Electronic parking brake switch, system, and method

Abstract

The application relates to an electronic parking brake switch, system and method, wherein the switch comprises a handle assembly, a reset assembly, an application assembly and a release assembly, the reset assembly comprises a reset contact and a reset switch, the application assembly comprises an application contact and an application switch, the release assembly comprises a release contact and a release switch, the reset switch, the application contact and the release contact form a first switch circuit, the reset contact, the application switch and the release switch form a second switch circuit, the handle assembly can time-divisionally turn on the contacts and the switches on the switch circuits, since the reset switch, the application switch and the release switch are arranged in different switch circuits respectively, it is ensured that the switch circuits can adopt non-single trigger signals, common cause failure is prevented, the functions of parking brake and parking release are ensured, the redundancy design of the electronic parking brake switch is realized, the reliability of the electronic parking brake switch is improved, and the reliability and safety of the electronic parking brake system are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electronic parking brake technology, and in particular to electronic parking brake switches, systems and methods. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous upgrading of vehicle electronics and intelligence, the pneumatic electronic parking brake (EPB) system has advantages such as fast response, easy operation, and low noise. It can be applied to a variety of vehicles and is increasingly favored by users.

[0003] The pneumatic EPB system includes an electronic parking brake switch (EPB switch), located in the driver's cab. The EPB switch not only transmits the driver's parking command but also triggers the dynamic parking emergency braking function during emergency braking. The EPB switch plays a crucial role in the reliability of the EPB system. If the EPB switch has poor contact or is faulty, the vehicle will lose its electronic parking function. Especially during emergency braking, the vehicle's dynamic parking process cannot be gradually adjusted, or the emergency braking function may be lost altogether, endangering vehicle safety. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an electronic parking brake switch, system, and method to address the aforementioned technical problems, thereby improving the reliability of the electronic parking brake switch and enhancing the safety of the electronic parking brake system.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides an electronic parking brake switch. The electronic parking brake switch includes:

[0006] Handle assembly;

[0007] A reset assembly includes a reset contact and a reset switch, the reset contact being located in the direction from the handle assembly to the reset switch; wherein the reset assembly has a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other;

[0008] An application component, including an application contact and an application switch, is located on the first side of the reset component;

[0009] A release assembly, including a release contact and a release switch, is located on the second side of the reset assembly; wherein,

[0010] The reset switch, the application contact, and the release contact form a first switch circuit, and the reset contact, the application switch, and the release switch form a second switch circuit. The handle assembly is used to time-divisionally connect each contact and each switch of the target switch circuit, wherein the target switch circuit is at least one of the first switch circuit and the second switch circuit.

[0011] In one embodiment, the handle assembly is electrically connected to the reset assembly when no pressure is applied to the handle assembly;

[0012] When a first pressure is applied to the handle assembly, the handle assembly is electrically connected to the application component to apply a parking brake;

[0013] When a second pressure is applied to the handle assembly, the handle assembly is electrically connected to the release assembly to release the parking brake; wherein the pressure direction of the first pressure is opposite to the pressure direction of the second pressure.

[0014] In one embodiment, there are at least two application contacts; wherein at least one application contact is located on the first switching circuit, and the remaining application contacts are located on at least one of the first and second switching circuits.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least a portion of the applied contact is located on the first switching circuit, and at least a portion of the applied contact is located on the second switching circuit; wherein...

[0016] During the process of applying a first pressure to the handle assembly, the handle assembly sequentially connects to each of the applied contacts.

[0017] In one embodiment, the application contact and the application switch are located at the maximum opening position of the handle assembly when it is in the parking brake state, and the release contact and the release switch are located at the maximum opening position of the handle assembly when it is in the parking release state.

[0018] In one embodiment, there are at least two release contacts; wherein at least one release contact is located on the first switching circuit, and the remaining release contacts are located on at least one of the first and second switching circuits.

[0019] In one embodiment, the handle assembly includes:

[0020] A handle mechanism for rotating about a fulcrum on the handle mechanism when a first pressure or a second pressure is applied, so as to make conductive connection with each contact and each switch of the target switch circuit;

[0021] A return spring, located on the handle mechanism, is used to rotate the handle mechanism back to its initial state when no pressure is applied, so as to connect with the reset contact and the reset switch.

[0022] The aforementioned electronic parking brake switch includes a handle assembly, a reset assembly, an application assembly, and a release assembly. The reset assembly includes a reset contact and a reset switch; the application assembly includes an application contact and an application switch; and the release assembly includes a release contact and a release switch. The reset switch, application contact, and release contact form a first switching circuit, and the reset contact, application switch, and release switch form a second switching circuit. The handle assembly can sequentially connect each contact and switch in each switching circuit. Because the reset switch, application switch, and release switch are located in different switching circuits, each switching circuit can use a non-single trigger signal, preventing common-cause failure. If a contact or switch in any switching circuit fails, the handle assembly can still connect the contacts and switches in another switching circuit, ensuring the parking brake and parking release functions. This achieves a redundant design for the electronic parking brake switch, improves its reliability, and enhances the reliability and safety of the electronic parking brake system. Furthermore, the first and second switching circuits can mutually verify the validity of the signals and monitor the fault status of the switches in real time, thereby avoiding the failure of a single switching circuit signal and causing functional failure, thus making the electronic parking brake switch highly reliable.

[0023] On the other hand, this application provides an electronic parking brake system. The electronic parking brake system includes:

[0024] The electronic parking brake switch described in any of the above embodiments;

[0025] The parking brake module is connected to the electronic parking brake switch;

[0026] A spring brake cylinder, connected to the parking brake module, is used to adjust the pressure inside the spring brake cylinder under the control of the parking brake module to apply parking brake.

[0027] The parking air reservoir is connected to the spring brake cylinder and the parking brake module, respectively, and is used to release the stored gas to the spring brake cylinder under the control of the parking brake module for parking release.

