Braking feel simulator device

Abstract

A braking feel simulator device (1) for a braking system (2) of the Brake-By-Wire type, said braking feel simulator device (1) being adapted to be connected to a brake pedal (3), wherein the braking feel simulator device (1) comprises at least one elastic element (4); a thrust piston (5) configured to be biased against the at least one elastic element (4) in response to an actuation of the brake pedal (3) so that the at least one elastic element (4) applies a counteracting force upon the actuation of the brake pedal (3); a preloading device (6), configured to preload the at least one elastic element (4) in an adjustable manner, wherein the preloading device (6) is positioned to be opposite to the thrust piston (5) with respect to the at least one elastic element (4), and wherein the preloading device (6) is an irreversible device.

Description

“Braking feel simulator device” DESCRIPTION

[0001] Field of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a braking feel simulator device for a Brake- By-Wire ("BBW') type braking system of vehicles with two or more wheels actuatable by a driver by means of a brake pedal or lever, and to a braking system provided with such a braking feel simulator device.

[0003] Background art

[0004] In braking systems of the BBW type, there is a decoupling between force and displacement applied to the brake pedal or lever by the driver and the resulting braking force which is applied by the calipers to the vehicle wheels.

[0005] In BBW braking systems, the force and displacement imparted by the driver on the brake pedal or lever are transduced into an electrical signal which is processed by a control unit to control the actuation of the braking system calipers.

[0006] Accordingly, it is known to equip the BBW braking systems with a braking feel simulator device, referred to as a “simulator device” for brevity, connected to the brake pedal or lever and configured to simulate the feel and stiffness of a brake pedal or lever of conventional hydraulic braking systems, and thus emulate the "stiffness curve” thereof.

[0007] "Stiffness curve" means the relationship between the displacement of the brake pedal or lever along its stroke and the respective reaction force applied by the simulator device to the brake pedal or lever, and thus by the brake pedal or lever to the driver. In general, the stiffness curve has a first segment with low stiffness, a second segment with medium stiffness, and a third segment with high stiffness. Again in general terms, a steeper, "hard", stiffness curve is preferred for an "aggressive" or "sporty" driving style, while a less steep, "soft", stiffness curve is preferred for a "city" or "eco" driving style.

[0008] In the prior art, the stiffness curve of the simulator device can be designed beforehand, based on the driver's needs, so that the brake pedal or lever has the "hardness" required by the driver.

[0009] The known simulator devices comprise a plurality of elastic elements, usually helical springs, arranged in series or in parallel and configured to apply, upon a tensile or compressive stress thereof, an overall reaction force, which replicates the stiffness curve of a conventional hydraulic braking system.

[0010] However, the known simulator devices do not allow modulating or adjusting the stiffness curve, and thus the "hardness" of the brake pedal or lever, without acomplete redesign of the simulator device. Therefore, the known simulator devices are not customizable and adjustable to the needs of different driving styles, unless the simulator device is disassembled from the braking system and the components thereof are redesigned and replaced.

[0011] Moreover, the stiffness curve achieved by known simulator devices is subject to instabilities and variations over time, mainly due to the mechanical tolerances of the several components inside the simulator device, and in particular the tolerances of the group of springs and elastic elements arranged in series and in parallel inside the simulator device.

[0012] Moreover, the known simulator devices do not return tactile signals and feedback to the driver, such as the trembling of the brake pedal of a conventional braking system which is triggered when the ABS intervenes.

[0013] Solution

[0014] It is the object of the present invention to provide a braking feel simulator device and a braking system provided with such a simulator device, such as to obviate at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0015] It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a simulator device configured to allow the adjustment and customization of the stiffness curve thereof without requiring a complete redesign.

[0016] It is a further particular object of the present invention to provide a simulator device, which is more stable, more efficient, and less prone to the mechanical deterioration typical of known simulator devices.

[0017] It is a further particular object of the present invention to provide a simulator device configured to return tactile signals and feedback to the driver, such as the trembling of the brake pedal of a conventional braking system which is triggered when the ABS intervenes.

[0018] These and other objects are achieved by a braking feel simulator device and a braking system provided with such a simulator device according to the independent claims.

[0019] The dependent claims relate to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] Figures

[0021] In order to better understand the invention and appreciate the advantages thereof, some non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof will be described below withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] - figure 1 diagrammatically shows a braking system comprising a braking feel simulator device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] - figure 2 is a front perspective view of a braking feel simulator device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] - figure 3 is a rear perspective view of a braking feel simulator device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] - figure 4 is an axial section view of the braking feel simulator device in figure3;

[0026] - figure 5 is an exploded front perspective view of a braking feel simulator device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] - figure 6 is an exploded rear perspective view of the braking feel simulator device shown in figure 5;

[0028] - figure 7 is an exploded front perspective view of a braking feel simulator device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] - figure 8 is an exploded rear perspective view of the braking feel simulator device shown in figure 7;

[0030] - figure 9 is an exploded front perspective view of a braking feel simulator device according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] - figure 10 is an exploded rear perspective view of the braking feel simulator device shown in figure 9;

[0032] - figure 11 diagrammatically shows a braking system comprising a braking feel simulator device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0033] - figure 12 diagrammatically shows a braking system comprising a braking feel simulator device, according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0034] Description of some preferred embodiments

[0035] The present invention is suitable for being applied to a braking system of the Brake-By-Wire ("BBW") type of vehicles with two or more wheels, actuatable by a driver by means of a brake pedal or lever. Therefore, in the present description, the term "brake pedal" means indistinctly both a brake pedal for motor vehicles and the like and a brake lever for motorcycles, mopeds, and the like, unless otherwise specified.

[0036] With reference to the figures, a braking feel simulator device is generally indicated by reference numeral 1. The braking feel simulator device 1 is adapted to be used in a braking system 2, in particular a braking system 2 of the “Brake-By-Wire”(BBW) type.

[0037] The braking feel simulator device 1 is adapted to be connected to a brake pedal 3.

[0038] The braking feel simulator device 1 comprises at least one elastic element 4.

[0039] Moreover, the braking feel simulator device 1 comprises a thrust piston 5.

[0040] The thrust piston 5 is configured to be biased against the at least one elastic element 4, in response to an actuation of the brake pedal 3. The bias of the thrust piston 5 against the at least one elastic element 4 caused by the actuation of the brake pedal 3 thus causes the at least one elastic element 4 to apply a counteracting force upon the actuation of the pedal 3.

