Brake force generator and operating device for brake device operating device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a braking force generator (4) for an operating device (1) of a brake device, the braking force generator having an electric motor (5) configured to drive a drive shaft (6) rotatably supported about a rotation axis (7), a transmission (31) operatively connected to the drive shaft (6), an operating sensor, and a control unit (14) for controlling the electric motor (5). [Solution] The control unit (14) is arranged axially at least approximately between the electric motor (5) on one side and the transmission device (31) on the other side, and a first plug-in connection device (19) for electrically contacting the control unit (14) and a second plug-in connection device (24) for electrically contacting the operating sensor to the control unit (14) are arranged.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a brake force generator for an actuating device of a brake system, which has an electric motor designed to drive a drive shaft supported for rotation about its axis of rotation, a transmission operatively connected to the drive shaft, an actuation sensor, and a control unit for controlling the electric motor.

[0002] The invention also relates to an actuating device equipped with a braking force generator of this type. [Background technology]

[0003] Hydraulic brake systems of motor vehicles usually have several friction brake devices. To actuate the friction brake devices, an actuation device is provided which usually comprises a master brake cylinder, in which at least one hydraulic piston is slidably supported. The master brake cylinder is fluidically connected to the slave cylinders of the friction brake devices so that the friction brake devices can be actuated by the sliding of the hydraulic piston.

[0004] An actuation device with a brake force generator is often attached to the vehicle structure, which has an electric motor and is designed to cause a hydraulic piston to slide by means of the electric motor. A brake force generator of this type is known, for example, from DE 10 200 43 336. In this case, the electric motor of the brake force generator is designed to drive a drive shaft supported for rotation about a rotation axis. The drive shaft is operatively connected to a transmission of the brake force generator. The transmission can be driven by the electric motor with the drive shaft. Furthermore, the brake force generator has an actuation sensor, i.e. a sensor designed to monitor the actuation of the brake force generator. The brake force generator also has a control unit designed to control the electric motor. In principle, the control unit is designed to control the electric motor depending on the sensor signal of the actuation sensor. In the brake force generator disclosed in DE 10 200 43 336, the control unit surrounds the electric motor in the radial direction in relation to the rotation axis of the drive shaft. DE 10 200 43 336 discloses an electric motor brake force generator in which the rotation axis of the drive shaft is aligned perpendicularly to the sliding axis of the hydraulic piston. From Patent Document 3, an electric motor type brake force generator is known in which a sensor element of an operating sensor is integrated in a control unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Publication No. 102013016912 [Patent Document 2] German Patent Publication No. 102013006795 [Patent Document 3] German Patent Publication No. 102014220358 Summary of the Invention Effect of the Invention

