Method and control unit for regenerative braking dust filter, friction brake

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method (300) for regenerating a filter device (115) configured to collect and store brake particles (212) generated by a friction brake (110). The method (300) includes determining (301) the existence of at least one boundary condition that enables and / or permits regeneration of the filter device (115). Furthermore, the method (300) includes, in response to this, removing (302) the brake particles (212) stored in the filter device (115).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for regenerating a brake dust filter and a corresponding control unit. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles, especially road motor vehicles, typically include one or more friction brakes, which are used to slow the vehicle down. Friction brakes usually have brake calipers, which are constructed to press brake pads against the brake disc, thereby slowing the vehicle down through friction between the brake pads and the brake disc.

[0003] Brake particles are typically generated during the friction between the brake pads and the brake disc. These particles can enter the ambient air around the friction brake and may therefore (depending on particle size) contribute to the vehicle's fine dust emissions.

[0004] The vehicle may have one or more filters configured to at least partially collect brake particles generated by friction from the friction brakes, thereby reducing the vehicle's fine dust emissions. During operation, these filters will become increasingly clogged with the collected brake particles, leading to a decrease in their efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical task of this paper relates to ensuring the sustained high efficiency of one or more brake dust filters in a friction brake in an effective manner.

[0006] The task is addressed by a method for a regenerative filtration device configured to collect and store brake particles generated by the friction brake; the method includes:

[0007] - It is determined that at least one boundary condition exists that enables and / or permits the regeneration of the filter device; and

[0008] In response to this, the brake particles stored in the filter are removed from the filter.

[0009] The at least one boundary condition includes a condition relating to the current location of the filtering device.

[0010] The task is also addressed by a control unit for controlling the operation of a filtration device configured to collect and store brake particles generated by the friction brake; the control unit is configured to...

[0011] - It is determined that at least one boundary condition exists that enables and / or permits the regeneration of the filter device; and

[0012] In response to this, the brake particles stored in the filter are removed from the filter.

[0013] The at least one boundary condition includes a condition relating to the current location of the filtering device.

[0014] The task is also accomplished by a friction brake, which includes:

[0015] - Brake disc;

[0016] - Brake calipers that at least partially surround the brake disc;

[0017] - A filter device configured to filter brake particles from the airflow from the brake disc and / or brake caliper; and

[0018] -According to the control unit of the present invention, the control unit is configured to operate the filter in an operating mode, in which brake particles are received and stored, or to operate the filter in a regeneration mode, in which brake particles stored in the filter are removed from the filter.

[0019] According to one aspect, a method for regenerating a filter device is described, the filter device being configured to collect and store brake particles generated by a friction brake. In particular, the filter device may have a filter configured to filter brake particles (especially inhalable brake particles) from the airflow from the friction brake. Furthermore, the filter device may include a filter chamber or a collection container for collecting the filtered brake particles. In the regeneration process, the brake particles stored in the filter device may be at least partially removed from the filter device, especially the collection container, to improve the efficiency of the filter device and / or enable the filter device to continue operation.

[0020] The method includes determining that at least one boundary condition exists, which enables and / or permits the regeneration of the filter device. Here, the at least one boundary condition may in particular include conditions relating to the current location of the filter device. For example, the at least one boundary condition may include the condition that the filter device is located in a position that allows and / or enables increased brake particle emission compared to another location. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one boundary condition may include the condition that the filter device is located in a position suitable for and / or configured for removing brake particles from the filter device. In particular, the at least one boundary condition may include the condition that the filter device is located in a car wash and / or maintenance center.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the at least one boundary condition may depend on the humidity of the environment (near) the filter device. In particular, the at least one boundary condition may include the condition that the environment (near) the filter device has sufficiently high humidity to absorb brake particles from the filter device. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one boundary condition may include the condition that it rains in the environment (near) the filter device, especially with rainfall reaching or exceeding a predetermined precipitation threshold.