[0041] Furthermore, the braking feel simulator device 1 comprises a preloading device 6.

[0042] The preloading device 6 is configured to preload the at least one elastic element 4 in an adjustable manner. Specifically, by means of the preloading device 6 it is possible to preload the at least one elastic element 4 with different, thus adjustable, preloading degrees.

[0043] The preloading device 6 is positioned to be opposite to the thrust piston 5 with respect to the at least one elastic element 4. Specifically, the preloading device 6 and the thrust piston 5 act on the two opposite ends of the at least one elastic element 4.

[0044] According to an aspect of the invention, the preloading device 6 is an irreversible device.

[0045] "Irreversible" means that the preloading device 6 does not perform retrograde motion in the absence of external actuation. Therefore, in the absence of external actuation, the preloading device 6 is configured to maintain a given preload on the at least one elastic element 4. Conversely, a change in the preload of the at least one elastic element 4, such as a reduction or increase in the preload, for example, requires an actuation of the preloading device 6.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the preloading device 6 comprises a preloading mechanism 8 configured to apply a preload of the at least one elastic element 4.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the preloading mechanism 8 is a threaded mechanism with an irreversible thread.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the preloading mechanism 6 is an electromechanical device.

[0049] The preloading device 6 comprises an electric motor 7.

[0050] Furthermore, the preloading device 6 comprises a preloading mechanism 8.

[0051] The preloading mechanism 8 is configured to apply a preload of the at least one elastic element 4.

[0052] The electric motor 7 is configured to actuate the preloading mechanism 8 so that the preloading mechanism 8 preloads the at least one elastic element 4.

[0053] Furthermore, the preloading mechanism 8 is an irreversible mechanism.

[0054] Advantageously, a braking feel simulator device 1 thus configured allows adjusting and customizing the stiffness curve without requiring a complete redesign.

[0055] Indeed, by means of the preloading device 6, it is possible to adjust the preload of the at least one elastic element 4 and thus vary and adjust the "hardness" of the stiffness curve of the braking feel simulator device 1 .

[0056] A higher preload of the at least one elastic element 4 corresponds to a higher resistance to the movement of the thrust piston 5 against the at least one elastic element 4, and thus a higher counteracting force on the actuation of the brake pedal 3 and a harder stiffness curve.

[0057] Conversely, a lower preload of the at least one elastic element 4 corresponds to a lower resistance to the movement of the thrust piston 5 against the at least one elastic element 4, and thus a lower counteracting force on the actuation of the brake pedal 3 and a less hard stiffness curve.

[0058] With further advantage, the braking feel simulator device 1 thus configured has a simplified structure and is more stable, more efficient, and less prone to mechanical deterioration typical of the known simulator devices.

[0059] With further advantage, the “irreversible” configuration of the preloading mechanism 8 prevents a retrograde motion of the preloading mechanism 8 in the absence of actuation, e.g., by the electric motor 7.

[0060] Therefore, in the absence of an actuation, e.g., by the electric motor 7, the preloading mechanism 8 is configured to maintain a given preload on the at least one elastic element 4.

[0061] Conversely, a change in the preload of the at least one elastic element 4, such as a reduction or increase in the preload, for example, requires an actuation of the preloading mechanism 8, e.g., by the electric motor 7.

[0062] Advantageously, a braking feel simulator device 1 thus configured requires less energy consumption because the irreversibility of the preloading mechanism 8 does not require a constant actuation of the electric motor 7 in order to ensure and preserve agiven preload level of the at least one elastic element 4.

[0063] With further advantage, the braking feel simulator device 1 thus configured allows providing tactile signals and feedback to the driver, such as the trembling of the brake pedal of a conventional braking system which is triggered when the ABS intervenes. This is achieved by the action of the electric motor 7, configured to vary, by means of the preloading mechanism 8, the preload acting on the at least one elastic element 4. Such a change in the preload is then transmitted to the brake pedal 3, so as to obtain the desired tactile signals or vibrations.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the at least one elastic element 4 is positioned interposed between the thrust piston 5 and the preloading device 8. Therefore, the preloading mechanism 8 is positioned opposite to the thrust piston 5 with respect to the at least one elastic element 4.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the electric motor 7 is positioned opposite to the at least one elastic element 4 with respect to the preloading mechanism 8.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the electric motor 7 is positioned coaxially to the at least one elastic element 4.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the at least one elastic element 4 comprises a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the at least one elastic element 4 is positioned abutting against the thrust piston 5 and the second end of the at least one elastic element 4 is positioned abutting against the preloading mechanism 8.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the preloading mechanism 8 is coaxial to an actuation axis 9.

[0069] According to an embodiment, the electric motor 7 comprises a drive shaft 13 extended along the motor axis 14. According to an embodiment, the motor axis 14 is parallel to, preferably coincident with, the actuation axis 9.

[0070] Screw-nut screw assembly 10

[0071] According to an embodiment, the preloading mechanism 8 is a screw-nut screw assembly 10.

[0072] The screw-nut screw assembly 10 faces the at least one elastic element 4.

[0073] Moreover, the screw-nut screw assembly 10 is coaxial to an actuation axis 9.

[0074] The screw-nut screw assembly 10 comprises a screw 11 and a nut screw 12.

[0075] The screw 11 and the nut screw 12 are connected to each other so that a relative translation of the nut screw 12 with respect to the screw 11 along the actuationaxis 9 corresponds to a relative rotation of the screw 11 with respect to the nut screw 12 about the actuation axis 9.

[0076] The electric motor 7 comprises a drive shaft 13 extending along a motor axis 14.

[0077] The screw-nut screw assembly 10 is connected to the drive shaft 13.

[0078] The electric motor 7 is configured to apply a mechanical torque on at least one of the screw 11 and the nut screw 12 so as to translate at least one of the screw 11 and the nut screw 12 either towards or away from the thrust piston 5, along the actuation axis9 so as to either increase or decrease the preload of the at least one elastic element 4.

[0079] Specifically, a translation of the screw 11 or the nut screw 12 towards the thrust piston 5 corresponds to an increase in the preload of the at least one elastic element 4 interposed between the screw-nut screw assembly 10 and the thrust piston 5.

[0080] Vice versa, a translation of the screw 11 or the nut screw 12 towards the thrust piston 5 corresponds to a decrease in the preload of the at least one elastic element 4 interposed between the screw-nut screw assembly 10 and the thrust piston 5.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 comprises a housing body 15 extending along the actuation axis 9.

