Control Method and Device for Vacuum Assist Mechanism (VAM) for Vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control method for a vacuum assist mechanism (VAM) for a vehicle, the method comprising: receiving the operating state of a vacuum pump; receiving the vacuum pressure value in a vacuum booster; receiving information related to braking; and controlling an activation threshold and / or a deactivation threshold of the vacuum assist mechanism (VAM) based on the operating state of the vacuum pump, the vacuum pressure value, and the information related to braking. The present invention also relates to a control device for a vacuum assist mechanism (VAM) for a vehicle, a vehicle body electronic stability system, an automobile, and a computer storage medium. The control solution for the VAM according to the present invention reduces the manufacturing cost of the vehicle (without the need for a barometric pressure sensor to measure the external ambient pressure), while still being able to effectively adjust the parameters in the vacuum assist mechanism (VAM).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control scheme for a vacuum assist mechanism (VAM) for a vehicle, and more particularly, to a control method and apparatus for a vacuum assist mechanism (VAM) for a vehicle, a body electronic stability system, an automobile, and a computer storage medium. Background Art

[0002] The vacuum assist mechanism (VAM) is a function for providing sufficient vacuum to the vacuum booster of a vehicle. This can be accomplished by controlling a vacuum pump (such as an electric vacuum pump EVP).

[0003] In existing solutions, it is necessary to provide a barometric pressure sensor on the vehicle to measure the ambient barometric pressure, and adjust parameters (such as an activation threshold P on and a deactivation threshold P off ) in the vacuum assist mechanism VAM according to the measured ambient barometric pressure.

[0004] If the barometric pressure sensor is removed from the vehicle or the barometric pressure sensor fails, the activation threshold P on and the deactivation threshold P off will not be adjustable according to the ambient barometric pressure. This situation is particularly disadvantageous for vehicles traveling on plateaus. Due to the lower ambient pressure, this causes the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster during braking on the plateau to reach the activation threshold P on earlier than on the plain, thus triggering the vacuum pump. Therefore, the vacuum pump may be frequently triggered in the plateau area, resulting in a shortened lifespan and weakened performance.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a solution that can still effectively adjust the parameters in the vacuum assist mechanism VAM without using a barometric pressure sensor to measure the ambient barometric pressure. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a vacuum assist mechanism (VAM) for a vehicle, the method including: receiving the operating state of a vacuum pump; receiving the vacuum pressure value in a vacuum booster; receiving information related to braking; and controlling the activation threshold and / or the deactivation threshold of the vacuum assist mechanism VAM based on the operating state of the vacuum pump, the vacuum pressure value, and the information related to braking.

[0007] Optionally, in the above control method, the information related to braking includes brake light switch information and master cylinder pressure value.

[0008] Optionally, in the above control method, when the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster is greater than or equal to the activation threshold, the vacuum pump starts to work; when the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster is less than or equal to the deactivation threshold, the vacuum pump stops working.

[0009] Optionally, in the above control method, the vacuum pump is configured to reduce the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster when working.

[0010] Optionally, in the above control method, controlling the activation threshold and / or deactivation threshold of the vacuum assist mechanism VAM based on the working state of the vacuum pump, the vacuum pressure value, and the brake-related information includes: after the vacuum pump finishes working, if the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster increases a predetermined number of times and the driver does not brake, then setting the activation threshold and / or deactivation threshold of the vacuum assist mechanism VAM to a higher value.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control device for a vacuum assist mechanism VAM for a vehicle. The device includes: a first receiving device for receiving the working state of the vacuum pump; a second receiving device for receiving the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster; a third receiving device for receiving brake-related information; and a central control device for controlling the activation threshold and / or deactivation threshold of the vacuum assist mechanism VAM based on the working state of the vacuum pump, the vacuum pressure value, and the brake-related information.

[0012] Optionally, in the above control device, the brake-related information includes brake light switch information and master cylinder pressure value.

[0013] Optionally, in the above control device, when the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster is greater than or equal to the activation threshold, the vacuum pump starts to work; when the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster is less than or equal to the deactivation threshold, the vacuum pump stops working.

[0014] Optionally, in the above control device, the vacuum pump is configured to reduce the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster when working.

[0015] Optionally, in the above control device, the central control device is configured to, after the vacuum pump finishes working, if the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster increases a predetermined number of times and the driver does not brake, then set the activation threshold and / or deactivation threshold of the vacuum assist mechanism VAM to a higher value.

