Brake operating element, coupling device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a brake operating element coupling device, comprising a first input rod component (10) which can be displaced from a first initial position of the first input rod component (10) in the brake engagement direction (12) towards the master brake cylinder by the driver's braking force (F driver ), a second input rod component (14), and a locking mechanism (16). The second input rod component (14) is fixed to the first input rod component (10) such that, via the locking mechanism (16) which is in the locking function mode of the locking mechanism (16), the second input rod component (14) can be displaced in tow in the brake engagement direction (12) and the driver's braking force (F driver ) can be transmitted to at least one displaceable piston of the master brake cylinder. On the other hand, as long as the locking mechanism (16) is in the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism (16), the second input rod component (149) is displaceable relative to the first input rod component (10) in the brake engagement direction (12). The locking mechanism (16) is formed such that by displacing the first input rod component (10) from the first initial position of the first input rod component (10) by at least a predetermined first minimum displacement stroke, the locking mechanism (16) can shift from the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism (16) to the locking function mode of the locking mechanism (16). The present invention relates to a brake operating element coupling device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a brake operating element and a coupling device.

Background Art

[0002] In Patent Document 1, there is disclosed a brake force multiplying device formed including a first input piston component, a second input piston component, and a valve body. The first input piston component is displaceable in the brake fastening direction by an arbitrary input stroke from the initial position of the first input piston component by the driver's brake force transmitted to the first input piston component. The second input piston component is pressed in the brake fastening direction so as to be separated from the first input piston component by a compression spring. By the motor force transmitted to the second input piston component, the valve body is displaced in the brake fastening direction by an arbitrary multiplying device stroke from the initial position of the valve body. Further, a locking mechanism is formed in the brake force multiplying device, and as long as the differential stroke between the multiplying device stroke and the input stroke remains less than a predetermined limit differential stroke, the second input piston component can be displaced in the brake fastening direction so as to be separated from the first input piston component together with the valve body by the compression spring, while as soon as the differential stroke exceeds the limit differential stroke, the second input piston component comes to be locked to the first input piston component.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a brake operating element and a coupling device having the features of claim 1.

Advantages of the Invention

[0005] The present invention provides an advantageous possibility of coupling a brake operating element, for example a brake pedal, such that a driver of a vehicle equipped therewith can exert a braking action into a rear-mounted master brake cylinder via an operation of the driver on the brake operating element. Based on an advantageous formation of a locking mechanism of a brake operating element - coupling device according to the present invention, the driver can, by means of a driver's braking force exerted on the brake operating element, trigger a braking movement of at least one displaceable piston of the master brake cylinder via a first input rod component and a second input rod component fixed to the first input rod component, as a result of which the vehicle can be decelerated without problems by braking induced by the driver. Furthermore, the brake operating element - coupling device according to the present invention is preferably such that, while displacing at least the second input rod component in the braking direction, the accompanying displacement movement of the first input rod component is blocked based on a locking mechanism that is in an unlocking functional mode of the locking mechanism, and is thus suitable for implementing autonomous braking of a vehicle equipped with the brake operating element - coupling device according to the present invention. An undesired accompanying traction or accompanying movement of the brake operating element, for example a brake pedal, is thereby reliably blocked during autonomous braking. However, as will become apparent based on the following explanation, the driver can, also during autonomous braking, after overcoming a negligibly short dead travel, exert a braking action into the master brake cylinder by means of the driver's braking force.

[0006] In an advantageous embodiment of the brake operating element and coupling device, the second input rod component is displaceable from a second initial position of the second input rod component to a maximum end position in the brake engagement direction, and the locking mechanism is configured such that, from the second initial position of the second input rod component to any position of the second input rod component up to the end position of the second input rod component, the first input rod component is displaced by at least a predetermined first minimum displacement stroke from a first initial position of the first input rod component, thereby enabling a transition from an unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism to a locking function mode of the locking mechanism. Thereby, even during strong self-actuated braking, the driver can further enhance braking by means of the driver's braking force exerted on the brake operating element.

[0007] Preferably, for the second input rod component, which is displaceable from a second initial position of the second input rod component to a maximum end position in the brake engagement direction, as long as the locking mechanism remains in the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism, the force transmission from the second input rod component to the first input rod component is blocked at any position of the second input rod component from the second initial position of the second input rod component to the end position of the second input rod component, based on the locking mechanism existing in the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism. Thus, there is no need to worry about an unwanted trailing or trailing movement of the first input rod component or the brake operating element attached to the first input rod component, even when the second input rod component is displaced by a high displacement stroke in the brake engagement direction from the second initial position of the second input rod component.

[0008] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the brake operating element coupling device, the first input rod component has a rod section directed towards the second input rod component, and the rod section is such that at least when the first input rod component is in the first initial position of the first input rod component and the second input rod component is in the second initial position of the second input rod component, it penetrates into the internal calling chamber of the second input rod component, and the locking mechanism penetrates into the internal calling chamber of the second input rod component. By forming the first input rod component and the second input rod component in this way, a locking mechanism that can be manufactured at low cost can also be guaranteed to shift from the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism to the locking function mode of the locking mechanism by displacing the first input rod component by at least a predetermined first minimum displacement stroke from the first initial position of the first input rod component.