[0028] In one embodiment, the electronic parking brake module includes:

[0029] The control unit is connected to the electronic parking brake switch and is used to obtain the opening position of the handle assembly in the electronic parking brake switch. When the opening position is in the parking brake range, the control unit outputs a control signal to the spring brake cylinder, and when the opening position is in the parking release range, the control unit outputs a release signal to the parking air reservoir.

[0030] In one embodiment, the control unit is further configured to: obtain the angular velocity of the handle mechanism rotation in the electronic parking brake switch, and obtain the opening position of the handle assembly at the current moment based on the opening position at a historical moment, the time difference between the current moment and the historical moment, and the angular velocity.

[0031] In one embodiment, the control unit is further configured to acquire the electrical signals output when the handle assembly connects each contact and each switch of the target switch circuit, and output an alarm signal when the number of electrical signals is less than a preset threshold; wherein, the electronic parking brake system further includes:

[0032] An alarm module, connected to the control unit, is used to trigger an alarm based on the alarm signal.

[0033] The aforementioned electronic parking brake system includes an electronic parking brake switch, a parking brake module, a spring brake cylinder, and a parking air reservoir. Under the control of the electronic parking brake switch, the electronic parking brake system realizes parking braking and parking release. Since the electronic parking brake system adopts a dual-switch circuit redundancy structure, the effectiveness of the electronic parking brake switch signal is ensured, thus improving the reliability and safety of the electronic parking brake system.

[0034] On the other hand, this application provides an electronic parking brake method applied to the electronic parking brake system described in any of the above embodiments, the electronic parking brake method comprising:

[0035] Apply a first pressure to the handle assembly of the electronic parking brake switch in the electronic parking brake system;

[0036] When the parking brake conditions are met, the parking brake module and spring brake cylinder in the electronic parking brake system are used to perform the parking brake operation.

[0037] In one embodiment, the electronic parking brake method further includes:

[0038] Obtain the vehicle's operating speed;

[0039] The step of performing parking brake operation using the parking brake module and spring brake cylinder in the electronic parking brake system when the parking brake conditions are met includes:

[0040] When the operating speed is zero and the first parking brake condition is met, the first parking brake operation is performed using the parking brake module and the spring brake cylinder.

[0041] When the operating speed is not zero and the second parking brake condition is met, the second parking brake operation is performed using the parking brake module and the spring brake cylinder; wherein...

[0042] Each parking brake condition includes at least one of the following: whether the vehicle is in automatic parking mode, the number of contacts in the target circuit connected by the handle assembly, the number of electrical signals output when each switch is activated, and whether the brake pedal is in an on state.

[0043] In one embodiment, the step of performing the first parking brake operation using the parking brake module and the spring brake cylinder when the operating speed is zero and the first parking brake condition is met includes:

[0044] When the operating speed is zero and the vehicle is in automatic parking brake mode, the parking brake module and the spring brake cylinder are used to perform a full parking brake operation.

[0045] When the operating speed is zero, the vehicle is in non-automatic parking brake mode, and the number of electrical signals is greater than a first preset threshold, the parking brake module and the spring brake cylinder are used to perform a full parking brake operation.

[0046] In one embodiment, the step of performing a second parking brake operation using the parking brake module and the spring brake cylinder when the operating speed is not zero and the second parking brake condition is met includes:

[0047] When the running speed is not zero, the number of electrical signals is greater than the second preset threshold, and the running speed is less than the preset speed, the parking brake module and the spring brake cylinder are used to perform a dynamic parking brake operation to fully park the vehicle; wherein, the second preset threshold is greater than the first preset threshold;

[0048] When the running speed is not zero, the electrical signal is greater than the second preset threshold, and the running speed is greater than the preset speed, the parking brake module adjusts the pressure inside the spring brake cylinder according to the opening position of the handle assembly to perform dynamic parking brake operation.

[0049] In one embodiment, the electronic parking brake method further includes:

[0050] A second pressure is applied to the handle assembly;

[0051] When the vehicle's brake pedal switch is in the ON state and the number of electrical signals output by the handle assembly when the target switch circuit contacts and switches are connected is greater than a third preset threshold, the parking release operation is performed using the parking brake module, the spring brake cylinder, and the parking air reservoir in the electronic parking brake system.

[0052] The above-mentioned electronic parking brake method is applied to an electronic parking brake system. By applying a first pressure to the handle assembly of the electronic parking brake switch, and under the condition that the parking brake conditions are met, the parking brake module and spring brake cylinder in the electronic parking brake system can be used to perform the parking brake operation, thereby realizing the electronic parking brake function and meeting the vehicle's electronic braking requirements. Since the electronic parking brake system adopts a dual-switch circuit redundancy structure, the effectiveness of the electronic parking brake switch signal is guaranteed, and the reliability and safety of the electronic parking brake process are improved. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic parking brake switch provided in one embodiment;

[0054] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic parking brake switch provided in one embodiment;

[0055] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic parking brake switch provided in one embodiment;

[0056] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic parking brake switch provided in one embodiment;

[0057] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic parking brake switch provided in one embodiment;

[0058] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic parking brake switch provided in one embodiment;

[0059] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic parking brake switch provided in one embodiment;

[0060] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic parking brake system provided in one embodiment;

[0061] Figure 9 A schematic flowchart of an electronic parking brake method provided in one embodiment;

[0062] Figure 10 A schematic flowchart of an electronic parking brake method provided in one embodiment;

[0063] Figure 11 A schematic flowchart of an electronic parking brake method provided in one embodiment;

[0064] Figure 12 A schematic flowchart of an electronic parking brake method provided in one embodiment;

[0065] Figure 13 A schematic flowchart of an electronic parking brake method provided in one embodiment;

[0066] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating an electronic parking brake method provided in one embodiment.

