Braking feel simulator device

Abstract

A braking feel simulator device (1), in particular for a braking system (3) of the Brake-By- Wire type of a vehicle, comprising a cylinder body (5), extended along an actuation axis (6), and forming a cylinder compartment (7) within it; a piston body (8), sliding housed in the cylinder compartment (7); in which the piston body (8) is suitable to be connected to a pedal or brake lever (4), so that an actuation of the pedal or brake lever (4) corresponds to a translation of the piston body (8) with respect to the cylinder body (5) along the actuation axis (6); an absorber assembly (26), configured to exert a reaction force on the pedal or brake lever (4) as opposed to an actuation of the pedal or brake lever (4), in which the braking feel simulator device (1) includes a detectable element (9), configured to generate a magnetic field; a microswitch (10), suitable for activating at least one vehicle load; a sensor element (11), electrically connected to the microswitch (10), and configured to detect the magnetic field generated by the detectable element (9), in which the detectable element (9) is positioned in correspondence with the piston body (8), and in which the sensor element (11) is positioned in correspondence with the cylinder body (5), and in which the microswitch (10) is suitable for activating and deactivating at least one vehicle load, in correspondence with a detection, by the sensor element (11), of the magnetic field generated by the detectable element (9).

Description

"Braking Feel Simulator Device"

[0001] Field of invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a braking feel simulator device, in particular for a brake-by-wire ("BBW") braking system of vehicles with two or more wheels, which can be operated by a driver by means of a brake pedal or lever.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] In BBW braking systems there is a decoupling between the force and displacement applied to the brake pedal or lever by the driver and the resulting braking force that is applied by the calipers to the wheels of the vehicle. The force and displacement exerted by the driver on the brake pedal or lever are transduced into an electrical signal that is processed by a control unit to control the operation of the braking system calipers. As a result, it is known to equip BBW braking systems with a braking feel simulator device 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 its "stiffness curve".

[0005] The "stiffness curve" refers to the relationship between the movement of the brake pedal or lever along its travel and the respective reaction force exerted by the simulator device on the brake pedal or lever, and thus by the brake pedal or lever on the driver. In general, the stiffness curve has a first section with low stiffness, a second section with medium stiffness and a third section with high stiffness. Still in general terms, for an "aggressive" or "sporty" driving style, a steeper, "hard" stiffness curve is preferred, while for a "city" or "eco" driving style, a less steep, "soft" stiffness curve is preferred.

[0006] It is known to the inventors to equip braking feel simulator devices with a sensor system configured to detect an actuation of the braking feel simulator device, and in particular a movement of the float within it, in order to activate a vehicle braking assembly.

[0007] It is also known to the inventors to equip braking feel simulator devices with a microswitch system configured to detect an actuation of the braking feel simulator device, and in particular a movement of the float inside it, in order to activate a load or a user. In particular, the microswitch can be used to activate the switching on of the braking lights or is used to provide a redundant signal for a driver's request to brake, necessary in the event of a failure or malfunction of a dedicated position sensor of a braking feel simulator device.

[0008] The inventors are aware of applications in which a microswitch is mounted externally to a rear master cylinder, which is activated when the driver applies a brakingrequest to the pedal lever. This design requires the assembly of an external component to the master cylinder that must be installed directly by the customer on the assembly line. Furthermore, being an exposed component, it impacts the size of the system and is subject to external agents (mud, water, salt...) that can compromise its useful life and correct operation.

[0009] They are also known to the inventors of applications where a microswitch is directly integrated into the master cylinder. However, such a configuration complicates the design of the master cylinder as the microswitch is activated by a plastic vane preloaded by a spring against a float. This increases not only the complexity of the system, but also the overall dimensions, and impacts on the empty stroke which will be subject to the tolerances of the mechanical components, worsening the driver's driving feel.

[0010] In general, the prior art known to the inventors shows the need to have a braking feel simulator device that simulates the feel and stiffness of a brake pedal or lever of conventional hydraulic braking systems, and at the same time allows to activate not only the brake light switch, but also the BBW braking assembly in the event of damage or malfunction of the dedicated position sensor of the braking simulator device, braking feel.

[0011] At the same time, there is a need to reduce the overall dimensions of the braking feel simulator device, as well as to reduce exposure to the external environment and the consequent risk of damage, for example due to external agents, shocks or falls, of a microswitch system that can be integrated into the braking feel simulator device.

[0012] At the same time, there is a need for a braking feel simulator device that integrates a microswitch system with a reduced or preferably zero idle travel, so that an activation of the braking feel simulator device by the driver corresponds to an immediate activation of one or more functions controlled by the microswitch system integrated in the braking feel simulator device.

[0013] At the same time, there is a need to supplement the braking feel simulator with additional components, such as a position sensor, with reduced assembly complexities.

[0014] Solution

[0015] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a braking feel simulator device, in particular for a braking system of the BBW type, such as to obviate at least some of the drawbacks highlighted in the art known to the inventors.

[0016] A particular purpose of the present invention is to provide a braking feel simulator device, in particular for a braking system of the BBW type, which has reducedoverall dimensions and which has portions, for example integrating a microswitch, less exposed to the external environment.

[0017] A further particular purpose of the present invention is to provide a braking feel simulator device, in particular for a braking system of the BBW type, which integrates a microswitch system with a reduced or no no-load stroke.

[0018] A further particular purpose of the present invention is to provide a braking feel simulator device, in particular for a braking system of the BBW type, which can be more easily and quickly assembled and integrated with additional components of a braking feel simulator device.