[0082] The housing body 15 defines a housing compartment 16 therein.

[0083] The thrust piston 5, the at least one elastic element 4 and the preloading mechanism 6 are housed inside the housing compartment 16.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the screw-nut screw assembly 10 is housed inside the housing compartment 16.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the screw 11 of the screw-nut screw assembly10 is connected to the drive shaft 13 of the electric motor 7 so that the screw 11 is configured to receive a mechanical torque from the electric motor 7.

[0086] The screw 11 is configured to rotate with respect to the housing body 15, but not to translate with respect to the housing body 15.

[0087] Furthermore, the nut screw 12 of the screw-nut screw assembly 10 is configured to translate along the actuation axis 9 with respect to the housing body 15, but not to rotate with respect to the housing body 15.

[0088] Moreover, the nut screw 12 is configured to translate either towards or away from the thrust piston 5, along the actuation axis 9, so as to either increase or decrease the preload of the at least one elastic element 4.

[0089] Specifically, a translation of the nut screw 12 towards the thrust piston 5corresponds to an increase in the preload of the at least one elastic element 4 interposed between the nut screw 12 and the thrust piston 5. Indeed, a translation of the nut screw 12 towards the thrust piston 5, and thus towards the at least one elastic element 4, corresponds to a compression of the at least one elastic element 4.

[0090] Conversely, a translation of the nut screw 12 away from the thrust piston 5 corresponds to a decrease in the preload of the at least one elastic element 4 interposed between the nut screw 12 and the thrust piston 5. Indeed, a translation of the nut screw 12 away from the thrust piston 5, and thus away from the at least one elastic element 4, corresponds to a release of the compression of the at least one elastic element 4.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the first end of the at least one elastic element 4 abuts against the thrust piston 5, and the second end of the at least one elastic element 4 abuts against the nut screw 12.

[0092] According to an alternative embodiment, the nut screw 12 of the screw-nut screw assembly 10 is connected to the drive shaft 13 of the electric motor 7 so that the nut screw 12 is configured to receive a mechanical torque from the electric motor 7.

[0093] The nut screw 12 is configured to rotate with respect to the housing body 15, but not to translate with respect to the housing body 15.

[0094] Furthermore, the screw 11 of the screw-nut screw assembly 10 is configured to translate along the actuation axis 9, with respect to the housing body 15, but not to rotate with respect to the housing body 15.

[0095] Moreover, the screw 11 is configured to translate either towards or away from the thrust piston 5, along the actuation axis 9, so as to either increase or decrease the preload of the at least one elastic element 4.

[0096] Specifically, a translation of the screw 11 towards the thrust piston 5 corresponds to an increase in the preload of the at least one elastic element 4 interposed between the screw 11 and the thrust piston 5.

[0097] Conversely, a translation of the screw 11 away from the thrust piston 5 corresponds to a decrease in the preload of the at least one elastic element 4 interposed between the screw 11 and the thrust piston 5.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the first end of the at least one elastic element 4 abuts against the thrust piston 5, and the second end of the at least one elastic element 4 abuts against the screw 11.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the thread of the screw-nut screw assembly 10 is of the irreversible type.

[0100] The preload of the at least one elastic element 4, implemented by the nut screw 12, or by the screw 11 abutting against the at least one elastic element 4, is thus preserved even in the absence of an actuation from the electric motor 7.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the screw-nut screw assembly 10 and the electric motor 7 are positioned so that the actuation axis 9 is parallel to the motor axis 14 and distinct from the motor axis 14. According to an embodiment, the screw-nut screw assembly 10 and the electric motor 7 are positioned so that the actuation axis 9 coincides with the motor axis 14.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the electric motor 7 is positioned opposite to the thrust piston 5 with respect to the screw-nut screw assembly 10.

[0103] Advantageously, such a configuration ensures integrity and structural strength of the braking feel simulator device 1.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the nut screw 12 is positioned opposite to the electric motor 7 with respect to the screw 11.

[0105] Advantageously, such a configuration reduces the overall strains to which the braking feel simulator device 1 is subjected during the operation thereof.

[0106] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 comprises a transmission 17.

[0107] The transmission 17 is interposed between the electric motor 7 and the preloading mechanism 8.

[0108] By way of example, the transmission 17 is an epicyclic transmission, a harmonic or cycloidal reduction gear, or a cascading gear distribution.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the transmission 17 can be configured with parallel axes.

[0110] According to an embodiment, the transmission 17 can be configured with perpendicular axes, e.g., a pair of bevel wheels.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 comprises a bearing 18 interposed between the electric motor 7 and the preloading mechanism 8.

[0112] Preferably, the bearing 18 is a bearing of the thrust type. Preferably, the bearing 18 is a ball or roller type bearing.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the transmission 17 is interposed between the bearing 18 and the preloading mechanism 8.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the at least one elastic element 4 is positioned inside the housing compartment 16.

[0115] The at least one elastic element 4 is configured to apply a reaction force in response to an actuation of the braking feel simulator device 1. Specifically, the at least one elastic element 4 is configured to apply a reaction force to the thrust piston 5 translationally actuatable against the at least one elastic element 4 in response to an actuation of the brake pedal 3 by a driver. Therefore, the at least one elastic element 4 is configured to apply a reaction force on the brake pedal 3 in response to an actuation of the brake pedal 3 by a driver.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the at least one elastic element 4 is configured to be biased along a direction substantially parallel to the actuation axis 9. Preferably, the at least one elastic element 4 is configured to be biased along a direction substantially coinciding with the actuation axis 9.

[0117] Moreover, the at least one elastic element 4 is configured to bias the thrust piston 5 towards its resting position.

[0118] Therefore, during the actuation of the braking feel simulator device 1 , the thrust piston 5 is moved from the resting position thereof against the at least one elastic element 4. When the actuation of the braking feel simulator device 1 is interrupted, the at least one elastic element 4 biases the thrust piston 5 back to its resting position.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the at least one elastic element 4 comprises at least one helical compression spring positioned substantially coaxial to the actuation axis 9.

[0120] According to an embodiment, a first end of the at least one helical compression spring is positioned abutting against the thrust piston 5, and a second end of the at least one helical compression spring is positioned abutting against the preloading device 6, preferably against the preloading mechanism 8, preferably against the screw-nut screw assembly 10, more preferably against the nut screw 12, or against the screw 11 , or against a worm screw 28, or against a toothed wheel 27.