[0009] For example, at least a partial region of the rod section is formed in a frustoconical shape with a diameter decreasing in the brake fastening direction, the locking mechanism has at least one wedge element, the wedge element penetrates into the internal calling chamber and is arranged between the inner wall of the internal calling chamber and at least the frustoconical partial region of the rod section, and at least one wedge element is pressed against the inner wall of the internal calling chamber by at least the frustoconical partial region of the rod section after displacing the first input rod component by at least a predetermined first minimum displacement stroke from the first initial position of the first input rod component. Thus, the locking mechanism is designed to shift from the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism to the locking function mode of the locking mechanism. The design of the locking mechanism described here can be manufactured at low cost.

[0010] In another advantageous embodiment of the brake operating element coupling device, the second input rod component has a rod section directed towards the first input rod component, and the rod section penetrates into the internal call chamber of the first input rod component when at least the first input rod component is in the first initial position of the first input rod component and the second input rod component is in the second initial position of the second input rod component. The locking mechanism is attached to the outer edge of the internal call chamber provided in the first input rod component or penetrates into the internal call chamber of the first input rod component. By forming the first input rod component and the second input rod component in this way, a low-cost locking mechanism that transitions from the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism to the locking function mode of the locking mechanism can be manufactured by displacing the first input rod component by at least a predetermined first minimum displacement stroke from the first initial position of the first input rod component.

[0011] Preferably, at least a partial region of the internal call chamber is formed with a frustoconical opening, the diameter of the frustoconical opening increasing in the brake fastening direction. The locking mechanism has at least one wedge element, the wedge element penetrating into the frustoconical opening and being arranged between the inner wall of the frustoconical opening and the rod section of the second input rod component. At least one wedge element is pressed against the rod section of the second input rod component by the inner wall of the frustoconical opening after displacing the first input rod component by at least a predetermined first minimum displacement stroke from the first initial position of the first input rod component. Thereby, the locking mechanism is designed to transition from the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism to the locking function mode of the locking mechanism. This design of the locking mechanism can also be manufactured at low cost.

[0012] Alternatively, a locking mechanism attached to the outer edge of the internal calling chamber may have a meshing element. The rod section of the second input rod component passes through the meshing element. When the first input rod component is in its first initial position, the meshing element is in the unlocked position. After the first input rod component is displaced from its first initial position by at least a predetermined first minimum displacement stroke, the meshing element is tilted from its unlocked position to its locked position. In the locked position of the meshing element, the meshing element meshes with the rod section of the second input rod component, whereby the locking mechanism is shifted from the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism to the locking function mode of the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism described here can also be manufactured at low cost.

[0013] Preferably, the locking mechanism can also be shifted from the locking function mode of the locking mechanism to the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism by reversely displacing the first input rod component back to its first initial position in a direction opposite to the brake fastening direction. Thereby, immediately after the end of the braking induced by the driver, the autonomous braking can be carried out without triggering the trailing traction or trailing displacement of the brake operating element.

[0014] For example, when the meshing element in the locked position of the meshing element reversely displaces the first input rod component back to its first initial position in a direction opposite to the brake fastening direction, the meshing element can be reversely displaced from its locked position to its unlocked position, whereby the locking mechanism can abut against a stopper as if the locking mechanism is shifted from the locking function mode of the locking mechanism to the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism. This can be easily achieved structurally.

[0015] In another advantageous embodiment, the brake operating element coupling device is formed as a brake force multiplying device and comprises a force multiplying piston, which is connected directly or indirectly to the actuator of the brake operating element coupling device in such a way that the force multiplying piston can be displaced in the brake fastening direction by the force multiplying force transmitted to the force multiplying piston by the actuator. The force multiplying piston, which is displaced in the brake fastening direction by at least a predetermined second minimum displacement stroke, mechanically contacts a second input rod component in such a way that the second input rod component can be displaced in the brake fastening direction together with the force multiplying piston. The actuator, for example an electric motor, can hereby be used not only to assist the driver-induced braking with respect to force, but also to cause autonomous braking. For this purpose, while the second input rod component is displaced in the brake fastening direction together with the force multiplying piston, the first input rod component remains in its first initial position. This ensures that during autonomous braking caused by the actuator, the brake operating element remains in the non-operated position of the brake operating element.

[0016] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 1C

Figure 1D

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 4D

[0018] Figures 1A to 1D show schematic diagrams of a first embodiment of a brake operating element coupling device.

[0019] With the brake operating element coupling device schematically shown in Figures 1A to 1D, a brake operating element (not shown) can be mounted on a vehicle / automobile. The brake operating element can be understood as, for example, a brake pedal. The brake operating element may be part of the brake operating element coupling device or may be a brake operating element connected to the outside of the brake operating element coupling device. The brake operating element coupling device includes a first input rod component 10, and a brake operating element can be connected / is connected to the first input rod component 10. The brake operating element can be connected / can be connected to the first input rod component 10 directly or indirectly, in particular via at least one pedal rod. The direct or indirect coupling between the first input rod component 10 and the brake operating element causes the driver braking force F exerted by the driver on the brake operating element driver to be transmissible / to be transmitted to the first input rod component 10, and the first input rod component 10 transmits the driver braking force F driverThus, it is realizable / realized that the first input rod component 10 can be displaced / moved from its so-called first initial position in the brake fastening direction 12 towards a main brake cylinder (not shown). The main brake cylinder located in the brake fastening direction 12 with respect to the first input rod component 10 may be the device-specific main brake cylinder or an external main brake cylinder. The first initial position of the first input rod component 10 should preferably be understood as a position from which the first input rod component 10 can be displaced only in the brake fastening direction 12 and cannot be displaced in the opposite direction to the brake fastening direction 12. In particular, the first initial position is a position of the first input rod component 10 that exists when the driver braking force F driver is equal to zero.

