Force sensor and pedal system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a force sensor and pedal system, wherein the force sensor includes: base, has the first end and second end along the thickness direction setting, and there is the accommodation cavity between the first end and second end. Force receiving structure has the first force receiving end and first force transmission end, and the first force receiving end is located the first end face, and the first force transmission end is located the accommodation cavity, and the side of its away from the first force receiving end is arc convex surface. Force transmission structure is fixed in the accommodation cavity, has the second force receiving end and second force transmission end, and the side of the second force receiving end away from the second force transmission end is set up arc recess, and the first force transmission end and arc recess wall surface contact. The pressure sensor is fixed in the accommodation cavity, and is in contact with the second force transmission end. Force receiving structure and force transmission structure are conducted the force of external exertion through arc convex surface and arc recess. Arc contact surface can provide greater contact area and adaptive adjustment contact angle, and can reduce the uneven stress distribution caused by installation deviation or eccentricity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of force sensor technology, and in particular to a force sensor and pedal system. Background Technology

[0002] In automotive, construction machinery, medical rehabilitation equipment, and various industrial control systems requiring foot input, pedal force measurement has become one of the core parameters for ensuring safety and performance. Typical applications include: braking systems in new energy vehicles and autonomous vehicles, where brake management requires real-time and accurate acquisition of the driver's pedal force to determine braking intent and quickly distribute hydraulic or electric motor power; foot control in industrial equipment and rehabilitation devices, such as industrial stamping, shearing, or lifting platforms, which require multi-level speed or force control based on the operator's force; and in rehabilitation training, pedal force measurement helps doctors quantify the recovery of muscle strength.

[0003] However, when the pedal force assembly is integrated into different devices, factors such as installation height, tilt angle, or eccentricity between the pedal surface and the center of the force-sensitive element often lead to inaccurate measurement results, making it difficult to accurately capture the actual force value, thus affecting the system's performance and safety. Utility Model Content

[0004] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a force sensor and pedal system that aims to solve the problem of inaccurate measurement caused by installation deviation in existing pedal force measurement, thereby improving measurement accuracy and ensuring the safety and performance of the system.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the force sensor proposed in this utility model includes:

[0006] The base has a first end and a second end that are disposed opposite to each other along its own thickness direction, and there is a receiving cavity between the first end and the second end;

[0007] The force-bearing structure has a first force-bearing end and a first force-transmitting end arranged opposite to each other. The first force-bearing end is located on the end face of the first end, and the first force-transmitting end is located in the accommodating cavity. The side of the first force-transmitting end opposite to the first force-bearing end is an arc-shaped convex surface.

[0008] The force transmission structure is fixed in the accommodating cavity and has a second force receiving end and a second force transmitting end arranged opposite to each other. The second force receiving end has an arc-shaped groove on the side away from the second force transmitting end. The arc-shaped groove is adapted to the arc-shaped convex surface. The first force transmitting end is located in the arc-shaped groove and abuts against the wall surface of the arc-shaped groove.

[0009] A pressure sensor is fixed inside the accommodating cavity and abuts against the second force-transmitting end in the thickness direction of the base;

[0010] Wherein, the first force-bearing end is the pressure-bearing surface of the force sensor, and the second end is the fixed constraint surface of the force sensor.

[0011] Optionally, a hemispherical protrusion is provided on one side of the first force-receiving end facing the first end, and the hemispherical protrusion is the first force-transmitting end. A hemispherical groove is provided on one side of the second force-receiving end away from the second force-transmitting end, and the first force-transmitting end is located in the hemispherical groove.

[0012] Optionally, in the thickness direction of the base, the base has a first center line, the accommodating cavity is opened around the first center line, and the first center line extends along the thickness direction of the base through the geometric center of the first force-receiving end, the first force-transmitting end, the second force-receiving end, and the second force-transmitting end.

[0013] Optionally, it also includes a face mask, which is fixedly connected to the end face of the first end and has a through-hole, with the first force-bearing end located in the through-hole.