[0121] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 comprises a plurality of elastic elements 4 positioned in series and / or in parallel inside the braking feel simulator device 1 , and preferably inside the housing compartment 16.

[0122] According to an embodiment, the plurality of elastic elements 4 comprises helical springs and / or square springs and / or torsion springs and / or band springs and / or shaped springs.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the preloading mechanism 8 forms a blind cavity 19. The blind cavity 19 is open in the direction of the thrust piston 5.

[0124] According to an embodiment, the second end of the at least one elasticelement 4 is housed inside the blind cavity 19.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the preloading mechanism 8 comprises a preloading body 20. The preloading body 20 can be biased against the at least one elastic element 4.

[0126] According to an embodiment, the preloading body 20 forms a blind cavity 19.

[0127] According to an embodiment, the preloading body 20 is interposed between the screw-nut screw assembly 10 and the at least one elastic element 4.

[0128] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 comprises a thrust shaft 21. The thrust shaft 21 is configured to be biased against the at least one elastic element 4 in response to an actuation of the brake pedal 3.

[0129] According to a preferred embodiment, the thrust shaft 21 is directly or indirectly connected to the thrust piston 5.

[0130] According to an embodiment, the thrust shaft 21 is at least partially positioned inside the housing compartment 16.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the thrust piston 5 comprises a guide rod 23 extending in a direction parallel to the actuation axis 9.

[0132] Preferably, the guide rod 23 extends along the actuation axis 9.

[0133] According to this embodiment, the preloading mechanism 8, e.g., the nut screw 12, forms a sliding guide 24 at the guide rod 23. Preferably, the sliding guide 24 is coaxial to the actuation axis 9.

[0134] The guide rod 23 is placed at least partially inside the sliding guide 24.

[0135] The guide rod 23 and the preloading mechanism 8 thus form a geometric coupling.

[0136] The guide rod 23 is configured to translate, together with the thrust piston 5, along the actuation axis 9 in the sliding guide 24 of the preloading mechanism 8, preferably of the nut screw 12.

[0137] Advantageously, the geometric coupling between the guide rod 23 and the preloading mechanism 8, or the nut screw 12, guarantees a correct orientation of the thrust piston 5 inside the braking feel simulator device 1 , and in particular with respect to the preloading mechanism 8 or the nut screw 12, avoiding misalignments or misplacements which would cause increased stresses and risks of damage and wear to the braking feel simulator device 1.

[0138] According to an embodiment, the at least one elastic element 4 is positioned substantially coaxially to the guide rod 23.

[0139] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 comprises at least one auxiliary elastic element 22. The at least one auxiliary elastic element 22 is interposed between the thrust piston 5 and the thrust shaft 21. The at least one auxiliary elastic element 22 is positioned abutting against the thrust piston 5.

[0140] Advantageously, at least one auxiliary elastic element 22 is configured to prevent the thrust piston 5, in the absence of actuation by the brake pedal 3, from impacting against the thrust shaft 21 or against the housing body 15 under the bias of the at least one elastic element 4.

[0141] According to an embodiment, the at least one auxiliary elastic element 22 comprises at least one helical compression spring positioned substantially coaxial to the actuation axis 9. The first end of the at least one helical compression spring is positioned abutting against the thrust piston 5 and a second end of the at least one helical compression spring is positioned abutting against the thrust shaft 21.

[0142] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 comprises a plurality of auxiliary elastic elements 22 positioned in series and / or in parallel inside the braking feel simulator device 1. According to an embodiment, the plurality of auxiliary elastic elements 22 comprises helical springs and / or square springs and / or torsion springs and / or strip springs and / or shaped springs.

[0143] According to an embodiment, the electric motor 7 is a linear motor.

[0144] According to an embodiment, the electric motor is a hollow rotor motor 35. Advantageously, an electric motor 7 thus configured reduces the axial volume of the braking feel simulator device 1.

[0145] According to an embodiment, the preloading device 6 comprises the linear electric motor 7, or the hollow rotor motor 35, which is connected to the screw-nut screw assembly 10.

[0146] Worm screw gear 26

[0147] According to an alternative embodiment, the preloading mechanism 8 is a worm screw gear 26.

[0148] The worm screw gear 26 faces the at least one elastic element 4.

[0149] The worm screw gear 26 comprises a toothed wheel 27 and a worm screw 28.

[0150] The worm screw 28 extends along an actuation axis 9.

[0151] The toothed wheel 27 is either coaxial to an axis parallel to the actuation axis 9 or is coaxial to an axis transverse to the actuation axis 9 and substantially extends on a plane passing through the worm screw 28 and the actuation axis 9.

[0152] The toothed wheel 27 and the worm screw 28 are connected to each other so that a relative rotation of the worm screw 28 with respect to the toothed wheel 27 about the actuation axis 9 corresponds to a relative translation of the worm screw 28 with respect to the toothed wheel 27 along the actuation axis 9.

[0153] The electric motor 7 comprises a drive shaft 13 extending along a motor axis14.

[0154] The worm screw gear 26 is connected to the drive shaft 13.

[0155] The electric motor 7 is configured to apply a mechanical torque on at least one of the toothed wheel 27 and the worm screw 28, so as to translate at least one of the toothed wheel 27 and the worm screw 28 either towards or away from the thrust piston 5, along an axis parallel to the actuation axis 9, so as to either increase or decrease the preload of the at least one elastic element 4.

[0156] Specifically, a translation of the toothed wheel 27 or worm screw 28 towards the thrust piston 5 corresponds to an increase in the preload of the at least one elastic element 4 interposed between the worm screw gear 26 and the thrust piston 5.

[0157] Conversely, a translation of the toothed wheel 27 or worm screw 28 away from the thrust piston 5 corresponds to a decrease in the preload of the at least one elastic element 4 interposed between the worm screw gear 26 and the thrust piston 5.

[0158] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 comprises a housing body 15 extending along the actuation axis 9.

[0159] The housing body 15 defines a housing compartment 16 therein.

[0160] The worm screw gear 26 is housed inside the housing compartment 16.

[0161] According to an embodiment, the toothed wheel 27 of the worm screw gear 26 is connected to the drive shaft 13 of the electric motor 7 so that the toothed wheel 27 is configured to receive a mechanical torque from the electric motor 7.

