Signal transmission device and control arrangement for transmitting signals

Abstract

The invention relates generally to a signal transmission device and a control arrangement comprising the signal transmission device for transmitting signals. The control arrangement can, in particular, be used together with a motor position sensor for a braking system. The signal transmission device comprises at least one contact pin and at least one spring for forming an electrical transmission path, wherein the contact pin and the spring are arranged at least sectionally in the bore, preferably axially movable.

Description

[0001] The invention relates generally to a signal transmission device and a control arrangement comprising the signal transmission device for transmitting signals. The control arrangement can, in particular, be used together with a motor position sensor for a braking system.

[0002] Current brake-by-wire systems typically comprise a hydraulic control unit (HCU) for regulating and distributing the brake fluid, an actuator that generates the required brake pressure and is driven by an electric motor, and an electronic control unit (ECU). These components are often pre-assembled or connected to form a ready-to-install unit. Some such brake systems may incorporate a control arrangement designed so that the hydraulic control unit not only performs the hydraulic control and routing functions but also serves as a mounting block for the other components mentioned.

[0003] In various configurations, the motor unit may be mounted on one side of the hydraulic unit and the electronic unit on the opposite side when assembled. The actuator may be inserted through an opening in the hydraulic unit.

[0004] To control the motor and thus directly generate brake pressure, it is necessary to measure the motor's position very precisely. Therefore, the motor is connected to a sensor that measures the motor position and transmits this data to the electronic control unit. This is usually achieved using complex mechanical solutions, in which the motor's rotation is transferred via a gearbox and a shaft with bearings and sensors through the hydraulic unit to the opposite side, where the electronic control unit is located.

[0005] On the electronic control unit side, a magnet can be mounted on the shaft as an angle sensor, rotating in front of the electronic control unit and the angle sensor element attached to it. The part of the sensor that detects the motor's revolutions or position must be in close proximity to the rotating parts of the motor. Simultaneously, the motor position data provided by the sensor must be transmitted to the electronic control unit. This setup, including the gearbox and shaft, is considered too expensive and complex to assemble.

[0006] Furthermore, the angle sensor must also be shielded against magnetic interference. These shielding measures can occupy a significant portion of the installation space, which is severely limited on the circuit board of the electronic control unit. This dramatically increases the space required on the circuit board for the angle sensor, necessitating an increase in the board's surface area. Additional shielding plates are also required, the installation of which generates further effort. Finally, the angle sensor and the motor must be aligned after assembly (so-called "motor alignment"), which is also considered complex in such a configuration.

[0007] Therefore, a signal transmission device, for example for a motor position sensor of a braking system, for the transmission of electrical signals is desirable, which reduces these disadvantages or ideally does not have them.

[0008] The inventors have taken on this task.

[0009] This problem is solved surprisingly simply by a signal transmission device, in particular for a control arrangement for a braking system, and such a control arrangement according to one of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the respective dependent claims.

[0010] The invention therefore relates in a first aspect to a signal transmission device, in particular for a control arrangement for a braking system, comprising a hydraulic unit, an electronic control unit, a motor unit and an angle measuring device.

[0011] The signal transmission device according to the invention can be characterized in that the signal transmission device is preferably of an elongated shape, wherein the signal transmission device comprises at least one longitudinally extending bore, wherein at least one first contact pin and at least one first spring are provided, wherein the contact pin and the spring are designed to be electrically conductive for forming an electrical transmission path, and wherein the first contact pin and the first spring are arranged at least partially in the bore, preferably axially movable.

[0012] In a further aspect, the present invention therefore also relates to a control arrangement, in particular for a braking system, comprising such a signal transmission device. The braking system can, for example, be designed as a "brake-by-wire" braking system.

[0013] In a further aspect, the invention also relates to a braking system comprising a control arrangement with a signal transmission device according to the invention as described above.

[0014] The present invention enables a robust mounting and fixing of the signal transmission device and thus a high level of safety in the event of mechanical shocks or vibrations.

[0015] These types of braking systems may include an actuator that generates the required brake pressure and regulates and distributes the brake fluid through the hydraulic control unit (HCU). The actuator can be driven by an electric motor. An electronic control unit (ECU) may be used to control and regulate the electric motor.

[0016] To generate the required braking pressure, the electronic control unit needs to know the exact position of the electric motor in order to control it. An angle measuring device can be provided for this purpose. The angle measuring device can be designed to determine the position of the electric motor at any given time. This information must be transmitted to the electronic control unit, preferably as electrical signals, so that it can be used for control purposes.

