DE102020204491A1 - Brake module for a motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Brake module (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a fluid body (12) which comprises openings (12a) and channels (12b) for a fluid, and a housing (14), the housing (14) being arranged on the fluid body (12) is, wherein the fluid body (12) has a membrane (16) which undergoes a deformation (V) dependent on a fluid pressure, the housing (14) having a sensor (18) which is used to detect a deformation (V) of the membrane (16) and a fluid pressure is determined from the deformation (V). In addition, a brake system with such a brake module (10) is described.

Description

The invention relates to a brake module for a motor vehicle and a brake system for a motor vehicle.

the DE 10 2011 085 332 A1 describes a pressure sensor unit. Such a pressure sensor unit will be used on a braking system. The sensor unit is arranged in a receptacle and caulked, wherein a fluid fills an interior space of the sensor unit via a passage and can act on a membrane which is arranged inside the sensor unit. A pin is formed on the membrane. The membrane deforms depending on the pressure applied and thereby moves the pen. A relative movement of the pen can be detected without contact via a sensor element. The sensor unit represents a closed unit that is attached as a whole to the body of the brake system. As a result, the assembly of the brake system is relatively complex and expensive, and replacement is also ruled out in the event of a defect in the sensor element.

It is therefore an object to provide a brake module for a motor vehicle which has a sensor that is easy to assemble and replaceable.

The above object is achieved by a brake module for a motor vehicle according to claim 1. Advantageous design variants of the brake module are described in the dependent claims.

The brake module is intended for use in a motor vehicle. In particular, the brake module provides a hydraulic pressure that is provided for actuating at least one brake on the motor vehicle. The brake is actuated by the hydraulic pressure provided and a braking process is carried out. The brake module expediently forms an ABS module or an integrated brake system. Such a brake module preferably provides brake assistance functions and / or autonomous brake functions. This can be, for example, an anti-lock function, an anti-slip control and / or a braking function for a motorway assistant.

The brake module comprises a fluid body and a housing. The fluid body includes openings and channels for a fluid. The channels are designed so that the fluid can flow through them. A plurality of valves which control a flow of fluid through the channels of the fluid body are expediently formed on the fluid body. The fluid body serves to distribute and supply the one or more brakes of a brake system with fluid. The fluid body is advantageously designed as a hydraulic block, for example made of a metal, in particular aluminum.

Furthermore, the housing is arranged on the fluid body. The housing is advantageously a housing of a control device. The housing of the control device or the control device is arranged on the fluid body, in particular on the hydraulic block. The control device is used, among other things, to control the valves of the fluid body.

The fluid body furthermore has a membrane which experiences a deformation which is dependent on a fluid pressure. This can be, for example, a pressure of the fluid that is present in a channel or at an opening in the fluid body. The membrane is expediently formed on a channel and / or an opening in the fluid body. The fluid acts on the membrane with its hydraulic pressure, so that the membrane deforms depending on the pressure. This deformation is elastic with particular advantage. The membrane is preferably formed in one piece with the fluid body, attached to the fluid body or formed on a component, in particular a hydraulic component, which is arranged / attached to the fluid block. One component has at least one connection between the membrane and the channel or the opening, so that the fluid can act on the membrane. A component is also referred to as a hydraulic component if it provides a hydraulic function on the brake module. This can be a valve, for example, which is a component and a hydraulic component.

The housing also has a sensor which is designed to detect a deformation of the membrane and determines a fluid pressure from the deformation. The sensor is designed, for example, as an application-specific integrated circuit, also called an ASIC. The membrane is thus arranged in a first assembly, whereas the sensor is arranged in a second assembly. The first subassembly and the second subassembly are arranged on one another in order to provide the brake module and are advantageously fastened to one another. Only when the first assembly is installed on the second assembly does the sensor and the membrane become a functional sensor unit.

Such a brake module provides a sensor unit which is implemented partly in a first assembly and partly in a second assembly and is only provided in its entirety when the two assemblies are assembled on one another. This makes it possible to provide a brake module which is designed in a simple manner and is easy to assemble. In particular, the attachment of the membrane to the The fluid body is easier to design and also to handle during assembly than the attachment and assembly of a preassembled sensor unit.

Advantageous design variants of the brake module are described below.

It is proposed that the sensor detect deformation of the membrane without contact.

The contact-free detection or measurement is preferably carried out inductively, optically, magnetically, capacitively or in some other way. In particular, the deformation is recorded via inductive distance measurement or an eddy current measurement. The contact-free detection eliminates the need to arrange and fasten the sensor on the fluid body and also a downstream electronic circuit. Rather, the sensor can be arranged and connected to the housing in a completely preassembled manner. The sensor is thus advantageously designed completely within the housing. In particular, the sensor is arranged on a circuit board or connected to a circuit board which is formed within the housing or on the housing. This allows the housing to be easily placed on during assembly. On the other hand, a membrane on the fluid body can be formed or arranged and fastened to the fluid body in a simpler manner. The two assemblies can be completely preassembled independently of one another and then attached to one another. After assembly, the sensor unit is complete and fully functional.