[0162] The toothed wheel 27 is configured to rotate with respect to the housing body15, but not to translate with respect to the housing body 15.

[0163] Furthermore, the worm screw 28 of the worm screw gear 26 is configured to translate along the actuation axis 9 with respect to the housing body 15 but not to rotate with respect to the housing body 15.

[0164] Moreover, the worm screw 28 is configured to translate either towards or away from the thrust piston 5, along the actuation axis 9, so as to either increase or decrease the preload of the at least one elastic element 4.

[0165] Specifically, a translation of the worm screw 28 towards the thrust piston 5corresponds to an increase in the preload of the at least one elastic element 4 interposed between the worm screw 28 and the thrust piston 5.

[0166] Conversely, a translation of the worm screw 28 away from the thrust piston 5 corresponds to a decrease in the preload of the at least one elastic element 4 interposed between the worm screw 28 and the thrust piston 5.

[0167] According to this embodiment, the first end of the at least one elastic element 4 abuts against the thrust piston 5, and the second end of the at least one elastic element4 abuts against the worm screw 28.

[0168] According to an alternative embodiment, the worm screw 28 of the worm screw gear 26 is connected to the drive shaft 13 of the electric motor 7 so that the worm screw 28 is configured to receive a mechanical torque from the electric motor 7.

[0169] The worm screw 28 is configured to rotate with respect to the housing body 15, but not to translate with respect to the housing body 15.

[0170] Furthermore, the toothed wheel 27 of the worm screw gear 26 is configured to translate along the actuation axis 9 with respect to the housing body 15 but not to rotate with respect to the housing body 15.

[0171] Moreover, the toothed wheel 27 is configured to translate either towards or away from the thrust piston 5, along the actuation axis 9, so as to either increase or decrease the preload of the at least one elastic element 4.

[0172] Specifically, a translation of the toothed wheel 27 towards the thrust piston 5 corresponds to an increase in the preload of the at least one elastic element 4 interposed between the toothed wheel 27 and the thrust piston 5.

[0173] Conversely, a translation of the toothed wheel 27 away from the thrust piston5 corresponds to a decrease in the preload of the at least one elastic element 4 interposed between the toothed wheel 27 and the thrust piston 5.

[0174] According to this embodiment, the first end of the at least one elastic element 4 abuts against the thrust piston 5, and the second end of the at least one elastic element 4 abuts against the toothed wheel 27.

[0175] According to an embodiment, the toothed wheel 27 is coaxial to an axis parallel to the actuation axis 9.

[0176] According to an embodiment, the thread of the worm screw gear 26 is of the irreversible type.

[0177] The preload of the at least one elastic element 4, implemented by the worm screw 28 abutting against the at least one elastic element 4, or by the toothed wheel 27abutting against the at least one elastic element 4, is thus preserved even in the absence of an actuation from the electric motor 7.

[0178] According to an embodiment, the worm screw gear 26 and the electric motor 7 are positioned so that the actuation axis 9 coincides with the motor axis 14.

[0179] According to an embodiment, the electric motor 7 is positioned opposite to the thrust piston 5 with respect to the worm screw gear 26.

[0180] Manually actuated preloading device 6

[0181] According to an embodiment, particularly adapted to two-wheeled vehicles, the preloading device 6 comprises a knob 33 connected to a cap 34.

[0182] The cap 34 is configured to apply a preload of the at least one elastic element 4.

[0183] The knob 33 and the cap 34 are connected so that a rotation of the knob 34 about the actuation axis 9, e.g., relative to the housing body 15, corresponds to a translation of the cap 34 along the actuation axis 9, e.g., relative to the housing body 15.

[0184] Furthermore, the knob 33 can be actuated manually, from the outside, e.g., by the driver of the motorcycle. According to this embodiment, the knob 33 protrudes at least partially from the housing body 15.

[0185] According to an embodiment, the cap 34 is faces the at least one elastic element, preferably abuts against the at least one elastic element 4.

[0186] The cap 34 is at least partially housed inside the housing body 15.

[0187] The knob 33 is positioned opposite to the at least one elastic element 4 with respect to the cap 34.

[0188] Advantageously, a device 6 thus configured allows varying the preload on the at least one elastic element 4 by means of a manual actuation, in particular by acting on the knob 33 to translate the cap 34 and vary the preload of the at least one elastic element 4 accordingly. With further advantage, a device 6 thus configured also allows adjusting the stiffness curve on vehicles in which the overall volume available to install the braking feel simulator device is small, in particular motorcycles.

[0189] According to an embodiment, the thread of the knob 34 is of the irreversible type. Therefore, in the absence of manual actuation, the knob 34 is configured to prevent a retrograde motion of the preloading device 6.

[0190] Preloading device 6 with reversible thread and locking pin

[0191] According to an embodiment, the preloading device 6 comprises a threaded wheel having a reversible thread. The threaded wheel is configured to apply a preloadof the at least one elastic element 4.

[0192] The preloading device 6 further comprises a locking pin elastically biased against the threaded wheel.

[0193] The locking pin is configured to lock the rotation of the threaded wheel. The locking pin thus prevents a retrograde motion of the threaded wheel.

[0194] According to an embodiment, the preloading device 6 is an electromechanical device, configured to allow a rotation of the threaded wheel and simultaneous deactivation of the locking pin, in particular when setting the stiffness curve of the braking feel simulator device 1. Conversely, the preloading device 6 is configured to activate the locking pin against the threaded wheel at the end of the stiffness curve setting.

[0195] Braking system 2

[0196] According to a further aspect of the invention, a braking system 2 comprises a braking feel simulator device 1 as described above.

[0197] Moreover, the braking system 2 comprises a brake pedal 3 operatively connected to the braking feel simulator device 1.

[0198] According to a preferred embodiment, the brake pedal 3 is connected to the braking feel simulator device 1 by means of a mechanical connection device 25. An actuating force applied by a driver on the brake pedal 3 is thus mechanically transferred to the braking feel simulator device 2. For example, the mechanical connection device 25 is a hinge mechanism or an articulated connection. According to an embodiment, the mechanical connection device 14 connects the thrust shaft 21 of the braking feel simulator device 2 to the brake pedal 3.

[0199] According to an embodiment, the brake pedal 3 is a brake pedal of a motorcar.