[0020] In addition to the first input rod component 10, the brake operating element - coupling device also includes a second input rod component 14. For the second input rod component 14, a second initial position may also be defined. From the second initial position, the second input rod component 14 can be displaced in the brake fastening direction 12 up to the so-called end position of the second input rod component 14 at most. The second initial position should in particular be understood as a position of the second input rod component 14 from which the second input rod component 14 can be displaced only in the brake fastening direction 12 and cannot be displaced in the opposite direction to the brake fastening direction 12. Preferably, the second input rod component 14 is, for example, by at least one return spring force, such that when the driver braking force F driver is equal to zero and the brake operating element - coupling device also includes an actuator (described below), the force F of the force multiplier device of the actuator motorWhen it is equal to zero, it is supported as if it were present at the second initial position. The end position is a position from which the second input rod component 14 can be interpreted as a position of the second input rod component 14 where, based on the design of the brake operating element - coupling device, the second input rod component 14 can no longer be displaced in the brake fastening direction 12.

[0021] Furthermore, a locking mechanism 16 is formed in the brake operating element - coupling device, and the second input rod component 14 is fixed to the first input rod component 10 such that the second input rod component 14 can be displaced in the brake fastening direction 12 together with the first input rod component 10 (displaced by the driver braking force F driver through the locking mechanism 16 which is in the locking function mode of the locking mechanism 16). When the locking mechanism 16 is in the locking function mode of the locking mechanism 16, the driver braking force F driverTherefore, it can be transmitted / is transmitted directly or indirectly from the first input rod component 10 to the second input rod component 14 and from the second input rod component 14 to at least one displaceable piston of the main brake cylinder. In contrast, when the locking mechanism 16 is in the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism 16, the second input rod component 14 is not fixed / locked to the first input rod component 10 and is therefore displaceable relative to the first input rod component 10 in the brake fastening direction 12. The free displaceability of the second input rod component 14 relative to the first input rod component 10 when the locking mechanism 16 is in the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism 16 should be understood as the second input rod component 14 being able to freely displace between the second initial position of the second input rod component 14 and the end position of the second input rod component 14 in the brake fastening direction 12 with respect to the first input rod component 10 without triggering the accompanying movement of the first input rod component 10.

[0022] The locking mechanism 16 thereby enables the connection of both input rod components 10 and 14 when the locking mechanism 16 is in the locking function mode of the locking mechanism 16 and enables the decoupling of the second input rod component 14 from the first input rod component 10 when the locking mechanism 16 is in the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism 16. When the locking mechanism 16 is in the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism 16, therefore, the second input rod component 14 can be displaced relative to the first input rod component 10 in the brake fastening direction 12 without triggering the accompanying traction of the first input rod 10 or a brake operating element directly or indirectly connected to the first input rod 10.

[0023] Furthermore, the locking mechanism 16 is configured such that by displacing the first input rod component 10 by at least a predetermined first minimum displacement stroke from the first initial position of the first input rod component 10, the locking mechanism 16 can be shifted / is shifted from the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism 16 to the locking function mode of the locking mechanism 16. As will be apparent based on the description of the present embodiment, the first minimum displacement stroke may be a first minimum displacement stroke that depends on the current position of the second input rod component 14 (between the second initial position of the second input rod component 14 and the end position of the second input rod component 14). Alternatively, however, the first minimum displacement stroke may not depend on the current position of the second input rod component 14, i.e., may be a constant first minimum displacement stroke.

[0024] Thereby, when the driver applies a driver braking force F unequal to zero to the brake operation element driver whenever a braking of the vehicle induced by the driver is required, the locking mechanism 16 is in the locking function mode of the locking mechanism 16 and the driver braking force F driverCan surely be transmitted to at least one displaceable piston of the master brake cylinder via both input rod components 10 and 14 fixed to each other. Additionally, when the first input rod component 10 is in its first initial position and the locking mechanism 16 is in its unlocking function mode during non-operation of the brake operating element by the driver, the second input rod component 14 decoupled from the first input rod component 10 can be displaced in the brake fastening direction 12 relative to the first input rod component 10 without triggering the trailing traction of the brake operating element. Therefore, especially during autonomous braking of the vehicle, the second input rod component 14 can be displaced relative to the first input rod component 10 without the driver being confused or obstructed by the trailing traction of the brake operating element. Autonomous braking of the vehicle can be understood as braking required not by the driver but by the vehicle's speed automatic control system. Autonomous braking of the vehicle can also be referred to as automatic braking or function brake. As a speed automatic control system, for example, adaptive cruise control, emergency brake system or fully automatic driving program may require autonomous braking.