[0019] These and other purposes are achieved by means of a braking feel simulator, in particular for a braking system of the BBW type, according to claim 1 .

[0020] Dependent claims refer to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

[0021] Figures

[0022] In order to better understand the invention and appreciate its advantages, some of its exemplary and non-limiting embodiments will be described below, referring to the attached figures, in which:

[0023] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a braking feel simulator device, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] - Figure 2 is an exploded view of the braking feel simulator device represented in figure 1 ;

[0025] - Figure 3 is an axial section view of the braking feel simulator device represented in Figure 1 ;

[0026] - Figure 4 is a perspective view of a braking feel simulator device, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0027] - Figure 5 is an exploded view of the braking feel simulator device represented in figure 4;

[0028] - Figure 6 is an axial section view of the braking feel simulator device represented in figure 4.

[0029] Description of some preferred embodiments

[0030] The present invention is suitable for application to Brake-By-Wire ("BBW") braking systems of vehicles with two or more wheels that can be operated by a driver by means of a brake pedal or brake lever. Therefore, in this description, the term "brake pedal or lever" means both a brake pedal for motor vehicles and the like, and a brakelever or brake pedal for motorcycles, mopeds and the like, unless otherwise specified.

[0031] Braking Feel Simulator Device 1

[0032] With reference to the figures, a braking feel simulator device is generally indicated by the reference number 1 .

[0033] The braking feel simulator 1 is suitable for use in a braking system 3 of the Brake-By-Wire ("BBW") type of a vehicle.

[0034] The braking feel simulator device 1 comprises a cylinder body 5, extended along an actuation axis 6. Preferably, the cylinder body 5 is extended substantially coaxially to the actuation axis 6.

[0035] The cylinder body 5 forms a cylinder compartment 7 inside.

[0036] The braking feel simulator 1 device additionally includes a piston body 8. The piston body 8 is seated smoothly in the cylinder compartment 7. Preferably, the piston body 8 is positioned substantially coaxial to the actuation axis 6.

[0037] The braking feel simulator device 1 can be connected to a pedal or brake lever 4, in particular of the braking system 3, so that an actuation of the pedal or brake lever 4 corresponds to a translation of the piston body 8 inside the cylinder body 5, along the actuation axis 6.

[0038] In particular, the piston body 8 is suitable for connection to a pedal or brake lever 4, in particular a braking system 3, so that an actuation of the pedal or brake lever 4 corresponds to a translation of the piston body 8 with respect to the cylinder body 5 along the axis of actuation 6.

[0039] The braking feel simulator device 1 includes an absorber assembly 26. The absorber assembly 26 is configured to exert a reaction force on the pedal or brake lever 4 that can be connected to the braking feel simulator device 1 in opposition to an actuation of the pedal or brake lever 4.

[0040] The braking feel simulator device 1 additionally includes a detectable element 9, a microswitch 10 and a sensor element 11 .

[0041] The term "microswitch" is also understood to mean a micro-switch or microcommutator, unless otherwise specified.

[0042] The detectable element 9 is configured to generate a magnetic field. According to an embodiment, the detectable element 9 is configured to generate a magnetic field of substantially constant intensity, with the reference system fixed on the detectable element 9.

[0043] The microswitch 10 is suitable for activating at least one vehicle load. The term"load" also encompasses "user", i.e. an electrical device capable of using electrical energy to transform it into another type of energy for a different purpose.

[0044] The sensor element 11 is electrically connected to the microswitch 10. In addition, sensor element 1 1 is configured to detect the magnetic field generated by detectable element 9.

[0045] The detectable element 9 is positioned at the piston body 8.

[0046] Sensor element 1 1 is located at the cylinder body 5.

[0047] In addition, microswitch 10 is suitable for, preferably configured to, activate and deactivate at least one vehicle load when sensor element 11 detects the magnetic field generated by detectable element 9.

[0048] Advantageously, a braking feel simulator device 1 configured in this way makes it possible to detect a movement or a certain positioning of the piston body 8 with respect to the cylinder body 5 by detecting, by the sensor element 1 1 , the magnetic field generated by the sensing element 9. In fact, a translation or a variation in the position of the piston body 8 with respect to the cylinder body 5, which can be operated by an operation of the pedal or brake lever 4 of the braking system 3, induces a variation in the reciprocal positioning between sensor element 1 1 and detectable element 9, and therefore a variation in the intensity of the magnetic field detected by sensor element 1 1 , which can be read and processed by an electronic processing unit to detect, and also measure, a relative translation between piston body 8 and cylinder body 5, and to activate, via the microswitch 10, a vehicle load, for example to activate the switching on of the brake lights or to provide a redundant signal for a braking request by a driver.

[0049] In addition, the variation in the intensity of the magnetic field detected by sensor element 1 1 , induced by the translation or variation of the position of piston body 8 with respect to cylinder body 5, and therefore by the variation of the reciprocal positioning between sensor element 11 and detectable element 9, can also be read and processed by an electronic processing unit to detect, and also measure, a relative translation between piston body 8 and cylinder body 5, and to require the actuation of a corresponding braking force by the braking assembly on the wheels of the vehicle.