[0017] In modern, compact brake system designs, which are often supplied as ready-to-install modules, the electronic control unit and the angle measuring device are frequently spatially separated, for example, by having the hydraulic block positioned between them for design reasons. Such configurations can be advantageous for functional or assembly-related reasons. However, a disadvantage is that the electrical signals from the angle measuring device then have to be transmitted through this hydraulic block to the electronic control unit.

[0018] The signal transmission device according to the invention thus enables the transmission of the electrical signals from the angle measuring device from the location where the angle measuring device is arranged to the electronic control unit located at a distance from it. The signal transmission device according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously to also transmit electrical signals through other components, e.g., a hydraulic block in the case of a braking system.

[0019] The electronic control unit can have suitable components and functionalities to receive the electrical signals from the signal transmission device and use them accordingly for control. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control unit can have at least one printed circuit board. According to one embodiment of the invention, this board can provide a first contact surface that enables electrical contact with the signal transmission device for signal transmission.

[0020] The angle measuring device can comprise an angle encoder and an angle sensor. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the angle encoder can, for example, comprise a magnet which is rotationally fixed to the shaft of the electric motor. The rotations, and consequently the positions or orientations, of the electric motor can then be sensed via the angle sensor, which can include a corresponding sensor element. The angle sensor can have suitable components and functionalities to process the sensor signals and / or transmit them to the signal transmission device according to the invention. For this purpose, the angle sensor can, for example, also include a small circuit board on which, in addition to the sensor, a second contact surface can be formed, enabling electrical contact for signal transmission.

[0021] The signal transmission device according to the invention enables the transmission of electrical signals. The signal transmission device can comprise a housing, preferably of an elongated shape, to bridge the distance between the contact elements of the angle sensor and the control unit and to establish an electrical connection between these contact elements. The signal transmission device can therefore be arranged longitudinally between the first contact surface and the second contact surface. This is without prejudice to the possibility that further transmission devices may be provided between these contact surfaces. In other words, the signal transmission device according to the invention can also be part of a longer electrical transmission path between the contact surfaces.

[0022] The signal transmission device can, for example, be cylindrical. This makes it particularly easy to insert and secure the signal transmission device in a through-hole of the hydraulic block. Such through-holes are relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

[0023] The signal transmission device can have at least one, preferably several, electrical transmission paths through which the electrical signals can be transmitted separately or independently of one another. The signal transmission device can have longitudinally extending bores for receiving and guiding the transmission means, each of which defines an electrical transmission path. For transmission, the electrical transmission paths can include transmission means. These transmission means are made of electrically conductive materials to enable the transmission of the electrical signals.

[0024] In principle, various components or parts can be considered as transmission elements. However, configurations with at least two differently elastic transmission elements have proven particularly advantageous, especially at least one rigid transmission element and one flexible transmission element.

[0025] This allows for a reliable bridging of longer distances, even with small diameter bores in the signal transmission device. The flexible transmission element makes it particularly advantageous to apply a clamping or compressive force, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0026] The rigid transmission element can, for example, comprise a contact pin, and the elastic transmission element can, for example, comprise a spring. The contact pin and the spring are advantageously made of an electrically conductive material, so that electrical signals can be transmitted longitudinally through the signal transmission device via the contact pin and spring.

[0027] The transmission elements, i.e., the contact pins and / or the springs, can be in contact with each other or form common contact surfaces on their end faces, so that electrical signals can be transmitted from a contact pin to a spring.

[0028] The transmission elements can be arranged at least partially within the bore, so that they are guided and held by it. Axial mobility is advantageous in this case, so that any play can be compensated for in conjunction with an acting spring force.

[0029] According to further developments of the invention, other arrangements and designs of the transmission elements can also be provided, for example two or more contact pins and / or two or more springs, which can also be arranged at least partially in the bore.

[0030] The configurations and sequences relating to the arrangement of contact pins and / or springs within the bore can vary. Of the various advantageous configurations, only a few will be further illustrated by way of example. For instance, an embodiment of the invention may include two contact pins with a spring arranged between them.

[0031] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it can also be provided that a contact pin adjoins the contact surface of the angle measuring device, followed by two springs.

[0032] According to further embodiments of the invention, the springs can also be of different lengths. Another embodiment can, for example, provide that an elongated contact pin is adjacent to a spring on both sides, which can then establish contact with the two contact surfaces.