[0014] Optionally, the side face of the first force-bearing end opposite to the first end protrudes from the side surface of the mask opposite to the first end.

[0015] Optionally, the first force-bearing end includes a first part and a second part connected to each other, the outer peripheral wall of the first part protrudes beyond the outer peripheral wall of the second part, and the inner wall of the assembly hole has a limiting part protruding toward the first part;

[0016] In the thickness direction of the base, the side of the limiting part facing the first end abuts against the side of the first part away from the first end.

[0017] Optionally, an elastic gasket is provided between the limiting part and the first part.

[0018] Optionally, it also includes a fixing bolt that secures the mask and the first end, thereby compressing the elastic gasket.

[0019] Optionally, the outer peripheral wall of the base is provided with an annular groove, which is located between the first end and the second end.

[0020] Optionally, the end face of the second end is provided with a mounting hole, and the outer peripheral wall of the base is provided with a wire outlet hole.

[0021] This utility model also proposes a pedal system, including the force sensor described in any of the above disclosures.

[0022] In the technical solution disclosed in this application, the force-bearing structure and the force-transmitting structure transmit externally applied forces through an arc-shaped contact surface formed by an arc-shaped convex surface and an arc-shaped groove. Compared with planar contact, the arc-shaped contact surface can provide a larger contact area, and the contact angle can be adaptively adjusted, resulting in a more uniform force distribution and reducing uneven stress distribution caused by installation errors or eccentricity. When applied to a pedal system, the force sensor of this application embodiment can effectively improve the measurement inaccuracy problem caused by installation deviation in existing pedal force measurement, thereby improving measurement accuracy and enhancing the safety and performance of the pedal system. Attached Figure Description

[0023] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment disclosed in this application;

[0025] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Cross-sectional view at the EE section;

[0026] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Top view of the embodiment shown;

[0027] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The bottom view of the embodiment shown.

[0028] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0029] 1. Base; 11. First end; 12. Second end; 13. Receiving cavity; 14. Annular groove; 15. Mounting hole; 16. Cable outlet hole;

[0030] 2. Load-bearing structure; 21. First load-bearing end; 211. First part; 212. Second part; 22. First force-transmitting end; 221. Arc-shaped convex surface;

[0031] 3. Force transmission structure; 31. Second force receiving end; 311. Arc-shaped groove; 32. Second force transmission end;

[0032] 4. Pressure sensor;

[0033] 5. Face mask; 51. Assembly hole; 511. Limiting part;

[0034] 6. Elastic gasket;

[0035] 7. Fixing bolts;

[0036] a. First center line.

[0037] The realization of the purpose, functional features and advantages of this utility model will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0039] Furthermore, in this utility model, descriptions involving "first," "second," etc., are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. Additionally, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but only on the basis of being achievable by those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, such a combination of technical solutions should be considered non-existent and not within the scope of protection claimed by this utility model.

[0040] As described in the background section, when force sensors are installed in different devices, errors or inaccuracies that may exist during the installation process can lead to inaccurate force measurements, thereby affecting the reliability and safety of the system. Specifically, when force sensors are used in pedal systems, inaccurate force measurements may occur due to factors such as installation deviations, eccentricity of the force transmission path, uneven contact between the pedal surface and the sensor, and errors in installation height and tilt.