[0050] With an additional advantage, a braking feel simulator device 1 configured in this way does not require a mechanically or hydraulically activated microswitch 10, since the activation of the load by the microswitch 10 is performed according to the magnetic field detected by the sensor element 1 1 , e.g. as a function of detecting a minimal change in the magnetic field, which can be generated by a minimal change in the relative positioning of the piston body 8 with respect to the body cylinder 5. As a result, a brakingfeel simulator device configured in this way does not have the mechanical tolerances of the prior art known to inventors, but on the contrary reduces or substantially eliminates the idle stroke for the activation of the microswitch 10. In addition, a braking feel simulator device 1 configured in this way reduces or substantially eliminates the idle stroke for activating the brake assembly, which can be controlled by a braking request signal from the sensor element 11 .

[0051] With an additional advantage, a braking feel simulator device 1 configured in this way has reduced overall dimensions, overall weights and construction and assembly complexities compared to the art known to inventors, since it does not require a dedicated mechanical or hydraulic system for the activation of the microswitch 10.

[0052] With a further advantage, a braking feel simulator device 1 configured in this way can be applied both for a pedal braking system configuration 3 and for a lever braking system configuration, therefore applicable in particular to both braking actuators of a motorcycle or moped.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 is configured in such a way that microswitch 10 is suitable for, preferably is configured to, activate and deactivate at least one vehicle load in correspondence with a change in the intensity of the magnetic field generated by detectable element 9 and detected by sensor element 11 . This variation in the strength of the magnetic field detected is in particular caused by a different positioning or relative translation between piston body 8 and cylinder body 5.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 is configured in such a way that the microswitch 10 is suitable for, preferably it is configured to, activate and deactivate at least one vehicle load at the time of reaching a predetermined value of magnetic field strength generated by detectable element 9 and detected by sensor element 1 1 .

[0055] The braking feel simulator device 1 is configured in such a way that a relative translation of the piston body 8 with respect to the cylinder body 5 along the actuation axis 6 results in a change in the magnetic field intensity detected by the sensor element 11.

[0056] The piston body 8 can be moved inside the cylinder body 5, in particular by means of the brake pedal or lever 4, between a start of stroke position (fig. 3, fig. 6) and a end of stroke position.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 is configured so that:

[0058] - when the piston body 8 is in the stroke starting position, the microswitch 10does not activate at least one load of the vehicle;

[0059] - When the piston body 8 is not in the stroke starting position, the microswitch10 activates at least one vehicle load.

[0060] In accordance with this embodiment, the microswitch 10 activates, and keeps activated, at least one vehicle load when the piston body 8 is in any position other than the start of stroke position.

[0061] Detectable Element 9

[0062] According to an embodiment, detectable element 9 is a permanent magnet.

[0063] The detectable element 9, preferably the permanent magnet, is attached to the piston body 8, e.g. via a threaded connection.

[0064] According to a form of construction, the detectable element 9, preferably the permanent magnet, is embedded inside the piston body 8.

[0065] In a design form, the piston body 8 defines a housing seat 12 within it that is open in a radial direction to the actuation axis 6.

[0066] The detectable element 9, preferably the permanent magnet, is housed in the housing seat 12.

[0067] In a design form, the detectable element 9 and the housing seat 12 are shaped in such a way that when the detectable element 9 is housed in the housing seat 12, the detectable element 9 is positioned within the radial footprint of piston body 8.

[0068] The term "radial footprint" refers to the projection onto a plane transverse to the actuation axis 6 of the greatest extension of a component in a radial direction to the actuation axis 6.

[0069] Advantageously, this configuration reduces the overall footprint of the braking feel simulator device 1 .

[0070] According to an embodiment, the detectable element 9 is shaped substantially coplanar with the piston body 8. As a result, the outer surface of the piston body 8 and the detectable element 9 form a substantial structural continuity.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the detectable element 9 and the piston body 8 are shaped in such a way as to create a geometric fit.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the detectable element 9 and the piston body 8 can be connected to each other via a male-female connection, for a connection preferably in the radial direction to the actuation axis 6.

[0073] According to an embodiment, piston body 8 comprises a female seat 13, defined for example by a blind hole or a hole passing through the piston body 8 in a radialdirection to the actuation axis 6.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the female seat 13 is defined within the housing seat 12 formed by the piston body 8.

[0075] In addition, the detectable element 9, preferably the permanent magnet, comprises a male body 14, at least partially insertable into the female seat 13.

[0076] The male body 14 is projecting from the detectable element 9. According to an embodiment, the male body 14 is positioned opposite the microswitch 10.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the female seat 13 is a through hole and the male body 14 is inserted inside the female seat 13. In addition, the male body 14, and therefore the detectable element 9, is fixed integral to the piston body 8 by means of a fixing screw 15 inserted into the female seat 13 in the opposite direction to the male body 14 and screwed to the male body 14.

[0078] Advantageously, the fixing screw 15 is positioned substantially coaxial to the male body 14 along the same radial axis to the actuation axis 6.

[0079] Preferably, the fixing screw 15 is included within the radial clearance of the piston body 8.

[0080] Advantageously, this connection ensures a firm connection between the detectable element 9 and the piston body 8 and at the same time reduces the space requirements of the braking feel simulator device 1 .

[0081] According to an embodiment, the detectable element 9, in particular the permanent magnet and / or the male body 14, and the piston body 8 and / or the housing seat 12 and / or and the female seat 13, are shaped to create a poka yoke element to ensure correct and error-free assembly.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the detectable element 9 is positioned connected to the piston body 8 so that it is radially directly facing the sensor element 11 and / or the microswitch 10.