[0022] The presence of at least one boundary condition ensures that the removal of braking particles from the filter does not result in unacceptable fine dust contamination. Therefore, it can be determined that, based on the location of the filter and / or environmental conditions, regeneration of the filter is permissible and / or possible.

[0023] Furthermore, the method includes, in response to the determination that at least one boundary condition exists (which enables and / or permits regeneration of the filter), causing the removal of brake particles stored in the filter from the filter. Specifically, this may cause: opening the collection container to at least partially empty it, and / or allowing a flushing flow formed by a flushing medium (such as air or water) through the collection container to flush the brake particles out of the collection container, and / or driving to a specific point where the collection container can be emptied (e.g., by issuing a corresponding request to the vehicle driver).

[0024] When at least one boundary condition exists, this method can automatically induce regeneration of the filter to accommodate the controlled particles. This reduces the maintenance costs of the filter. Furthermore, it reduces the required storage volume of the collection container and thus the installation space required for the storage device. In particular, it allows for the efficient and sustained high efficiency of the filter.

[0025] Therefore, if at least one boundary condition has been determined that enables and / or permits the regeneration of the filter device, the filter device can be operated (at least temporarily) in a regeneration mode. The method may also include determining that no boundary condition enables and / or permits the regeneration of the filter device. In response, the filter device can be operated in an operating mode, in which it receives and stores brake particles. Particularly when the filter device is in a location with high limitations on fine dust emissions and / or when the environment around the filter device has low humidity, the filter device can be operated in an operating mode to reduce the amount of brake particles emitted. This reliably reduces fine dust emissions from the friction brake.

[0026] According to another aspect, a control unit for controlling the operation of a filtration device configured to collect and store brake particles generated by a friction brake is described. The control unit is configured to determine the existence of at least one boundary condition that enables and / or allows regeneration of the filtration device. Specifically, the control unit may be configured to determine location data regarding the position of the filtration device. Here, the location data may be determined, for example, by means of a position sensor, particularly a GPS receiver. The presence of the at least one boundary condition can then be determined based on the location data.

[0027] Furthermore, the control unit is configured to respond to the determination that at least one boundary condition exists, which enables and / or allows the regeneration of the filter device, causing the removal of brake particles stored in the filter device (e.g., by opening the filter device collection container).

[0028] According to another aspect, a friction brake (such as for a vehicle wheel) is described. The friction brake includes a brake disc and a brake caliper that at least partially surrounds the brake disc. Furthermore, the friction brake includes a filtering device configured to filter brake particles from an airflow from the brake disc and / or the brake caliper. The friction brake also includes a control unit as described herein. The control unit is configured (depending on the presence of one or more boundary conditions) to operate the filtering device in an operating mode, in which brake particles are received and stored, or to operate the filtering device in a regeneration mode, in which brake particles stored in the filtering device are removed from the filtering device.

[0029] According to another aspect, a road motor vehicle (especially a car, truck, bus, or motorcycle) is described, which includes the control unit and / or the friction brake described herein.

[0030] According to another aspect, a software (SW) program is described. This software program can be constructed to run on a processor (such as a vehicle controller) to implement the methods described herein.

[0031] According to another aspect, a storage medium is described. This storage medium may include a software program (SW) configured to run on a processor in order to implement the methods described herein.

[0032] It should be noted that the methods, apparatuses, and systems described herein can be used not only individually but also in combination with other methods, apparatuses, and systems described herein. Furthermore, any aspect of the methods, apparatuses, and systems described herein can be combined with each other in various ways. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments. The accompanying drawings are as follows:

[0034] Figure 1a An exemplary vehicle with multiple friction brakes is shown;

[0035] Figure 1b An exemplary friction brake with a filtering device is shown;

[0036] Figure 2a An exemplary filtering device in operation or operating mode is shown;

[0037] Figure 2b An exemplary filter device is shown in regeneration state or regeneration mode; and

[0038] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for regenerating a filter device used to filter brake particles. Detailed Implementation

[0039] As mentioned at the beginning, this article relates to effectively maintaining the efficiency of a filtration device used for filtering brake particles. Here, Figure 1a A vehicle 100 is shown, having a front axle 101 and a rear axle 102, each axle having two wheels 103, and each wheel having a friction brake 110. The friction brakes 110 apply braking torque to the wheels 103 of the vehicle 100, thus decelerating the vehicle 100. The friction brakes 110 of the vehicle 100 can be operated mechanically (especially hydraulically) and / or electrically by operating the brake pedal and / or brake lever of the vehicle 100. Figure 1a An exemplary control unit 105 for controlling the friction brake 110 is shown. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 105 may be configured to control one or more filtering devices for controlling the friction brake 110.