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmission elements are arranged to be axially movable within the bore. The at least one spring is preferably designed as a compression spring, so that, in the installed state, a compressive force is exerted on the electrically conductive transmission elements within the bore, which then presses them against the contact surfaces on the printed circuit boards. The axially movable mounting of the contact pin and spring within the bore thus ensures a constant contact pressure of the contact pin and / or spring against the contact surfaces.

[0034] In this way, form and positional tolerances that may occur during assembly or operation can be compensated for. Relative movements or displacements of electrically conductive components, such as a contact pin or spring, from their corresponding contact surface can be reduced or compensated for particularly advantageously. This is considered especially beneficial because such movements could lead to contact losses and thus to interruptions in the transmission of electrical signals. The signal transmission device according to the invention therefore offers additional reliability in signal transmission between transmitters and receivers arranged at a distance from one another.

[0035] Depending on the design and connection to the angle measuring device and / or the electronic control unit or the associated contact surfaces, the contact pin and / or spring can be designed and arranged in such a way that they protrude from the respective front face of the signal transmission device.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, more than one through hole, for example two, three, or even four or more through parallel holes, can be provided in the signal transmission device. Each of these holes can then contain an electrical transmission path as described above for electrical signal transmission. In this way, different contact surfaces on the various printed circuit boards can be connected to each other in a signal-technical manner, which can, for example, increase reliability in the event of a transmission path failure.

[0037] Further details of the invention will become apparent from the description of the illustrated embodiments and the attached claims.

[0038] The drawings show: Fig. 1 a longitudinal section through an exemplary signal transmission device according to a first embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 a longitudinal section through an exemplary signal transmission device according to a second embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 a section of a control arrangement with a signal transmission device according to a further embodiment of the invention in a sectional view, Fig. 4 a section of a control arrangement with a signal transmission device according to a further embodiment of the invention in a sectional view, Fig. 5 a section of a control arrangement with a signal transmission device according to a further embodiment of the invention in a sectional view, Fig. 6 a section of a control arrangement with a signal transmission device according to a further embodiment of the invention in a sectional view, and Fig. 7 a section of a control arrangement with a signal transmission device according to a further embodiment of the invention in a sectional view.

[0039] For the sake of clarity, in the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, identical reference numerals denote essentially identical parts in or on these embodiments. However, to better illustrate the invention, the preferred embodiments depicted in the figures are not always drawn to scale.

[0040] Fig. Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section through an exemplary signal transmission device 2 according to a first embodiment of the invention and Fig. 2 a longitudinal section through an exemplary signal transmission device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0041] For the sake of clarity, only the elements of a signal transmission device 2 according to the invention that are relevant for the design of the inventive approach are shown.

[0042] Furthermore, the Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 further sections of a control arrangement 1 with a signal transmission device 2 according to different further embodiments of the invention, each in a sectional view.

[0043] The signal transmission device 2 is, in the illustrated embodiments, intended for use in a control arrangement 1 for a braking system. The control arrangement 1 comprises, as exemplified in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. Figure 7 shows in part a hydraulic unit 10, an electronic control unit 20, a motor unit 30 and an angle measuring device 40.

[0044] For structural reasons, the motor unit 30 is located on one side of the hydraulic unit 10, and the electronic control unit 20 is located on the opposite side of the hydraulic block. In other words, the motor unit 30 with the angle measuring device 40 and the electronic control unit 20 are spatially separated from each other. The signal transmission device 2 enables signal transmission between the angle measuring device 40 and the electronic control unit 20 through the hydraulic unit 10.

[0045] The signal transmission device 2 is characterized in that the signal transmission device 2 is of an elongated shape, wherein the signal transmission device 2 comprises at least one longitudinally extending bore 3, wherein at least one first contact pin 4 and at least one first spring 6 are provided, wherein the contact pin 4 and the spring 6 are electrically are designed to be conductive in order to form an electrical transmission path, and wherein the first contact pin 4 and the first spring 6 are arranged at least partially in the bore 3, preferably axially movable.

[0046] The present invention further relates to a control arrangement 1, in particular for a braking system, comprising such a signal transmission device 2. The braking system is preferably designed as a "brake-by-wire" braking system.

[0047] Furthermore, the invention also relates to a braking system for a motor vehicle with a control arrangement 1 and a signal transmission device 2.