[0200] The brake pedal 3 comprises a pedal pad 29 fixed to a pedal crank 30. The pedal pad 29 is fixed to an end of the pedal crank 30.

[0201] According to an embodiment, the mechanical connection device 25 connects the thrust shaft 21 to the pedal crank 30 of the brake pedal 3.

[0202] According to an embodiment, the braking system 2 comprises an electronic processing unit electrically connected to the preloading device 6 of the braking feel simulator device 1.

[0203] The electronic processing unit is configured to control and actuate the preloading device 6 to achieve a given preload of the at least one elastic element 4.

[0204] Specifically, the electronic processing unit is configured to control the braking feel simulator device 1 to obtain a stiffness curve selectable from a plurality of stiffnesscurves.

[0205] According to this embodiment, each selectable stiffness curve corresponds to a given preload value of the at least one elastic element 4 which can be implemented by the preloading device 6.

[0206] According to an embodiment, the braking system 2 comprises at least one sensor 31.

[0207] The sensor 31 is configured to detect, either directly or indirectly, the mechanical torque applied by the electric motor 7.

[0208] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor 31 configured to detect, either directly or indirectly, the mechanical torque applied by the electric and / or a translation or position of the preloading mechanism 8, in particular of the nut screw 12 or of the screw 11 or of the worm screw 28 or of the toothed wheel 27 along the actuation axis 9.

[0209] According to an embodiment, the braking system 2 comprises a selection device connected to the electronic processing unit.

[0210] The selection device is configured to allow a driver to select a stiffness curve from a plurality of predetermined stiffness curves of the braking feel simulator device 1.

[0211] According to an embodiment, each selectable stiffness curve corresponds to a given preloading device of the at least one elastic element 4, or a given mechanical torque value applied by the electric motor 7 or corresponds to a given translation or position of the preloading mechanism 8 along the actuation axis 9, e.g., a given translation or position of the nut screw 12 or screw 11 or worm screw 28, or toothed wheel 27 along the actuation axis 9.

[0212] According to an embodiment, the braking system 2 is configured to obtain at least two, preferably at least three, different stiffness curves.

[0213] The stiffness curves differ in their different steepness, and thus in the different hardness perceivable by the driver operating the brake pedal 3.

[0214] By way of example, a driver can choose from three different stiffness curves, referred to as "sport," "drive," and "city," for example, depending on the respective hardness.

[0215] According to an embodiment, the braking system 2 comprises a reservoir 32. The reservoir 32 is adapted to contain hydraulic fluid.

[0216] According to an embodiment, the reservoir 32 is directly and fluidically connected to the braking feel simulator device 1 , preferably to the housing body 15, by means of a first hydraulic duct.

[0217] According to an embodiment, the braking system 2 comprises braking fluid contained, with fluid continuity in the reservoir 32 and the braking feel simulator device 1 , in particular of the housing body 15.

[0218] Therefore, in an operating configuration, the braking fluid fills the housing body 15, the first hydraulic duct and at least partially the reservoir 32.

[0219] According to an embodiment, the first hydraulic duct leads into the housing body 15 at the at least one elastic element 4. Therefore, the at least one elastic element 4 is in a brake fluid bath.

[0220] Advantageously, the braking system 2 thus configured, with the braking feel simulator device 1 in the hydraulic fluid bath, minimizes the idle stroke of the braking feel simulator device 1.

[0221] According to an embodiment, the first hydraulic duct comprises a calibrated orifice interposed between the reservoir 32 and the braking feel simulator device 1. The calibrated orifice is configured to dampen a flow of braking fluid passing between the braking feel simulator device 1 and the reservoir 32.

[0222] Advantageously, an actuation of brake pedal 3 conveys a flow of braking fluid from the braking feel simulator device 1 to the reservoir 32, which is damped by the calibrated orifice. Such a damping, in combination with the contrasting action of the at least one elastic element 4, implements the reaction force in response to an actuation of the brake pedal 3 which emulates the stiffness curve of a conventional braking system.

[0223] Advantageously, a braking system 2 thus configured is more compact than simulator devices of the prior art and is adapted to be installed inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, either in the hanging brake pedal configuration or in the floor brake pedal configuration. Indeed, the braking system 2 thus configured lacks a master cylinder interposed between the reservoir 32 and the braking feel simulator device 1 and thus has smaller overall size and volume.

[0224] Obviously, those skilled in the art will be able to make changes or adaptations to the present invention, without however departing from the scope of the following claims.List of reference numerals1. Braking feel simulator device2. Braking system3. Brake pedal4. Elastic element5. Thrust piston6. Preloading device7. Electric motor8. Preloading mechanism9. Actuation axis10. Screw-nut screw assembly11. Screw12. Nut screw13. Drive shaft14. Motor axis15. Housing body16. Housing compartment17. Transmission18. Bearing19. Blind cavity20. Preloading body21. Thrust shaft22. Auxiliary elastic element23. Guide rod24. Sliding guide25. Mechanical connection device26. Worm screw gear27. Toothed wheel28. Worm screw29. Pedal pad30. Pedal crank31. Sensor32. Reservoir33. Knob34. Cap35. Hollow rotor motor

Claims

Claims1. A braking feel simulator device (1) for a braking system (2) of the Brake-By-Wire type, said braking feel simulator device (1) being adapted to be connected to a brake pedal(3), wherein the braking feel simulator device (1) comprises:- at least one elastic element (4);- a thrust piston (5) configured to be biased against the at least one elastic element (4) in response to an actuation of the brake pedal (3) so that the at least one elastic element(4) applies a counteracting force upon the actuation of the brake pedal (3);- a preloading device (6), configured to preload the at least one elastic element (4) in an adjustable manner, wherein the preloading device (6) is positioned to be opposite to the thrust piston (5) with respect to the at least one elastic element (4), and wherein the preloading device (6) is an irreversible device.

2. A braking feel simulator device (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the preloading device (6) comprises a preloading mechanism (8) configured to apply a preload of the at least one elastic element (4), and wherein the preloading mechanism (8) is a threaded mechanism with irreversible threading.

3. A braking feel simulator device (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the preloading device (6) is an electromechanical device and comprises an electric motor (7) and a preloading mechanism (8), wherein the preloading mechanism (8) is configured to apply a preload of the at least one elastic element (4), wherein the electric motor (7) is configured to actuate the preloading mechanism (8) so that the preloading mechanism (8) preloads the at least one elastic element (4), and wherein the preloading mechanism (8) is an irreversible mechanism.

