Fluid-pressure and analogous brake systems – Miscellaneous
Patent
1997-03-10
1999-07-27
Butler, Douglas C.
Fluid-pressure and analogous brake systems
Miscellaneous
180271, 60554, 280735, 303122, 3031141, B60T 706, B60T 888, B60R 2100
Patent
active
059278218
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a hydraulic automotive vehicle brake systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In particular in accidents where deformations of the front part of the automotive vehicle are caused, it is known that there is the risk that components positioned in this area (especially the actuating assembly of the hydraulic brake system fitted to the splashboard) will reduce the space directly ahead of the driver so that injuries are imminent. Therefore, German patent application No. 37 41 881, for example, discloses an arrangement which prevents tilting movements of actuating pedals arranged on a pedal carrier member which occur in a collision and, in addition, ensures increased leg room. To this end, all mounting supports of the pedal carrier member at the splashboard will automatically detach during a collision, and the pedal carrier member covers an opening in the splashboard, which extends beyond the projection of the pedals, so that it is allowed to freely escape into the engine compartment when acted upon by inertia forces.
A disadvantage of this known assembly is that free space must be provided in the front part or the engine compartment of the automotive vehicle which space, from a present point of view, will become limited in the future. Further, the prior art assembly has a relatively sophisticated construction of much weight which must prevent inadvertent detachment of the pedal assembly.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to make provisions in a hydraulic automotive vehicle brake system of the previously mentioned type permitting, in a space-saving manner, a flexible arrangement of the individual components in the automotive vehicle which can be achieved by minimum effort and weight.
According to the present invention, this object is achieved by means which simulate an increased volume requirement of the brake system in an accident causing deformations of the front part of the automotive vehicle and, thus, permit an increased actuating travel of the actuating assembly. Thus, the present invention provides a controlled termination of the force applied to the brake pedal by the foot of a driver in a frontal crash, thereby reducing the force impulse that is due to the impact and largely eliminating the risk of foot or knee injuries.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To specify the concept underlying the present invention, it is suggested that a pressure fluid receiver is connected to at least one of the pressure chambers of the master brake cylinder, and the connection between the pressure fluid receiver and the pressure chamber is opened by a hydraulic valve in the case of an accident.
In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a restrictor is inserted into the connection. It is achieved by this provision that an abrupt discontinuance of the pedal force is reliably prevented, or rather a shock absorber effect is provided.
In a preferred aspect of the present invention which has a particularly compact-size construction and is simple to manufacture, the hydraulic valve is a three-way/two-position directional control valve permitting a permanent connection between the pressure chamber and the wheel brakes. The valve is preferably operable electromagnetically, and the electromagnetic actuation is adapted to be triggered by output signals of a crash sensor.
In an embodiment of the present invention which permits low-cost manufacture, the valve takes the form of a slide valve. It is especially appropriate that the pressure fluid receiver and the hydraulic valve form a construction unit. In particular, this measure serves enhancing the operational reliability of the automotive vehicle brake system of the present invention.
In another favorable embodiment of the present invention, the manufacturing and assembling costs of the automotive vehicle brake system of the present invention are reduced further because the valve is operable by inertia forces caused in an accident. This measure permits exactly determining the trigger threshold of the arrangement of the p
REFERENCES:
patent: 5066076 (1991-11-01), Troster
patent: 5634337 (1997-06-01), Gautier et al.
patent: 5737919 (1998-04-01), Gautier et al.
Search Report of the German Patent Office.
Bauer Jurgen
Bohm Peter
Drott Peter
Knothe Ulrich
Sinnhuber Ruprecht
Butler Douglas C.
ITT Automotive Europe GmbH
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