[0006] The brake force generator according to the invention having the features of claim 1 has the advantage that the assembly of the brake force generator is simplified taking into account the electrical or signal-technical connection of the control unit and the actuating sensor. For this purpose, according to the invention, the control unit is arranged at least approximately in the axial direction between the electric motor on one side and the transmission on the other side, and a first plug-in connection device for electrically contacting the control unit and a second plug-in connection device for electrically contacting the actuating sensor to the control unit are arranged. If the terms "axial" and "radial" are used in this description, these terms relate to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft, unless a different connection is expressly stated for these terms. According to the invention, the control unit is arranged at least approximately in the axial direction between the electric motor on one side and the transmission on the other side. This does not exclude the control unit having a section which is located at the same height as the electric motor or at the same height as the transmission in the axial direction. By such an arrangement of the control unit according to the invention, the control unit is located on the one hand at a place where it is easily accessible for the assembly technician, and on the other hand at a place where the actuating sensor can be technically simply connected to the second plug-in device. In a preferred embodiment, the control unit has a section facing the electric motor in the axial direction. This section is located at the same height as the electric motor in the radial direction, so that the electric motor is axially spaced from the transmission by this section of the control unit. In a preferred embodiment, the control unit has a section that is radially offset from the electric motor. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second plug-in devices are arranged on this section of the control unit. The first plug-in device is provided for contacting the control unit. In this respect, the first plug-in device is electrically connected to the control unit and has at least one electrical connection, preferably several electrical connections, for contacting the control unit. The second plug-in device is provided for contacting the actuating sensor.In this respect, the second plug-in connection device is electrically connected to the actuating sensor and has at least one electrical connection, preferably several electrical connections, for contact-connecting the actuating sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the plug-in connection device is configured as a connector receptacle for receiving a connector device. Alternatively, the plug-in connection device is configured as a connector device for being plugged into the connector receptacle. Elements that can be connected to several plug-in connection devices by plugging them together for contact-connecting the control unit or the actuating sensor are also referred to below as counter plug-in connection devices. The first and second plug-in connection devices are arranged in the control unit according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment, the control unit has a control unit housing, in which the first and second plug-in connection devices are arranged. In a preferred embodiment, the brake force generator has an actuating member that is slidable along the sliding axis of the hydraulic piston and is connected to the hydraulic piston in such a way that the hydraulic piston is slidable by the sliding of the actuating member. In a preferred embodiment, the drive shaft is connected to the operating member by a transmission such that the operating member can be slid by the electric motor. For example, the operating member is a threaded spindle, the outer transmission of which meshes with an inner transmission of a spindle nut of the transmission. In a preferred embodiment, the operating sensor is configured for monitoring the sliding position of the operating member and / or the sliding position of an input rod which is / can be connected to the brake pedal. For example, the operating sensor has a measurement value transmitter connected to the input rod as well as a receiver connected to the operating member. The operating sensor is configured as a differential stroke sensor for detecting an axial differential stroke between the measurement value transmitter and the receiver.

[0007] According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second plug-in connection devices are arranged at the same axial height, which allows a particularly simple connection of the control unit and the actuation sensor during assembly of the brake force generator. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second plug-in connection devices are arranged adjacent to one another in the radial direction.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second plug-in connection devices are arranged in the same housing wall of the control unit housing. This has the advantage that only this housing wall needs to remain accessible for connecting the control unit and the actuating sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second plug-in connection devices are arranged in a housing wall aligned perpendicular to the rotation axis of the drive shaft. Particularly preferably, the first and second plug-in connection devices are arranged in a housing wall aligned perpendicular to the rotation axis of the drive shaft and facing away from the transmission.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the second plug-in connection device is connected to the actuation sensor by at least one electrical wiring that runs through the control unit housing. This results in a technically simple connection of the actuation sensor to the second plug-in connection device, in particular because the wiring does not have to be guided around the control unit housing. Furthermore, since the wiring runs through the control unit housing, it is protected against mechanical influences by the control unit housing. In a preferred embodiment, the housing wall of the control unit housing that is aligned perpendicular to the rotation axis of the drive shaft and faces away from the electric motor has an axial opening through which the electrical wiring enters the control unit housing.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the first and second plug connection devices have a common connector housing. A connector housing can be understood as a component on which the electrical connections of the plug connection devices are arranged or formed directly. The electrical connections of the first plug connection device and the electrical connections of the second plug connection device are arranged on the same component in this embodiment. This allows the first and second plug connection devices to be easily operated together. In a preferred embodiment, the common connector housing is formed by the control unit housing. Alternatively, the common connector housing is designed separately from the control unit housing and is inserted into a recess or opening in the control unit housing.