[0067] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0068] 10-Handle assembly, 110-Lever point, 120-Handle mechanism, 130-Return spring, 20-Reset assembly, 210-Reset contact, 220-Reset switch, 30-Applying assembly, 310-Applying contact, 311-First applying contact, 312-Second applying contact, 313-Third applying contact, 314-Fourth applying contact, 315-Fifth applying contact, 316-Sixth applying contact, 320-Applying switch, 40-Release assembly, 410-Release contact, 411-First release contact, 412-Second release contact, 420-Release switch, 510-First switch circuit, 520-Second switch circuit, 60-Electronic parking brake switch, 70-Parking brake module, 80-Spring brake cylinder, 90-Parking air reservoir, 100-Alarm module. Detailed Implementation

[0069] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0070] As mentioned in the background section, a partial structural failure of the electronic parking brake switch can cause the electronic parking brake system to lose its function, rendering the vehicle's electronic parking function ineffective and reducing safety. To address this, this application provides an electronic parking brake switch, system, and method that enhances the reliability of the electronic parking brake switch and improves the reliability and safety of the electronic parking brake system.

[0071] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, an electronic parking brake switch is provided, which may include a handle assembly 10, a reset assembly 20, an application assembly 30, and a release assembly 40.

[0072] The handle assembly 10 serves as a bridge between the driver and the electronic parking brake switch. The driver can operate the handle assembly 10 to rotate it around the fixed fulcrum 110. It works in conjunction with the reset assembly 20, the application assembly 30, and the release assembly 40 to turn off the parking function of the electronic parking brake system.

[0073] The reset assembly 20 includes a reset contact 210 and a reset switch 220. The reset contact 210 is located in the direction from the handle assembly 10 to the reset switch 220. In the initial state, the handle assembly 10, the reset contact 210, and the reset switch 220 are in a straight line. Furthermore, the reset assembly 20 has a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other, wherein the first side and the second side can be understood as the upper and lower sides of the straight line containing the reset contact 210 and the reset switch 220, with the straight line containing the reset contact 210 and the reset switch 220 serving as the dividing line; the specific positions of the first side and the second side are not limited here.

[0074] The application component 30 includes an application contact 310 and an application switch 320, and the application component 30 is located on the first side of the reset component 20. In this embodiment, the number and position of the application contact 310 and the application switch 320 are not limited, and can be set according to actual needs. Figure 1 Taking the application contact 310, application switch 320, and fulcrum 110 as being on the same straight line as an example, the first side of the reset assembly 20 is the area below the straight line where the reset contact 210 and reset switch 220 are located. The release assembly 40 includes a release contact 410 and a release switch 420, and the release assembly 40 is located on the second side of the reset assembly 20. In this embodiment, the number and position of the release contact 410 and release switch 420 are not limited and can be set according to actual needs. Figure 1 Taking the release contact 410, release switch 420 and fulcrum 110 as being on the same straight line as an example, the second side of the reset assembly 20 is the area above the straight line where the reset contact 210 and reset switch 220 are located.

[0075] Reset switch 220, application contact 310, and release contact 410 form a first switch circuit 510, and reset contact 210, application switch 320, and release switch 420 form a second switch circuit 520. Each switch circuit can be understood as a rotation path of a point on the handle assembly 10 about a fulcrum 110. It can be understood that the reset contact 210 and reset switch 220 are located on the handle assembly 10; therefore, the first switch circuit 510 is the rotation path of the first point of the reset switch 220 on the handle assembly 10 about a fulcrum 110, and the second switch circuit 520 is the rotation path of the second point of the reset contact 210 on the handle assembly 10 about a fulcrum 120. The handle assembly 10 is used for time-division multiplexing of the contacts and switches of the target switch circuit, wherein the target switch circuit is at least one of the first switch circuit 510 and the second switch circuit 520. The handle assembly 10 can simultaneously conduct contacts and switches, depending on the relative positional relationship between the handle assembly 10 and each contact and switch, and no limitations are made here.

[0076] In this embodiment, each switch refers to a device that generates an electrical signal and has tactile feedback when connected to the handle assembly 10, while each contact refers to a structure that generates an electrical signal when connected to the handle assembly 10 but does not have tactile feedback. For example, each switch can be a microswitch.

[0077] The electronic parking brake switch provided in the above embodiment includes a handle assembly 10, a reset assembly 20, an application assembly 30, and a release assembly 40. The reset assembly 20 includes a reset contact 210 and a reset switch 220; the application assembly 30 includes an application contact 310 and an application switch 320; and the release assembly 40 includes a release contact 410 and a release switch 420. The reset switch 220, application contact 310, and release contact 410 form a first switching circuit, and the reset contact 210, application switch 320, and release switch 420 form a second switching circuit. The handle assembly 10 is capable of... The handle assembly 10 connects all contacts and switches in each switch circuit. Since the reset switch 220, application switch 320, and release switch 420 are located in different switch circuits, each switch circuit can use a non-single trigger signal, preventing common-cause failure. Even if a contact or switch in any switch circuit fails, the handle assembly 10 can still connect the contacts and switches in another switch circuit, ensuring the parking brake and parking release functions. This achieves a redundant design for the electronic parking brake switch, improving its reliability and the overall reliability and safety of the electronic parking brake system. Furthermore, the first and second switch circuits can mutually verify the validity of signals and monitor the switch fault status in real time, thus avoiding functional failure due to a single switch circuit signal failure, giving the electronic parking brake switch high reliability.