[0083] Advantageously, this configuration improves the detection of the magnetic field of the detectable element by sensor element 1 1 , thus avoiding oversizing of detectable element 9, while reducing overall dimensions.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the piston body 8 is constrained to the cylinder body 5 by means of an anti-rotation pin 16.

[0085] Advantageously, the anti-rotation pin 16 prevents a relative rotation between the piston body 8 and the cylinder body 5 around the actuation axis 6, and ensures that the detectable element 9 is constantly and regularly detectable by the sensor element11.

[0086] According to an embodiment, the anti-rotation pin 16 is positioned at an angular distance from the microswitch 10 and / or the sensor element 1 1 and / or the male body 14 of the detectable element 9, e.g. it is positioned at an angular distance of about 90°, with reference to the actuation axis 6, the microswitch 10 and / or the sensor element 11 and / or the axis along which the male body 14 is extended.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the detectable element 9 is included in the axial footprint of the piston body 8.

[0088] The term "axial footprint" refers to the projection of the greatest extension of a component along the actuation axis 6.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the piston body 8 is made of non-electrically conductive or electrical insulating material.

[0090] Advantageously, this configuration ensures that the piston body 8 does not affect the detection of the magnetic field generated by the detectable element 9 by the sensor element 1 1 .

[0091] According to an embodiment, the detectable element 9 is an electromagnetic device configured to generate a magnetic field, preferably of constant intensity, when electrically powered. For example, the detectable element 9 is a conductive plate or coil.

[0092] Microswitch 10 and sensor element 1 1

[0093] According to an embodiment, the sensor element 1 1 is a position sensor configured to detect a relative motion and / or a certain relative positioning between the piston body 8 and the cylinder body 7.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the sensor element 1 1 is configured to activate a braking request signal, for example to an electronic processing unit, in correspondence with the detection of a translation or movement or different relative position between the piston body 8 and the cylinder body 5. This braking request signal can be processed by the electronic processing unit to command the activation of a vehicle braking assembly associated with at least one wheel of the vehicle.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the sensor element 11 is either a laser position sensor or an infrared position sensor or an elastomeric sensor or a piezoelectric sensor or a Hall effect sensor or a magnetoresistive sensor or a linear magnetic sensor or a combination thereof.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the microswitch 10 is configured to activate a vehicle load.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the microswitch 10 is configured to turn the vehicle's braking lights on or off.

[0098] According to an embodiment, microswitch 10 is configured to activate a braking request signal, for example to an electronic processing unit, at the detection of a relative translation or movement between piston body 8 and cylinder body 5.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the microswitch 10 is configured to activate a braking request signal, for example to an electronic processing unit, at the detection of a relative translation or movement between the piston body 8 and the cylinder body 5, in conditions in which a malfunction condition of the sensor element 1 1 is detected.

[0100] Advantageously, this configuration increases the safety of the braking system 3 to which the braking feel simulator device 1 is applicable since it has a redundant configuration for the braking request, which can be requested via the sensor element 1 1 and, in particular in the event of a malfunction of the sensor element 1 1 , also from the microswitch 10.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 comprises a printed circuit board 20 or PCB (Printed Circuit Board) housed within a sensor housing 17. In this embodiment, the microswitch 10 and the sensor element 1 1 are mounted on the printed circuit board 20 and electrically (galvanically) isolated from each other. Therefore, the sensor housing 17 has the printed circuit board 20 on which the microswitch 10 and the sensor element 11 are mounted and electrically isolated from each other.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the printed circuit board 20 is configured to receive as input, through the sensor element 11 , a signal to detect a relative translation and / or a certain relative positioning between the piston body 8 and the cylinder body 7. In addition, the printed circuit board 20 is configured to signal at the output, at this detection of a relative translation and / or a certain relative positioning between the piston body 8 and the cylinder body 7, a signal requesting braking force, by means of sensor element 1 1 , and a signal of activation of a vehicle load, using the microswitch 10. For example, these signals can be received and processed by an electronic processing unit.

[0103] Advantageously, a braking feel simulator device 1 configured in this way allows the microswitch 10 and sensor element 1 1 to be integrated, keeping them electrically isolated from each other, on a single printed circuit board 20 which, by receiving a single input, i.e. the detection signal of the relative translation between piston body 8 and cylinder body 5, it emits a plurality of outputs, i.e. a request to brake and an activation of a vehicle load.

[0104] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 includes a sensor housing 17.

[0105] According to an embodiment, the printed circuit board 20 is either embedded or co-printed with the sensor housing 17.

[0106] Advantageously, a braking feel simulator device 1 configured in this way allows microswitch 10 and sensor element 1 1 to be integrated within a single sensor housing 17, applicable for example to cylinder body 5, with reduced space and complexity.

[0107] According to an embodiment, the sensor housing 17 comprises a coupling body 18 and at least one wiring body 19.

[0108] The coupling body 18 is configured to make a mechanical coupling between the sensor housing 17 and the cylinder body 5.

[0109] At least one wiring body 19 is configured to allow an electrical connection between the printed circuit board 20 and an external electrical power source to the braking feel simulator device 1 .

[0110] At least one wiring body 19 is connected to the coupling body 18, preferably it is made of workpiece with coupling body 18 or co-moulded with coupling body 18.

[0111] According to an embodiment, the coupling body 18 is connected to the cylinder body 5 by means of at least one threaded screw and / or by means of a form coupling.

[0112] According to an embodiment, at least one wiring body 19 is projecting from the coupling body 18, in the transverse direction to the coupling body 18. In connected configuration, at least one wiring body 19 is extended in the opposite direction to the cylinder body 5 from the coupling body 18.