[0041] The main purpose of this invention is to provide a force sensor and pedal system that aims to solve the problem of inaccurate measurement caused by installation deviation in existing pedal force measurement, thereby improving measurement accuracy and ensuring the safety and performance of the system.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2This application discloses a force sensor, including: a base 1, a force-receiving structure 2, a force-transmitting structure 3, and a pressure sensor 4. The base 1 has a first end 11 and a second end 12 disposed opposite to each other along its thickness direction, with a receiving cavity 13 between the first end 11 and the second end 12. The force-receiving structure 2 has a first force-receiving end 21 and a first force-transmitting end 22 disposed opposite to each other. The first force-receiving end 21 is located on the end face of the first end 11, and the first force-transmitting end 22 is located within the receiving cavity 13. The side of the first force-transmitting end 22 facing away from the first force-receiving end 21 has an arc-shaped convex surface 221. The force-transmitting structure 3 is fixed within the receiving cavity 13 and has a second force-receiving end 31 and a second force-transmitting end 32 disposed opposite to each other. An arc-shaped groove 311 is formed on the side of the second force-receiving end 31 facing away from the second force-transmitting end 32. The arc-shaped groove 311 is adapted to the arc-shaped convex surface 221. The first force-transmitting end 22 is located inside the arc-shaped groove 311 and abuts against the wall of the arc-shaped groove 311. The pressure sensor 4 is fixed inside the accommodating cavity 13 and abuts against the second force-transmitting end 32 in the thickness direction of the base 1. The first force-bearing end 21 is the pressure-bearing surface of the force sensor, and the second end 12 is the fixing and constraint surface of the force sensor.

[0043] In the embodiments disclosed in this application, the first force-receiving end 21 receives the input force, and its end face serves as the initial contact point for force transmission, bearing the externally applied force. The externally applied force is transmitted to the first force-transmitting end 22 through the first force-receiving end 21. The arc-shaped convex surface 221 of the first force-transmitting end 22 contacts the arc-shaped groove 311 in the force transmission structure 3, and the force is transmitted to the second force-transmitting end 32 through the cooperation between the arc-shaped convex surface 221 and the arc-shaped groove 311. The force continues to be transmitted from the second force-transmitting end 32 to the pressure sensor 4, and is measured during the contact between the second force-transmitting end 32 and the pressure sensor 4. The end face of the second end 12 serves as the fixing constraint surface of the force sensor, used to mount the force sensor on an external device.

[0044] In this embodiment, the force-receiving structure 2 and the force-transmitting structure 3 form an arc-shaped contact surface through an arc-shaped convex surface 221 and an arc-shaped groove 311. This arc-shaped contact surface is used to transmit externally applied forces. Planar contact is easily affected by installation errors, resulting in some areas bearing greater pressure while others bear less pressure, thus affecting the transmission of force. Compared to planar contact, the arc-shaped contact surface can provide a larger contact area, and the contact angle can be adaptively adjusted, making the force distribution more uniform and reducing uneven stress distribution caused by installation errors or eccentricity. When applied to a pedal system, the force sensor of this embodiment can effectively improve the measurement inaccuracy problem caused by installation deviations in existing pedal force measurements, thereby improving measurement accuracy and ultimately enhancing the safety and performance of the pedal system.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first force-transmitting end 22 is a curved protrusion protruding from one end face of the first force-receiving end 21 toward the first end 11, and the curved protrusion has an axisymmetric structure in the thickness direction of the base 1. The second force-receiving end 31 has an arc-shaped groove 311 adapted to the curved protrusion recessed on one end face away from the second force-transmitting end 32. The curvature of the groove wall of the arc-shaped groove 311 is equal to the curvature of the arc surface of the curved protrusion. This ensures uniform force transmission and avoids uneven force transmission caused by eccentricity or installation errors, thereby improving measurement accuracy and stability.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first force-transmitting end 22 is a hemispherical protrusion protruding from the side end face of the first force-receiving end 21 facing the first end 11, and the second force-receiving end 31 has a hemispherical groove on the side end face away from the second force-transmitting end 32, and the first force-transmitting end 22 is located in the hemispherical groove.

[0047] When there is a deviation in the installation of the force sensor, the hemispherical protrusion can automatically align and precisely match the hemispherical groove, ensuring accurate contact between the two. This provides a uniform contact surface and a stable force transmission path for the force sensor, effectively reducing the uneven force distribution caused by eccentricity or installation errors, thereby improving measurement accuracy and system performance.