[0011] According to an alternative embodiment, the first plug-in connection device preferably has a first connector housing and the second plug-in connection device preferably has a second connector housing configured separately from the first connector housing. In a preferred form, the first connector housing is formed by the control unit housing. Alternatively, the first connector housing is formed by a connector housing, preferably configured separately from the control unit housing, which is inserted into a recess or opening in the control unit housing. The second connector housing is preferably configured separately from the control unit housing and is inserted into a recess or opening in the control unit housing.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the transmission is arranged in a main housing of the brake force generator and the electric motor is arranged in a motor housing of the brake force generator, which is constructed separately from the main housing, the main housing and the motor housing being connected to each other by a housing flange. A housing flange is provided which is connected to the main housing on one side and to the control unit housing on the other side. This results in a rigid connection between the main housing and the motor housing. By housing flange is meant here a plate-shaped housing part. In a preferred embodiment, the housing flange is connected to the main housing by a screw connection. In a preferred embodiment, the housing flange is aligned perpendicular to the rotation axis of the drive shaft.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit is arranged at least approximately in the axial direction between the housing flange on one side and the motor housing on the other side. The housing flange is therefore arranged in the axial direction between the control unit on one side and the transmission on the other side. This has the advantage that the housing flange is brought into direct contact with the main housing and thus the housing flange is particularly firmly fixed to the main housing. In a preferred embodiment, the control unit housing abuts on the housing flange in a face-to-face manner. In this case, the control unit housing is preferably connected to the housing flange. For example, the control unit housing is glued to the housing flange.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the brake force generator has an elongated fastening element which extends axially through the control unit, by means of which the motor housing is connected to the housing flange. The fastening element provides a firm fastening of the motor housing to the housing flange or to the main housing, despite the motor housing being axially spaced from the housing flange. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening element is connected to the motor housing by a press connection. In a preferred embodiment, the fastening element is connected to the housing flange by a press connection. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of elongated fastening elements are provided which are radially spaced from one another and which are connected to the housing flange by the motor housing.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the main housing has a radial projection axially facing the control unit, which has an axial opening through which the electrical wiring extends. The actuation sensor is essentially arranged in the main housing. Accordingly, in order to contact the actuation sensor, the electrical wiring must be guided through the main housing. By guiding the electrical wiring into the main housing in the region of the radial projection, the wiring extends at most over a short distance outside the housing. Particularly preferably, the axial opening of the radial projection is located axially opposite an axial opening in the housing wall of the control unit housing, through which the wiring enters the control unit housing.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the control unit has a printed circuit board which has an axial opening through which the drive shaft is axially inserted. Since the control unit is arranged between the electric motor on the one side and the transmission on the other side, it is fundamentally difficult to connect the electric motor to the transmission. According to this solution, by providing a printed circuit board with an axial opening through which the drive shaft is axially inserted, a mechanically simple and at the same time space-saving connection is ensured.

[0017] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit is in thermally conductive contact with the housing flange for heat removal and / or the control unit is in thermally conductive contact with the main housing for heat removal. The housing flange and the main housing are essentially made of metal, which has a high thermal conductivity. In a preferred embodiment, the thermally conductive contact is provided by a contact connection between the control unit and the housing flange or between the control unit and the main housing. As a result, the advantage is that a separate cooling element for heat removal of the control unit can be omitted. This saves costs and installation space.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit is configured as bent at an angle, in which case the control unit has a first leg and a second leg, which are arranged at an angle to each other. Such a configuration of the control unit offers the advantage that a radial offset between the area where the electrical wiring protrudes from the main housing and the electric motor can be bridged in a preferred manner by the control unit. In a preferred manner, the first leg of the control unit faces axially towards the electric motor and the second leg faces axially towards the radial protrusion of the main housing.

[0019] The actuating device for a braking system according to the invention has a master brake cylinder in which at least one hydraulic piston is axially slidably supported. The actuating device is distinguished by a brake force generator according to the invention according to the features of claim 14, in which the hydraulic piston is axially slidable by an electric motor, from which the aforementioned advantages are obtained. Further advantageous features and feature combinations are set out in the description and in the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an actuating device 1 for a hydraulic braking system of a motor vehicle. The actuating device 1 has a master brake cylinder 2 in which at least one hydraulic piston is axially slidably supported along a sliding axis 3. In this case, the master brake cylinder 2 is a tandem master cylinder 2. Correspondingly, two hydraulic pistons are axially slidably supported one behind the other in the master brake cylinder 2. If the actuating device 1 is installed as part of a brake system in a motor vehicle, the master brake cylinder 2 is connected by means of a hydraulic connection (not shown) to a slave cylinder of a friction brake system of the brake system, in such a way that the friction brake system can be actuated by the sliding of the hydraulic pistons.