[0016] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a body electronic stability system, which includes the control device for the vacuum assist mechanism VAM for a vehicle as described above.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, which includes the body electronic stability system as described above.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer storage medium is provided, the medium including instructions which, when running, execute the control method for the vacuum assist mechanism VAM for a vehicle as described above.

[0019] In summary, the control solution for VAM of the present invention reduces the manufacturing cost of the vehicle (without the need for a barometric pressure sensor to measure the ambient air pressure), while still being able to effectively adjust the parameters in the vacuum assist mechanism VAM. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] From the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the above and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent, wherein the same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a control method for a vacuum assist mechanism VAM for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic structural diagram of a control device for a vacuum assist mechanism VAM for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or other similar terms used herein include general motor vehicles, such as passenger cars (including sport utility vehicles, buses, trucks, etc.), various commercial vehicles, ships, airplanes, etc., and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, etc. A hybrid vehicle is a vehicle having two or more power sources, such as a gasoline-powered and an electric vehicle.

[0024] Although the exemplary embodiments are described as using multiple units to perform the exemplary processes, it should be understood that these exemplary processes can also be performed by one or more modules.

[0025] Moreover, the control logic of the present invention can be included as executable program instructions on a computer-readable medium, which are implemented by a processor or the like. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, optical discs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, flash drive, smart cards, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable recording medium can also be distributed in computer systems connected to a network, such that the computer-readable medium is stored and implemented in a distributed manner, for example, through in-vehicle telematics services or a controller area network (CAN).

[0026] Unless specifically recited or obvious from context, as used herein, the term "about" is understood to be within the normal tolerances in the art, e.g., within two standard deviations of the mean value.

[0027] Hereinafter, a control scheme for a vacuum assist mechanism (VAM) for a vehicle according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 A control method 1000 for a vacuum assist mechanism (VAM) for a vehicle is shown. As Figure 1 shown, the method 1000 includes the following steps:

[0029] In step S110, the operating state of a vacuum pump is received;

[0030] In step S120, a vacuum pressure value in a vacuum booster is received;

[0031] In step S130, information related to braking is received; and

[0032] In step S140, an activation threshold and / or a deactivation threshold of the vacuum assist mechanism (VAM) is controlled based on the operating state of the vacuum pump, the vacuum pressure value, and the information related to braking.

[0033] In the context of the present invention, the term "vacuum pump" refers to a pump that provides sufficient vacuum to a vacuum booster under the control of a vacuum assist mechanism (VAM). In one embodiment, the vacuum pump is an electric vacuum pump (EVP). The vacuum assist effect of a braking system is related to the driving safety of a vehicle. In a vehicle braking assist system, if the vacuum booster cannot obtain vacuum or obtains insufficient vacuum, the assist effect of the braking system will be poor. The electric vacuum pump (EVP) can monitor the change in the vacuum degree in the booster through a vacuum degree sensor, thereby ensuring that sufficient assist effect can be provided to a driver under various working conditions.

[0034] The term "operating state of the vacuum pump" includes two states, i.e., being in operation and stopped, in one embodiment. Those skilled in the art can understand that when the vacuum pump is in operation, the vacuum pressure value (e.g., in mbar) in the vacuum booster can be reduced. It should be noted that the "operating state of the vacuum pump" may not be limited to the two states exemplified above, but can be set accordingly according to actual needs.

[0035] The term "vacuum booster" is a component that uses vacuum (negative pressure) to increase the force applied by the driver to the pedal. The "vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster" is used to represent the negative pressure state in the vacuum booster, which can be expressed by the difference between the absolute pressure and the atmospheric pressure in the vacuum booster. As an example, the range of the "vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster" can be from 0 mbar (no vacuum) to -1000 mbar (full vacuum). If the vacuum pressure value is small, it means a higher degree of vacuum in the booster.

[0036] In one embodiment, when the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster is greater than or equal to the activation threshold of the vacuum propulsion mechanism VAM, the vacuum pump starts to operate. When the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster is less than or equal to the deactivation threshold, the vacuum pump stops operating.

[0037] In one embodiment, the "brake-related information" received in step S130 includes brake light switch (BLS) information and the master cylinder pressure value. For example, when the brake light switch information is 0 and the master cylinder pressure value is also 0, it can be determined that the driver has not performed a braking operation. In the context of the present invention, the "brake-related information" includes all information that can be used to determine whether the driver has performed a braking operation, so it is not limited to the information exemplified above, and those skilled in the art can use other information as needed to determine whether the driver has performed a braking operation.