[0025] Preferably, the locking mechanism 16 is capable of transitioning / is transitioned from the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism 16 to the locking function mode of the locking mechanism 16 by displacing the first input rod component 10 by at least a predetermined first minimum displacement stroke from its first initial position at any position of the second input rod component 14 from the second initial position of the second input rod component 14 to the end position of the second input rod component 14. The driver braking force F exerted on the brake operating element driverThis allows, during autonomous braking, the second input rod component 14 to be transmitted, even when it is not in its second initial position, via the input rod components 10 and 14 fixed to each other, to at least one displaceable piston of the master brake cylinder. Preferably, the locking mechanism 16 is additionally formed such that it can be shifted / shifted from the locking function mode of the locking mechanism 16 to the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism 16 by reversibly displacing the first input rod component 10 in a direction opposite to the brake application direction 12 back to its first initial position. Thus, it is automatically ensured that the locking mechanism 16 is again in the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism 16 after the end of the braking induced by the driver.

[0026] As an advantageous development, the brake operating element - coupling device of FIGS. 1A to 1D is formed as a brake force multiplying device pre - arranged in front of the cooperating master brake cylinder. For this purpose, the brake operating element - coupling device comprises a multiplying device piston 18, which is directly or indirectly connected to an actuator (not shown) of the brake operating element - coupling device such that the multiplying device piston 18 is displaceable / displaced in the brake application direction 12 by a multiplying device force F transmitted to the multiplying device piston 18 by the actuator. motor The actuator may be, for example, an electric motor. However, it should be added that the possibility of forming a brake force multiplying device is not limited to an electromechanical brake force multiplying device. The multiplying device force F transmitted by the actuator to the multiplying device piston 18 motor can likewise be transmitted directly or indirectly to at least one displaceable piston of the master brake cylinder. The actuator can therefore be used not only to assist the driver with respect to force during braking induced by the driver, but also to cause autonomous braking of the vehicle.

[0027] Furthermore, in the case of the brake operating element coupling device described herein, the power amplifier piston 18 displaceable in the brake fastening direction 12 by at least a predetermined second minimum displacement stroke is mechanically in contact with the second input rod component 14 such that the second input rod component 14 is displaceable in a coupled manner in the brake fastening direction 12 together with the power amplifier piston 18 / is displaced in a coupled manner. However, based on the above-described advantageous formation of the locking mechanism 16, when the first input rod component 10 is in its first initial position, the first input rod component 10 does not have to accept the coupled movement of the brake operating element triggered by the common displacement of the second input rod component 14 and the power amplifier piston 18. As long as the locking mechanism 16 remains in the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism 16, the force transmission from the second input rod component 14 to the first input rod component 10 is blocked at any position of the second input rod component 14 from the second initial position of the second input rod component 14 to the end position of the second input rod component 14, based on the locking mechanism 16 existing in the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism 16. This eliminates the conventional risk that during the fast and strong autonomous braking of the vehicle, an object, for example the driver's foot, could be pinched due to the associated movement of the brake operating element that would be triggered in the prior art. The formation of the brake operating element coupling device described herein thereby achieves a better safety standard for the driver, even though the brake operating element coupling device can still be used to cause the autonomous braking of the vehicle. Furthermore, when using the brake operating element coupling device described herein, there is no longer a conventional need to take measures to prevent pinching for the brake operating element, and thereby the costs can be reduced.

[0028] Merely by way of example, in the case of the brake operating element coupling device described herein, the multiplier piston 18 is formed as a spindle, and the spindle is displaced in the brake fastening direction 12 by a nut 20 that is rotated by an electric motor functioning as an actuator. Both input rod components 10 and 14 are located within the internal hollow chamber of the multiplier piston 18. A reaction disk 22 is positioned in the brake fastening direction 12 relative to the multiplier piston 18 and both input rod components 10 and 14, and this reaction disk 22 can be pressed by the multiplier piston 18 and / or by a section of the second input rod component 14 that protrudes from the internal hollow chamber of the multiplier piston 18. The reaction disk 22 is located within a recess of the output rod 24, and the output rod 24 is supported by a main brake cylinder or by the housing 28 of the brake operating element coupling device via at least one return spring 26. However, it should be noted that the connection of the second input rod component 14 and the multiplier piston 18 to at least one displaceable piston of the main brake cylinder using components 22, 24, and 26, as schematically shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D, should be interpreted as merely exemplary. FIGS. 1A to 1D show a linear motion sensor 30, which is attached to the multiplier piston 18 and is designed to detect the relative motion of a magnet 32 attached to the second input rod component 14 with respect to the linear motion sensor 30, but this linear motion sensor 30 is also merely an optional component of the brake operating element coupling device.

[0029] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1A to 1D, the second input rod component 14 has a rod section 14a directed towards the first input rod component 10, and the rod section 14a projects into the internal hollow chamber 10a of the first input rod component 10 when at least the first input rod component 10 is in the first initial position of the first input rod component 10 and the second input rod component 14 is in the second initial position of the second input rod component 14. Preferably, the rod section 14a projects into the internal hollow chamber 10a also at any position of the second input rod component 14 from the second initial position of the second input rod component 14 to the end position of the second input rod component 14 when the first input rod component 10 is in the first initial position of the first input rod component 10. At least a partial region 10b of at least a part of the internal hollow chamber 10a is formed with a frustoconical opening, the diameter of the frustoconical opening increasing in the brake fastening direction 12, and the frustoconical opening being defined by an inner wall 10c functioning as a sliding surface. The locking mechanism 16 has at least one wedge element 16a, and the wedge element 16a projects into the frustoconical opening and is arranged between the inner wall 10c of the frustoconical opening and the rod section 14a of the second input rod component 14. The at least one wedge element 16a can be pressed in a direction opposite to the brake fastening direction 12, for example, by at least one tension spring and / or compression spring 16b. By way of non-limiting example, in the embodiments of FIGS. 1A to 1D, the at least one wedge element 16a is supported by the multiplier piston 18 by at least one tension spring and / or compression spring 16b. Alternatively, the at least one wedge element 16a may be supported by a housing component of the housing 28 by at least one tension spring and / or compression spring 16b.