[0023] The actuation device 1 further comprises an electric brake force generator 4. The brake force generator 4 comprises an electric motor 5, which is arranged in a motor housing 11. The electric motor 5 is designed to drive a drive shaft 6, which is rotatably supported about a rotation axis 7. For this purpose, the rotor of the electric motor 5 is connected to the drive shaft 6 in a non-rotatable manner. Here, the sliding axis 3 and the rotation axis 7 run parallel to one another.

[0024] The brake force generator 4 further has a main housing 8. The main housing 8 is made up of multiple parts, but only a cover 9 of the main housing 8 is shown in Figure 1. The master brake cylinder 2 is connected to the cover 9 by an operating means 10.

[0025] The braking force generator 4 further comprises an operating member, not shown in Fig. 1, which is supported so as to be slidable along a sliding axis 3. The operating member is connected to a hydraulic piston such that the hydraulic piston is slidable by the sliding of the operating member.

[0026] The braking force generator 4 further comprises a transmission 31, not shown in Fig. 1. By means of the transmission 31, the operating member is connected to the drive shaft 6 so as to be axially slidable by rotation of the drive shaft 6. Thus, a hydraulic piston supported in the master brake cylinder 2 or a plurality of hydraulic pistons supported in the master brake cylinder 2 can be slidable by the electric motor 5, so that the friction brake device of the braking device can be operated by the electric motor 5.

[0027] The motor housing 11 is connected by means of a housing flange 12 to a transmission housing 38, not shown in FIG. 1, of the main housing 8. In this case, the housing flange 12 is connected to the transmission housing 38 by fastening means 13. The fastening of the motor housing 11 to the housing flange 12 is explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2. The transmission housing 38 is also connected to the cover 9 of the main housing 8 by fastening means, not shown.

[0028] Furthermore, the brake force generator 4 has a control unit 14 with a control unit housing 15. The control unit 14 is here designed to control the electric motor 5. The control unit 14 is here designed to be angled, i.e. it has a first leg 16 and a second leg 17, which are angularly aligned with respect to one another. In this case, the first leg 16 has a section 18 which faces axially towards the electric motor 5. The second leg 17 is arranged radially offset with respect to the electric motor 5.

[0029] In the region of the second leg 17, a first plug-in connection device 19 for the contact-connection of the control unit 14 is arranged. The first plug-in connection device 19 has a first connector housing 20. The first connector housing 20 is inserted into an axial opening 22 in a housing wall 23 of the control unit housing 15, the housing wall 23 being aligned perpendicularly to the sliding axis 3 and facing away from the gearing 31. A number of electrical connections 21 for the contact-connection of the control unit 14 are arranged in the first connector housing 20. Here, the first plug-in connection device 19 is a connector receptacle 19 designed for receiving a connector device. Alternatively, the first plug-in connection device 19 is designed as a connector device.

[0030] Furthermore, the brake force generator 4 has an actuation sensor, not shown in FIG. 1, which is arranged in the main housing 8. The actuation sensor is configured for monitoring the shift position of an actuating member and / or of an input rod connected to a brake pedal of the brake system. For example, the actuation sensor is configured as a differential stroke sensor and for this purpose has a measured value transmitter connected to the input rod as well as a receiver connected to the actuating member. The control unit 14 is configured for controlling the electric motor 5 depending on the sensor signal of the actuating sensor.

[0031] In the region of the second leg 17, a second plug-in connection device 24 for contact-connecting an actuating sensor is provided. The second plug-in connection device 24 has a second connector housing 25. The second connector housing 25 is plugged into an axial opening 26 in the housing wall 23 of the control unit housing 15. A number of electrical connections 27 for contact-connecting the actuating sensors are arranged on the second connector housing 25. The electrical connections 27 are electrically connected to the actuating sensors by electrical wiring. Here, the second plug-in connection device 24 is a connector receptacle 24 that is configured for receiving a connector device. Alternatively, the second plug-in connection device 24 is configured as a connector device.