[0078] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, when no pressure is applied to the handle assembly 10, the handle assembly 10 is electrically connected to the reset assembly. Specifically, the handle assembly 10 is electrically connected to the reset contact 210 and the reset switch 220, respectively. At this time, the handle assembly 10 is in the initial state or the reset state. When a first pressure F1 is applied to the handle assembly 10, the handle assembly 10 is electrically connected to the application assembly 30 to apply the parking brake. Figure 2 In the illustrated structure, since the applying component 30 is located below the reset component 20, the first pressure F1 is directed upwards, i.e., pulling up the handle assembly 10 applies the parking brake. When a second pressure is applied to the handle assembly 10, the handle assembly 10 is electrically connected to the release component 40 to release the parking brake. Figure 2 In the structure shown, since the release assembly 400 is located above the reset assembly 20, the pressure direction of the second pressure F2 is downward, i.e., the parking release is achieved by pressing down the handle assembly 10. The pressure directions of the first pressure F1 and the second pressure F2 are opposite. The pressure direction of the first pressure F1 can be determined based on the position of the application assembly 30, and the pressure direction of the second pressure F2 can be determined based on the position of the application assembly 40. Figure 2 This is one of many possible implementation methods.

[0079] The aforementioned electronic parking brake switch has the handle assembly 10 connected to the reset assembly 20 when no pressure is applied, and in the initial state, it is neither parking brake nor parking brake release. When a first pressure is applied, the handle assembly 10 is connected to the application assembly 30 to apply parking brake. When a second pressure is applied, the handle assembly 10 is connected to the release assembly 40 to release parking brake. This realizes the switching between the two states of parking brake and parking brake release, and the operation is simple.

[0080] In one embodiment, there are at least two application contacts 310, which may include two or more. At least one application contact 310 is located on the first switching circuit 510, and the remaining application contacts 310 are located on at least one of the first switching circuit 510 and the second switching circuit 520. In this embodiment, the number and location of the application contacts 310 are not limited and can be set according to actual needs. Optionally, the number of application contacts 310 can be determined based on the total opening degree of the handle assembly 10 when it is in the parking brake state. The total opening degree of the handle assembly 10 when it is in the parking brake state refers to the angle between the handle assembly 10 rotating from its initial position to the maximum opening position of the parking brake state when a first pressure F1 is applied. Figure 2 As shown by α. Figure 3As shown, taking an electronic parking brake switch with two application contacts 310 as an example, the first application contact 311 and the second application contact 312 are both located on the first switch circuit 510. Based on this, the handle assembly 10 can achieve parking braking by connecting each application contact 310 and the application switch 320, further improving the redundancy and reliability of the electronic parking brake switch and enhancing the safety of the electronic parking brake system.

[0081] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the application contact 310 includes at least two, with at least a portion of the application contact 310 located on the first switching circuit 510 and at least a portion located on the second switching circuit 320, to ensure that both switching circuits have linear opening recognition functionality. The position of each application contact 310 can be set according to specific requirements and is not limited here. Furthermore, during the process of applying a first pressure F1 to the handle assembly 10, the handle assembly sequentially connects to each application contact 310. In other words, any two application contacts 310 are not on the same straight line as the fulcrum 110, and the application contacts 310 are staggered on the first switching circuit 510 and the second switching circuit 520. Figure 4 Taking the electronic parking brake switch with three application contacts 310 as an example, the first application contact 311 and the second application contact 312 are both located on the first switching circuit 510, and the third application contact 313 is located on the second switching circuit 520. During the pulling process, the handle assembly 10 sequentially connects to the second application contact 312, the third application contact 313, and the first application contact 311. Based on this, the redundancy and reliability of the electronic parking brake switch are further improved, enhancing the safety of the electronic parking brake system. Specifically, under fault-free conditions, by increasing the number of application contacts 310 or designing the application contacts 310 to be located at non-overlapping contact positions in the first switching circuit 510 and the second switching circuit 520, the fitting accuracy of the signal for linear opening degree recognition can be improved.

[0082] In one embodiment, the application contact 310 and the application switch 320 are located at the maximum opening position when the handle assembly 10 is in the parking brake state. The release contact 410 and the release switch 420 are located at the maximum opening position when the handle assembly 10 is in the parking brake released state. The maximum opening position can also be understood as the maximum angular position of the handle assembly 10's rotation about the fulcrum 110. See also... Figure 2 When the handle assembly 10 is rotated upward around the fulcrum 110 to the maximum angle, it is in the maximum opening position of the parking brake state; when the handle assembly 10 is rotated downward around the fulcrum 110 to the maximum angle, it is in the maximum opening position of the parking release state.

[0083] For example, in Figure 1 and Figure 2In the parking brake state, the maximum opening position of the handle assembly 10 is the straight line between the application contact 310 and the application switch 320; Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the parking brake state, the maximum opening position of the handle assembly 10 is the straight line between the first application contact 311 and the application switch 320. Figures 1-4 In the middle, the maximum opening position of the handle assembly 10 in the parking release state is the straight line between the release contact 410 and the release switch 420.

[0084] When the aforementioned electronic parking brake switch handle assembly 10 reaches its maximum opening position, it can simultaneously conduct contacts and switch regardless of whether it is in parking brake or parking release state. This ensures redundancy of parking brake and parking release functions while also providing the driver with operational feedback through the switch's tactile feedback, thus improving the driving experience.

[0085] In one embodiment, there are at least two release contacts 410. At least one release contact 410 is located on the first switching circuit 510, and the remaining release contacts 410 are located on at least one of the first switching circuit 510 and the second switching circuit 520. Optionally, the number of release contacts 410 can be determined based on the total opening degree of the handle assembly 10 when it is in the parking brake release state, wherein the total opening degree of the handle assembly 10 when it is in the parking brake release state refers to the angle between the handle assembly 10 rotating from its initial position to its maximum opening position under the applied second pressure F2, such as... Figure 2 As shown by β. Figure 5 As shown, taking the electronic parking brake switch with two release contacts 410 as an example, the first release contact 411 and the second release contact 412 are both located on the first switch circuit 510. Based on this, the handle assembly 10 can achieve parking release by connecting each release contact 410 and the release switch 420, further improving the redundancy and reliability of the electronic parking brake switch and enhancing the safety of the electronic parking brake system.