[0030] FIG. 1A shows the in the stationary position, i.e., the driver braking force F driver is equal to zero and the multiplier force Fmotor shows a brake operating element and coupling device when it is equal to zero. At least one wedge element 16a does not protrude into the frustoconical opening more than to the extent that an intermediate gap 34 still exists between the rod section 14a of the second input rod component 14 and the at least one wedge element 16a when the first input rod component 10 is in its first initial position. For example, the housing component 28a of the housing 28 can act against further entry of the at least one wedge element 16a into the frustoconical opening while the first input rod component 10 is in its first initial position. While the at least one wedge element 16a does not protrude into the frustoconical opening more than to the extent that an intermediate gap 34 is still left between the rod section 14a of the second input rod component 14 and the at least one wedge element 16a, the second input rod component 14 can be displaced relative to the first input rod component 10 without triggering the trailing pull of the first input rod component 10. The locking mechanism 16, therefore, the driver braking force F driver is equal to zero and the first input rod component 10 is in its first initial position, is in the unlocking functional mode of the locking mechanism 16 based on the intermediate gap 34 between the rod section 14a and the at least one wedge element 16a.

[0031] Figure 1B shows during braking induced by the driver, i.e., when the driver applies a driver braking force F that is not equal to zero driverShows the brake operating element - coupling device while exerting on the brake operating element. What can be seen is that after the first input rod component 10 is displaced by at least a predetermined first minimum displacement stroke from the first initial position of the first input rod component 10, at least one wedge element 16a is pressed against / pressed onto the rod section 14a of the second input rod component 14 by the inner wall 10c of the frustum - shaped opening, and the first input rod component 10 is clamped and fixed to the second input rod component 14 based on the eliminated intermediate gap, whereby the locking mechanism 16 is shifted / is made to shift from the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism 16 to the locking function mode of the locking mechanism 16. By the common displacement of both input rod components 10 and 14 fixed to each other via the locking mechanism 16 existing in the locking function mode of the locking mechanism 16, the driver braking force F driver is reliably transmitted to at least one displaceable piston of the master brake cylinder. The driver can be assisted with respect to the force by the multiplier device force F motor of the actuator / electric motor, which is still not equal to zero during braking induced by the driver. The braking fastening force F brake transmitted to at least one displaceable piston of the master brake cylinder is, in this case, the sum of the driver braking force F driver and the multiplier device force F motor .

[0032] Figure 1C shows the brake operating element - coupling device when braking autonomously, i.e., when the driver braking force F driver is equal to zero, and when the braking pressure formation is caused by the multiplier device force F motor not equal to zero. Based on the locking mechanism 16 existing in the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism 16, the second input rod component 14, together with the multiplier device piston 18, is under the multiplier device force F motorWhile it can be displaced in the brake fastening direction 12, the first input rod component 10 remains at the first initial position of the first input rod component 10. Thereby, even during autonomous braking, the accompanying displacement movement of the brake operating element not operated by the driver does not occur.

[0033] Figures 1Da and 1Db also show the brake operating element - coupling device during autonomous braking. However, while Figure 1Da represents the time interval of autonomous braking before a further braking request from the driver by operating the brake operating element, the driver applies a driver braking force F not equal to zero during the time interval of autonomous braking schematically shown by Figure 1Db. driver Additionally, a brake fastening action is exerted in the main brake cylinder. As can be seen from Figure 1Db, even during autonomous braking, the driver can still shift the locking mechanism 16 from the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism 16 to the locking function mode of the locking mechanism 16, even though the second input rod component 14 is being displaced from the second initial position of the second input rod component 14. The dead travel that the driver has to overcome for driver takeover is relatively short. The first minimum displacement travel can be 8 mm (millimeters) or less, particularly 5 mm (millimeters) or less, particularly 3 mm (millimeters) or less, and even 1.5 mm (millimeters) or less for any position of the second input rod component 14 between the second initial position of the second input rod component 14 and the end position of the second input rod component 14.

[0034] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of the brake operating element - coupling device.

[0035] The only difference from the embodiments of FIGS. 1A to 1D described above is that the brake operating element - coupling device of FIG. 2 includes at least one wedge element 16c made of an elastic polymer. Supporting at least one wedge element 16c by at least one tension spring and / or compression spring 16b may therefore be omitted.

[0036] For further features and advantages of the brake operating element - coupling device of FIG. 2, reference may be made to the embodiments of FIGS. 1A to 1D described above.

[0037] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of the brake operating element - coupling device.

[0038] In the case of the brake operating element - coupling device of FIG. 3, the locking mechanism 16 has an engaging element 16d, and the engaging element 16d is attached to the outer edge of the internal hollow chamber 10a of the first input rod component 10. The engaging element 16d can be formed from an elastic material at low cost. Preferably, the engaging element 16d is rotationally symmetric with respect to the longitudinal axis extending through the internal hollow chamber 10a of the first input rod component 10. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the rod section 14a of the second input rod component 14 passes through the engaging element 16d of the locking mechanism 16.