[0040] Figure 1b An exemplary structure of a friction brake 110 is shown. The friction brake 110 includes a brake disc 111 and a brake caliper 112. The brake caliper 112 is configured to press brake pads against the brake disc 111 from both sides to apply braking torque to the brake disc 111 and the wheel 103 fixed thereto. When the brake pads are pressed against the brake disc 111, the brake pads and / or the brake disc 111 typically experience wear in the form of relatively large brake particles.

[0041] To prevent particularly small, inhalable brake particles from entering the environment and thus causing vehicle 100 fine dust emissions, the friction brake 110 may have a filter device 115 configured to deposit generated brake dust or brake particles. Here, brake particles can be drawn from the brake caliper 112 and / or brake disc 111 to the filter device 115 via the intake passage 113. Alternatively or additionally, the filter device 115 may at least partially surround the brake disc 111 and / or brake caliper 112.

[0042] Figure 2a An exemplary filter device 115 with a (fine dust) filter 204 is shown. An airflow 211 is generated by a negative pressure device 206 (such as a turbine), which is used to draw brake particles generated by the friction brake 110 into the filter device 115. In particular, the airflow 211 can be drawn into the filter device 115 through a sealable front wall 201. The sealable front wall 201 can be configured to allow the airflow 211 to enter the filter device 115 from the outside (in... Figure 2a (Indicated by arrows). On the other hand, the sealable front wall 201 can be configured to prevent airflow 211 in the opposite direction (from the filter 115). For example, the front wall 201 can be configured as a check valve for this purpose.

[0043] Airflow 211 generated by negative pressure device 206 can be drawn through filter 204, thereby depositing brake particles 212 on the surface of filter 204. The filtered airflow 213 discharged by filter device 115 therefore has a reduced amount of brake particles 212 compared to airflow 211. The filtered brake particles 212 can be collected in filter chamber 203 (also referred to herein as collection container) formed by front wall 211, side wall 202 and filter 204.

[0044] The filter device 115 may also have a sealable rear wall 205. The sealable rear wall 205 may be configured to allow airflow 213 to exit the filter device 115 (in Figure 2a (Indicated by arrows). On the other hand, the sealable rear wall 205 can be configured to prevent airflow 213 in the opposite direction (entering the filter 115). For example, the rear wall 205 can be configured as a check valve for this purpose.

[0045] Figure 2a The filter device 115 is shown in operation or operating mode. In operation or operating mode, airflow 211 from friction brake 110 is drawn through the filter device 115 to filter out brake particles 212 from the airflow 211. In operation, both the front wall 201 and the rear wall 205 are open to allow airflow 211 to pass through filter 204.

[0046] During operation, an increasing amount of brake particles 212 deposits on the surface of filter 204, causing a gradual decrease in the efficiency of filter 204. Alternatively or additionally, the pressure in filter unit 115 may increase, leading to problems in the operation of filter unit 115. To improve the efficiency of filter 204 and / or avoid pressure problems, brake particles 212 can be removed from the surface of filter 204 and / or from filter chamber 203.

[0047] Figure 2b A filter device 115 is shown in a regeneration state or regeneration mode, which enables the removal of brake particles 212 from the filter chamber 203. For this purpose, the front wall 201 and rear wall 205 can be closed. Furthermore, one or more side walls 202 can be opened to guide a flushing flow 221 (e.g., formed by a liquid or gaseous flushing medium) through the filter chamber 203. For example, the first side wall 202 (e.g.) Figure 2b The upper sidewall 207 can be configured as a shut-off valve, which can be opened for regeneration of the filter unit 115. Figure 2b The lower sidewall of the filter can be configured as a shut-off valve or valve 207, which can be opened for the regeneration of the filter device 115.