[0086] Understandably, when the second pressure F2 is applied to the handle assembly 10, to prevent accidental operation, it generally requires a combined operation of simultaneously pressing the brake pedal and the parking switch to complete the release. The EPB system needs to execute the release action as quickly as possible after recognizing the driver's request to release the parking brake, and does not require a linear opening recognition function. Therefore, the electronic parking brake switch includes at least one release contact 410. Provided that the parking release action is satisfied, as long as the reset switch 220 is open and the release contact 410 is connected, the release command can be executed quickly, which helps to shorten the reaction time of EPB release.

[0087] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6As shown, the handle assembly 10 includes a handle mechanism 120 and a return spring 130. When a first pressure F1 or a second pressure F2 is applied, the handle mechanism 120 rotates around a fulcrum 110 to connect with the contacts and switches of the target switch circuit. The return spring 130 is located on the handle mechanism 110 and is used to rotate the handle mechanism 120 back to its initial state when no pressure is applied, so as to connect with the reset contact 310 and the reset switch 320. Based on this, switching between the initial state, the parking brake state, and the parking release state is realized, achieving electronic parking, ensuring the effectiveness of the electronic parking brake switch, and improving the reliability of the electronic parking brake switch.

[0088] To better understand, such as Figure 7 As shown, another electronic parking brake switch is provided. This electronic parking brake switch includes a pivot 110, a handle mechanism 120, a return spring 130, a reset contact 210, a reset switch 220, six application contacts 310, an application switch 320, two release contacts 410, and a release switch 420. The reset switch 220, application switch, and release switch 420 are all microswitches.

[0089] Figure 7 The electronic parking brake switch shown is a three-position self-resetting switch. Pulling it up activates the parking brake, pressing it down activates the parking brake release, and the horizontal position is either the self-resetting or initial state. When no pressure is applied to the handle mechanism 120, it is in the initial state, connected to the reset contact 210 and reset switch 220. The vehicle is not in parking brake mode and will not release the parking brake. When the first pressure F1 is applied to the handle mechanism 120 (pulling it up), it sequentially connects to the sixth application contact 316, the fifth application contact 315, the fourth application contact 314, the third application contact 313, the second application contact 312, the first application contact 311, and the application switch 320. When the second pressure F2 is applied to the handle mechanism 120 (pressing it down), it sequentially connects to the second release contact 412, the first release contact 411, and the release switch 420.

[0090] During the rotation of the handle mechanism 120, the fulcrum 110 and the return spring 130 are located at different positions on the handle mechanism 120, and the reset contact 210 and the reset switch 220 are located on the extension line of the line connecting the fulcrum 110 and the return spring 130. The reset switch 220, the first application contact 311, the third application contact 313, the fifth application contact 315, the first release contact 411 and the second release contact 412 form the first switch circuit 510, and the reset contact 210, the second application contact 312, the fourth application contact 314, the sixth application contact 316, and the release switch 420 form the second switch circuit 520.

[0091] The electronic parking brake control switch provided in the above embodiments adopts a multi-contact and micro-switch coupling structure. Through heterogeneous redundancy, the redundancy safety of the electronic parking brake control switch is improved, and the position feel of the switch in different states is guaranteed. As the basis for the EPB system to control air pressure, the electronic parking brake control switch can effectively prevent functional loss due to local structural failure during switch use, and has high reliability. The electronic parking brake control switch can also utilize a dual control loop structure to monitor and calibrate the fault state of the switch and the signal validity of the contacts and micro-switches in real time, thereby improving the reliability of the electronic parking brake switch and the safety of the electronic parking brake system.

[0092] In one embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, an electronic parking brake system is provided. This system may include an electronic parking brake switch 60, a parking brake module 70, a spring brake cylinder 80, and a parking air reservoir 90, as provided in any of the above embodiments. The parking brake module 70 is connected to the electronic parking brake switch 60. The spring brake cylinder 80 is connected to the parking brake module 70 and is used to adjust the internal pressure of the spring brake cylinder 80 under the control of the parking brake module 70 for parking braking. Specifically, the parking brake module 70 can adjust the internal pressure of the spring brake cylinder 80 according to the voltage change of the electronic parking brake switch 60, and achieve closed-loop linear pressure control through an internal pressure sensor. The parking air reservoir 90 is connected to both the spring brake cylinder 80 and the parking brake module 70. Under the control of the parking brake module 70, the parking air reservoir 90 releases stored gas into the spring brake cylinder 80 for parking release. For example, the components of the electronic parking brake system can be connected via a CAN bus.

[0093] The electronic parking brake system provided in the above embodiments includes an electronic parking brake switch 60, a parking brake module 70, a spring brake cylinder 80, and a parking air reservoir 90. Under the control of the electronic parking brake switch 60, the electronic parking brake system realizes parking braking and parking release. Since the electronic parking brake system adopts a dual-switch circuit redundancy structure, the effectiveness of the electronic parking brake switch signal is guaranteed, and the reliability and safety of the electronic parking brake system are improved.

[0094] In one embodiment, the electronic parking brake module 70 includes a control unit (not shown). The control unit is connected to the electronic parking brake switch 60. The control unit is used to obtain the opening position of the handle assembly 10 in the electronic parking brake switch 60, and when the opening position is within the parking brake range, it outputs a control signal to the spring brake cylinder 80 so that the spring brake cylinder 80 adjusts its internal pressure to apply the parking brake according to the control signal; when the opening position is within the parking release range, the control unit outputs a release signal to the parking air reservoir 90 so that the parking air reservoir 90 releases the stored gas to the spring brake cylinder 80 to release the parking brake. Based on this, the control accuracy of the electronic parking brake process is improved, and the linear opening recognition requirement during the parking brake process is met.