[0039] FIG. 3 is in the stationary position, i.e., the driver brake force F equal to zero driver and the assist force F equal to zero motorBased on this, when both input rod components 10 and 14 are in their initial positions, the brake operating element - coupling device is shown. When the first input rod component 10 is in its first initial position, the engaging element 16d is further in the unlocked position. This is because the second input rod component 14 can be displaced relative to the first input rod component 10 in the brake fastening direction 12 despite the rod section 14a of the second input rod component 14 passing through the engaging element 16d. In contrast, after the engaging element 16d displaces the first input rod component 10 by at least a predetermined first minimum displacement stroke from the first initial position of the first input rod component 10, the engaging element 16d tilts / has tilted from the unlocked position of the engaging element 16d to the locked position of the engaging element 16d, and at the locked position of the engaging element 16d, the engaging element 16d engages with the rod section 14a of the second input rod component 14. Thus, the locking mechanism 16 has shifted / is shifting from the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism 16 to the locking function mode of the locking mechanism 16.

[0040] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the first minimum displacement stroke does not depend on the current position of the second input rod component 14, that is, it is a constant first minimum displacement stroke. The first minimum displacement stroke can be 5 mm (millimeters) or less, particularly 3 mm (millimeters) or less, and particularly 1 mm (millimeter) or less.

[0041] As can be further discerned in FIG. 3, when the engaging element 16d is displaced back so as to return the first input rod component 10 to its first initial position in a direction opposite to the braking fastening direction 12, the engaging element 16d in the locked position abuts against a stopper 28b, preferably a stopper 28b formed in the housing 28. Thus, the engaging element 16d existing in the locked position of the engaging element 16d is displaced back from the locked position of the engaging element 16d to the unlocked position of the engaging element 16d, whereby the locking mechanism 16 is shifted / shifted from the locking function mode of the locking mechanism 16 to the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism 16.

[0042] For further features and advantages of the brake operating element - coupling device of FIG. 3, reference may be made to the embodiments of FIGS. 1A to 1D described above.

[0043] FIGS. 4A to 4D show schematic views of a fourth embodiment of the brake operating element - coupling device.

[0044] Unlike the foregoing embodiments, in the case of the brake operating element - coupling device of FIGS. 4A to 4D, the first input rod component 10 has a rod section 10d directed towards the second input rod component 14, and the rod section 10d penetrates into the internal calling chamber 14b of the second input rod component 14 when at least the first input rod component 10 is in the first initial position of the first input rod component 10 and the second input rod component 14 is in the second initial position of the second input rod component 14. Preferably, the rod section 10d penetrates into the internal calling chamber 14b at any position of the second input rod component 14 from the second initial position of the second input rod component 14 to the end position of the second input rod component 14 even when the first input rod component 10 is in the first initial position of the first input rod component 10. A locking mechanism 16 having at least one wedge element 16a also penetrates into the internal calling chamber 14b of the second input rod component 14. Additionally, at least a partial region 10e of the rod section 10d is formed in a frustoconical shape having a diameter decreasing in the brake fastening direction 12, and at least one wedge element 16a penetrating into the internal calling chamber 14b is disposed between the inner wall 14c of the internal calling chamber 14b and at least the frustoconical partial region 10e of the rod section 10d.

[0045] FIG. 4A shows the static position, i.e., the driver braking force F driver is equal to zero and the force multiplier force F motorShows the brake operating element and coupling device when it is equal to zero. At least one wedge element 16a is slightly pressed in the brake fastening direction 12 by the housing component 28a of the housing 28 while the first input rod component 10 is in the first initial position of the first input rod component 10. This is because there is still an intermediate gap 36 between the inner wall 14c of the internal call chamber 14b and at least one wedge element 16a. Thus, the locking mechanism 16 shown in FIGS. 4A to 4D also has a driver braking force F driver Is equal to zero, and when the first input rod component 10 is in the first initial position of the first input rod component 10, based on the intermediate gap 36 between the inner wall 14c of the internal call chamber 14b and at least one wedge element 16a, the locking mechanism 16 is in the unlocking function mode.

[0046] FIG. 4B shows the brake operating element and coupling device during operation of the brake operating element by the driver. It can be seen that after the first input rod component 10 is displaced by at least a predetermined first minimum displacement stroke from the first initial position of the first input rod component 10, at least one wedge element 16a is pressed against the inner wall 10c of the internal call chamber 14b by at least the frustoconical partial region 10e of the rod section 10d / pressed, and based on the eliminated intermediate gap 36 between the inner wall 14c and at least one wedge element 16a, the locking mechanism 16 has shifted / is configured to shift from the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism 16 to the locking function mode of the locking mechanism 16.

[0047] FIG. 4C shows during autonomous braking, i.e., when the driver braking force F driver Is equal to zero, the multiplier device force F not equal to zero motorShows a brake operating element - coupling device when brake pressure formation is caused thereby. Based on an intermediate gap 36 between an inner wall 14c and at least one wedge element 16a, a second input rod component 14, together with a force multiplier piston 18, has a force multiplier force F motor by which it can be displaced in the brake fastening direction 12, while a first input rod component 10 remains in a first initial position of the first input rod component 10.

[0048] In the operating situation shown by FIG. 4D, the driver, during autonomous braking, applies an additional driver brake force F driver unequal to zero to exert a brake fastening action in the main brake cylinder. At the start of the driver's brake fastening, even though the second input rod component 14 has already been displaced from a second initial position of the second input rod component 14 by a force multiplier force F motor unequal to zero, the driver can quickly and problem - free shift the locking mechanism 16 from an unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism 16 to a locking function mode of the locking mechanism 16.

