Antilock brake system (ABS) module for vehicles with integrated DC-DC converter

Abstract

The present invention relates to an anti-lock braking system (ABS) module (200) for a vehicle having an integrated DC-DC converter (114). The ABS module (200) comprises at least one pump (102) connectable to a brake master cylinder (104), at least one electric motor (106) for operating the at least one pump (102), at least one valve (108) in fluid communication with the at least one pump (102), and a control unit (110) powered by a main power supply (112) through the DC-DC converter (114) to operatively control the at least one electric motor (106) and the at least one valve (108), characterized in that the DC-DC converter (114) is integrated within the control unit (110). In an embodiment of the invention, the electric power supplied to the at least one electric motor (106) and the at least one valve (108) is through the DC-DC converter (114).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an anti-lock braking system (ABS) module for a vehicle, and more particularly to an ABS module with an integrated DC-DC converter. Background Technology

[0002] An ABS module is an advanced braking technology installed in a vehicle to prevent wheel lock-up and uncontrolled skidding. It is also known as an anti-skid braking system module. The ABS module prevents wheel lock-up and uncontrolled skidding by applying braking force in a pulsating manner, thereby applying maximum braking force to prevent wheel slippage.

[0003] An ABS module for a vehicle comprises four main components: a pump, a motor for operating the pump, at least one valve, and a control unit. Because the ABS module operates at a specific voltage, an external DC-DC converter is used to reduce the main power supply voltage to the specific voltage of the auxiliary power supply connected to the ABS module. In addition, a wiring harness is required to charge the auxiliary power supply.

[0004] CN214255797U discloses a power supply circuit and system for supplying power to an anti-lock braking system (ABS) via a power battery pack, a DC / DC converter, a current-limiting resistor, and an ABS system connected in sequence. The DC / DC converter and current-limiting resistor regulate the output current of the power battery pack to charge the power supply battery, which then supplies power to the ABS system. The power supply battery can meet the high current requirements for supplying power to the ABS system, thus improving driving safety for electric vehicles supporting the ABS system. Furthermore, the power supply battery can also be used to power the ABS system. Compared to a DC / DC converter capable of meeting the power supply requirements of the ABS system, the power supply battery used in this disclosure is less expensive.

[0005] As is known in the art, implementing an ABS module in a vehicle requires stepping down the main power supply voltage to the low operating voltage of the ABS module (e.g., 12 volts). Meeting this voltage step-down requirement necessitates an external DC-DC converter, a battery as a secondary power source, and wiring harnesses used to charge the battery to provide a stable power supply to the ABS module. The problems with using an external DC-DC converter, battery, and additional wiring harnesses are: increased overall vehicle cost and weight, and a greater likelihood of electrical failures.

[0006] The present invention solves all the above-mentioned problems in the manner described in the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Embodiments of this disclosure are described with reference to the following figures.

[0008] Figure 1A block diagram of an ABS module assembly with an external DC-DC converter and a battery, known in the art, is shown; and

[0009] Figure 2 A block diagram of an ABS module with an integrated DC-DC converter according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0010] Figure 1 A block diagram of an ABS module 100 assembly known in the art is shown. The ABS module 100 connects an external DC-DC converter 114 and a battery 116 for implementation in a vehicle. The external DC-DC converter 114 steps down the voltage from a mains power supply 112 and charges the battery 116 via a wiring harness (not shown). The battery 116 provides a stable power supply to the ABS module 100 for its operation at low voltages. The ABS module 100 includes a control unit 110 and a hydraulic unit, the hydraulic unit including at least one pump 102 and at least one valve 108, the pump 102 being coupled to at least one electric motor 106 to achieve anti-lock braking functionality.

[0011] Figure 2 A block diagram of an ABS module with an integrated DC-DC converter according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The ABS module 200 for a vehicle includes at least one pump 102 connectable to a brake master cylinder 104; at least one electric motor 106 for operating the at least one pump 102; at least one valve 108 in fluid communication with the at least one pump 102; and a control unit 110 powered by a main power supply 112 via a DC-DC converter 114 to operatively control the at least one electric motor 106 and the at least one valve 108, characterized in that the DC-DC converter 114 is integrated within the control unit 110 of the ABS module 200. The internal components of the ABS module 200 are prior art and will not be described in detail, but this should not be construed as limiting. Figure 2 The ABS module 200 shown can be called an improved ABS module 200 or a modified ABS module 200, because this ABS module is... Figure 1 Improved variants of the existing or conventional ABS module 100 shown.

[0012] In one embodiment of the invention, power to at least one electric motor 106 is supplied via a DC-DC converter 114. In another embodiment of the invention, power to at least one valve 108 is supplied via a DC-DC converter 114. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the stepped-down voltage from the DC-DC converter 114 can be supplied to any peripheral components within the ABS module 200. Peripheral components include any input / output components within the ABS module 200.

[0013] The ABS module 200 is used for vehicles selected from the group consisting of electric two-wheelers, electric three-wheelers, electric four-wheelers, and electric multi-wheelers.

[0014] In one embodiment of the invention, the main power supply 112 is a 48-volt battery. In another embodiment of the invention, a DC-DC converter 114 steps down the voltage of the main power supply 112 to 12 volts.

[0015] According to embodiments of the invention, the ABS module 200 can be implemented for any voltage source as needed, thereby eliminating the need for an external DC-DC converter and a low-voltage battery. While an example of a 48-volt battery is provided, the ABS module 200 can also be configured for higher voltages, such as 56 volts, 72 volts, 96 volts, etc. Similarly, although a low voltage of 12 volts is mentioned, the integrated DC-DC converter 114 can also be designed for low voltages such as 24 volts, 5 volts, etc.

[0016] According to the present invention, an ABS module 200 with a DC-DC converter 114 integrated within a control unit 110 is disclosed. The present invention solves the problems existing in the prior art. Furthermore, by integrating the DC-DC converter 114 into the ABS module 200, the present invention eliminates the need for an external DC-DC converter 114, battery 116, and wiring harness, thereby reducing the overall cost and weight of the ABS module 200 components and reducing the probability of electrical failure. In addition, it provides a plug-and-play component for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

[0017] It should be understood that the embodiments described in the above specification are merely illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention. Many such embodiments, as well as other modifications and variations of the embodiments described in the specification, are contemplated. The scope of the invention is limited only by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An anti-lock braking system (ABS) module (200) for a vehicle, the ABS module comprising: - At least one pump (102), which is capable of being connected to the brake master cylinder (104). - At least one electric motor (106) for operating the at least one pump (102). - At least one valve (108) in fluid communication with the at least one pump (102); and - A control unit (110), which is powered by a main power supply (112) via a DC-DC converter (114) to operatively control the at least one electric motor (106) and the at least one valve (108), characterized in that the DC-DC converter (114) is integrated within the control unit (110).

2. The ABS module (200) according to claim 1, wherein power to the at least one electric motor (106) is supplied via the DC-DC converter (114).

3. The ABS module (200) according to claim 1, wherein power to the at least one valve (108) is supplied via the DC-DC converter (114).

4. The ABS module (200) according to claim 1, wherein the stepped-down voltage from the DC-DC converter (114) can be supplied to any peripheral component within the ABS module (200).

5. The ABS module (200) according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle is selected from the group consisting of electric two-wheeled vehicles, electric three-wheeled vehicles, electric four-wheeled vehicles and electric multi-wheeled vehicles.

6. The ABS module (200) according to claim 1, wherein the main power supply (112) is a 48-volt battery.

7. The ABS module (200) according to claim 1, wherein the DC-DC converter (114) steps down the voltage of the main power supply (112) to 12 volts.

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