[0048] In some embodiments, the base 1 has a first center line a in the thickness direction of the base 1, and the accommodating cavity 13 is opened around the first center line a. The first center line a extends along the thickness direction of the base 1 and passes through the geometric center of the first force receiving end 21, the first force transmitting end 22, the second force receiving end 31, and the second force transmitting end 32.

[0049] By symmetrically arranging all contact surfaces of the load-bearing structure 2 and the force-transmitting structure 3 around the same centerline, the symmetry and consistency of the force transmission path are ensured. This allows the force to be evenly distributed on the contact surfaces during transmission, avoiding excessive local stress or uneven force distribution, thereby reducing structural damage or performance instability caused by stress concentration. Simultaneously, it eliminates eccentricity effects. Even with slight deviations during installation, the symmetrical centerline layout minimizes the impact of eccentricity, ensuring uniform force transmission and reducing measurement errors caused by design inconsistencies or installation errors.

[0050] In this embodiment of the application, the accommodating cavity 13 is a through hole that passes through the first end 11 and the second end 12, and the axis of the through hole overlaps with the first center line a.

[0051] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3In some embodiments, the force sensor further includes a face shield 5. The face shield 5 is used to fix the force-receiving structure 2 to the base 1. Specifically, the face shield 5 is fixedly connected to the end face of the first end 11 and has a through-hole 51, in which the first force-receiving end 21 is located. The side of the first force-receiving end 21 opposite to the first end 11 protrudes from the side surface of the face shield 5 opposite to the first end 11.

[0052] Specifically, the first force-bearing end 21 includes a first part 211 and a second part 212 connected together. The outer peripheral wall of the first part 211 protrudes beyond the outer peripheral wall of the second part 212. The inner wall of the mounting hole 51 has a limiting part 511 protruding toward the first part 211. In the thickness direction of the base 1, the limiting part 511 abuts against the side of the first part 211 opposite to the first end 11 on the side facing the first end 11.

[0053] In some embodiments, the limiting portion 511 may be an annular protrusion or a protrusion spaced apart along the inner peripheral wall of the mounting hole 51.

[0054] In this embodiment, the face mask 5 is provided with multiple fixing holes at intervals. The face mask 5 is fixed to the first end 11 of the base 1 by inserting fixing bolts 7 through the fixing holes. The fixing bolts 7 are threadedly connected to the fixing holes. At the same time, the force-bearing structure 2 is fixed to the base 1 by the cooperation of the limiting part 511 and the first part 211.

[0055] In some embodiments, an elastic gasket 6, which may be made of silicone, is provided between the limiting part 511 and the first part 211. The elastic gasket 6 is placed between the limiting part 511 and the second part 212, and is compressed when the fixing bolt 7 secures the mask 5 to the first end 11. This configuration allows the elastic gasket 6 to provide cushioning during the fixing of the mask 5. By compressing the elastic gasket 6, direct contact between the mask 5 and the force-bearing structure 2 is avoided, thereby reducing potential friction and damage during contact. Simultaneously, the compression of the elastic gasket 6 effectively isolates the fixing force, preventing it from being transmitted through the mask 5 to the force-bearing structure 2, ensuring that the force transmission does not affect measurement accuracy.

[0056] In some embodiments, an annular groove 14 is also provided on the outer peripheral wall of the base 1, and the annular groove 14 is located between the first end 11 and the second end 12. The annular groove 14 can effectively reduce the overall weight of the force sensor.

[0057] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 4In some embodiments, a mounting hole 15 is provided on the end face of the second end 12, and a cable outlet hole 16 is provided on the outer peripheral wall of the base 1. Providing the mounting hole 15 on the end face of the second end 12 allows for easy alignment and fixation of the force sensor with the end face of the base 1 when installing it on external devices. The cable outlet hole 16 on the outer peripheral wall of the base 1 facilitates the arrangement and connection of cables or other pipelines, preventing pipeline interference when the force sensor is installed on external devices.

