Braking system

Abstract

A brake system includes a stroke detector configured to detect a stroke of a brake pedal and output a signal, a first controller configured to generate an on / off signal for a brake light based on the signal from the stroke detector, and a second controller including a switch for receiving the on / off signal and controlling the on / off of the brake light, wherein the first controller and the switch are directly connected to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a braking system that eliminates the existing brake light switch based on the brake pedal by generating an on / off signal using input / output signals based on whether the vehicle is decelerating. This reduces costs and prevents the brake lights from failing to turn on due to damage or malfunction of the MCU contained in the integrated central control unit (ICU) that controls the on / off state of the brake lights, thus ensuring the safety of the vehicle and the user. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles decelerate via braking devices such as brakes, which are manually operated, for example, by pedal. These brakes are equipped with a travel detector located on the pedal's hinge axis and detecting the pedal's rotation angle. In addition to the travel detector, the brake may also include a brake light switch to generate an on / off signal to notify the user, other drivers, or pedestrians around the vehicle whether the pedal has been operated. These two peripheral devices of the brake are typically connected to the ICU, including the MCU and the hardware-controlled brake light switch, i.e., the wiring, input / output signals.

[0003] However, the brake light switch, a peripheral device of the brake system, is a separate hardware switch installed on the vehicle. This increases the vehicle's cost. The existing braking system sends a signal to the ICU (Integrated Control Unit), which controls the operation of the brake lights in response to brake pedal operation via the brake light switch. Therefore, the existing system employs a technology that enables the brake light switch to send its own control signal to a switch included in the ICU when the MCU (Microcontroller Unit) within the ICU malfunctions or experiences an abnormal operation.

[0004] However, when the MCU is interrupted or malfunctioning, the existing system cannot activate the brake lights, and the operation of the braking device, independent of the brake light switch, is similar to that of regenerative braking or operating an automated driving assistance system. The information contained in the background section of this invention is provided only to enhance the understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission of prior art known to those skilled in the art or any form of implication. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various aspects of the present invention aim to provide a braking system that eliminates the need for existing brake light switches based on the brake pedal by generating an on / off signal using input / output signals based on whether the vehicle is decelerating, thereby reducing costs. This prevents brake lights from failing to activate due to damage or malfunction of the MCU included in the integrated central control unit (ICU) that controls the on / off state of the brake lights, and ensures the safety of the vehicle and the user. A braking system according to one aspect of the invention includes: a travel detector configured to detect the travel of the brake pedal and output a signal; a first controller configured to generate an on / off signal for the brake lights based on a comparison of the signal from the travel detector with a predetermined reference value; and a second controller including a switch configured to receive the on / off signal and control the on / off state of the brake lights, wherein the first controller and the switch are directly connected to each other.

[0006] The first controller may include a brake controller configured to control braking devices located on the wheels of a vehicle, and the brake controller may be directly connected to a switch.

[0007] The first controller may also include a regenerative braking controller, which may be directly connected to the switch.

[0008] The first controller may include a pedal controller disposed in the electronic brake pedal and a brake controller configured to control braking devices disposed on the vehicle wheels. The pedal controller may transmit signals from a travel detector to the brake controller, which may be configured to generate an open / close signal based on the signals transmitted from the travel detector, and the brake controller may be directly connected to a switch.

[0009] The first controller may include a pedal controller disposed in the electronic brake pedal, and the pedal controller may be configured to generate an open / close signal and may be directly connected to a switch.

[0010] The signals from the travel detector may include a first channel signal whose duty cycle decreases linearly from the maximum duty cycle to the minimum duty cycle as the travel of the brake pedal increases, and a second channel signal whose duty cycle increases linearly from the minimum duty cycle to the maximum duty cycle as the travel of the brake pedal increases; and the first channel signal and the second channel signal may have a complementary relationship of 50% duty cycle.

[0011] The predetermined reference value may include a first reference value and a second reference value, which have a complementary relationship with a 50% duty cycle; the first controller may be configured to generate a first on / off signal that transitions from a high level to a low level based on the result of comparing the first channel signal and the first reference value, and may generate a second on / off signal that transitions from a low level to a high level based on the result of comparing the second channel signal and the second reference value; and the on / off signal may be responsive to either the first on / off signal or the second on / off signal.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, a braking system includes: a travel detector configured to detect the travel of the brake pedal and output a first detection signal; an autopilot controller configured to output a second detection signal indicating deceleration by determining whether the vehicle is decelerating while driving; a first controller configured to generate a brake light on / off signal based on the first and second detection signals; and a second controller including a switch configured to receive the on / off signal and control the on / off of the brake light, wherein the first controller and the switch are directly connected to each other.