[0049] By way of example only, FIGS. 4A to 4D further show a pedal rod 38, a main brake cylinder 40 having at least one displaceable piston 40a, an electric motor 42, and a control device 44 for controlling the operation of at least the electric motor 42 as (optional) components of the brake operating element - coupling device.

[0050] All of the above brake operating elements and coupling devices implement a mechanical concept of a decoupling input rod device, such that the force coupling between the input rod components 10 and 14 of the input rod device is selectively disconnectable. What is common to all brake operating elements and coupling devices is that during braking induced by the driver, the driver's brake fastening action (i.e., driver takeover) exerted within the master brake cylinder 40 is possible after overcoming a minimized deadband, while in the case of autonomous braking, there is decoupling of the brake operating elements from the master brake cylinder 40. However, even during autonomous braking, force transmission from the first input rod component 10 to the second input rod component 14 can still occur when the second input rod component 14 has been displaced from its second initial position by a displacement stroke such that the second input rod component 14 is not already equal to zero. The length of the displacement stroke by which the second input rod component 14 has been displaced from its second initial position has (substantially) no influence on the deadband that must be overcome for driver takeover. The driver will indeed notice a slightly changed characteristic curve during brake fastening during autonomous braking, but this is not usually felt to be a problem. All of the brake operating elements and coupling devices described above also have a mechanical fallback level that enables the driver to rapidly exert a brake fastening action within the rear-mounted master brake cylinder 40 by means of the driver brake force, even in the case of a power loss.

[0051] Incidentally, the usability of the above-described brake operating elements and coupling devices is not limited to a particular vehicle type or car type of the vehicle / automobile equipped with these brake operating elements and coupling devices. Similarly, the usability of these brake operating elements and coupling devices is not restricted to a certain brake system type of the brake system equipped with these brake operating elements and coupling devices / collaborating with these brake operating elements and coupling devices.

[0052] In the case of a brake operating element - coupling device where the first minimum displacement stroke depends on the current position of the second input rod component 14, the first minimum displacement stroke is 8 millimeters (mm) or less, particularly 5 mm or less, particularly 3 mm or less, and even more particularly 1.5 mm or less, for any position of the second input rod component 14 between the second initial position of the second input rod component 14 and the end position of the second input rod component 14. Alternatively, a first minimum displacement stroke that does not depend on / is constant with respect to the current position of the second input rod component 14 can be 5 mm or less, particularly 3 mm or less, particularly 1 mm or less.

Description of Signs

[0053] 10 First input rod component 10a Internal hollow chamber 10b Partial region 10c Inner wall 10d Rod section 10e Partial region 12 Brake fastening direction 14 Second input rod component 14a Rod section 14b Internal call chamber 14c Inner wall 16 Locking mechanism 16a Wedge element 16b Tension spring and / or compression spring 16c Wedge element 16d Engaging element 18 Multiplier piston 20 Nut 22 Reaction disk 24 Output rod 26 Return spring 28 Housing 28a Housing component 28b Stopper 30 Linear motion sensor 32 Magnet 34 Intermediate gap 36 Intermediate gap 38 Pedal rod 40 Master brake cylinder 40a Piston 42 Electric motor 44 Control device F brake Brake fastening force F driver Driver's braking force F motor Power booster force

Claims

Claim 1 A brake operating element coupling device, comprising a first input rod component (10), The first input rod component (10) is directly or indirectly connected to, or connectable to, the brake operating element such that a driver braking force (F ｄｒｉｖｅｒ ) exerted on the brake operating element and transmitted to the first input rod component (10) enables displacement of the first input rod component (10) from a first initial position thereof in the brake engagement direction (12) towards a device-specific or external master brake cylinder (40); comprising a second input rod component (14); and comprising a locking mechanism (16), The second input rod component (14) is displaceable in the braking fastening direction (12) together with the first input rod component (10) via the locking mechanism (16) which is in the locking function mode of the locking mechanism (16), and the driver braking force (F ｄｒｉｖｅｒ ), while being fixed to the first input rod component (10), is transmissible from the second input rod component (14) directly or indirectly to at least one displaceable piston (40a) of the master brake cylinder (40) such that wherein when the locking mechanism (16) is in the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism (16), the second input rod component (149) is displaceable relative to the first input rod component (10) in the brake fastening direction (12); In a brake operating element coupling device, the locking mechanism (16) is formed such that by displacing the first input rod component (10) by at least a predetermined first minimum displacement stroke from a first initial position of the first input rod component (10), the locking mechanism (16) can shift from the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism (16) to the locking function mode of the locking mechanism (16). A brake operating element coupling device characterized by the above. Claim 2 The second input rod component (14) is displaceable in the brake fastening direction (12) from a second initial position of the second input rod component (14) to a maximum end position, and the locking mechanism (16) is configured to displace the first input rod component (10) by at least a predetermined first minimum displacement stroke from a first initial position of the first input rod component (10) at any position of the second input rod component (14) from the second initial position of the second input rod component (14) to the end position of the second input rod component (14), so that the locking mechanism (16) can shift from the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism (16) to the locking function mode of the locking mechanism (16). The brake operating element coupling device according to Claim 1. Claim 3 The second input rod component (14) is displaceable from a second initial position of the second input rod component (14) up to a maximum the end position in the brake fastening direction (12), and as long as the locking mechanism (16) remains in the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism (16), from the second initial position of the second input rod component (14), at any position of the second input rod component (14) up to the end position of the second input rod component (14), the force transmission from the second input rod component (14) to the first input rod component (10) is blocked based on the locking mechanism (16) which is present in the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism (16), the brake operating element / coupling device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first input rod component (10) has a rod section (10d) directed towards the second input rod component (14), and the rod section (10d) penetrates into the internal calling chamber (14b) of the second input rod component (14) at least when the first input rod component (10) is present at a first initial position of the first input rod component (10) and the second input rod component (14) is present at a second initial position of the second input rod component (14), and the locking mechanism (16) penetrates into the internal calling chamber (14b) of the second input rod component (14), the brake operating element / coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. At least a partial region (10e) of the rod section (10d) is formed in a frustum of a cone having a diameter that decreases in the brake fastening direction (12), and the locking mechanism (16) has at least one wedge element (16a, 16c), and the wedge element (16a, 16c) penetrates into the internal call chamber (14b) and is disposed between the inner wall (14c) of the internal call chamber (14b) and at least the frustum-shaped partial region (10e) of the rod section (10d). At least one of the wedge elements (16a, 16c) is configured such that after displacing the first input rod component (10) by at least a predetermined first minimum displacement stroke from a first initial position of the first input rod component (10), the at least frustum-shaped partial region (10e) of the rod section (10d) presses against the inner wall (14c) of the internal call chamber (14b), whereby the locking mechanism (16) is adapted to shift from an unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism (16) to a locking function mode of the locking mechanism (16). The brake operating element - coupling device according to claim 4.

