Wheel-end brake temperature monitoring in trucks and trailers

Abstract

This disclosure relates to wheel-end brake temperature monitoring in trucks and trailers, specifically a method and system for monitoring the temperature of brake components in a vehicle's brakes. The method includes: measuring a wheel-end temperature at the wheel end using a temperature sensor at the wheel end of the vehicle; determining whether the measured wheel-end temperature exceeds a threshold value, the threshold value representing a critical temperature for the brake components; and outputting a warning signal when the determined wheel-end temperature exceeds the threshold value. This disclosure also relates to temperature modeling of brake component temperatures. The method and system according to this disclosure enable anti-lock braking systems to monitor mechanical problems of brake components via temperature sensors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to monitoring wheel-end brake temperature in braking systems of trucks and trailers. Background Technology

[0002] Mechanical problems or malfunctions may occur while driving. For example, a truck's brakes may not be fully released, there may be residual pressure in the brake chambers, and / or there may be purely mechanical problems (such as locked-in mechanisms). Examples of mechanical problems in wheel-end brakes include piston sticking, rod / shaft bearing sticking, and spring breakage or fatigue. Such problems or malfunctions occurring on the axle while driving can cause brake overheating, sudden tire deflation, or thermal accidents on the truck and / or trailer.

[0003] Thermal incidents on trailers and other braking system failures as described above can render trucks and / or trailers unusable, leading to transport delays, repair costs, and increased transportation expenses. Furthermore, damaged trailers and trucks can further contribute to serious traffic accidents and safety issues.

[0004] Current anti-lock braking systems (ABS) / electronic braking systems (EBS) use wheel speed sensors (WSS) to determine wheel speed and do not have the ability to detect wheel-end specific faults (e.g., locked mechanics, residual pressure in the brake chamber, etc.). Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a method for monitoring the temperature of wheel-end brakes in trucks and trailers.

[0006] For example, the above objective can be achieved by a method for monitoring the temperature of brake components in a vehicle's brakes. The method includes: measuring the wheel end temperature using a temperature sensor at the wheel end of the vehicle; determining whether the measured wheel end temperature is higher than a threshold value, the threshold value representing a critical temperature for the brake components; and outputting a warning signal when the determined wheel end temperature is higher than the threshold value.

[0007] According to one embodiment, determining whether the measured wheel end temperature is higher than a threshold includes: determining the temperature value of the brake component by a control unit based on the measured temperature at the wheel end and based on at least one of the distance from the temperature sensor to the corresponding brake component and environmental conditions.

[0008] According to one embodiment, when determining the temperature value of the braking component, the operating state of the brake is taken into account.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the temperature sensor is integrated into an active wheel speed sensor.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the braking component monitored by the method is a brake drum or a brake disc.

[0011] For example, the aforementioned objective can also be achieved by another method for monitoring at least one of the disc temperature and drum temperature of a vehicle's brakes. This method includes: measuring the wheel end temperature at the wheel end using a temperature sensor at the wheel end of the vehicle; calculating the brake component temperature based on the measured wheel end temperature and based on at least one of environmental conditions and the distance of the temperature sensor from the brake component; determining whether the calculated brake component temperature is higher than a threshold; and outputting a warning signal when the determined brake component temperature is higher than the threshold.

[0012] Another object of this disclosure is to provide a system for monitoring the temperature of wheel-end brakes in trucks and trailers.

[0013] For example, the above objective can be achieved using a wheel-end brake temperature monitoring system. This system includes: a temperature sensor disposed at the wheel end of the vehicle, configured to measure the measured wheel-end temperature; an electronic control unit configured to receive the measured wheel-end temperature from the temperature sensor; and the electronic control unit configured to compare the measured wheel-end temperature with a threshold value and output a warning signal when the measured wheel-end temperature exceeds the threshold value.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the wheel-end brake temperature monitoring system includes an electronic control unit with a temperature modeling unit.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the wheel-end brake temperature monitoring system includes a temperature modeling unit configured to calculate the brake component temperature by taking into account the measured wheel-end temperature and the distance from the wheel speed sensor to the brake component.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the wheel-end brake temperature monitoring system includes a temperature modeling unit configured to further consider environmental conditions when calculating the temperature of the brake components.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the wheel-end brake temperature monitoring system has a temperature sensor integrated into an active wheel speed sensor.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the braking component monitored by the system is a brake drum or a brake disc.

