ensuring that the pedal simulator 100 can accurately simulate the pedal feel, and avoiding problems such as unstable pedal feedback force or failure due to hydraulic oil leakage.

[0041] In one possible embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a pressure plate oil passage groove 131 is provided on the outer periphery of the pressure plate 130, and the pressure plate oil passage groove 131 is connected to the hydraulic chambers 111 on both sides of the pressure plate 130.

[0042] Specifically, the pressure plate oil groove 131 provides a flow channel for hydraulic oil between the hydraulic chambers 111 on both sides of the pressure plate 130, breaking the obstruction of hydraulic oil flow by the pressure plate 130 and allowing the hydraulic oil to circulate more freely within the hydraulic chambers 111. Uniform hydraulic oil flow helps ensure consistent hydraulic pressure on the piston 120 and pressure plate 130 at various points, avoiding uneven force distribution and unstable movement caused by uneven hydraulic oil distribution, thus improving the smoothness of the pedal simulator 100's operation.

[0043] In one possible embodiment of this application, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a first snap-fit ​​protrusion and a first snap-fit ​​groove are respectively provided on the pressure plate 130 and the rubber 150, and / or a second snap-fit ​​protrusion and a second snap-fit ​​groove are respectively provided on the end cap 160 and the rubber 150.

[0044] During the assembly of the pedal simulator 100, the first locking protrusion on the pressure plate 130 is inserted into the first locking groove of the rubber 150, and the second locking protrusion on the end cap 160 is inserted into the second locking groove of the rubber 150. This locking method achieves a tight connection between the pressure plate 130, the rubber 150, and the end cap 160. This connection method ensures that no relative displacement occurs between the pressure plate 130, the rubber 150, and the end cap 160 during the operation of the pedal simulator 100, guaranteeing effective force transmission and structural stability.

[0045] The snap-fit ​​structure provides a reliable connection between the pressure plate 130, rubber 150, and end cap 160. Compared to traditional adhesive or simple abutment methods, the snap-fit ​​can withstand greater forces without loosening or falling off. During the frequent operation of the pedal simulator 100, even under significant pressure and vibration, the components maintain a relatively fixed positional relationship, ensuring that force is accurately transmitted from the pressure plate 130 to the rubber 150 and then to the end cap 160, guaranteeing the normal operation and stable pedal feel of the pedal simulator 100.

[0046] This application also discloses an electronic braking system, including a hydraulic assembly and the pedal simulator 100 from the foregoing embodiments. This electronic braking system has the same structure and beneficial effects as the pedal simulator 100 from the foregoing embodiments. The structure and beneficial effects of the pedal simulator 100 have been described in detail in the foregoing embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0047] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A pedal simulator, characterized in that, The device includes a valve block, a piston, and a pressure plate. The valve block has a hydraulic chamber for accommodating the piston. The piston and the pressure plate are slidably disposed within the hydraulic chamber. A spring is disposed between the piston and the pressure plate. A rubber is disposed on the side of the pressure plate away from the piston, and the other end of the rubber abuts against the inner wall of the hydraulic chamber. An oil injection port communicating with the hydraulic assembly is disposed on the side of the valve block near the piston, through which hydraulic oil is injected into the hydraulic chamber.

2. The pedal simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The piston has a first recess, and the spring portion is housed within the first recess.

3. The pedal simulator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The piston can switch between a first position and a second position. When the piston is in the first position, there is a preset gap between the pressure plate and the piston end face. The piston moves from the first position to the second position under the action of hydraulic oil. The piston drives the spring to store energy and then abuts against the pressure plate, and the pressure plate drives the rubber to deform.

4. The pedal simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, An end cap is attached to the valve block, a first cavity is provided on the valve block, and a second cavity is provided on the end cap. The first cavity and the second cavity are connected to form the hydraulic cavity.

5. The pedal simulator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the piston is smaller than the inner diameter of the second cavity.

6. The pedal simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rubber is cylindrical, and the diameter of the middle section of the rubber is larger than the diameter of the two ends of the rubber.

7. The pedal simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the hydraulic chamber is provided with an annular groove for accommodating a sealing ring, and the inner side of the sealing ring abuts against the outer ring of the piston.

8. The pedal simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure plate is provided with an oil passage groove on its outer periphery, and the oil passage groove is connected to the hydraulic chambers on both sides of the pressure plate.

9. The pedal simulator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pressure plate and the rubber are respectively provided with a first locking protrusion and a first locking groove for engaging and locking, and / or the end cap and the rubber are respectively provided with a second locking protrusion and a second locking groove for engaging and locking.

10. An electronic braking system, characterized in that, It includes a hydraulic assembly and a pedal simulator as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the hydraulic assembly is connected to the oil injection port of the pedal simulator.

Images