[0032] 1, the first plug connection device 19 and the second plug connection device 24 are arranged adjacent to each other on the control unit 14. This reduces the connection between the plug connection devices 19, 24 and the corresponding counter plug connection devices when the operating device 1 is installed in the vehicle.

[0033] 1, which is aligned perpendicular to the sliding axis 3 and faces away from the electric motor 5. This housing wall has an axial opening which is axially aligned with the axial opening 26. An electrical wire electrically connecting the connection 27 with the actuation sensor protrudes from the control unit housing 15 through an axial opening in the housing wall facing away from the electric motor 5.

[0034] The cover 9 has a radial projection 29 which faces axially towards the control unit 14 in the region in which the second plug-in connection device 24 is arranged. The radial projection 29 has an axial opening which is axially aligned with the axial opening 26. An electrical line electrically connecting the connection 27 to the actuation sensor passes through the axial opening of the radial projection 29 into the main housing 8 and from there to the actuation sensor.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the operating device 1 taken along the cutting plane 30 shown in FIG.

[0036] First, the configuration of the transmission 31 shown in FIG. 2 will be described in detail. The transmission 31 has a spur gear 32 connected to the drive shaft 6 in such a way that it cannot rotate relative to the drive shaft 6. The transmission 31 further has a rotatably supported double gear 33 with a first tooth row 34 and a second tooth row 35. The tooth row of the spur gear 32 meshes with the first tooth row 34 of the double gear 33. The transmission 31 further has a rotatably supported spindle nut 36. The second tooth row 35 of the double gear 33 meshes with the external tooth row of the spindle nut 36. The internal tooth row (not shown) of the spindle nut 36 meshes with the external tooth row of a threaded spindle 37, which is axially slidably supported, so that the threaded spindle 37 can be axially slidable by the rotation of the spindle nut 36. The axially slidable operating member is formed by the threaded spindle 37 or by a member slidably connected together with the threaded spindle 37. As further shown in FIG. 2, transmission 31 is at least generally disposed within a transmission housing 38 .

[0037] As further shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 14 is arranged axially between the electric motor 5 on the one side and the transmission 31 on the other side. That is to say, the electric motor 5 is arranged axially at a distance from the transmission 31 by the control unit 14. With such an arrangement of the control unit 14, the control unit 14 faces the main housing 8 in the axial direction. This reduces the connection of the actuating sensor to the second plug-in connection device 24. The housing flange 12 is arranged axially between the control unit 14 on the one side and the transmission housing 38 on the other side. In this case, the control unit 14 bears against the housing flange 12 in a surface-like manner. Such a surface-like bearing allows for the removal of heat from the control unit 14 by the metallic transmission flange 12 in this region.

[0038] The control unit 14 has a printed circuit board 39 on which power electronics with a number of switching elements, for example for controlling the phases of the electric motor 5, are arranged. The switching elements of the power electronics are electrically connected to the phases of the electric motor 5 by electrical wiring 40. The printed circuit board 39 has an axial opening 41. The drive shaft 6 is axially engaged in the axial opening 41.

[0039] For monitoring the angle of rotation of the drive shaft 6, a magnet element 42 is provided, which is connected to the drive shaft 6 so as to be non-rotatable relative to it. Also provided is a receiver, not shown in Fig. 2, which is designed to detect the magnetic field generated by the magnet element 42. For this purpose, the receiver is arranged, for example, radially or axially opposite the magnet element 42.