[0019] Monitoring wheel-end temperature, as disclosed in this disclosure, increases the safety of the vehicle itself and other road users. Furthermore, temperature monitoring can prevent vehicle downtime and associated costs such as repairs, idle and ineffective driver time, potential delivery delays or non-compliance with commitments, and associated lost business opportunities. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 An anti-lock braking system for a vehicle with temperature monitoring of braking components is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 Embodiments of the method according to this disclosure are shown;

[0023] Figure 3A Another embodiment of the method according to this disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figure 3B Another embodiment of the method according to this disclosure is shown; and

[0025] Figure 4 A control unit with a temperature modeling unit is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Figure 1 A vehicle 1 with an anti-lock braking system (ABS) 2 is shown. The following description also applies to electronic braking systems (EBS). In the illustrated embodiment, the front axle 3 has a first front wheel 5 and a second front wheel 6 mounted on either side or at either end of the front axle 3. The rear axle 4 has a first rear wheel pair 7 and a second rear wheel pair 8 mounted on either side or at either end of the rear axle 4. This wheel configuration is provided as an example; other wheel configurations (e.g., a single wheel on the rear axle, multiple rear axles, etc.) are also possible. Various trailer configurations are also possible. A brake chamber 9 is provided for each front wheel 5, 6 and each rear wheel pair 7, 8. Each brake chamber 9 is activated by a corresponding brake valve 16, which can be actuated by an operator, for example, via a brake pedal 12. A compressor 10 acts as a pressure source for activating the brake chamber 9. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the brake chamber 9 associated with the rear wheel pairs 7 and 8 of the rear axle 4 is configured as a tristop cylinder. The anti-lock braking system of the illustrated embodiment also includes a handbrake valve 18, which can also activate the brake chamber 9 of the wheel pairs 7 and 8.

[0027] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, vehicle 1 is a tractor vehicle. The compressor is operably connected to the trailer vehicle's brake chamber via trailer control valve 19 and connector 20. Anti-lock braking system 2 provides power to the trailer anti-lock braking system via standardized trailer plug connector 30. Brake actuation caused by the operator actuating the brake pedal 12 is transmitted to the trailer vehicle via trailer control valve 19 and connector 20.

[0028] The anti-lock braking system 2 can monitor the wheel speed via the wheel speed sensor unit 22. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, each front wheel has a wheel speed sensor unit 22 to detect the wheel speed of the corresponding wheel. Additionally, each rear wheel pair has a wheel speed sensor unit 22 to detect the wheel speed of the corresponding wheel pair. The wheel speed sensor units 22 output the detected wheel speeds to a control device (e.g., ABS electronic control unit 25). For example, the wheel speed sensor units 22 associated with the wheels or wheel pairs of the trailer vehicle can be received by the control unit 25 via the trailer plug connector 30.

[0029] The control unit 25 uses signals received from the wheel speed sensor unit 22 to calculate the vehicle speed based on the speed of each individual wheel. Furthermore, the control unit 25 can calculate wheel deceleration and acceleration values, and if necessary, can actuate the solenoid control valve 32 to prevent wheel lock-up. The control unit 25 can also warn the driver of any malfunctions in the anti-lock braking system 2, for example, through warning sounds, warning lights, or other visual warnings on the display and / or screen.

[0030] In an embodiment of the wheel speed sensor unit 22, the wheel speed sensor unit 22 can be configured as a rod sensor and a pole wheel for picking up the rotational motion of the wheel. For example, the wheel speed sensor unit 22 can be clamped in a hole in the axle or attached to the axle via a bracket. The rod sensor operates inductively and includes a magnet, a circular rod pin, and a coil. Rotation of the pole wheel connected to the wheel hub generates a change in magnetic flux, which the sensor coil picks up, thereby generating an alternating current voltage. The frequency of this alternating current voltage is proportional to the wheel speed. The wheel speed sensor unit 22 can be connected to the control unit 25 via wiring 23.

[0031] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, the wheel speed sensor unit 22 of the ABS system 2 further includes a temperature sensor 17.

[0032] The number of wheel speed sensor units 22 used in the anti-lock braking system 2 depends on the vehicle and the configuration of the anti-lock braking system 2. When the control unit 25 detects a locking tendency on a specific wheel, the anti-lock braking system 2 can control the pressure in the corresponding brake chamber 9, where the friction is lower than that of other monitored wheels based on a calculated reference speed, which is the average of all available wheel speed values.

[0033] Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) have the ability to keep all wheels rolling and contribute to improved active safety. Only rolling wheels can properly transmit braking and cornering forces to the road surface and ensure vehicle maneuverability, while allowing the driver to maintain full control of the vehicle in all situations.

