Force-feedback pedal for a brake system driven by a bi-directional electric motor

摘要

A sprung pedal 10 has a motor-driven feedback mechanism for providing force feedback, and may for example be a vehicle braking pedal. The pedal is linked to a bi-directional motor 28 (which may be of the DC brushless type capable of being driven in two directions) by a three stage planetary gearbox 30 (eg. having a 1:150 ratio) to increase the motor torque to effect rotation of the pedal. A motor controller (58, figs 6 & 7) is linked to the motor and to a microprocessor (56, figs 6 & 7). Transducers for force 32 and displacement 34 measure or sense pedal parameters and provide feedback to the microprocessor. The active pedal system may replace a vacuum boosted brake pedal in a hydraulic brake system, or form part of a brake-by wire system having a second microprocessor (68, fig 7). A method of providing force feedback is also disclosed.