4. A braking feel simulator device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one elastic element (4) is positioned to be interposed between the thrust piston (5) and the preloading mechanism (8), and wherein the electric motor (7) is positioned coaxially to the at least one elastic element (4).

5. A braking feel simulator device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the preloading mechanism (8) is a screw-nut screw assembly (10), wherein the screw-nut screw assembly (10) faces the at least one elastic element (4) and is coaxial to an actuation axis (9), wherein the screw-nut screw assembly (10) comprises a screw (11) and a nut screw (12), wherein the screw (11) and the nut screw (12) are connected to each other so that a relative translation of the nut screw (12) with respect to the screw (11) along the actuation axis (9) corresponds to a relative rotation of the screw (11) with respect to the nut screw (12) about the actuation axis (9), wherein the electric motor (7) comprises a drive shaft (13) extending along a motor axis(14) and the screw-nut screw assembly (10) is connected to the drive shaft (13), wherein the electric motor (7) is configured to apply a mechanical torque to at least one of the screw (11) or the nut screw (12) so as to translate at least one of the screw (11) or the nut screw (12) either towards or away from the thrust piston (5), along the actuation axis (9) so as to either increase or decrease the preload of the at least one elastic element (4).

6. A braking feel simulator device (1) according to claim 5, comprising a housing body(15) extending along an actuation axis (9), wherein the housing body (15) defines a housing compartment (16) therein, and wherein the screw-nut screw assembly (10) is housed inside the housing compartment (16), wherein the screw (11) of the screw-nut screw assembly (10) is connected to the drive shaft (13) of the electric motor (7) so that the screw (11) is configured to receive a mechanical torque from the electric motor (7), wherein the screw (11) is configured to rotate with respect to the housing body (15), but not to translate with respect to the housing body (15), wherein the nut screw (12) of the screw-nut screw assembly (10) is configured to translate along the actuation axis (9) with respect to the housing body (15), but not to rotate with respect to the housing body (15), wherein the nut screw (12) is configured to translate either towards or away from the thrust piston (5), along the actuation axis (9), so as to either increase or decrease the preload of the at least one elastic element (4).

7. A braking feel simulator device (1) according to claim 5, comprising a housing body(15) extending along an actuation axis (9), wherein the housing body (15) defines a housing compartment (16) therein, and wherein the screw-nut screw assembly (10) is housed inside the housing compartment (16), wherein the nut screw (12) of the screw-nut screw assembly (10) is connected to the drive shaft (13) of the electric motor (7) so that the nut screw (12) is configured to receive a mechanical torque from the electric motor (7), wherein the nut screw (12) is configured to rotate with respect to the housing body (15), but not to translate with respect to the housing body (15), wherein the screw (11) of the screw-nut screw assembly (10) is configured to translate along the actuation axis (9), with respect to the housing body (15), but not to rotate with respect to the housing body (15), wherein the screw (11) is configured to translate either towards or away from the thrust piston (5), along the actuation axis (9), to either increase or decrease the preload of the at least one elastic element (4).

8. A braking feel simulator device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the thread of the screw-nut screw assembly (10) is of the irreversible type.

9. A braking feel simulator device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the screw-nut screw assembly (10) and the electric motor (7) are positioned so that the actuation axis (9) is parallel to the motor axis (14) or coincides with the motor axis (14), and / or wherein the electric motor (7) is positioned to be opposite to the thrust piston (5) with respect to the screw-nut screw assembly (10), and / or the nut screw (12) is positioned to be opposite to the electric motor (7) with respect to the screw (11), and / or wherein the braking feel simulator device (1) comprises a transmission (17) interposed between the electric motor (7) and the preloading mechanism (8).

10. A braking feel simulator device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing body (15) extending along an actuation axis (9), wherein the housing body (15) defines a housing compartment (16) therein, and wherein the at least one elastic element (4) is positioned inside the housing compartment (16), wherein the at least one elastic element (4) is configured to be biased along a direction substantially parallel to the actuation axis (9) and to bias the thrust piston (5) towards the resting position thereof,wherein the at least one elastic element (4) comprises at least one helical compression spring positioned to be substantially coaxial to the actuation axis (9), wherein a first end of the at least one helical compression spring is positioned to abut against the thrust piston (5) and a second end of the at least one helical compression spring is positioned to abut against the preloading device (6), or wherein the braking feel simulator device (1) comprises a plurality of elastic elements(4) positioned either in series and / or in parallel inside the housing compartment (16), wherein the plurality of elastic elements (4) comprises helical springs and / or square springs and / or torsion springs and / or strip springs and / or shaped springs, and / or wherein the at least one elastic element (4) is configured to bias the thrust piston(5) towards the resting position thereof.

11. A braking feel simulator device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the preloading mechanism (8) forms a blind cavity (19) open in the direction of the thrust piston (5), and wherein a first end of the at least one elastic element (4) is housed in the blind cavity (19), wherein the preloading mechanism (8) comprises a preloading body (20) to be biased against the at least one elastic element (4), wherein the preloading body (20) forms the blind cavity (19), and wherein the preloading body (20) is interposed between a screw- nut screw assembly (10) and the at least one elastic element (4).

12. A braking feel simulator device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a thrust shaft (21) configured to be biased against the at least one elastic element (4) in response to an actuation of the brake pedal (3), wherein the device (1) comprises a housing body (15) extending along an actuation axis (9), wherein the housing body (15) defines a housing compartment (16) therein, and wherein the at least one elastic element (4) is positioned inside the housing compartment (16), wherein the thrust shaft (21) is housed inside the housing compartment (16), and wherein the thrust shaft (21) is directly or indirectly connected to the thrust piston (5).

13. A braking feel simulator device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a housing body (15) extending along an actuation axis (9), wherein the housing body (15) defines a housing compartment (16) therein, and wherein the at leastone elastic element (4) is positioned inside the housing compartment (16), wherein the thrust piston (5) comprises a guide rod (23) extending along the actuation axis (9), wherein the preloading mechanism (8), optionally a nut screw (12), forms a sliding guide (24) at the guide rod (23), wherein the sliding guide (24) is coaxial to the actuation axis (9), and wherein the guide rod (23) is positioned at least partially inside the sliding guide (24), so that the guide rod (23) and the preloading mechanism (8), optionally the nut screw (12), achieve a geometric coupling, and wherein the guide rod (23) is configured to translate, upon the translation of the thrust piston (5), along the actuation axis (9) in the sliding guide (24), and / or wherein the braking feel simulator device (1) comprises at least one auxiliary elastic element (22) interposed between the thrust piston (5) and the thrust shaft (21), wherein the at least one auxiliary elastic element (22) is positioned to abut against the thrust piston (5).