[0034] According to one embodiment, when vehicle 1 is in operation, the temperature at the end of each individual wheel is monitored by temperature sensor 17. If the temperature at the end of any of wheels 5, 6, 7, or 8 exceeds a threshold, control unit 25 can output a warning signal 26. For example, warning signal 26 can activate a warning light in the dashboard or otherwise notify the driver of the warning. The temperature measured by temperature sensor 17 at the wheel end can represent the temperature of braking component 15, or can be used to determine the temperature of braking component 15 based on factors including the installation location of the temperature sensor. For example, braking component 15 can be a brake disc of a disc brake or a brake drum of a drum brake.

[0035] According to one embodiment, temperature sensor 17 is integrated into wheel speed sensor unit 22. The integrated temperature sensor 17 is connected to control unit 25 and provides control unit 25 with the local temperature at each wheel end. Depending on the distance between temperature sensor 17 and braking component 15, the temperature detected at temperature sensor 17 may not reflect the actual temperature at braking component 15.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the temperature of the brake component 15, measured separately, is input to a temperature modeling unit 27, for example, a temperature modeling unit 27 included in a control unit 25. The temperature modeling unit 27 calculates the brake component temperature based on several factors, which may include the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 17, the distance from the temperature sensor 17 to the brake component 15, environmental conditions, braking state, vehicle speed, etc. If the calculated temperature of the brake component 15 exceeds a predetermined threshold (Th_critical), the control unit 25 outputs a warning signal. The threshold Th_critical for the brake disc can be significantly different from the threshold Th_critical for the brake drum. The temperature modeling unit can be integrated into the control unit 25.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the control unit 25 is configured to monitor a temperature gradient of the measured wheel end temperature or brake component 15 temperature. The monitored temperature gradient is compared with a temperature gradient threshold.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the average wheel end temperature is determined based on individually measured wheel end temperatures. Control unit 25 receives the individual wheel end temperatures measured by corresponding temperature sensors 17 and thereby determines an average value. This threshold may be a defined difference from the determined average wheel end temperature. Alternatively, control unit 25 may convert the measured wheel end temperatures into brake component temperatures and subsequently determine the average brake component temperature.

[0039] Mechanical or pneumatic problems (such as mechanical blockages that may keep the wheel end moving or retain residual pressure in the brake chamber) can cause the brake components 15 to overheat. For example, piston sticking, rod / shaft bearing sticking, spring breakage, or fatigue can cause the wheel end brake to remain moving. Such overheating of the wheel can lead to sudden tire deflation and / or thermal accidents in trucks and / or trailers.

[0040] The temperature sensor 17 in the wheel speed sensor unit 22 enables the measurement of the temperature of the braking component 15 based on factors such as the mounting location of the temperature sensor 17 and environmental conditions. An active wheel speed sensor (AWSS) may already have a temperature sensor integrated therein. In existing anti-lock braking systems, the AWSS is often not mounted close enough to the disc / drum, so the measured temperature does not reflect the true wheel-end (disc / drum) temperature. If the temperature measured at the wheel end is insufficient to represent the brake disc / drum temperature, a temperature model can take into account the mounting location and environmental conditions and calculate the disc / drum temperature.

[0041] According to one embodiment, when the calculated disc / drum temperature exceeds a first threshold (Th_wo) without braking or exceeds a second threshold (Th_wb) with braking, the control unit outputs a warning signal.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the state of the brake (including the duration of brake engagement) is monitored and taken into account when calculating the temperature of the brake component 15.

[0043] Unlike typical wheel speed sensors, active wheel speed sensors can include temperature sensors. Existing ABS / EBS systems using active wheel speed sensors that include temperature sensors can have their control units updated to install and run additional control software for temperature monitoring. This additional control software can also include temperature modeling software. Existing ABS / EBS systems supporting AWSS can also be supplemented with additional control unit 1.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the wheel speed sensor unit or active wheel speed sensor has two pins that connect to the electronic control unit (ECU). The number of WSS / AWSS installed in the vehicle can depend on the vehicle / system configuration. For each required use case, the available ECU is designed with a corresponding number of pins and connectors.

[0045] In an embodiment for monitoring the temperature of braking components, the temperature at the wheel end of vehicle 1 is measured by temperature sensor 17. The measured value is output to control unit 25. Control unit 25 may be a separate control unit or may be the control unit 25 of system 2. In a configuration in which temperature sensor 17 is arranged near the braking component to be monitored, the temperature measured at the wheel end corresponds to or is associated with the temperature of braking component 15.

[0046] In an embodiment where the temperature sensor 17 is integrated into the wheel speed sensor unit 22 and the wheel speed sensor unit 22 is arranged at a distance from the braking component 15, a temperature modeling unit 27 is provided. The temperature modeling unit 27 calculates the temperature of the braking component 15 or a representative value thereof. For example, factors used to calculate the temperature of the braking component may include the distance from the temperature sensor 17 to the braking component 15, the external temperature, the state of the brakes, the speed of the vehicle 1, etc. If the calculated temperature exceeds a threshold, a warning signal is output.