[0058] In summary, by setting the force-receiving structure 2 and the force-transmitting structure 3 as arc-shaped contact surfaces, this embodiment provides a larger contact area for the force transmission path of the force sensor, and the contact angle can be adaptively adjusted, resulting in a more uniform force distribution and reducing uneven stress distribution caused by installation errors or eccentricity. When applied to a pedal system, the force sensor of this embodiment can effectively improve the measurement inaccuracy problem caused by installation deviations in existing pedal force measurements, thereby improving measurement accuracy and ultimately enhancing the safety and performance of the pedal system.

[0059] This application also discloses a pedal system that includes any of the force sensors disclosed above.

[0060] The above description is only an optional embodiment of the present utility model and does not limit the patent scope of the present utility model. All equivalent structural transformations made under the inventive concept of the present utility model using the contents of the present utility model specification and drawings, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A force sensor, characterized in that, include: The base (1) has a first end (11) and a second end (12) disposed opposite to each other along its own thickness direction, and there is a receiving cavity (13) between the first end (11) and the second end (12); The force-bearing structure (2) has a first force-bearing end (21) and a first force-transmitting end (22) arranged opposite to each other. The first force-bearing end (21) is located on the end face of the first end (11), and the first force-transmitting end (22) is located in the accommodating cavity (13). The side of the first force-transmitting end (22) away from the first force-bearing end (21) is an arc-shaped convex surface (221). The force transmission structure (3) is fixed in the accommodating cavity (13) and has a second force receiving end (31) and a second force transmitting end (32) arranged opposite to each other. The second force receiving end (31) has an arc-shaped groove (311) on the side away from the second force transmitting end (32). The arc-shaped groove (311) is adapted to the arc-shaped convex surface (221). The first force transmitting end (22) is located in the arc-shaped groove (311) and abuts against the wall of the arc-shaped groove (311). The pressure sensor (4) is fixed in the accommodating cavity (13) and abuts against the second force transmission end (32) in the thickness direction of the base (1); Wherein, the first force-bearing end (21) is the pressure-bearing surface of the force sensor, and the second end (12) is the fixed constraint surface of the force sensor.

2. The force sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first force-receiving end (21) has a hemispherical protrusion on one side of its end face facing the first end (11), and the hemispherical protrusion is the first force-transmitting end (22). The second force-receiving end (31) has a hemispherical groove on one side of its end face away from the second force-transmitting end (32), and the first force-transmitting end (22) is located in the hemispherical groove.

3. The force sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, In the thickness direction of the base (1), the base (1) has a first center line (a), and the accommodating cavity (13) is opened around the first center line (a). The first center line (a) extends along the thickness direction of the base (1) and passes through the geometric center of the first force-receiving end (21), the first force-transmitting end (22), the second force-receiving end (31), and the second force-transmitting end (32).

4. The force sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a face mask (5), which is fixedly connected to the end face of the first end (11) and has a through-hole (51) with the first force-bearing end (21) located in the through-hole (51).

5. The force sensor as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first force-bearing end (21) protrudes from the side of the first end (11) of the mask (5) away from the first end (11).

6. The force sensor as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first force-bearing end (21) includes a first part (211) and a second part (212) connected to each other. The outer peripheral wall of the first part (211) protrudes from the outer peripheral wall of the second part (212). The inner wall of the assembly hole (51) has a limiting part (511) protruding toward the first part (211). In the thickness direction of the base (1), the limiting part (511) abuts against the side of the first part (211) away from the first end (11) on the side facing the first end (11).

7. The force sensor as described in claim 6, characterized in that, An elastic gasket (6) is provided between the limiting part (511) and the first part (211).

8. The force sensor as described in claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a fixing bolt (7) that fixes the mask (5) and the first end (11) to compress the elastic gasket (6).

9. The force sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer peripheral wall of the base (1) is provided with an annular groove (14), which is located between the first end (11) and the second end (12).

10. The force sensor as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The end face of the second end (12) is provided with a mounting hole (15), and the outer peripheral wall of the base (1) is provided with a wire outlet hole (16).

11. A pedal system, characterized in that, Including the force sensor as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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