[0040] To fasten the electric motor 5 to the housing flange 12, several longitudinal fastening elements are provided, of which only one fastening element 43 is shown in FIG. 2. The fastening element 43 extends axially through the control unit 14. The fastening element 43 is connected to the motor housing 11 by a press connection. The fastening element 43 is further connected to the housing flange 12 by a press connection. Here, the printed circuit board 39 has an axial opening through which the fastening element 43 extends. Alternatively, the fastening element 43 extends through an area of ​​the control unit 14 where the printed circuit board 39 is not present. Here, the fastening element 43 is a sleeve-shaped fastening element 43. [Explanation of symbols]

[0041] 1 Operating device 2 Master brake cylinder, tandem master cylinder 3 Sliding axis 4 Brake force generator 5 Electric motor 6 Drive shaft 7 Rotation axis 8 Main Housing 9 Cover 11 Motor housing 12 Housing flange 13 Fixing means 14 Control unit 15 Control unit housing 16 First Leg 17 Second Leg 18 Section axially facing the motor 5 19 First plug-in connection device, connector receptacle 20 First connector housing 22 Axial opening 23 Housing Wall 24 Second plug-in connection device, connector receptacle 25 Second Connector Housing 26 Axial opening 27 Electrical connections and connections 29 Radial projection 30 Cut surface 31 Transmission 32 Spur Gear 33 Double Gear 34 First dentition 35 Second dentition 36 Spindle nut 37 Threaded Spindle 38 Transmission housing 39 Printed Circuit Boards 40 Electrical wiring 41 Axial opening 42 Magnet Element 43 Fixing member A View direction

Claims

1. A brake force generator for an operating device of a brake device, comprising: an electric motor (5) configured to drive a drive shaft (6) rotatably supported about a rotation axis (7); a transmission (31) interlockingly connected to the drive shaft (6) for sliding a hydraulic piston of a master brake cylinder in parallel with the drive shaft by rotation of the drive shaft; an operation sensor; and a control unit (14) for controlling the electric motor (5), At least a part of the control unit (14) is arranged axially between the electric motor (5) on one side and the transmission (31) on the other side, 1. A brake force generator for an operating device of a brake device, characterized in that the control unit (14) has a control unit housing (15), and a first plug-in connection device (19) for electrically contacting the control unit (14) and a second plug-in connection device (24) for electrically contacting the operating sensor to the control unit (14) are arranged on a housing wall (23) of the control unit housing (15) aligned perpendicular to the drive shaft.

2. 2. Brake force generator according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and the second plug-in connection devices (19, 24) are arranged at the same axial height.

3. A brake force generator as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the second plug-in connection device (24) is connected to the operating sensor by at least one electrical wiring extending through the control unit housing (15).

4. A brake force generator as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first plug-in connection device (19) has a first connector housing (20), and the second plug-in connection device (24) has a second connector housing (25) configured separately from the first connector housing (20).

5. A brake force generator as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the transmission device (31) is arranged in a main housing (8), the electric motor (5) is arranged in a motor housing (11) configured separately from the main housing (8), and the main housing (8) and the motor housing (11) are connected to each other by a housing flange (12).

6. A brake force generator as described in claim 5, characterized in that at least a part of the control unit (14) is arranged axially between the housing flange (12) on one side and the motor housing (11) on the other side.

7. A brake force generator as described in claim 6, characterized in that at least one elongated fixing member (43) is provided extending axially through the control unit (14), and the motor housing (11) is connected to the housing flange (12) by the fixing member (43).

8. A brake force generator as described in any one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the main housing (8) has a radial protrusion (29) axially facing the control unit (14), the radial protrusion (29) has an axial opening, and electrical wiring extends through the axial opening.

9. A brake force generator as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the control unit (14) has a printed circuit board (39), the printed circuit board (39) has an axial opening (41), and the drive shaft (6) is axially engaged with the axial opening (41).

10. A brake force generator as described in any one of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that the control unit (14) is in thermally conductive contact with the housing flange (12) for heat removal, and / or the control unit (14) is in thermally conductive contact with the main housing (8) for heat removal.

11. A braking force generator as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the control unit (14) is configured to be bent at an angle.

12. An operating device for a brake device, comprising: a master brake cylinder (2) having at least one hydraulic piston supported therein so as to be axially slidable; and a brake force generator (4) as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the hydraulic piston is axially slidable by the electric motor (5).

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