[0038] In one embodiment, "controlling the activation threshold and / or deactivation threshold of the vacuum propulsion mechanism VAM based on the operating state of the vacuum pump, the vacuum pressure value, and the brake-related information" in step S140 may include: after the vacuum pump finishes operating, if the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster increases a predetermined number of times and the driver does not brake, setting the activation threshold and / or deactivation threshold of the vacuum propulsion mechanism VAM to a higher value.

[0039] It can be understood that when the vacuum pump is operating, it can cause the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster (e.g., in mbar) to decrease. When the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster reaches the deactivation threshold, the vacuum pump finishes operating.

[0040] In one embodiment, the vacuum pump finishes working at time t1, at which time the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster is p1. The vacuum pump finishes working at time t2, at which time the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster is p2. Wherein p2 is greater than p1. The vacuum pump finishes working at time t3, at which time the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster is p3. Wherein p3 is greater than p1. The vacuum pump finishes working at time tn, at which time the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster is pn. Wherein pn is greater than p1. During the time periods t2, t3... tn, the driver does not perform a braking operation. It can be seen that after the vacuum pump finishes working, the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster increases a predetermined number of times (n - 1 times) and the driver does not brake. Thus, it can be considered that the vehicle is in a high altitude area, or the performance of the vacuum pump is not good. In such a case, by setting the VAM activation and / or deactivation thresholds higher, unnecessary activation of the vacuum pump can be avoided, thereby preventing the reduction of its service life or performance.

[0041] Figure 2 FIG. 4 shows a schematic structural diagram of a control device 2000 for a vacuum assist mechanism VAM for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 2 shown, the control device 2000 includes a first receiving device 210, a second receiving device 220, a third receiving device 230, and a central control device 240. Among them, the first receiving device 210 is used to receive the working state of the vacuum pump, the second receiving device 220 is used to receive the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster, the third receiving device 230 is used to receive information related to braking, and the central control device 240 is used to control the activation threshold and / or deactivation threshold of the vacuum assist mechanism VAM based on the working state of the vacuum pump, the vacuum pressure value, and the information related to braking.

[0042] In one embodiment, in the above control device 2000, the "information related to braking" includes brake light switch information and master cylinder pressure value. In the context of the present invention, the "information related to braking" includes all information that can be used to determine whether the driver performs a braking operation. Therefore, those skilled in the art can understand that the "information related to braking" may not be limited to the information exemplified above, but other information can be adopted as needed to determine whether the driver performs a braking operation.

[0043] In the above control device 2000, when the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster is greater than or equal to the activation threshold, the vacuum pump starts to work; when the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster is less than or equal to the deactivation threshold, the vacuum pump stops working. Wherein, the vacuum pump is configured to reduce the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster when working. In one embodiment, the vacuum pump is an electric vacuum pump EVP. The vacuum assist effect of the braking system is related to the driving safety of the vehicle. In the vehicle braking assist system, if the vacuum booster cannot obtain vacuum or obtains insufficient vacuum, the assist effect of the braking system will be poor. The electric vacuum pump EVP can monitor the change of the vacuum degree in the booster through a vacuum degree sensor, so as to ensure that sufficient assist effect can be provided for the driver under various working conditions.

[0044] In one embodiment, the central control device 240 is configured to, after the vacuum pump finishes working, if the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster increases a predetermined number of times and the driver does not brake, set the activation threshold and / or the deactivation threshold of the vacuum actuator mechanism VAM to a higher value.

[0045] It can be understood that the vacuum pump can reduce the vacuum pressure value (for example, in mbar) in the vacuum booster when working. When the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster reaches the deactivation threshold, the vacuum pump finishes working.

[0046] In one embodiment, the vacuum pump finishes working at time t1, and the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster at this time is p1. The vacuum pump finishes working at time t2, and the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster at this time is p2. Wherein p2 is greater than p1. The vacuum pump finishes working at time t3, and the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster at this time is p3. Wherein p3 is greater than p1. The vacuum pump finishes working at time tn, and the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster at this time is pn. Wherein pn is greater than p1. During the time periods t2, t3... tn, the driver does not perform a braking operation. It can be seen that after the vacuum pump finishes working, the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster increases a predetermined number of times (n - 1 times) and the driver does not brake. Thus, it can be considered that the vehicle is in a high-altitude area, or the performance of the vacuum pump is not good. The central control device 240 can avoid unnecessary activation of the vacuum pump by setting the VAM activation and / or deactivation threshold higher, thereby avoiding reducing its service life or performance.