[0113] According to an embodiment, the wiring body 19 forms a wiring compartment 21 inside, which is open in the opposite direction to the coupling body 18.

[0114] The sensor housing 17 also includes an electrical interface 22 that is at least partially housed within the wiring compartment 21 .

[0115] In particular, the electrical interface 22 is configured to make an electrical connection between the printed circuit board 20 and the external electrical power source to the braking feel simulator device 1 , which can be for example an electrical wiring that can be connected to the electrical interface 22.

[0116] According to an embodiment, the microswitch 10 and the sensor element 1 1 , or the printed circuit board 20, are positioned opposite the wiring body 19 to the coupling body 18.

[0117] Advantageously, this configuration enhances the exposure of the sensor element 11 to detectable element 9 and reduces the overall footprint of the braking feel simulator device 1.

[0118] According to an embodiment, the coupling body 18 alone or the entire sensor housing 17 is made of plastic. Depending on an embodiment, the printed circuit board 20 is co-printed with the mating body 18 or the entire sensor housing 17.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the coupling body 18 is connected to the cylinder body 5 by means of a form coupling, for a connection preferably in the radial direction to the actuation axis 6.

[0120] Specifically, the cylinder body 5 comprises a coupling seat 23, defined for example by a blind hole or through the cylinder body 5 in the radial direction to the actuation axis 6 and discharging into the cylinder compartment 7.

[0121] In addition, the coupling body 18 includes a coupling portion 24 that can be at least partially inserted into the coupling seat 23.

[0122] The coupling portion 24 protrudes from the coupling body 18. In addition, the mating portion 24 is positioned opposite the wiring body 19 to the mating body 18.

[0123] According to an embodiment, the microswitch 10 and the sensor element 1 1 , or the printed circuit board 20, are connected or co-printed with the coupling portion 24.

[0124] In this way, in a connected configuration, the microswitch 10 and the sensor element 1 1 , or the printed circuit board 20, are at least partially inserted in the cylinder body 5.

[0125] According to an embodiment, the microswitch 10 and the sensor element 1 1 , or the printed circuit board 20, are positioned within the radial dimensions of the cylinder body 5.

[0126] Advantageously, in this way, the sensor element 1 1 can be positioned at a shorter distance from the piston body 8, and therefore from the detectable element 9, reducing the overall dimensions of the braking feel simulator device 1 as well as favoring the detection of the magnetic field of the detectable element 9.

[0127] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 is configured in such a way that the sensor element 1 1 is always included in the axial footprint of the piston body 8.

[0128] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 is configured in such a way that sensor element 11 is always included in the axial footprint of detectable element 9.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 is configured in such a way that the sensor element 11 and the microswitch 10 are always included in the axial footprint of the piston body 8.

[0130] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 is configured in such a way that the printed circuit board 20 is always included in the axial footprint of the piston body 8.

[0131] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 is configured in such a way that detectable element 9 is always included in the axial footprint of the sensor housing 17 or of the body in the axial footprint of the housing housing 18 or of the coupling portion 24.

[0132] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 comprises an electronic processing unit, configured to receive from the sensor element 1 1 the detection of the magnetic field generated by the detectable element 9, or the detection of a variation in the magnetic field generated by the detectable element 9 induced by a relative translation or a change in relative positioning between the piston body 8 and the cylinder body 5, preferably to activate the microswitch 10 and / or to process a braking force request, and preferably to control a corresponding braking device actuation of a vehicle.

[0133] The piston body 8 is extended between a proximal end 28 and a distal end 29. The pedal or brake lever 4 can be connected to the piston body 8 at the proximal end 28.

[0134] According to an embodiment, the piston body 8 is connected to the brake pedal or lever 4 via a pushrod 25. Preferably, the pushrod 25 is directly connected to the piston body 8 by mechanical means of connection, e.g. a mechanical joint.

[0135] According to an embodiment, the piston body 8 defines a fixation seat 30 at the proximal end 28. According to a design design, the pushrod 25 is inserted and fixed in the fixing seat 30. According to an embodiment, the piston body 8 includes a retaining ring 31 housed in the fixing seat 30 to secure the connection of the pushrod 25 to the piston body 8.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the absorber assembly 26 is configured to exert a reaction force on the piston body 8 in contrast to a translation of the piston body 8 inside the cylinder body 5, which can be operated by means of the pedal or brake lever 4.

[0137] The absorber assembly 26 is located housed inside the cylinder body 5, in the cylinder compartment 7.

[0138] According to an embodiment, the absorber assembly 26 is positioned between the cylinder body 5 and the piston body 8. In particular, the absorber assembly 26 is positioned opposite the brake lever or pedal 4, or the pushrod 25, with respect to the piston body 8. In particular, the absorber assembly 26 is positioned between the cylinder body 5 and the distal end 29 of the piston body 8.

[0139] According to an embodiment, the absorber assembly 26 includes a plurality of elastic elements 27 positioned in series and / or parallel inside the cylinder body 5, in the cylinder compartment 7. According to one form of construction, elastic elements 26 comprise compression coil springs that are positioned substantially coaxial to the actuation axis 6 and / or disc springs and / or square springs and / or torsional springs and / or band springs and / or shaped springs.

[0140] According to an embodiment, the absorber assembly 26 includes a spring guide 32 positioned inside the cylinder compartment 7, facing the piston body 8. Preferably, the spring guide 32 is positioned coaxial to the actuation axis 6.