[0048] To generate the required braking pressure for the braking system, the electronic control unit 2 needs to know the exact position of the electric motor in order to control the actuator or electric motor. For this purpose, the angle measuring device 40 is provided, which can determine the orientation of a drive shaft of the electric motor at any time during operation of the braking system and provide this information as electrical signals, which it then transmits to the electronic control unit 20.

[0049] As can be seen from the in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. As can be seen in the embodiments shown in Figure 7, the control arrangement 1 and the associated braking system are designed as a ready-to-install module, which allows for easy assembly. The electronic control unit 20 and the angle measuring device 40 are arranged spatially separately, with the hydraulic block 10 located between these components. The signal transmission device 2 according to the invention enables the electrical signals from the angle measuring device 40 to be transmitted through the hydraulic block 10 to the electronic control unit 20 on the opposite side of the hydraulic block 10.

[0050] In this embodiment, the electronic control unit 20 has a printed circuit board 21. This includes a first contact surface 22, which enables electrical contact for signal transmission in a particularly simple way.

[0051] The angle measuring device 40 comprises an angle encoder 41 and an angle sensor 42. The angle encoder includes a magnet which is non-rotatably connected to the shaft of the electric motor. The magnet can, for example, be arranged on a small wheel which is non-rotatably connected to the shaft of the electric motor and rotates with it. The rotations, and consequently the positions, of the electric motor can then be sensed via the angle sensor 42, which includes a corresponding sensor element. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the angle sensor 42 further comprises a small circuit board 44 which carries the sensor and the second contact surface 43. The second contact surface 43 enables signal transmission of sensor signals from the angle measuring device 40.

[0052] The signal transmission device 2 according to the invention enables the transmission of electrical signals between the contact surfaces 22 and 43. For this purpose, the signal transmission device 2 comprises an elongated housing, which is cylindrical in the illustrated embodiment. This allows the signal transmission device 2 to be easily inserted into a through-hole of the hydraulic block 10. The signal transmission device 2 is thus arranged longitudinally between the first contact surface 22 and the second contact surface 43. The first contact surface 22 and the second contact surface 43 are therefore arranged facing each other and are connected to each other via the signal transmission device 2.

[0053] The transmission means comprise contact pins 4 and / or springs 5. The transmission means are arranged at least partially within the bore 3, so that they are held and axially guided by it. The transmission means are in contact with each other at their end faces, thus establishing an electrical connection.

[0054] According to further developments of the invention, additional contact pins and / or springs can also be provided, which can also be arranged at least partially in the bore 3.

[0055] At the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a total of two contact pins 4, 5 are provided, with a spring 6 arranged between the two contact pins 4, 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the contact surface 43 of the angle measuring device 40 comprises several separate electrical contacts 45, which are shown for illustrative purposes in Figure 1. Fig. 1 are shown. Each electrical contact 45 of the angle measuring device 40 is assigned to a transmission path of the signal transmission device 2.

[0056] The contact pins 4, 5 each comprise a circumferential collar 11, which is prevented from further axial movement beyond this stop 12 within the bore 3 by a stop 12, thus defining the axial mobility within the bore 3. The signal transmission device 2 can be placed onto the contact surface 43, with the electrical contacts 45 then pressing the adjacent contact pins 4 towards the contact surface 22. The springs 6 amplify the contact force towards the contact surface 22 of the electronic control unit 20. The contact pins 5 arranged on this side protrude from the end face of the signal transmission device 2. The stop 13 prevents the spring force from moving the contact pins 5 out of the bore.

[0057] The contact pins 4, 5 and the springs 6, 7 are made of an electrically conductive material, enabling electrical signals to be transmitted longitudinally through the signal transmission device 2. The contact pins 4, 5 and the springs 6, 7 are in contact with each other or form common contact surfaces, thus allowing electrical signals to be transmitted.

[0058] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the contact pins 4, 5 and the spring 6 are arranged to be axially movable in the bore 3, with the stops 12, 13 limiting their movement. The spring 6 is designed as a compression spring to exert a desired contact pressure on the contact surfaces 22, 43.

[0059] At the in Fig. In the embodiment of the signal transmission device 2 shown in Figure 1, two bores 3 are visible; two others are not visible due to the cross-section. The signal transmission device 2 therefore comprises four such bores 3, wherein the arrangement of contact pins 4, 5 and springs 6, 7 is identical in all bores. In this way, four independent transmission paths for electrical signals can be provided.

[0060] The arrangement of the transmission means relative to each other can vary. Furthermore, the design of the collars 11 and the stops 12, 13 can also differ.