The housing is advantageously fastened to the fluid body in a detachable manner.

Fastening can take place, for example, by screwing, by pushing on, pressing on, by snap-in connection, by gluing, by caulking, or in some other way. It is particularly advantageous that the housing can also be removed again at a later date. The fastening is preferably designed in such a way that non-destructive releasability is provided. In particular, the housing, the fluid body and any fastening means that may be present can be separated from one another in a non-destructive manner. If the brake module fails due to an error in the electronics, for example due to a defective sensor or other defective component, the housing can be removed in its entirety and a new housing can be put on. This enables a simple repair that is gentle on the material. Such a simple exchange would not be possible in the case of a sensor unit which is connected in its entirety to the fluid body. The entire brake module would have to be replaced here.

It is proposed that the position of the sensor and the membrane are adjusted to one another, in particular are centered.

For the correct detection of the deformation of the membrane and, accordingly, also the correct determination of the pressure, it can be advantageous if the sensor and the membrane are precisely aligned with one another. This can be done, for example, by centering. This provides an optimal measurement accuracy.

A centering structure on the sensor side and a centering structure on the membrane side are particularly advantageously designed to be complementary to one another and interact to adjust the sensor and membrane.

The sensor-side centering structure is expediently formed on the housing side. The centering structure on the membrane side is advantageously formed on the fluid side. The sensor-side centering structure is advantageously formed by the housing or a component connected to the housing. The centering structure on the membrane side can be formed, for example, by the fluid body or a component or hydraulic component connected to the fluid body. For example, such a centering structure can be formed by a pin which is formed as a complementary recess on the associated counterpart.

It is further proposed that the membrane is electrically conductive.

The membrane is made of metal, rubber, rubber or plastic, for example. A membrane whose main components consist of non-conductive materials can particularly advantageously have conductive components. This can be metal components or metal particles with which the membrane is enriched. Alternatively, the membrane can also be coated with a conductive material.

The membrane is advantageously formed in one piece by the fluid block or inserted into the fluid block.

According to the first variant, material is preferably removed from the fluid block, for example a channel within the fluid block, leaving a web or material which, on the one hand, provides a hydraulic, stable seal, but, on the other hand, is elastically deformable under the applied hydraulic pressure, so that the sensor does this deformation can capture. According to In the latter variant, the membrane can, for example, be arranged on a component or a hydraulic component or be formed by a component or a hydraulic component which is arranged on the fluid body. Alternatively, the membrane can also be designed as a part which is attached to the fluid body. The attachment can also be done in various ways. The membrane can, for example, be welded, caulked, pressed in or fastened in some other way. With particular advantage, the membrane can only be removed from the fluid body when it is destroyed.

It is proposed that the membrane be formed on a component or a hydraulic component which is arranged on the fluid body.

This can be a valve, for example. Such a valve has, for example, a valve dome which is elastically deformed in a corresponding manner when pressure is applied. This elastic deformation can be detected by the sensor. For example, such a control valve according to FIG WO 97/28998 A1 educated. The valve dome shown there is formed at one axial end of the valve. In addition, the valve on the hydraulic block is caulked. When the valve is switched, the dome is pressurized and elastic deformation can be detected by the sensor.

The housing is particularly advantageously formed by a housing of the control device of the brake module.

The control device advantageously comprises a main board, electronic components and the sensors of the sensor unit. After the housing of the control device has been placed on the fluid body, the sensor and the membrane are brought together, so that a functional sensor unit is provided.

It is further proposed that the fluid body is formed by a hydraulic block, in particular made of aluminum.

The object is also achieved by a braking system for a motor vehicle according to claim 10.

Such a brake system for a motor vehicle comprises a brake module according to one of claims 1 to 9 or a brake module according to at least one of the preceding statements.

• 1 ein Bremsmodul für ein Kraftfahrzeug in einem schematisch dargestellten Querschnitt;
• 2a eine Ausführungsvariante für eine Membran an einem Fluidkörper;
• 2b eine weitere Ausführungsvariante für eine Membran an einem Fluidkörper;
• 3 eine weitere Ausführungsvariante mit einer Membran an einem Ventil.

The brake module and the brake system are explained in detail below by way of example with the aid of several figures. Show it:

• 1 a brake module for a motor vehicle in a schematically illustrated cross section;
• 2a a variant embodiment for a membrane on a fluid body;
• 2 B a further variant embodiment for a membrane on a fluid body;
• 3 another variant with a membrane on a valve.