[0013] The first controller may include a brake controller configured to control braking devices located on the wheels of a vehicle, and the brake controller may be directly connected to a switch.

[0014] The first controller may also include a regenerative braking controller, which may be directly connected to the switch.

[0015] The first controller may include a pedal controller disposed in the electronic brake pedal and a brake controller configured to control braking devices disposed on the vehicle wheels. The pedal controller may transmit a first detection signal from a travel detector to the brake controller. The brake controller may be configured to generate an open / close signal based on the first detection signal transmitted from the travel detector, and the brake controller may be directly connected to a switch.

[0016] The first controller may include a pedal controller disposed in the electronic brake pedal, and the pedal controller may be configured to generate an open / close signal and may be directly connected to a switch.

[0017] The first detection signal from the travel detector or the second detection signal from the autopilot controller may include a first channel signal and a second channel signal. When the travel of the brake pedal or the braking force required by the autopilot controller increases, the duty cycle of the first channel signal decreases linearly from the maximum duty cycle to the minimum duty cycle. When the travel of the brake pedal or the braking force required by the autopilot controller increases, the duty cycle of the second channel signal increases linearly from the minimum duty cycle to the maximum duty cycle. Furthermore, the first channel signal and the second channel signal may have a complementary relationship of 50% duty cycle.

[0018] The predetermined reference value may include a first reference value and a second reference value, which have a complementary relationship with a 50% duty cycle; the first controller may be configured to generate a first on / off signal that transitions from a high level to a low level based on the result of comparing the first channel signal and the first reference value, and may generate a second on / off signal that transitions from a low level to a high level based on the result of comparing the second channel signal and the second reference value; and the on / off signal may be responsive to either the first on / off signal or the second on / off signal.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, a braking system includes: a travel detector configured to detect the travel of the brake pedal and output a signal; a brake controller configured to generate an on / off signal for the brake lights based on a comparison of the signal from the travel detector with a predetermined reference value; a pedal controller disposed in an electronic brake pedal, connected to the brake controller via a controller area network (CAN), and configured to generate an on / off signal for the brake lights based on a comparison of the signal from the travel detector disposed in the electronic brake pedal with a predetermined reference value; and an ICU comprising a switch configured to receive the on / off signal and control the on / off of the brake lights, wherein at least one of the brake controller and the pedal controller is directly connected to the switch.

[0020] According to this braking system, the existing brake light switch based on the brake pedal is removed to reduce costs by generating an on / off signal using input / output signals based on whether the vehicle is decelerating. This prevents the brake lights from failing to turn on due to damage or failure of the MCU contained in the integrated central control unit (ICU) that controls the on / off state of the brake lights, and ensures the safety of the vehicle and the user.

[0021] The methods and apparatus of the present invention have other features and advantages that will be apparent from or set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference, together with the following detailed description, to explain certain principles of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a view illustrating the configuration of a braking system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a view illustrating the configuration of a braking system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a view illustrating the configuration of a braking system including a pedal controller according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4This is a view illustrating the configuration of a braking system including a pedal controller according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and

[0026] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a view illustrating other examples of open / close signals generated by a braking system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] It is understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and present slightly simplified representations of various features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. Specific design features of the invention as included herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be determined in part by the specific intended application and environment of use.

[0028] In the accompanying drawings, reference numerals in various figures indicate the same or equivalent parts of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the other hand, the invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments thereof, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0030] In the following description, the structural or functional descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the invention are intended to describe exemplary embodiments of the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the invention can be implemented in various ways and is not limited to exemplary embodiments of the invention. Various exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a view illustrating the configuration of a braking system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a view illustrating the configuration of a braking system according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a view illustrating the configuration of a braking system including a pedal controller according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a view illustrating other examples of open / close signals generated by a braking system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] First exemplary embodiment: Brake controller & regenerative brake controller open / close signal generation system

[0033] Figure 1This is a view illustrating the configuration of a braking system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, a braking system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a travel detector SS; an autopilot controller C; a first controller including a braking controller B and a regenerative braking controller R; and a second controller, such as ICU I, including a switch W, such as an IPS (intelligent power switch), wherein the first controller and the switch S can be directly connected to each other.