14. A braking feel simulator device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric motor (7) is a linear motor or a hollow rotor motor (35), wherein, optionally, the preloading mechanism (8) is a screw-nut screw assembly (10).

15. A braking feel simulator device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the preloading mechanism (8) is a worm screw gear (26) facing the at least one elastic element (4), wherein the worm screw gear (26) comprises a toothed wheel (27) and a worm screw (28), wherein the worm screw (28) extends along an actuation axis (9), wherein the toothed wheel (27) is coaxial to an axis parallel to the actuation axis (9) or is coaxial to an axis transverse to the actuation axis (9) and extends substantially on a plane passing through the worm screw (28) and the actuation axis (9), wherein the toothed wheel (27) and the worm screw (28) are connected to each other so that a relative rotation of the worm screw (28) with respect to the toothed wheel (27) about the actuation axis (9) corresponds to a relative translation of the worm screw (28) with respect to the toothed wheel (27) along the actuation axis (9), wherein the electric motor (7) comprises a drive shaft (13) extending along a motor axiswherein the worm screw gear (26) is connected to the drive shaft (13), wherein the electric motor (7) is configured to apply a mechanical torque to at least one of the toothed wheel (27) and the worm screw (28), so as to translate at least one of the toothed wheel (27) or the worm screw (28) either towards or away from the thrust piston (5), along an axis parallel to the actuation axis (9), so as to increase or decrease the preload of the at least one elastic element (4), wherein the thread of the worm screw (26) is of the irreversible type.

16. A braking feel simulator device (1) according to claim 15, comprising a housing body (15) extending along the actuation axis (9), wherein the housing body (15) defines a housing compartment (16) therein, and wherein the worm screw (26) is housed inside the housing compartment (16), wherein the toothed wheel (27) of the worm screw gear (26) is connected to the drive shaft (13) of the electric motor (7) so that the toothed wheel (27) is configured to receive a mechanical torque from the electric motor (7), wherein the toothed wheel (27) is configured to rotate with respect to the housing body (15), but not to translate with respect to the housing body (15), and wherein the worm screw (28) of the worm screw gear (26) is configured to translate along the actuation axis (9) with respect to the housing body (15) but not to rotate with respect to the housing body (15), and wherein the worm screw (28) is configured to translate either towards or away from the thrust piston (5), along the actuation axis (9), so as to either increase or decrease the preload of the at least one elastic element (4).

17. A braking feel simulator device (1) according to claim 15, comprising a housing body (15) extending along the actuation axis (9), wherein the housing body (15) defines a housing compartment (16) therein, and wherein the worm screw (26) is housed inside the housing compartment (16), wherein the worm screw (28) of the worm screw gear (26) is connected to the drive shaft (13) of the electric motor (7) so that the worm screw (28) is configured to receive a mechanical torque from the electric motor (7), wherein the worm screw (28) is configured to rotate with respect to the housing body (15), but not to translate with respect to the housing body (15), wherein the toothed wheel (27) of the worm screw gear (26) is configured to translate along the actuation axis (9) with respect to the housing body (15) but not to rotate withrespect to the housing body (15), and wherein the toothed wheel (27) is configured to translate either towards or away from the thrust piston (5), along the actuation axis (9), to either increase or decrease the preload of the at least one elastic element (4).

18. A braking feel simulator device (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the preloading device (6) comprises a knob (33) connected to a cap (34), wherein the cap (34) is configured to apply a preload of the at least one elastic element (4), wherein the knob (33) and the cap (34) are connected so that a rotation of the knob (34) about the actuation axis (9) corresponds to a translation of the cap (34) along the actuation axis (9), wherein the knob (33) is manually actuatable, wherein the knob (33) preferably protrudes at least partially from a housing body (15), and wherein, preferably, the cap (34) faces the at least one elastic element, abutting against the at least one elastic element (4), wherein the cap (34) is at least partially housed inside the housing body (15), and wherein the knob (33) is positioned to be opposite to the at least one elastic element (4) from the cap (34).

19. A braking feel simulator device (1) according to claim 1 , wherein the preloading device (6) comprises a threaded wheel having a reversible thread, wherein the threaded wheel is configured to achieve a preload of the at least one elastic element (4), wherein the preloading device (6) comprises a locking pin elastically biased against the threaded wheel, and wherein the locking pin is configured to lock the rotation of the threaded wheel and prevent a retrograde motion of the threaded wheel.

20. A braking system (2), comprising a braking feel simulator device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and comprising a brake pedal (3) operatively connected to the braking feel simulator device (1).

21. A braking system (2) according to claim 20, further comprising an electronic processing unit electrically connected to the preloading device (6) of the braking feel simulator device (1), wherein the electronic processing unit is configured to control and actuate the preloading device (6) so as to achieve a given preload of the at least one elastic element (4), and / orwherein the braking system (2) comprises at least one sensor configured to detect, either directly or indirectly, the mechanical torque applied by the electric motor (7) and / or a translation or position of the preloading mechanism (8) along the actuation axis (9), and / or wherein, the braking system (2) comprises a selection device operatively connected to the electronic processing unit, wherein the selection device is configured to allow a driver to select a stiffness curve from a plurality of predetermined stiffness curves of the braking feel simulator device (1), and wherein each selectable stiffness curve corresponds to a given mechanical torque value applied by the electric motor (7) or corresponds to a given translation or position of the preloading mechanism (8) along the actuation axis (9), and / or wherein the braking system (2) comprises a reservoir (32) adapted to contain braking fluid, wherein the reservoir (32) is directly fluidly connected to the braking feel simulator device (1) by means of a first hydraulic duct, wherein the braking system (2) comprises braking fluid contained, with fluid continuity, in the reservoir (32) and in the braking feel simulator device (1), wherein the first hydraulic duct comprises a calibrated orifice interposed between the reservoir (32) and the braking feel simulator device (1), and wherein the calibrated orifice is configured to dampen a flow of braking fluid passing between the braking feel simulator device (1) and the reservoir (32).

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