In the 1 is a brake module 10 shown for a motor vehicle. The brake module shown schematically and by way of example can be, for example, an integrated brake system or an ABS module for a brake system. In particular, such a braking module provides braking assistance functions. These can be, for example, supporting braking functions, such as an anti-lock function or an anti-slip control. In addition, such a brake module can also provide partially or fully autonomous braking functions.

The brake module 10 includes a body of fluid 12th and a case 14th . The fluid body 12th and the case 14th are arranged next to each other. Basically, the housing 14th on the fluid body 12th be non-destructively releasably attached to the fluid body. This can be done, for example, by screwing, riveting or gluing, latching connections, clamping connections or other known fastening variants.

At the fluid body 12th it is a hydraulic block. This is made of aluminum, for example. The fluid body has openings 12a on. Such openings 12a are designed to provide an inflow and / or outflow of fluid to further components of a brake system, for example to brakes. Such openings are also used 12a for arranging valves on the fluid body 12th . This will allow the fluid to flow through channels 12b of the fluid body controlled.

With the case 14th it is, for example, a housing for a control unit of the brake module 10 . The control unit records the status of the brake system, any braking or functional requirements and regulates the fluid flow. Corresponding braking functions are thereby provided. In the 1 is an example of a motherboard 14a that are located inside the case 14th is arranged, shown. The connection between the fluid body 12th and the case 14th takes place via a locking device, not shown.

On the fluid body 12th is still a membrane 16 educated. The membrane 16 closes according to the embodiment of 1 a fluid channel 12b outwards. The membrane is designed in such a way that it reacts in the event of a pressure increase within the channel 12b undergoes a deformation. The membrane is in the 2a shown enlarged again. The membrane 16 is here in one piece through the fluid body 12b educated. In particular, the membrane is 16 formed by a remaining web with a relatively small thickness. In addition, the deformation of the membrane under pressure is shown by way of example and with dashed lines. The overdrawing of the deformation serves to explain and also to graphically depict the membrane and its function. The deformation V is according to the 2 captured by way of example via a deflection of a center of the membrane from an initial position. The recorded physical quantity and the determination of the deformation and also the determination of the pressure naturally depend on the type of sensor used.

On the case 14th is a sensor 18th educated. The sensor 18th is like in the 1 to be seen opposite the membrane 16 positioned in such a way that it does the deformation V can capture. This can be done, for example, by recording the change in induced cyclones. Such sensors can be designed, for example, as an ASIC with a compact design. Alternatively, the deformation V can also be detected via an optical method or in some other way with a corresponding sensor. The membrane 16 and the sensor 18th together form a sensor unit 20th the end.

Basically, that is, independently of this specific exemplary embodiment, the sensor 18th and the membrane 16 , so the sensor unit 20th , with particular advantage a non-contact or non-contact pressure measurement. It should also be mentioned that the membrane 16 and the sensor 18th are each formed for themselves on a different assembly, which only after assembly to form a common sensor unit 20th be united. The sensor 18th is on the housing 14th in one shot 14b arranged and over a line 14c with the motherboard 14a tied together. The recording 14b also provides a shield for the sensor 18th and the space between the sensor 18th and membrane 16 ready. This can prevent contamination. In addition, the sensor 18th shielded accordingly. If necessary, a contact seal can also be implemented here, which forms the space between the membrane 16 and sensor 18th seals against excessive contamination. It also enables recording 14b an optimal arrangement of the sensor 18th opposite the membrane 16 . In particular, there is a cavity or space between the housing 14th and the fluid body 12th bridged or at least partially bridged.

Such a structure, in particular the separate design of the sensor unit 20th with the sensor 18th on a first assembly, here the housing 14th , and the membrane 16 on a second assembly, in particular the fluid body 12th , a particularly simple, compact and reliable detection of pressures within a brake module can be achieved. In particular, the housing with all of its components represents its closed assembly, which is already fully functional after assembly and does not require any further contacting effort. In addition, such a housing, which in this case contains a control device, can be releasable with respect to the fluid block 12th is designed, can be removed in a simple manner in the event of a defect and replaced with a new housing with control unit. In particular, it is of particular advantage that the sensor unit no longer needs to be fastened as an overall unit to the fluid body, but rather after the housing has been put on 14th the sensor unit is provided in a simple manner.

The membrane 16 is here, for example, made of a metal that is electrically conductive. This enables the deformation to be recorded with the aid of an eddy current measurement. In the case of an optical measuring method, the membrane has a corresponding reflectivity, which enables the deformation to be detected optically.

