Patent ID: 8631694
Filing Date: 2014-01-21
Classification: B60T

Abstract:
1. A connecting element for measuring an actuating force of a vehicle brake system, which connecting element connects a user control element of the vehicle brake system to an input element of the vehicle brake system and transmits an actuating force from the user control element to the input element, the connecting element comprising: a deformation measuring device that measures a deformation of the connecting element to determine an actuating force applied to the user control element; a first spring element that has a first spring rate; a second spring element that has a second spring rate; a pedal rod connected to the user control element, the pedal rod including a first plate; a piston rod connected to the input device, the piston rod including a second plate; and an intermediate plate between the first and second plates, wherein the first spring rate is different than the second spring rate, wherein the first and second spring elements operate in series to urge the user control element and the input device in opposite directions, wherein the first spring element and the second spring element operate both in series and in parallel to urge the user control element and the input device in opposite directions when the deformation of the connecting element exceeds a predetermined value, wherein the deformation measuring device measures a combined deformation of the first spring element and the second spring element, wherein the first spring element is interposed between the first plate and the intermediate plate, and the second spring element is interposed between the intermediate plate and the second plate, and wherein the deformation measuring device measures the combined deformation of the first spring element and the second spring element by measuring a change in a distance between the first plate and the second plate.