[0034] for Figure 1 The braking system shown comprises a travel detector SS that detects the travel of the brake pedal and outputs a first detection signal S1; an autopilot controller C that determines whether the vehicle is decelerating and outputs a second detection signal S2 during autopilot operation; a first controller including a brake controller B that determines whether to operate the brakes mounted on the vehicle wheels based on whether the travel detector detects travel and whether the vehicle is decelerated by the autopilot controller, or a regenerative braking controller R that determines whether to operate the electric motor in the vehicle for regenerative braking based on whether the travel detector detects travel and whether the vehicle is decelerated by the autopilot controller; and a switch S that turns the vehicle's brake lights L on / off in response to an on / off signal.

[0035] A more detailed description based on Figure 1 The control process of the braking system shown in various exemplary embodiments is as follows: A travel detector SS detects the travel of the brake pedal and outputs a first detection signal S1 to the brake controller B. The brake controller B can transmit the first detection signal S1 to the regenerative brake controller R. That is, the regenerative brake controller R can receive the first detection signal S1 from the travel detector SS from the brake controller B regardless of whether the brake light is on or off. This first detection signal S1 depends on the travel, i.e., the displacement or angle of the brake pedal, whether the pedal is operated, etc.

[0036] Figure 1 The automated driving controller C shown determines whether the vehicle is decelerating, and then outputs a second detection signal S2 to either the brake controller B or the regenerative braking controller R. The brake controller B and the regenerative braking controller R, which receive the first detection signal S1 or the second detection signal S2, transmit and receive a third detection signal S3 regarding whether a detection signal has been received, and are able to distribute the vehicle's full requested braking force among them or charge electricity to either one of them.

[0037] An important entity is the first controller, which includes the brake controller B and the regenerative brake controller R, directly connected to... Figure 1The switch W in the braking system shown. The term "direct connection" means that when the brake controller B, included in the first controller, is configured to determine that the braking device located on the vehicle wheel is operated, or when the regenerative braking controller, included in the first controller, is configured to determine that regenerative braking is performed, an open / close signal can be generated and directly provided to the switch, even without going through the MCU M included in the second controller. The open / close signal depending on the operation of the brake pedal can be generated based on the result of the first controller, including the brake controller B and the regenerative braking controller R, comparing a detection signal including a first detection signal S1 or a second detection signal S2 with a predetermined reference value.

[0038] result, Figure 1 The brake controller B or regenerative brake controller R shown generates an open / close signal based on a comparison of a detection signal (a third detection signal S3, depending on the situation, the same below) with a predetermined reference value. This detection signal includes a first detection signal S1 or a second detection signal S2. As an example of the conversion method, a switch open signal can be generated when the output of the detection signal becomes higher than the predetermined reference value and the detection signal rises, and a switch close signal can be generated when the output of the detection signal becomes lower than the predetermined reference value and the detection signal falls. The open / close signal, generated instantaneously, is provided to the switch S, thereby ultimately controlling the brake lamp L. Therefore, in the braking system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, since the brake controller B and the regenerative brake controller R each transmit open / close signals even in a braking state where the brake pedal is not operated, the responsiveness of the switch may be improved.

[0039] Meanwhile, the autonomous driving of the vehicle described in this article includes autonomous driving implemented by a system, which is a Level 2 or higher autonomous driving assistance system that assists with forward collision avoidance, lane keeping, lane following, intelligent cruise control, and highway driving when the driver does not operate the brake pedal. The regenerative braking controller R can be a vehicle control unit (VCU) or a hybrid power control unit (HCU), and can execute regenerative braking of the vehicle via commands from the regenerative braking controller.

[0040] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, solid lines indicate directional connection methods, while dashed lines indicate Controller Area Network (CAN) connection types. That is, the first detection signal S1 can be provided to the first controller via a wiring connection, while the second detection signal S2 or the third detection signal S3 can be provided to the first controller via a CAN connection. Depending on the directional connection type, the first controller is connected to the second controller via a switch S and can receive on / off signals. Unlike switch S, the MCU M can transmit / receive signals in a CAN connection.

[0041] In other words, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, signals are transmitted / received between devices via wiring or a CAN connection, and the first controller, MCU M, switch S, braking controller B, and regenerative braking controller R included in the first controller and switch S are directly connected via wiring. CAN communication uses a message-oriented protocol to prioritize messages from corresponding devices and detects errors in complementary types. Since signals are transmitted via wiring of a continuous hardware type, the signals should be converted into on / off signals and then transmitted to switch S. Therefore, the on / off signal can be generated based on comparing a first detection signal S1 or a second detection signal S2 with a predetermined reference value. For example, when switch S is an IPS, the switch can generate an ON / OFF-on signal when the switch rises from a level below the predetermined reference value, and an ON / OFF-off signal when the switch falls from a level above the predetermined reference value.