[0048] like Figure 2b As shown, the flushing flow 221 can be configured to separate and / or entrain brake particles 212, such that the flushing flow 222 containing brake particles 212 is led out of the filter chamber 203. Thus, the filter 204 can be regenerated or cleaned by flushing.

[0049] Vehicle 100 may include a position sensor 106 configured to determine position data regarding the current location of vehicle 100. Control unit 105 may be configured to determine, based on the position data, whether vehicle 100 is located in a suitable and / or permissible location for regeneration of filter device 115. Digital map information may be considered here, which, for example, indicates that the current location of vehicle 100 is a rural road, a city road, a car wash, a maintenance center for vehicle 100, etc.

[0050] The filter device 115 can then be regenerated based on the current position of the vehicle 100 or the filter device 115. In particular, the filter device 115 can only be regenerated if it has been determined that the filter device 115 or the vehicle 100 is in a position suitable and / or permissible for the regeneration of the filter device 115. Otherwise, the regeneration of the filter device 115 can be prohibited.

[0051] Therefore, a filtration device 115 is described, which includes a filter chamber 203 in which brake dust is collected and stored. The filtration device 115 is capable of automatically emptying the collection container or filter chamber 203 (if necessary, during vehicle 100 travel). The position of the filtration device 115 can be determined by means of a position sensor 106 (such as a GPS sensor). In particular, it can be determined whether the filtration device 115 is in a suitable and / or permissible position for regeneration based on the position data of the position sensor 106.

[0052] If the filter 115 is identified as being in a location unsuitable and / or where regeneration of the filter 115 is not permitted (e.g., in an urban environment), the filter 115 can be operated in an operational state or mode to capture brake particles 212 and collect them in the filter chamber 203. This reliably reduces brake dust emissions. The filter chamber 203, or the collection container for brake particles 212, is closed here.

[0053] On the other hand, if the filter 115 is identified as being in a suitable and / or permissible location for regeneration (such as in a laundry room and / or maintenance center), the filter 115 can be switched to regeneration mode to empty the filter chamber 203 and thus improve the efficiency of the filter 115. Emptying can be performed automatically here.

[0054] Figure 3 A flowchart is shown for an exemplary method 300 for a regeneration filter device 115, which is configured to collect and store brake particles 212 generated by a friction brake 110.

[0055] Method 300 includes determining 301 that at least one boundary condition exists that enables and / or permits the regeneration of the filter device 115. The boundary condition may include conditions relating to the current location of the filter device 115. For example, the boundary condition may be that the filter device 115 is in a location that allows and / or enables the regeneration of the filter device 115 (e.g., a location that allows for increased brake dust emissions). Alternatively or additionally, the boundary condition may depend on the air humidity and / or precipitation in the environment near the filter device 115. For example, if there is sufficiently high precipitation in the surrounding environment, the regeneration of the filter device 115 is permitted and / or feasible.

[0056] Additionally, method 300 further includes: in response to the determination that at least one boundary condition for regenerating the filter device 115 has been determined, causing 302 to remove brake particles 212 stored in the filter device 115 (e.g., flushed out of the filter device 115).

[0057] The measures described herein can reduce the maintenance costs of the filter device 115 used to filter brake dust. Furthermore, the repeated automatic regeneration of the filter device 115 reduces the volume required for the collection container or filter chamber 203 used to store brake particles 212, thereby reducing the required installation space.

[0058] This invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the specification and drawings are intended only to illustrate the principles of the proposed methods, apparatus, and systems.