6. The second input rod component (14) has a rod section (14a) directed towards the first input rod component (10), and the rod section (14a) penetrates into the internal call chamber (10a) of the first input rod component (10) at least when the first input rod component (10) is in a first initial position of the first input rod component (10) and the second input rod component (14) is in a second initial position of the second input rod component (14), and the locking mechanism (16) is attached to an outer edge of the internal call chamber (10a) provided in the first input rod component (10) or penetrates into the internal call chamber (10a) of the first input rod component (10). The brake operating element - coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. At least a partial region (10b) of the internal call chamber (10a) is formed with a frustoconical opening, the diameter of the frustoconical opening increasing in the brake fastening direction (12), and the locking mechanism (16) having at least one wedge element (16a, 16c), the wedge element (16a, 16c) protruding into the frustoconical opening and being arranged between the inner wall (10c) of the frustoconical opening and the rod section (14a) of the second input rod component (14), at least one of the wedge elements (16a, 16c) displacing the first input rod component (10) by at least a predetermined first minimum displacement stroke from a first initial position of the first input rod component (10) and then being pressed against the rod section (14a) of the second input rod component (14) by the inner wall (10c) of the frustoconical opening, whereby the locking mechanism (16) is adapted to shift from an unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism (16) to a locking function mode of the locking mechanism (16), Brake operating element - coupling device according to claim 6.

8. The locking mechanism (16) attached to the outer edge of the internal call chamber (10a) has a meshing element (16d). The rod section (14a) of the second input rod component (14) passes through the meshing element (16d). When the first input rod component (10) is in the first initial position of the first input rod component (10), the meshing element (16d) is in the unlocked position. After the meshing element (16d) displaces the first input rod component (10) by at least a predetermined first minimum displacement stroke from the first initial position of the first input rod component (10), the meshing element (16d) tilts from the unlocked position of the meshing element (16d) to the locked position of the meshing element (16d). In the locked position of the meshing element (16d), the meshing element (16d) meshes with the rod section (14a) of the second input rod component (14). Thereby, the locking mechanism (16) is shifted from the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism (16) to the locking function mode of the locking mechanism (16). The brake operating element - coupling device according to claim 6.

9. The locking mechanism (16) can be shifted from the locking function mode of the locking mechanism (16) to the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism (16) by reversely displacing the first input rod component (10) back to the first initial position of the first input rod component (10) in a direction opposite to the brake fastening direction (12). The brake operating element - coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. When the engaging element (16d) existing at the locking position of the engaging element (16d) returns and displaces the first input rod component (10) in a direction opposite to the brake fastening direction (12) to the first initial position of the first input rod component (10), the engaging element (16d) is displaced from the locking position of the engaging element (16d) back to the unlocking position of the engaging element (16d), whereby the locking mechanism (16) is shifted from the locking function mode of the locking mechanism (16) to the unlocking function mode of the locking mechanism (16), and abuts against the stopper (28b). The brake operating element - coupling device according to claims 8 and 9.

11. The brake operating element coupling device is formed as a brake force multiplier device and includes a multiplier piston (18). The multiplier piston (18) is directly or indirectly connected to an actuator of the brake operating element coupling device such that the multiplier piston (18) is displaceable in the brake application direction (12) by a multiplier force (F ｍｏｔｏｒ ) transmitted to the multiplier piston (18) of the actuator. The multiplier piston (18) that is displaced in the brake application direction (12) by at least a predetermined second minimum displacement stroke mechanically contacts the second input rod component (14) such that the second input rod component (14) is displaceable in the brake application direction (12) in conjunction with the multiplier piston (18). The brake operating element coupling device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images