[0047] In one embodiment, if the vehicle's brakes are engaged, the calculated temperature is compared with a first threshold (Th_wb), and if the brakes are not engaged, the calculated temperature is compared with a second threshold (Th_wo).

[0048] According to one embodiment, the active braking time of the brake is monitored. The active braking time is used to determine a threshold. Active use of the brake increases the temperature of the braking components, and by taking the amount of active braking as a factor in the determination of the threshold, it can be determined whether the temperature of the braking components is caused by active braking or by mechanical failure, etc.

[0049] Figure 2 An embodiment of the method according to this disclosure is shown. In a first step 101, the temperature at the wheel end is measured. Then, in a second step 102, it is determined whether the measured wheel end temperature exceeds a threshold. If it is determined in step 102 that the temperature measured in step 101 exceeds the threshold, a warning signal is output in step 103.

[0050] Figure 3A Another embodiment of the method according to this disclosure is shown. The state of the brake is determined (111), the temperature at the wheel end is measured (112), and environmental conditions (such as external temperature, humidity, etc.) are determined (113) and output to the control unit 25. The control unit 25 calculates the temperature of the brake component 15 or a representative value thereof (114). Then, it is determined whether the temperature value (114) calculated by the control unit 25 is higher than a threshold. If the calculated temperature (114) is determined to be higher than the threshold (115), a warning signal 26 (116) can be output.

[0051] Figure 3B It shows Figure 3A An alternative embodiment of the method shown includes determining the average brake component temperature in step 117. Then, in step 118, the individual brake component temperatures calculated in step 114 are compared with the determined average brake component temperature. In step 119, a warning signal is output when an individual brake component deviates from the average value by more than a predetermined threshold.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the threshold is a fixed value based on a parameter. According to another embodiment, the threshold can be the rate of temperature increase. The control unit 25 can be configured to output a warning signal, for example, if the control unit 25 determines that the temperature gradient over a defined time period exceeds a predetermined threshold. Therefore, a sudden increase in temperature at the wheel end caused by a mechanical problem at the brake can be detected by the temperature monitoring system according to this disclosure. Such detection allows the operator to stop and avoid further damage to the vehicle, prevent accidents, etc.

[0053] According to one embodiment, if the control unit 25 detects a gradual increase in temperature exceeding a predetermined threshold at a wheel end via a corresponding temperature sensor 17, the control unit 25 will output a warning signal. The control unit 25 may take into account environmental factors, braking status, etc., to determine whether the temperature rise at the wheel end is unexplained, i.e., not caused by, for example, active braking, high ambient temperature, etc.

[0054] Figure 4 A control unit 25 with a temperature modeling unit 27 is shown. Program code can be configured to execute the method according to this disclosure when executed by a processor. Control unit 25 receives the wheel end temperature measured by temperature sensor 17. Control unit 25 can also receive environmental data from environmental sensor 28 or via a communication link. Control unit 25 may include a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium on which program code is stored. When control unit 25 is an ABS control unit, the state of brake 29 may also be considered. If control unit 25 is implemented separately from the ABS control unit, the ABS control unit can provide the braking state to control unit 25. When control unit 25 receives the wheel end temperature, the temperature modeling unit calculates the temperature of brake component 15. If the calculated temperature of brake component 15 exceeds a threshold, control unit 25 outputs a warning signal 26. The threshold Th_critical can be a parameterizable value. According to one embodiment, the measured wheel end temperature is multiplied by a predetermined factor, which is considered to be the distance from the monitored brake component. Furthermore, a multiplier can be used to describe external temperatures, etc. For each vehicle, model type, and vehicle type, factors such as the distance between the temperature sensor 17 and the braking component 15, environmental conditions, and braking status can be predetermined. These factors can also be updated retrospectively, for example, through software updates to the control unit 25.