Claims

1. A method (300) for a regeneration filter device (115) configured to collect and store brake particles (212) generated by a friction brake (110). The method (300) includes: - It is determined (301) that at least one boundary condition exists, which enables and / or allows regeneration of the filter device (115); and - In response to this, (302) the brake particles (212) stored in the filter device (115) are removed from the filter device (115). The at least one boundary condition includes conditions relating to the current position of the filter device (115). The at least one boundary condition includes -The following conditions apply: the filter (115) is positioned to allow for increased emission of brake particles (212) compared to another position; and / or -The following conditions apply: the filter device (115) is in a suitable and / or configured position for removing brake particles (212) from the filter device (115); and / or -The following conditions apply: the filter unit (115) is located in the washing workshop and / or maintenance center; and / or - The following conditions must be met: the environment of the filter device (115) must have sufficiently high humidity to accommodate brake particles (212) from the filter device (115); and / or -The following conditions apply: rain occurs in the environment of the filter device (115); and / or -The following conditions apply: Rainfall occurs in the environment of the filtration device (115) at a rate that reaches or exceeds a predetermined rainfall threshold; The method (300) includes: - Determine that there are no boundary conditions that enable and / or allow regeneration of the filter device (115); and - In response to this, the filter device (115) is operated in an operating mode, in which brake particles (212) are received and stored. When the filter is in a position with high restrictions on fine dust emissions and / or when the environment of the filter has low humidity, operate the filter in an operating mode to reduce the emission of brake particles.

2. The method (300) according to claim 1, wherein, - The filter device (115) includes a collection container (203) for storing brake particles (212); and - The initiation (302) includes: opening the collection container (203) to at least partially empty the collection container (203); and / or allowing a flushing flow (221) formed by the flushing medium to pass through the collection container (203) to flush the brake particles (212) out of the collection container (203).

3. A control unit (105) for controlling the operation of a filter device (115), the filter device being configured to collect and store brake particles (212) generated by the friction brake (110); the control unit (105) being configured to... - It is determined that at least one boundary condition exists, which enables and / or allows regeneration of the filter device (115); and - In response to this, the brake particles (212) stored in the filter device (115) are removed from the filter device (115). The at least one boundary condition includes conditions relating to the current position of the filter device (115). The at least one boundary condition includes -The following conditions apply: the filter (115) is positioned to allow for increased emission of brake particles (212) compared to another position; and / or -The following conditions apply: the filter device (115) is in a suitable and / or configured position for removing brake particles (212) from the filter device (115); and / or -The following conditions apply: the filter unit (115) is located in the washing workshop and / or maintenance center; and / or - The following conditions must be met: the environment of the filter device (115) must have sufficiently high humidity to accommodate brake particles (212) from the filter device (115); and / or -The following conditions apply: rain occurs in the environment of the filter device (115); and / or -The following conditions apply: Rainfall occurs in the environment of the filtration device (115) at a rate that reaches or exceeds a predetermined rainfall threshold; The control unit (105) is also configured for - Determine that there are no boundary conditions that enable and / or allow regeneration of the filter device (115); and - In response to this, the filter device (115) is operated in an operating mode, in which brake particles (212) are received and stored. When the filter is in a position with high restrictions on fine dust emissions and / or when the environment of the filter has low humidity, the filter operates in an operating mode to reduce the emission of brake particles.

4. The control unit (105) according to claim 3, wherein, The control unit (105) is configured for - Determine the location data of the filter device (115); and - Determine whether the at least one boundary condition exists based on the location data.

5. The control unit (105) according to claim 4, wherein, The location data is determined using a location sensor (106).

6. The control unit (105) according to claim 4, wherein, The location data is determined using a GPS receiver.

7. Friction brake (110), comprising: - Brake disc (111); - Brake caliper (112) that at least partially surrounds the brake disc (111). - A filter device (115) configured to filter brake particles (212) from an airflow (211) from the brake disc (111) and / or brake caliper (112); and - The control unit (105) according to any one of claims 3 to 6 is configured to operate the filter (115) in an operating mode, in which brake particles (212) are received and stored, or to operate the filter in a regeneration mode, in which brake particles (212) stored in the filter (115) are removed from the filter (115).

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