[0095] In one embodiment, the control unit can also be used to acquire the angular velocity of the handle mechanism 120 in the electronic parking brake switch 60, and based on the opening position at a historical moment, the time difference between the current moment and the historical moment, and the angular velocity, acquire the opening position of the handle assembly 10 at the current moment. Specifically, this can be expressed by the formula: θ n =θ n-1 +α(t n -t n-1 ), where θ n θ represents the current opening position of the handle mechanism 120. n-1 The α represents the opening position of the handle mechanism 120 at a historical moment, α represents the angular velocity of the handle mechanism 120, and t represents the opening position of the handle mechanism 120 at a historical moment. n Indicates the current time, t n-1 Representing a historical moment, and t n-1 For t n The previous moment. Based on this, linear identification of the opening degree of the electronic parking brake switch can be achieved, and it can be used to estimate the next opening position, ensuring the effective output of the linearly identified opening position.

[0096] In one embodiment, the control unit can also be used to acquire the electrical signals output by each contact and each switch of the target switch circuit when the handle assembly 10 is activated, and output an alarm signal when the number of electrical signals is less than a preset threshold. The preset threshold is pre-set and can be set according to redundancy requirements; it is not limited here. The electronic parking brake system may also include an alarm module 100, which is connected to the control unit for triggering an alarm based on the alarm signal. For example, the alarm module 100 may include a switch indicator light, instrument indicator light, buzzer, etc., to achieve simultaneous optical and acoustic alarm.

[0097] In one embodiment, such as Figure 9 As shown, an electronic parking brake method is provided, which is applied to... Figure 8 The electronic parking brake system shown may include steps S901 and S902.

[0098] S901: Apply a first pressure to the handle assembly of the electronic parking brake switch in the electronic parking brake system.

[0099] S902: When the parking brake conditions are met, the parking brake module and spring brake cylinder in the electronic parking brake system are used to perform the parking brake operation.

[0100] The electronic parking brake method provided in the above embodiments is applied to an electronic parking brake system. By applying a first pressure to the handle assembly of the electronic parking brake switch, and when the parking brake conditions are met, the parking brake module and spring brake cylinder in the electronic parking brake system can be used to perform the parking brake operation, thereby realizing the electronic parking brake function and meeting the vehicle's electronic braking requirements. Since the electronic parking brake system adopts a dual-switch circuit redundancy structure, the effectiveness of the electronic parking brake switch signal is ensured, and the reliability and safety of the electronic parking brake process are improved.

[0101] In one embodiment, the above-described electronic parking brake method may further include: the step of acquiring the vehicle's operating speed. Then, step S902, where the parking brake conditions are met, involves performing a parking brake operation using the parking brake module and spring brake cylinder in the electronic parking brake system, and may include the following steps S1001 and S1002, such as... Figure 10 As shown.

[0102] S1001: When the operating speed is zero and the first parking brake condition is met, the first parking brake operation is performed using the parking brake module and the spring brake cylinder.

[0103] S1002: When the running speed is not zero and the second parking brake condition is met, the second parking brake operation is performed using the parking brake module and the spring brake cylinder.

[0104] Each parking brake condition includes at least one of the following: whether the vehicle is in automatic parking mode, the number of contacts in the target circuit of the electronic parking brake switch handle assembly in the electronic parking brake system being activated, the number of electrical signals output when each switch is activated, and whether the brake pedal is in the on state. Among these, the vehicle being in automatic parking mode means that the vehicle's autohold function is activated. The first parking brake condition and the second parking brake condition are different.

[0105] The above-mentioned electronic parking brake method acquires the vehicle's operating speed and applies the parking brake in both zero and non-zero operating speed conditions, as well as according to different parking brake conditions, thereby realizing parking brake control in both stationary and moving states and improving driving safety.

[0106] In one embodiment, step S1001, which involves performing the first parking brake operation using the parking brake module and the spring brake cylinder when the operating speed is zero and the first parking brake condition is met, may include steps S1101 and S1102.

[0107] S1101: When the operating speed is zero and the vehicle is in automatic parking brake mode, a full parking brake operation is performed using the parking brake module and spring brake cylinder. A full parking brake operation refers to a state where the tires are locked and the vehicle does not move forward or backward when stationary.

[0108] S1102: When the operating speed is zero, the vehicle is in non-automatic parking brake mode, and the number of electrical signals exceeds a first preset threshold, a full parking brake operation is performed using the parking brake module and spring brake cylinder. The first preset threshold is pre-set and can be determined based on empirical or experimental values. For example, if the first preset threshold is 1, then a full parking brake operation is performed when the number of electrical signals is greater than 1. In this embodiment, the electrical signal refers to the electrical signal output when the handle assembly of the electronic parking brake switch connects each contact and switch in the target circuit, which can be used to trigger the electronic parking brake system to perform parking brake or parking release operations. Based on steps S1101 and S1102, it can be seen that the first parking brake operation includes a full parking brake operation.

[0109] The above-mentioned electronic parking brake method, when the vehicle speed is zero, that is, when the vehicle is stationary, if the vehicle's autohold function is activated, full parking brake can be executed even when the handle assembly 10 is not in its initial state, which improves the response speed of the parking brake and shortens the response time of the parking brake; if the vehicle's autohold function is not activated, full parking brake is executed when the number of conducting application contacts and application switches is greater than the first preset threshold, ensuring the effectiveness and reliability of the vehicle's parking brake.

[0110] In one embodiment, step S1002, which involves performing a second parking brake operation using a parking brake module and a spring brake cylinder when the running speed is not zero and the second parking brake condition is met, may include steps S1201 and S1202.