[0061] Fig. Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of the invention, in which two contact pins 4, 5 are provided with a spring 6 arranged between them. In the embodiment of the signal transmission device 2 shown in this example, a centering projection 9 is also provided, which, during assembly, can engage in a correspondingly shaped recess in the hydraulic block 10, thus enabling precise centering. The spring 6 exerts a preload on the contact pins 4, 5, which drives them outwards over their end faces. The contact pins 4, 5 are prevented from sliding out by a circumferential collar 11 and stops 12, 13. The signal transmission device 2 is designed in two parts with a radial separation to allow for the assembly of the contact pins 4, 5 and the spring 6.

[0062] At the in Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3, a short contact pin 4 is provided, which projects beyond the end face towards the angle measuring device 40, followed in the axial direction by a long spring 6. Reference numeral 8 indicates a further transmission device, which is provided in axial extension of the signal transmission device 2 and is designed to extend the transmission paths for the electrical signals outside the hydraulic block 10 to the electronic control unit 20.

[0063] At the in Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4, short contact pins 4, 5 are provided at both ends, projecting beyond the respective end faces, and two longer springs 6, 7 are arranged between them. The transmission device 8 is integrated into the signal transmission device 2 as well as into the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 shown.

[0064] At the in Fig. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 5, the respective contact surfaces 43, 22 are formed with electrical contacts 45, 23 which engage in the bores of the signal transmission device 2. A single long spring 6 is arranged within the bores 3, which provides the electrical connection between the electrical contacts 45, 23.

[0065] At the in Fig. The embodiment of the invention shown in section 6 is in addition to the one shown in Fig. In the structure shown in Figure 5, a longer contact pin 4 is provided, which is contacted on both sides by two springs 6, 7.

[0066] Finally, in Fig. Figure 7 shows an embodiment of the invention, which includes various arrangements of the Fig. 3 and Fig. 7 combined. Reference symbol list: 1 Tax order 2 Signal transmission device 3 holes 4 contact pins 5 contact pins 6 springs 7 spring 8 Transmission device 9 Centering attachment 10 Hydraulic unit 11 collars 12 stops 13 attacks 20 electronic control unit 21 circuit board 22 first contact surface 23 Contact 30 motor unit 40 Angle measuring device 41 Angle encoders 42 Angle sensors 43 second contact surface 44 circuit board 45 Contact

Claims

Signal transmission device (2), in particular for a control arrangement (1) for a brake system with a hydraulic unit (10), an electronic control unit (20), a motor unit (30) and an angle measuring device (40), wherein the signal transmission device (2) comprises at least one longitudinally through bore (3), wherein at least one first contact pin (4) and at least one first spring (6) are provided, wherein the contact pin (4) and the spring (6) are designed to be electrically conductive to form an electrical transmission path, and wherein the contact pin (4) and the spring (6) are arranged at least sectionally in the bore (3), preferably axially movable. Signal transmission device (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a second contact pin (4) is provided, which is preferably arranged axially movable at least sectionally in the bore (3). Signal transmission device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second spring (7) is provided, which is preferably arranged axially movable at least sectionally in the bore (3). Signal transmission device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a spring (6) is arranged between a first contact pin (4) and a second contact pin (5). Signal transmission device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a contact pin (4) is arranged between a first spring (5) and a second spring (6). Signal transmission device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least on one end face of the signal transmission device (2) at least one pressure pin (4, 5) and / or a spring (6) protrudes from the end face of the signal transmission device (2). Signal transmission device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the spring (6, 7) is designed as a compression spring. Signal transmission device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the signal transmission device (2) comprises two, three or particularly preferably four through bores (3). Signal transmission device (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one contact pin (4, 5) and at least one spring (6, 7) are provided in each of the bores (3). Control arrangement (1), in particular for a braking system, characterized in that the control arrangement (1) comprises a hydraulic unit (10), an electronic control unit (20), a motor unit (30), an angle measuring device (40) and / or a signal transmission device (2) according to one of the preceding claims. Control arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the electronic control unit (20) comprises at least one printed circuit board (21) with a first contact surface (22). Control arrangement (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that the angle measuring device (40) comprises an angle encoder (41) and an angle sensor (42) with a second contact surface (43). Control arrangement (1) according to one of the three preceding claims, characterized in that the signal transmission device (2) is arranged longitudinally between the first contact surface (22) and the second contact surface (43) to establish an electrical contact between the first contact surface (22) and the second contact surface (43). Braking system comprising a control arrangement (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 13 .

Images