[0141] The spring guide 32 is configured to guide and control the deformation, in particular compression and extension, of the elastic elements 27 of the absorber assembly 26.

[0142] According to an embodiment, the spring guide 32 faces the distal end 29 of the piston body 8.

[0143] According to an embodiment, the spring guide 32 is interposed between at least two opposing elastic elements 27.

[0144] According to an embodiment, at least one spring element 27, preferably a single spring element 27, is placed between spring guide 32 and the distal end 29 of piston body 8, while at least one other spring element 27, preferably one or two spring elements 27, are positioned opposite the first spring element 27 to spring guide 32, in particular, they are positioned between the spring guide 32 and the cylinder body 5.

[0145] According to an embodiment, the cylinder body 5 is shaped to form an abutment wall 33, facing the piston body 8 and / or the distal end 29 of the piston body 8 and / or the spring guide 32.

[0146] The abutment wall 33 is configured to define the end position of the piston body 8.

[0147] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator 1 is configured in such a way that the end position of piston body 8 corresponds to the position in which piston body 8 is in contact with the abutment wall 33 of cylinder compartment 5.

[0148] According to a design in which the braking feel simulator 1 comprises a spring guide 32 interposed between the piston body 8 and the cylinder body 5, the braking feel simulator 1 is configured in such a way that the end position of the piston body 8 corresponds to the position in which the spring guide 32, stressed by the piston body 8 preferably in the stop against the spring guide 32, it is in the stop against the abutment 33 of the cylinder compartment 5.

[0149] According to an embodiment, the abutment wall 33 is made by narrowing the axial section of the cylinder compartment 7. In particular, the abutment wall 33 is formed by a step that is more extended in a radial direction inside the actuation axis 6 than the remaining part of the cylinder body 5 along which the piston body 8 runs.

[0150] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 includes a dust cover 34, preferably elastomeric, preferably in the shape of a bellows. The dust cover 34 wraps around the proximal end 28 of the piston body 8. In particular, the dust cover 34 is connected to the cylinder body at the pushrod 25.

[0151] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 1 is of the dry type. The piston body 8 and the absorber assembly 26 are therefore not in a hydraulic fluid bath, with a consequent reduction in cost and construction complexity.

[0152] Braking system 3

[0153] According to a further aspect of the invention, a braking system 3, in particular of the Brake-By-Wire ("BBW") type, comprises a brake pedal or lever 4 operationally connected to the braking feel simulator device 1 described above.

[0154] Braking system 3 includes at least one brake caliper.

[0155] Braking system 3 includes at least one load, e.g. brake lights.

[0156] In addition, braking system 3 includes an electronic processing unit.

[0157] The electronic processing unit is electrically connected to the braking feel simulator device 1 and at least one brake caliper and at least one load.

[0158] The electronic processing unit is configured to operate at least one brake caliper and at least one load when the braking feel simulator device 1 detects a movement of the piston body 8 with respect to the cylinder body 5, or in correspondence with a translation or variation of the relative position between the piston body 8 and the cylinder body 5.

[0159] In particular, the movement of the piston body 8 with respect to the cylinder body 5 can be detected by the sensor element 11 . According to an embodiment, the signaling of the request for braking and the activation of at least one load can be activatedby means of the printed circuit board 20 that integrates the sensor element 11 and the microswitch 10.

[0160] According to an embodiment, the pedal or brake lever 4 is either a pedal (fig.1-3) or a lever (fig. 4-6).

[0161] Advantageously, a braking system 3 configured in this way can be integrated both in motorcycles or motorcycles with at least two wheels, both for the front and rear brakes, and in motor vehicles and heavy vehicles such as vans and trucks.

[0162] Naturally, a person skilled in the art will be able to make modifications or adaptations to the present invention, without departing from the scope of the claims set forth below.List of referencesI . Braking Feel Simulator Device3. Braking system4. Pedal or brake lever5. Cylinder body6. Actuation axis7. Cylinder Compartment8. Piston body9. Detectable Item10. MicroswitchI I . Sensor element12. Housing Seat13. Female seat14. Male body15. Fixing screw16. Anti-rotation pin17. Sensor housing18. Coupling body19. Wiring body20. Printed circuit board21 . Wiring compartment22. Electrical interface23. Coupling seat24. Coupling portion25. Pushrod26. Absorber assembly27. Elastic elements28. Proximal end of the piston body29. Distal end of the piston body30. Fixing seat31 . Retaining ring32. Spring guide33. Abutment wall34. Dust cover

Claims

Claims1. A braking feel simulator device (1 ), in particular for a braking system (3) of the Brake- By-Wire type of a vehicle, comprising:- a cylinder body (5), extending along an actuation axis (6), and forming a cylinder compartment (7) therein;- a piston body (8), slidingly housed in the cylinder compartment (7), wherein the piston body (8) is suitable for being connectable to a brake pedal or lever (4), so that an actuation of the brake pedal or lever (4) corresponds to a translation of the piston body(8) with respect to the cylinder body (5) along the actuation axis (6);- an absorber assembly (26), configured to apply a reaction force to the brake pedal or lever (4) in opposition to an actuation of the brake pedal or lever (4), wherein the braking feel simulator device (1 ) comprises:- a detectable element (9), configured to generate a magnetic field;- a microswitch (10), adapted to activate at least one vehicle load;- a sensor element (11 ), electrically connected to the microswitch (10), and configured to detect the magnetic field generated by the detectable element (9), wherein the detectable element (9) is positioned at the piston body (8), and wherein the sensor element (11 ) is positioned at the cylinder body (5), and wherein the microswitch (10) is suitable for activating or deactivating the at least one vehicle load, upon a detection, by the sensor element (1 1 ), of the magnetic field generated by the detectable element (9).