[0111] S1201: When the running speed is not zero, the number of electrical signals is greater than the second preset threshold, and the running speed is less than the preset speed, the parking brake module and the spring brake cylinder are used to perform dynamic parking brake operation to fully park the vehicle.

[0112] The second preset threshold is pre-set and can be determined based on experimental and empirical values, and the second preset threshold is greater than the first preset threshold. For example, the first preset threshold is 1, and the second preset threshold is 2. The preset speed is also pre-set and can be determined based on experimental or empirical values; no limitations are imposed here. For example, the preset speed could be 3 km / h.

[0113] S1202: When the running speed is not zero, the electrical signal is greater than the second preset threshold, and the running speed is greater than the preset speed, the parking brake module adjusts the pressure inside the spring brake cylinder according to the opening position of the handle assembly to perform a dynamic parking brake operation. Based on steps S1201 and S1202, it can be seen that the first parking brake operation includes a dynamic parking brake operation.

[0114] The above-mentioned electronic parking brake method, when the vehicle speed is not zero, if the speed is less than the preset speed, it indicates that the vehicle speed is low and a full parking brake operation can be performed; if the speed is greater than the preset speed, it indicates that the vehicle speed is high and directly performing a full parking brake operation poses a certain risk. In this case, a dynamic parking brake operation can be performed to realize the vehicle's emergency braking function, thus improving the reliability and safety of the vehicle's electronic parking brake.

[0115] In one embodiment, the electronic parking brake method includes steps S901 and S902 as described above, and may further include steps S1301 and S1302, such as... Figure 13 As shown.

[0116] S1301: Apply a second pressure to the handle assembly.

[0117] S1302: When the number of electrical signals output by the brake pedal switch of the vehicle is greater than the third preset threshold when the handle assembly connects each contact and each switch of the target switch circuit, the parking release operation is performed using the parking brake module, the spring brake cylinder and the parking air reservoir in the electronic parking brake system.

[0118] The above-mentioned electronic parking brake method applies a second pressure to the handle assembly of the electronic parking brake switch, and when the number of electrical signals exceeds a third preset threshold, it can utilize the parking brake module, spring brake cylinder, and parking air reservoir in the electronic parking brake system to perform a parking release operation, thereby realizing the electronic parking release function and further meeting the vehicle's electronic braking requirements.

[0119] To better understand, such as Figure 14 As shown, an electronic parking brake method is provided, which is applied to... Figure 8 The electronic parking brake system shown includes the following steps S1401 to S1405.

[0120] S1401: Obtain the vehicle's operating speed.

[0121] S1402: If the vehicle speed is zero and the autohold function is activated, pull up the electronic parking brake switch. After the reset contact and reset switch change from the on state to the off state, the full parking action will be executed immediately.

[0122] S1403: If the vehicle speed is zero and the autohold function is not activated, pull up the electronic parking brake switch. If the number of monitored electrical signals is greater than 1, immediately execute the full parking action.

[0123] In other words, a full parking action is performed when at least one of the six application contacts is activated or when the application switch is connected. Specifically, a full parking action requires that the exhaust solenoid valve in the parking brake module be energized for at least 2 seconds or that the pressure in the parking chamber of the spring brake cylinder be monitored by the pressure sensor inside the module to be less than 10 kPa.

[0124] S1404: If the vehicle speed is not zero, pull up the electronic parking brake switch. If the number of monitored electrical signals is greater than 2, and the speed is less than 3 km / h, then perform a full parking action. Otherwise, if the vehicle has not yet stopped, the electronic parking brake system adjusts the pressure according to the opening position of the handle mechanism.

[0125] In other words, if the vehicle is not at zero, meaning the vehicle is not stationary, pulling up the electronic parking brake switch will activate the dynamic parking emergency braking function. The dynamic parking operation will begin when at least two of the six application contacts are detected or when the application switch is connected.

[0126] S1405: When the electronic parking brake switch is pressed, if the brake pedal switch is on and the number of electrical signals is greater than 1, then a full parking action is performed.

[0127] In other words, if at least one of the two release contacts and the release switch is detected to be connected, a full parking action is immediately executed. Specifically, a full parking action requires that the exhaust solenoid valve within the electronic parking brake module assembly be energized for at least 2 seconds, or that the pressure sensor inside the spring brake cylinder monitors a pressure in the parking chamber that is greater than the full release pressure of the spring cylinder.

[0128] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.

[0129] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0130] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of this invention patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic parking brake switch, characterized in that, include: Handle assembly for rotation about a fixed fulcrum; A reset assembly includes a reset contact and a reset switch, the reset contact being located in the direction from the handle assembly to the reset switch; wherein the reset assembly has a first side and a second side disposed opposite to each other; in an initial state, the handle assembly, the reset contact, and the reset switch are in a straight line; the first side and the second side are separated by the straight line; An application component, including an application contact and an application switch, is located on the first side of the reset component; A release assembly includes release contacts and release switches, the release assembly being located on the second side of the reset assembly; wherein, each switch refers to a structure that generates an electrical signal and has tactile feedback when connected to the handle assembly; each contact refers to a structure that generates an electrical signal when connected to the handle assembly and does not have tactile feedback; The reset switch, the application contact, and the release contact form a first switching circuit, and the reset contact, the application switch, and the release switch form a second switching circuit. The first switching circuit is the rotation path of the reset switch around the fulcrum at a first point on the handle assembly corresponding to the reset contact. The second switching circuit is the rotation path of the reset contact around the fulcrum at a second point on the handle assembly corresponding to the reset contact. The handle assembly is used to time-divisionally connect each contact and each switch of the target switching circuit, and the target switching circuit is at least one of the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit. If either the first switching circuit or the second switching circuit fails, the other is used to implement parking brake and parking release.