[0042] Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, since the travel detector SS is connected to the first controller via wiring, and the first controller and the switch S are directly connected to each other, the possibility of delay is prevented by a communication server such as CAN. Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the possibility of stopping due to CAN communication device malfunction is prevented. Moreover, control based on the vehicle environment becomes more accurate, and driving efficiency and convenience according to the driver's intentions are improved. Therefore, the braking system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, by selectively applying wired and wireless communication types depending on the device, increases driver convenience and provides fast and accurate automatic control.

[0043] Second exemplary embodiment: A system for generating open / close signals based solely on a brake controller

[0044] By comparing with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the following is described in detail: Figure 2 The control process of the braking system shown in various exemplary embodiments. In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, with Figure 1 Similarly, when the automated driving assistance system is activated or regenerative braking is determined, the travel detector SS, the automated driving controller C, and the regenerative braking controller R each detect the travel of the brake pedal or output first, second, and third signals S1, S2, and S3 to the brake controller B. However, in another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the regenerative braking controller does not generate an on / off signal and is not directly connected to the switch. Only the brake controller B generates the on / off signal and is directly connected to the switch.

[0045] Figure 2The brake controller B shown independently generates an on / off signal based on a comparison between the direction signal and a predetermined reference value. That is, instead of a specific brake light switch, the brake controller B converts a continuous analog signal provided via vehicle wiring into an on / off signal. The conversion method generates the on / off signal by comparing the detected signal with a predetermined reference value as the detected signal rises / falls. Figure 1 The aforementioned instantaneously generated on / off signal is provided to switch S, thereby controlling the brake light L. Therefore, with... Figure 1 Compared to the various exemplary embodiments shown, according to Figure 2 The braking systems of the various exemplary embodiments shown in the diagram only transmit open / close signals to the switch when the brake controller B, which performs braking most frequently, is involved. This simplifies vehicle wiring and thus improves productivity and price competitiveness.

[0046] Third exemplary embodiment: Open / close signal generation system for pedal controller based on CAN signal transmission

[0047] Figure 3 This is a view illustrating the configuration of a braking system including a pedal controller according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The various exemplary embodiments include: a travel detector that detects the travel of the brake pedal and outputs a signal; a brake controller that generates an on / off signal for the brake lights based on a comparison of the signal from the travel detector with a predetermined reference value; a pedal controller disposed in an electronic brake pedal and connected to the brake controller via CAN; and an ICU that includes a switch for receiving the on / off signal and controlling the on / off of the brake lights, wherein at least one of the brake controller and the pedal controller is directly connected to the switch.

[0048] A pedal controller P, integrated with a CAN communication device, is located within the electronic brake pedal. It detects the pedal travel, generates a CAN signal based on the pedal operation sensed by a travel detector within the electronic brake pedal, and transmits this CAN signal to the brake controller B. The brake controller B independently generates an on / off signal based on a comparison of the CAN signal from the pedal controller P with a predetermined reference value. That is, instead of a specific brake light switch, the brake controller B generates the on / off signal based on the CAN signal from the pedal controller P. This instantaneously generated on / off signal is provided to the switch S, thereby controlling the brake light L. Therefore, according to... Figure 3 The braking system of the exemplary embodiment shown in the diagram only transmits an open / close signal to the switch based on a CAN signal from the pedal controller when the brake controller B performs the braking most frequently. This simplifies vehicle wiring and thus improves productivity and price competitiveness.

[0049] Fourth exemplary embodiment: Pedal controller open / close signal generation system

[0050] Figure 4 A braking system including a pedal controller P according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. In various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the pedal controller P generates an on / off signal for the brake lamp L based on a comparison of a signal from a travel detector SS disposed in the electronic brake pedal with a predetermined reference value. The pedal controller may be directly connected to a switch S. That is, in various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the pedal controller P may also perform the function of the brake controller B.