On the case 14th is still a sensor-side centering structure 14d formed with a membrane-side centering structure 12c of the fluid body cooperates. The two centering structures 14d and 12c are designed to be complementary to one another. The representation of the centering structures in the 1 is shown here by way of example, but the centering structures themselves are designed in such a way that they have an adjusting and centering function for aligning the housing 14th and the fluid body 12th to each other and thereby also an alignment and adjustment of the membrane 16 to the sensor 18th provides. The sensor-side centering structure 14d is designed as a pin, the fluid being the membrane-side centering structure 12c is designed as a recess. These have a transition fit. In particular, a plurality of pairs of centering structures that are complementary to one another can also be formed here, which clearly align the housing 14th opposite the fluid body 12th provide. Such a centering structure can, for example, also be implemented by the membrane, a component or a hydraulic component on which the membrane is arranged or formed, which is provided with a Centering structure executed recording 14d cooperates. This is also exemplary in the 3 which is explained in more detail below.

Another embodiment variant for a membrane is exemplified in FIG 2 B shown. Here is a membrane 22nd into a receptacle on the fluid body 12th used and caulked within this. The membrane 22nd closes a channel from the outside in a fluid-tight manner. In addition, the membrane can move as a function of the fluid pressure within the channel 12b Deform depending on pressure. The detection via a sensor can take place in accordance with the variants already mentioned. The membrane 22nd is advantageously made conductive.

In the 3 a further variant is formed in which the membrane is formed on another component or is implemented by a component. The same reference symbols are also used for components which have an identical function to the preceding exemplary embodiment. Into the space between the fluid body 12th and the case 14th is a switchable valve 24 educated.

The valve 24 is on the one hand via caulking on the fluid body 12th arranged. The other hand is the valve 24 on the housing 14th arranged and aligned with respect to this. The valve 24 is used to control the fluid flow within the fluid block. The valve includes a spool 24a , as well as an armature, not shown, which is radially inside the coil 24a is arranged. The coil is over contact conductor 24b connected to the control unit, in particular the motherboard. The valve also includes 24 a valve dome 24c who is also the membrane 24c trains. The membrane 24c leads to a deformation V from, which also exemplifies the raising and lowering of the valve dome in the 3 shown, to a changing fluid pressure of the valve 24 reacted. This deformation of the valve dome 24c is about the sensor 18th recorded. The sensor 18th is also here via a line 14c connected to the motherboard. At the valve 24 are also membrane-side centering structures 24d formed with centering structures 14d that of the housing 14th cooperate. The complementary trained centering structures 14d and 24d are designed as cylinders and hollow cylinders. In particular, these have a corresponding fit, so that a precise adjustment and alignment of the sensor 18th opposite the valve 24 and thus in particular with respect to the valve dome or the membrane 24c provided. The membrane-side centering structures 24d of the valve 24 also serve to make contact with the contact conductors 24b , the centering structures 24d one contact conductor each 24b , at least over part of its length.

List of reference symbols

10

Brake module

12th

Fluid body

12a

opening

12b

channel

12c

Centering structure

14th

casing

14a

Motherboard

14b

recording

14c

management

14d

Centering structure

16

membrane

18th

sensor

20th

Sensor unit

22nd

membrane

24

Valve

24a

Kitchen sink

24b

Contact manager

24c

Valve dome / membrane

24d

Centering structure

V

deformation

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102011085332 A1 [0002]
• WO 9728998 A1 [0025]

Claims (10)

A brake module (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising • a fluid body (12) which comprises openings (12a) and channels (12b) for a fluid, and • a housing (14), • wherein the housing (14) is arranged on the fluid body (12), • wherein the fluid body (12) has a membrane (16) which undergoes a deformation (V) dependent on a fluid pressure, • wherein the housing (14) has a sensor (18) which is designed to detect a deformation (V) of the membrane (16) and determines a fluid pressure from the deformation (V). Brake module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor (18) detects a deformation (V) of the membrane (16) without contact. Brake module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (14) is releasably attached to the fluid body (12). Brake module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the position of the sensor (18) and the membrane (16) are adjusted to one another, in particular are centered. Brake module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensor-side centering structure (14d) and a membrane-side centering structure (12c; 24d) are designed to be complementary to one another and cooperate to adjust the sensor (18) and membrane (16). Brake module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the membrane (16) is designed to be electrically conductive. Brake module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the membrane (16) is formed in one piece by the fluid block (12) or is inserted into the fluid block (12). Brake module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the membrane (16) is formed on a component or a hydraulic component (24) which is arranged on the fluid body (12). Brake module (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (14) is formed by a housing of a control device of the brake module (10). Brake system for a motor vehicle, comprising a brake module (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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