[0047] The control device 2000 for the vacuum assist mechanism VAM of a vehicle can be located, for example, in the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) of the vehicle body. The so-called "Electronic Stability Program" is also known as Electronic Stability Program, Vehicle Stability Control or ESP (an abbreviation for Electronic Stability Program). It analyzes the vehicle driving state information transmitted from various sensors and then issues corrective commands to the ABS, EBD, etc., to help the vehicle maintain dynamic balance. The vehicle stability control system can keep the vehicle in the best stability under various conditions, and the effect is more obvious in the case of oversteering or understeering.

[0048] In one embodiment, the control device 2000 for the vacuum assist mechanism VAM of a vehicle can be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the control device 2000 can be configured to be implemented in the form of a processor operated by a predetermined program and a memory configured to store the program, and a predetermined program can be provided to implement each operation of controlling the vacuum assist mechanism VAM constituting each exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] In summary, the control solution for VAM of the present invention can reduce the manufacturing cost of the vehicle (without using a barometric pressure sensor to measure the external ambient pressure), and still effectively adjust the parameters in the vacuum assist mechanism VAM, achieving good results.

[0050] It should be noted that some of the block diagrams shown in the drawings are functional entities, and do not necessarily have to correspond to physically or logically independent entities. These functional entities can be implemented in software form, or implemented in one or more hardware modules or integrated circuits, or implemented in different networks and / or processor devices and / or microcontroller devices.

[0051] The above examples mainly illustrate the control solution for the vacuum assist mechanism VAM of the present invention. Although only some embodiments of the present invention are described, those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that the present invention can be implemented in many other forms without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, the examples and embodiments shown are considered to be illustrative rather than restrictive, and the present invention may cover various modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A control method for a vacuum assist mechanism VAM for a vehicle, characterized in that, The method includes: Receiving the operating state of a vacuum pump; Receiving the vacuum pressure value in a vacuum booster; Receiving information related to braking; and Controlling the activation threshold and / or deactivation threshold of a vacuum actuation mechanism VAM based on the operating state of the vacuum pump, the vacuum pressure value, and the information related to braking, wherein controlling the activation threshold and / or deactivation threshold of the vacuum actuation mechanism VAM based on the operating state of the vacuum pump, the vacuum pressure value, and the information related to braking includes: After the vacuum pump finishes working, if the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster increases a predetermined number of times and the driver does not brake, setting the activation threshold and / or deactivation threshold of the vacuum actuation mechanism VAM to a higher value.

2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein, The information related to braking includes brake light switch information and master cylinder pressure value.

3. The control method according to claim 1, wherein When the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster is greater than or equal to the activation threshold, the vacuum pump starts working; when the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster is less than or equal to the deactivation threshold, the vacuum pump stops working.

4. The control method according to claim 1, wherein The vacuum pump is configured to reduce the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster when working.

5. A control device for a vacuum assist mechanism VAM for a vehicle, characterized in that, The device includes: A first receiving device for receiving the operating state of a vacuum pump; A second receiving device for receiving the vacuum pressure value in a vacuum booster; A third receiving device for receiving information related to braking; and A central control device for controlling the activation threshold and / or deactivation threshold of a vacuum actuation mechanism VAM based on the operating state of the vacuum pump, the vacuum pressure value, and the information related to braking, wherein the central control device is configured to, after the vacuum pump finishes working, if the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster increases a predetermined number of times and the driver does not brake, set the activation threshold and / or deactivation threshold of the vacuum actuation mechanism VAM to a higher value.

6. The control device according to claim 5, wherein, The information related to braking includes brake light switch information and master cylinder pressure value.

7. The control device according to claim 5, wherein, When the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster is greater than or equal to the activation threshold, the vacuum pump starts working; when the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster is less than or equal to the deactivation threshold, the vacuum pump stops working.

8. The control device according to claim 5, wherein, The vacuum pump is configured to reduce the vacuum pressure value in the vacuum booster when working.

9. A vehicle body electronic stability system, including the control device for a vacuum actuation mechanism VAM for a vehicle according to any one of claims 5 to 8.

10. A motor vehicle, including the vehicle body electronic stability system according to claim 9.

11. A computer storage medium, characterized in that, The medium includes instructions that, when running, execute the control method for a vacuum actuation mechanism VAM for a vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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