2. A braking feel simulator device (1 ) according to claim 1 , configured so that the microswitch (10) is suitable for activating or deactivating the at least one vehicle load upon a variation of the strength of the magnetic field generated by the detectable element(9) and detected by the sensor element (1 1 ), or wherein the braking feel simulator device (1 ) is configured so that the microswitch (10) is suitable for activating or deactivating the at least one vehicle load upon reaching a predetermined value of the strength of the magnetic field generated by the detectable element (9) and detected by the sensor element (1 1 ), and / or wherein the braking feel simulator device (1 ) is configured so that a relative translation of the piston body (8) with respect to the cylinder body (5) along the actuation axis (6) causes a variation of the magnetic field strength detected by the sensor element3. A braking feel simulator device (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the piston body (8) is movable inside the cylinder body (5) between a stroke start position and a stroke end position, and wherein the braking feel simulator device (1 ) is configured so that:- when the piston body (8) is in the stroke start position, the microswitch (10) does not activate the at least one vehicle load;- when the piston body (8) is not in the stroke start position, the microswitch (10) activates the at least one vehicle load.

4. A braking feel simulator device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detectable element (9) is a permanent magnet, optionally embedded in the piston body (8).

5. A braking feel simulator device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the piston body (8) defines a housing seat (12) therein, open in the radial direction with respect to the actuation axis (6), wherein the detectable element (9) is housed inside the housing seat (12), and wherein the detectable element (9) and the housing seat (12) are shaped so that, when the detectable element (9) is housed in the housing seat (12), the detectable element (9) is positioned to be within the radial volume of the piston body (8), and / or wherein the detectable element (9) is shaped substantially coplanar with the piston body (8), and / or wherein the detectable element (9) and the piston body (8) are shaped so as to realize a geometric coupling.

6. A braking feel simulator device (1 ) according to claim 5, wherein the detectable element (9) and the piston body (8) are mutually connectable by means of a male-female connection, optionally for a connection in the radial direction with respect to the actuation axis (6), wherein the piston body (8) comprises a female seat (13), optionally defined inside the housing seat (12) formed by the piston body (8), wherein the detectable element (9) comprises a male body (14) at least partially insertable into the female seat (13), wherein the male body (14) projects from the detectable element (9), and wherein, optionally, the female seat (13) is a through-hole and the male body (14) isinserted into the female seat (13), and wherein the detectable element (9) is integrally fixed to the piston body (8) by means of a fixing screw (15) inserted into the female seat (13) in the opposite direction to the male body (14) and screwed onto the male body (14), and wherein, optionally, the fixing screw (15) is positioned to be substantially coaxial to the male body (14) along the same radial axis with respect to the actuation axis (6), and / or the fixing screw (15) is within the radial volume of the piston body (8), and / or wherein the detectable element (9) is positioned to be connected to the piston body (8) so as to face the sensor element (1 1 ) and / or the microswitch (10) radially directly.

7. A braking feel simulator device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the piston body (8) is made of electrical insulating material.

8. A braking feel simulator device (1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the detectable element (9) is an electromagnetic device configured to generate a magnetic field, optionally of constant strength, when electrically powered.

9. A braking feel simulator device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sensor element (11 ) is a position sensor configured to detect a relative movement and / or a given relative positioning between the piston body (8) and the cylinder body (7), and / or wherein the sensor element (1 1) is configured to activate a braking request signal upon the detection of a relative translation or movement or different position between the piston body (8) and the cylinder body (5), and / or wherein the microswitch (10) is configured to activate a vehicle load, and / or wherein the microswitch (10) is configured to activate or deactivate the brake lights of the vehicle, and / or wherein the microswitch (10) is configured to activate a braking request signal upon the detection of a relative translation or movement between the piston body (8) and the cylinder body (5), optionally under conditions in which a malfunction condition of the sensor element (11 ) is detected.

10. Braking feel simulator device (1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a printed circuit board (20) housed within a sensor housing (17), wherein the microswitch (10) and the sensor element (11 ) are mounted on the printed circuit board (20) andelectrically isolated from each other, wherein the printed circuit board (20) is configured to receive as input, by means of the sensor element (11 ), a detection signal of a relative translation and / or a given relative positioning between the piston body (8) and the cylinder body (7), wherein the printed circuit board (20) is configured to signal as output, upon the detection of a relative translation and / or a given relative positioning between the piston body (8) and the cylinder body (7), a braking force request signal, by means of the sensor element (1 1 ), and a vehicle load activation signal, by means of the microswitch (10).

11. A braking feel simulator device (1 ) according to claim 10, comprising a sensor housing (17), and wherein the printed circuit board (20) is either embedded into or comolded onto the sensor housing (17), wherein the sensor housing (17) comprises a coupling body (18) and at least one wiring body (19), wherein the coupling body (18) is configured to realize a mechanical coupling between the sensor housing (17) and the cylinder body (5), wherein the at least one wiring body (19) is configured to allow an electrical connection between the printed circuit board (20) and an electric power source outside the braking feel simulator device (1 ), wherein the at least one wiring body (19) is connected to the coupling body (18), optionally, it is made in one piece with the coupling body (18) or co-molded onto the coupling body (18), and wherein the microswitch (10) and the sensor element (11 ) or the printed circuit board (20) are positioned to be opposite to the wiring body (19) with respect to the coupling body (18), and wherein, optionally, only the coupling body (18), or the entire sensor housing (17), is made of a plastic material.