[0051] Figure 4 The pedal controller P, as shown, generates an open / close signal based on a comparison of a detected signal with a predetermined reference value. This detected signal includes a first detection signal S1 and a third detection signal S3. The first detection signal S1 is a CAN-based communication signal transmitted by a travel detector SS, located in the electronic brake pedal, to the brake controller B when it detects brake pedal travel. The third detection signal is a CAN-based communication signal that the regenerative brake controller R can output to the pedal controller P. The open / close signal, generated instantaneously, is provided to the switch S, thereby ultimately controlling the brake lamp L. Therefore, in the braking system according to various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the responsiveness of the switch can be further improved because the pedal-based pedal controller P, which performs braking first when the brake pedal is operated, transmits the open / close signal itself. In various exemplary embodiments where the pedal controller P generates the open / close signal, the responsiveness is highest because the brake signal is not directly transmitted to the switch through the brake controller when the brake pedal is operated.

[0052] Figure 5 This is a view illustrating an example of a detection signal output from the travel detector SS or the autopilot controller C. The detection signal includes a first channel signal CH1 whose duty cycle linearly decreases from a maximum duty cycle to a minimum duty cycle when the travel of the brake pedal increases or the braking force required during vehicle movement increases, and a second channel signal CH2 whose duty cycle linearly increases from a minimum duty cycle to a maximum duty cycle under the same conditions.

[0053] The first channel signal CH1 and the second channel signal CH2 can have a complementary relationship with a 50% duty cycle.

[0054] Figure 6The predetermined reference values ​​include a first reference value and a second reference value, which are complementary with a 50% duty cycle. The brake controller B or regenerative brake controller R generates a first on / off signal based on a comparison between the first channel signal CH1 and the first reference value UR, transitioning from a high level to a low level. It also generates a second on / off signal based on a comparison between the second channel signal and the second reference value, transitioning from a lower level to a high level. The on / off signal can be either the first on / off signal or the second on / off signal.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, in a braking system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the stroke detector SS or the automatic braking controller C can output a first channel signal CHl, which, when the displacement and rotation angle, i.e., the travel of the brake pedal, increase, has a duty cycle that decreases from a maximum duty cycle ( ). Figure 5 The 90% duty cycle is linearly reduced to the minimum duty cycle. Figure 5 A signal with a 10% duty cycle, and a second channel signal, under the same conditions, have their duty cycles linearly increased from the minimum duty cycle to the maximum duty cycle. Duty cycle is the ratio of the high level displayed in a pulse signal.

[0056] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, a complementary relationship with a 50% duty cycle can be demonstrated between the maximum and minimum duty cycles. That is, the magnitude between the maximum and 50% duty cycles can be the same as the magnitude between the minimum and 50% duty cycles. Therefore, the first channel signal CH1 and the second channel signal CH2 also have a complementary relationship with a 50% duty cycle. The brake controller B or regenerative brake controller R generates a first open / close signal BS and a second open / close signal BLS by comparing the first channel signal CH1 with a first reference value UR / the second channel signal CH2 with a second reference value LR. The first reference value UR and the second reference value LR are predetermined values ​​used to determine whether the force or braking force of the autonomous vehicle is applied, or whether the force or power is removed.

[0057] Therefore, the braking system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can flexibly and generally control the on / off state of each device controlled by the ICU by using such signals in two directions or signals with 50% signal complementarity when the braking force increases. That is, even if the on / off direction of the devices controlled by the ICU is different from on to off or from off to on, the braking system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention performs flexible and unified control by generating a first channel signal CH1 and a second channel signal from a closing signal for entering from open to closed and an opening signal for entering from closed to open, the two channel signals having a complementary relationship of 50% duty cycle.

[0058] Figure 6 This is a view illustrating another example of an on / off signal generated by a braking system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A first controller, including a brake controller B and a regenerative braking controller R, can generate a first on / off signal BS transitioning from a high state to a low state based on a comparison between a first channel signal CH1 and a first reference value UR, and can generate a second on / off signal BLS by inverting the first on / off signal BS. As another example of the invention, the brake controller B and the regenerative braking controller R can generate a second on / off signal BLS transitioning from a low state to a high state based on a comparison between a second channel signal CH2 and a second reference value LR, and can generate the first on / off signal BS by inverting the second on / off signal. That is, in this exemplary embodiment of the invention, a reverse signal is generated from a unidirectional signal or a reverse signal.