2. The electronic parking brake switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, When no pressure is applied to the handle assembly, the handle assembly is electrically connected to the reset assembly; When a first pressure is applied to the handle assembly, the handle assembly is electrically connected to the application component to apply a parking brake; When a second pressure is applied to the handle assembly, the handle assembly is electrically connected to the release assembly to release the parking brake; wherein the pressure direction of the first pressure is opposite to the pressure direction of the second pressure.

3. The electronic parking brake switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are at least two application contacts; wherein at least one application contact is located on the first switching circuit, and the remaining application contacts are located on at least one of the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit.

4. The electronic parking brake switch according to claim 3, characterized in that, At least a portion of the applied contacts are located on the first switching circuit, and at least a portion of the applied contacts are located on the second switching circuit; wherein, During the process of applying a first pressure to the handle assembly, the handle assembly sequentially connects to each of the applied contacts.

5. The electronic parking brake switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The application contact and the application switch are located at the maximum opening position when the handle assembly is in the parking brake state, and the release contact and the release switch are located at the maximum opening position when the handle assembly is in the parking release state.

6. The electronic parking brake switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are at least two release contacts; wherein at least one release contact is located on the first switch circuit, and the remaining release contacts are located on at least one of the first switch circuit and the second switch circuit.

7. The electronic parking brake switch according to claim 1, characterized in that, The handle assembly includes: A handle mechanism for rotating about a fulcrum on the handle mechanism when a first pressure or a second pressure is applied, so as to make conductive connection with each contact and each switch of the target switch circuit; A return spring, located on the handle mechanism, is used to rotate the handle mechanism back to its initial state when no pressure is applied, so as to connect with the reset contact and the reset switch.

8. An electronic parking brake system, characterized in that, include: The electronic parking brake switch as described in any one of claims 1-7; The parking brake module is connected to the electronic parking brake switch; A spring brake cylinder, connected to the parking brake module, is used to adjust the pressure inside the spring brake cylinder under the control of the parking brake module to apply parking brake. The parking air reservoir is connected to the spring brake cylinder and the parking brake module, respectively, and is used to release the stored gas to the spring brake cylinder under the control of the parking brake module for parking release.

9. The electronic parking brake system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The parking brake module includes: The control unit is connected to the electronic parking brake switch and is used to obtain the opening position of the handle assembly in the electronic parking brake switch. When the opening position is in the parking brake range, the control unit outputs a control signal to the spring brake cylinder, and when the opening position is in the parking release range, the control unit outputs a release signal to the parking air reservoir.

10. The electronic parking brake system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control unit is further configured to: obtain the angular velocity of the handle mechanism rotation in the electronic parking brake switch, and obtain the opening position of the handle assembly at the current moment based on the opening position at a historical moment, the time difference between the current moment and the historical moment, and the angular velocity.

11. The electronic parking brake system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The control unit is also used to acquire the electrical signals output when the handle assembly connects each contact and each switch of the target switch circuit, and to output an alarm signal when the number of electrical signals is less than a preset threshold; wherein, the electronic parking brake system further includes: An alarm module, connected to the control unit, is used to trigger an alarm based on the alarm signal.

12. An electronic parking brake method, characterized in that, The electronic parking brake system according to any one of claims 8-11, the electronic parking brake method comprising: Apply a first pressure to the handle assembly of the electronic parking brake switch in the electronic parking brake system; When the parking brake conditions are met, the parking brake module and spring brake cylinder in the electronic parking brake system are used to perform the parking brake operation.

13. The electronic parking brake method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The electronic parking brake method also includes: Obtain the vehicle's operating speed; The step of performing parking brake operation using the parking brake module and spring brake cylinder in the electronic parking brake system when the parking brake conditions are met includes: When the operating speed is zero and the first parking brake condition is met, the first parking brake operation is performed using the parking brake module and the spring brake cylinder. When the operating speed is not zero and the second parking brake condition is met, the second parking brake operation is performed using the parking brake module and the spring brake cylinder; wherein... Each parking brake condition includes at least one of the following: whether the vehicle is in automatic parking mode, the number of contacts in the target circuit connected by the handle assembly, the number of electrical signals output when each switch is activated, and whether the brake pedal is in an on state.

14. The electronic parking brake method according to claim 13, characterized in that, When the operating speed is zero and the first parking brake condition is met, the first parking brake operation is performed using the parking brake module and the spring brake cylinder, including: When the operating speed is zero and the vehicle is in automatic parking brake mode, the parking brake module and the spring brake cylinder are used to perform a full parking brake operation. When the operating speed is zero, the vehicle is in non-automatic parking brake mode, and the number of electrical signals is greater than a first preset threshold, the parking brake module and the spring brake cylinder are used to perform a full parking brake operation.

15. The electronic parking brake method according to claim 14, characterized in that, When the operating speed is not zero and the second parking brake condition is met, the second parking brake operation is performed using the parking brake module and the spring brake cylinder, including: When the running speed is not zero, the number of electrical signals is greater than the second preset threshold, and the running speed is less than the preset speed, the parking brake module and the spring brake cylinder are used to perform a dynamic parking brake operation to fully park the vehicle; wherein, the second preset threshold is greater than the first preset threshold; When the running speed is not zero, the electrical signal is greater than the second preset threshold, and the running speed is greater than the preset speed, the parking brake module adjusts the pressure inside the spring brake cylinder according to the opening position of the handle assembly to perform dynamic parking brake operation.

16. The electronic parking brake method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The electronic parking brake method also includes: A second pressure is applied to the handle assembly; When the vehicle's brake pedal switch is in the ON state and the number of electrical signals output by the handle assembly when the target switch circuit contacts and switches are connected is greater than a third preset threshold, the parking release operation is performed using the parking brake module, the spring brake cylinder, and the parking air reservoir in the electronic parking brake system.

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