12. A braking feel simulator device (1 ) according to claim 1 1 , wherein the printed circuit board (20) is co-molded onto the coupling body (18) or the entire sensor housing (17).

13. A braking feel simulator device (1 ) according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein the coupling body (18) is connected to the cylinder body (5) by shape coupling, for a connection optionally in the radial direction with respect to the actuation axis (6), wherein the cylinder body (5) comprises a coupling seat (23), optionally defined by ablind hole or passing through the cylinder body (5) in a radial direction with respect to the actuation axis (6) and leading into the cylinder compartment (7), wherein the coupling body (18) comprises a coupling portion (24) at least partially insertable into the coupling seat (23), wherein the coupling portion (24) projects from the coupling body (18), and wherein the microswitch (10) and the sensor element (1 1 ), or the printed circuit board (20), are connected to or co-molded onto the coupling portion (24), and wherein, optionally, the microswitch (10) and sensor element (11 ), or the printed circuit board (20), are positioned to be within the radial volume of the cylinder body (5), and wherein, optionally, the braking feel simulator device (1 ) is configured so that the sensor element (11 ) is always within the axial volume of the piston body (8), and wherein, optionally, the braking feel simulator device (1 ) is configured so that the sensor element (11 ) is always within the axial volume of the detectable element (9), and wherein, optionally, the braking feel simulator device (1 ) is configured so that the sensor element (1 1 ) and the microswitch (10) are always within the axial volume of the piston body (8), and wherein, optionally, the braking feel simulator device (1 ) is configured so that the printed circuit board (20) is always within the axial volume of the piston body (8), and wherein, optionally, the braking feel simulator device (1 ) is configured so that the detectable element (9) is always within the axial volume of the sensor housing (17) or of the body in the axial volume of the housing body (18) or of the coupling portion (24).

14. A braking feel simulator device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an electronic processing unit configured to receive from the sensor element (1 1 ) the detection of the generated magnetic field of the detectable element (9), or the detection of a variation of the generated magnetic field of the detectable element (9) induced by a relative translation or by a variation of relative positioning between piston body (8) and cylinder body (5), optionally to activate the microswitch (10) and / or process a braking force request, and optionally to control a corresponding actuation of braking means of a vehicle, and / or wherein the piston body (8) extends between a proximal end (28) and a distal end (29), wherein the brake pedal or lever (4) is connectable to the piston body (8) at the proximal end (28), wherein the piston body (8) is connected to the brake pedal or lever (4) by means of a push rod (25), optionally wherein the push rod (25) is directly connected to the piston body (8) through mechanical connection means, optionally amechanical articulation, and wherein the piston body (8) defines a fixing seat (30) at the proximal end (28), wherein optionally the push rod (25) is inserted to be fixed in the fixing seat (30), and wherein optionally the piston body (8) comprises a retaining ring (31 ) housed in the fixing seat (30) to ensure the connection of the push rod (25) with the piston body (8).

15. A braking feel simulator device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the absorber assembly (26) is configured to apply a reaction force to the piston body (8) in opposition to a translation of the piston body (8) within the cylinder body (5) actuatable by the brake pedal or lever (4), wherein the absorber assembly (26) is positioned to be housed inside the cylinder body (5), in the cylinder compartment (7), interposed between the cylinder body (5) and the piston body (8), optionally interposed between the cylinder body (5) and a distal end (29) of the piston body (8), and / or wherein the absorber assembly (26) comprises a plurality of elastic elements (27) positioned in series and / or in parallel inside the cylinder body (5), which comprise compression coil springs positioned to be substantially coaxial to the actuation axis (6) and / or conical spring washers and / or square springs and / or torsional springs and / or strip springs and / or shaped springs, and / or wherein the absorber assembly (26) comprises a spring guide (32) positioned inside the cylinder compartment (7), facing the piston body (8), wherein the spring guide (32) is configured to guide and control the deformation of the elastic elements (27) of the braking assembly (26), and wherein the spring guide (32) is optionally interposed between at least two opposite elastic elements (27), and / or wherein the cylinder body (5) is shaped so as to form an abutment wall (33) facing the piston body (8) and / or a distal end (29) of the piston body (8) and / or a spring guide (32), wherein the abutment wall (33) is configured to define the stroke end position of the piston body (8), and / or wherein the braking feel simulator device (1 ) comprises a preferably elastomeric dust cap (34), wherein the dust cap (34) surrounds a proximal end (28) of the piston body (8), and / orand wherein the braking feel simulator device (1 ) is of the dry type.

16. A braking system (3), in particular of the Brake-By-Wire type, comprising a brake pedal or lever (4) operatively connected to a braking feel simulator device (1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the braking system (3) comprises at least one brake caliper, wherein the braking system (3) comprises at least one load, optionally of the brake lights, wherein the braking system (3) comprises an electronic processing unit electrically connected to the braking feel simulator device (1 ) and to the at least one brake caliper and to the at least one load, and configured to actuate the at least one brake caliper upon the detection, by the braking feel simulator device (1 ), of a movement of the piston body (8) with respect to the cylinder body (5), and wherein the braking system (3) can be integrated in motorcars or motorcycles having at least two wheels, for both the front and rear brakes, and in motor vehicles and heavy vehicles.

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