[0059] Figure 6 This illustrates how a second open / close signal BLS is generated by inverting a first open / close signal in a braking system according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Figure 6 In the graph shown, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents output voltage. The brake controller B or regenerative brake controller R compares the first channel signal output from the travel detector SS or the automatic driving controller C with a first reference value UR between them, and generates a first on / off signal BS. This signal is high when the first channel signal CH1 is greater than the first reference value UR, and low when CH1 is less than or equal to the first reference value UR. Inverse logic elements, etc., generate another second on / off signal BLS by inverting the generated first on / off signal BS. Similarly, inverse logic elements, etc., generate another first on / off signal by generating the inverse of the second on / off signal BLS. Therefore, in Figure 6 In the exemplary embodiment shown, only one reference value can be used to generate two on / off signals. Therefore, the braking system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can perform more efficient control in terms of cost. Furthermore, the period for the levels of the two on / off signals BS and BLS to transition from high to low or from low to high can be very short (e.g., 10 ms or less), but this can generate delays during circuit operation in the current cycle. Therefore, the braking system according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can perform rapid control by preventing such delays.

[0060] The first reference value UR and the second reference value LR are predetermined values ​​used to determine the force or braking force applied by the autonomous vehicle, or the removal of that force or force. Therefore, the first reference value UR and the second reference value LR can be determined based on the magnitude of the travel. For example, to generate an open / close signal even when a very small force is applied to depress the brake pedal, the predetermined reference values ​​can be set such that… Figure 6 The minimum duty cycle shown corresponds to a duty cycle with a shorter stroke. Therefore, the braking system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can achieve optimal control suitable for the characteristics of the brake lamp L controlled by the ICU.

[0061] The braking system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an automotive braking system, specifically a braking system that reduces costs by eliminating the existing brake light switch based on the brake pedal, preventing the brake lights from failing to illuminate due to damage or malfunction of the MCU included in the ICU, and ensuring the safety of the vehicle and the user.

[0062] When the MCU is interrupted or malfunctioning, the existing braking system cannot activate the brake light L, and braking is performed independently of the brake light switch, just as the regenerative braking controller R performs regenerative braking or the autopilot controller C performs autopilot braking. Furthermore, even when controlling the brake light L, the existing braking system may malfunction or become paralyzed, depending on whether the brake pedal is operated.

[0063] In existing braking systems, the travel detector SS is a detector mounted on the hinge axis of the brake pedal, used to detect the travel (displacement) or rotation angle of the brake pedal when the driver operates it, and outputs a detection signal. The brake light switch generates an on / off signal to notify the user, other drivers or pedestrians around the vehicle whether the brake pedal has been operated. Furthermore, existing braking systems transmit signals to the ICU (Integrated Control Unit) controlling the operation of the brake lights L via the brake light switch. Therefore, existing braking systems employ a technique whereby when the MCU M (Integrated Microcontroller Unit) included in the ICU controller malfunctions or breaks down, the brake light switch L itself sends a control signal to the switch S included in the ICU controller.

[0064] When the MCU is interrupted or malfunctioning, the existing braking system cannot activate the brake lights, and braking is performed independently of the brake light switch, just as regenerative braking controller R performs regenerative braking or autopilot controller C performs autopilot braking. Furthermore, the existing braking system may malfunction or become paralyzed, even when peripheral devices controlling the brakes, such as the starter controller, engine control unit, shift control unit, and vehicle control unit, depending on whether the brake pedal is operated.

[0065] Therefore, the braking system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can prevent the brake lights from becoming uncontrollable due to damage or abnormal operation of the MCU M. This ensures the safety of the vehicle and the user. The brake light switch is a hardware switch separately installed in the vehicle, thus increasing the vehicle's price competitiveness in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, quality problems caused by brake light switch failure can be eliminated, thereby also improving the quality of the vehicle.

[0066] The ICU in the second controller may include a brake light controller configured to control the opening / closing of the brake lights by recognizing a detection signal. The ICU may include a start controller configured to control vehicle start-up so that the vehicle can only be started when the brake pedal is operated by recognizing a detection signal. The ICU may include an engine control unit that disables the vehicle's cruise control and controls the vehicle's ISG (Idle Start-Stop) by recognizing a detection signal. The ICU may include a shift control unit that releases the transmission's shift lock by recognizing a detection signal. Finally, the ICU may include a vehicle control unit that integrates the functions of the engine control unit and the shift control unit. However, internal combustion engine or hybrid vehicles with an engine may be equipped with an ICU including both an engine control unit and a shift control unit, and electric vehicles using an electric motor to generate electricity without an engine may be equipped with an ICU including a vehicle control unit.

[0067] When the road gradient changes, when the distance between the vehicle and objects (including forward / reverse vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles) increases or decreases, and when the speed of forward / reverse objects increases or decreases, it can be determined whether to decelerate the moving vehicle. An exemplary embodiment of the braking system is an automotive braking system including braking devices operated according to the operation of braking devices mounted on the vehicle wheels, which brake the vehicle in the event of heat loss, and braking devices operated according to the operation of regenerative braking devices that brake the vehicle by electrical energy conversion. In an immediate context, among the braking types based on the operation of braking devices provided on the vehicle wheels, wheel brakes include friction brakes that use friction, engine brakes that use heat generated by engine friction and air compression, magnetic brakes that use heat loss due to magnetic induction eddy currents generated by motion, and a generator brake that uses heat loss from a load connected to a voltage caused by motion. Furthermore, terms related to control devices such as “controller,” “control device,” “control unit,” “control module,” or “server” refer to hardware devices, including memory and processors, configured to execute one or more steps interpreted as an algorithmic structure. The memory stores algorithm steps, and the processor executes the algorithm steps to perform one or more processes of the method according to various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The control device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be implemented using non-volatile memory configured to store algorithms for controlling the operation of various components of a vehicle or data regarding software commands for executing the algorithms, and the processor is configured to perform the aforementioned operations using the data stored in the memory. The memory and processor can be separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and processor can be integrated into a single chip. The processor can be implemented as one or more processors. The processor can include various logic circuits and operational circuits, can process data according to a program provided from the memory, and can generate control signals based on the processing results. The control device can be at least one microprocessor operated by a predetermined program, which can include a series of commands for performing the methods included in the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention described above.

[0068] The invention described above can also be implemented as computer-readable code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium is any data storage device capable of storing data that can be subsequently read by a computer system and storing and executing program instructions that can be subsequently read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable recording media include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), silicon disk drives (SDDs), read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, and implementations as carrier waves (e.g., transmission over the Internet). Examples of program instructions include machine language code generated by a compiler, and high-level language code executable by a computer using an interpreter. In various exemplary embodiments of the invention, each of the above operations can be performed by a control device, and the control device can be configured as a plurality of control devices or a single integrated control device. In various exemplary embodiments of the invention, the control device can be implemented in hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0069] In addition, terms such as “unit” and “module” included in the specification refer to a unit used to perform at least one function or operation, which can be implemented by hardware, software or a combination thereof.

[0070] For ease of interpretation and precise definition in the appended claims, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “up,” “down,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “front,” “rear,” “back,” “inside,” “outside,” “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “interior,” “exterior,” “internal,” “external,” “forwards,” and “backwards” are used to describe features of exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of these features shown in the figures. It should also be understood that the term “connection” or its derivatives refer to both direct and indirect connections.

[0071] For purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the invention has been provided. These descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and it will be apparent that many modifications and variations can be made in accordance with the foregoing teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to explain certain principles of the invention and its practical application, enabling others skilled in the art to make and utilize various exemplary embodiments of the invention, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A braking system comprising: A travel detector is configured to detect the travel of the brake pedal and output a signal; A first controller is configured to generate an on or off signal for the brake light based on a comparison between the signal from the travel detector and a predetermined reference value. as well as The second controller includes a switch configured to receive the on signal or off signal and control the brake light to turn on or off. The first controller and the switch are directly connected to each other; The signal from the travel detector includes a first channel signal and a second channel signal. When the travel of the brake pedal increases, the duty cycle of the first channel signal decreases linearly from the maximum duty cycle to the minimum duty cycle. When the travel of the brake pedal increases, the duty cycle of the second channel signal increases linearly from the minimum duty cycle to the maximum duty cycle. and The first channel signal and the second channel signal have a complementary relationship with a 50% duty cycle. The predetermined reference value includes a first reference value and a second reference value, and the first reference value and the second reference value have a complementary relationship with a 50% duty cycle. The first controller is configured to generate a first on signal or off signal that transitions from a high level to a low level based on a comparison between the first channel signal and the first reference value, and to generate a second on signal or off signal that transitions from a low level to a high level based on a comparison between the second channel signal and the second reference value; and The open signal or close signal thereon corresponds to the first open signal or close signal or the second open signal or close signal.

2. The braking system according to claim 1, The first controller includes a brake controller configured to control braking devices mounted on the vehicle wheels. The brake controller is directly connected to the switch.

3. The braking system of claim 2, wherein the first controller further comprises a regenerative braking controller, and the regenerative braking controller is directly connected to the switch.

4. The braking system according to claim 1, The first controller includes a pedal controller disposed in the electronic brake pedal and a brake controller configured to control braking devices disposed on the vehicle wheels. The pedal controller is configured to transmit signals from the travel detector to the brake controller. The brake controller is configured to generate an open or closed signal based on the signal transmitted from the travel detector, and The brake controller is directly connected to the switch.

5. The braking system according to claim 1, The first controller includes a pedal controller disposed in the electronic brake pedal, and The pedal controller is configured to generate an open or closed signal and is directly connected to the switch.

6. A braking system comprising: A travel detector is configured to detect the travel of the brake pedal and output a first detection signal; The autonomous driving controller is configured to output a second detection signal indicating deceleration by determining whether the vehicle is decelerating while driving; A first controller is configured to generate an on or off signal for the brake light based on a comparison between the first detection signal or the second detection signal and a predetermined reference value. as well as The second controller includes a switch configured to receive the on or off signal and control the opening or closing of the brake light. The first controller and the switch are directly connected to each other; The first detection signal from the travel detector or the second detection signal from the automatic driving controller includes a first channel signal and a second channel signal. When the travel of the brake pedal or the braking force required by the automatic driving controller increases, the duty cycle of the first channel signal decreases linearly from the maximum duty cycle to the minimum duty cycle. When the travel of the brake pedal or the braking force required by the automatic driving controller increases, the duty cycle of the second channel signal increases linearly from the minimum duty cycle to the maximum duty cycle. The first channel signal and the second channel signal have a complementary relationship with a 50% duty cycle; The predetermined reference value includes a first reference value and a second reference value, and the first reference value and the second reference value have a complementary relationship with a 50% duty cycle. The first controller is configured to generate a first on signal or off signal that transitions from a high level to a low level based on a comparison between the first channel signal and the first reference value, and to generate a second on signal or off signal that transitions from the low level to the high level based on a comparison between the second channel signal and the second reference value; and The open signal or close signal thereon corresponds to the first open signal or close signal or the second open signal or close signal.

7. The braking system according to claim 6, The first controller includes a brake controller configured to control braking devices mounted on the vehicle wheels. The brake controller is directly connected to the switch.

8. The braking system of claim 7, wherein the first controller further comprises a regenerative braking controller, and the regenerative braking controller is directly connected to the switch.

9. The braking system according to claim 6, The first controller includes a pedal controller disposed in the electronic brake pedal and a brake controller configured to control braking devices disposed on the vehicle wheels. The pedal controller is configured to transmit the first detection signal from the travel detector to the brake controller. The brake controller is configured to generate an open or closed signal based on the first detection signal transmitted from the travel detector, and The brake controller is directly connected to the switch.

10. The braking system according to claim 6, The first controller includes a pedal controller disposed in the electronic brake pedal, and The pedal controller is configured to generate an open or closed signal and is directly connected to the switch.

11. A braking system comprising: A travel detector is configured to detect the travel of the brake pedal and output a signal; The brake controller is configured to generate an on or off signal for the brake lamp based on a comparison between the signal from the travel detector and a predetermined reference value. A pedal controller, disposed in the electronic brake pedal, connected to the brake controller via a controller area network, and configured to generate an on or off signal for the brake lights based on a comparison of a signal from a travel detector disposed in the electronic brake pedal with a predetermined reference value; and An integrated central control unit includes a switch configured to receive the open or closed signal and control the opening / closing of the brake lights. At least one of the brake controller and the pedal controller is directly connected to the switch; The signal from the travel detector includes a first channel signal and a second channel signal. When the travel of the brake pedal increases, the duty cycle of the first channel signal decreases linearly from the maximum duty cycle to the minimum duty cycle. When the travel of the brake pedal increases, the duty cycle of the second channel signal increases linearly from the minimum duty cycle to the maximum duty cycle. and The first channel signal and the second channel signal have a complementary relationship with a 50% duty cycle; The predetermined reference value includes a first reference value and a second reference value, and the first reference value and the second reference value have a complementary relationship with a 50% duty cycle. The braking controller is configured to generate a first on or off signal that transitions from a high level to a low level based on a comparison between the first channel signal and the first reference value, and to generate a second on or off signal that transitions from the low level to the high level based on a comparison between the second channel signal and the second reference value; and The open signal or close signal thereon corresponds to the first open signal or close signal or the second open signal or close signal.

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