[0055] It should be understood that the foregoing description is a description of preferred embodiments of the invention, and various changes and modifications may be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0056] Reference list of numbers

[0057] 1 vehicle

[0058] 2. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) / Electronic Braking System (EBS)

[0059] 3 front axles

[0060] 4 rear axles

[0061] 5. First front wheel

[0062] 6 Second front wheel

[0063] 7 First wheel pair

[0064] 8 Second wheel pair

[0065] 9 brake chambers

[0066] 10 compressors

[0067] 12 Brake Pedal

[0068] 15 Braking Components

[0069] 16 Brake Valve

[0070] 17 Temperature Sensor

[0071] 18 Handbrake Valve

[0072] 19 Trailer Control Valve

[0073] 20 connectors

[0074] 22 wheel speed sensor units

[0075] 23 wiring

[0076] 25 control units

[0077] 26 warning signs

[0078] 27 Temperature Modeling Units

[0079] 28 Environmental Sensors

[0080] 29 Brakes

[0081] 30 trailer plug connector

[0082] 32. Electromagnetic control valve.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring the temperature of brake components in a vehicle's brakes, the method comprising: The wheel end temperature is measured by a temperature sensor located at the wheel end of the vehicle. Determine whether the measured wheel end temperature is higher than a threshold value, which represents the critical temperature of the braking component; as well as When the determined wheel end temperature is higher than the threshold, a warning signal is output. The determination of whether the measured wheel end temperature is higher than the threshold includes: determining the temperature value of the braking component by a control unit based on the measured temperature at the wheel end, the distance from the temperature sensor to the corresponding braking component, and at least one of the environmental conditions.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The measurement of the wheel end temperature is performed at each wheel end of the vehicle having associated braking components; The determination of whether the measured wheel end temperature is higher than the threshold includes: The average wheel end temperature is determined from each of the multiple measured wheel end temperatures. as well as Each measured wheel end temperature is compared with a determined average wheel end temperature to determine whether any of the measured wheel end temperatures is higher than a threshold, wherein the threshold is related to the determined average wheel end temperature.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The determination of whether the measured wheel end temperature is higher than the threshold includes: converting the measured wheel end temperature into a brake component temperature associated with the wheel end. The measured wheel end temperature is converted into the brake component temperature based on at least one of the distance between the temperature sensor at the wheel end and the brake component, environmental conditions, and the state of the brake.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The operating state of the brake is taken into account when determining the temperature value of the braking component.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The temperature sensor is integrated into the active wheel speed sensor.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The braking component is a brake drum or a brake disc.

7. A method for monitoring at least one of the disc temperature and drum temperature of a vehicle's brakes, the method comprising: The temperature at the wheel end is measured using a temperature sensor located at the wheel end of the vehicle. The brake component temperature is calculated based on at least one of the measured wheel end temperature, environmental conditions, and the distance from the temperature sensor to the brake component. Determine whether the calculated temperature of the braking components is higher than the threshold. as well as When the temperature of the brake component is determined to be higher than the threshold, a warning signal is output.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The braking component is a brake disc.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The braking component is a brake drum.

10. A wheel-end brake temperature monitoring system, comprising: A temperature sensor, the temperature sensor being disposed at the wheel end of the vehicle, the temperature sensor being configured to measure the wheel end temperature; An electronic control unit configured to receive the measured wheel end temperature from the temperature sensor; The electronic control unit is configured to compare the measured wheel end temperature with a threshold, and to output a warning signal when the measured wheel end temperature is higher than the threshold. The electronic control unit includes a temperature modeling unit, and The temperature modeling unit is configured to calculate the brake component temperature by taking into account the measured wheel end temperature and the distance from the wheel speed sensor to the brake component.

11. The wheel-end brake temperature monitoring system according to claim 10, wherein, The temperature modeling unit is configured to further consider environmental conditions when calculating the temperature of the braking component.

12. The wheel-end brake temperature monitoring system according to claim 10, wherein, The temperature sensor is integrated into the active wheel speed sensor.

13. The wheel-end brake temperature monitoring system according to claim 10, wherein, The braking component is a brake drum or a brake disc.

14. The wheel-end brake temperature monitoring system according to claim 10, wherein, The system includes multiple temperature sensors; Each wheel of the vehicle has at least one of the plurality of temperature sensors, the temperature sensor being configured to measure the wheel end temperature of the corresponding wheel associated with the temperature sensor; The electronic control unit is configured to determine the average wheel end temperature based on the wheel end temperature measured at each wheel. and The threshold is related to the determined average wheel end temperature.

15. The wheel-end brake temperature monitoring system according to claim 10, wherein, The system includes multiple temperature sensors; Each wheel of the vehicle having associated braking components has at least one of the plurality of temperature sensors, the temperature sensor being configured to measure the wheel end temperature of the corresponding wheel associated with the temperature sensor; The electronic control unit is configured to convert each measured wheel-end temperature into a corresponding brake component temperature associated with the brake component at the wheel-end, wherein the measured wheel-end temperature is converted into the brake component temperature based on at least one of the distance between the temperature sensor at the wheel-end and the brake component, environmental conditions, and the state of the brake; and The electronic control unit is configured to determine the average brake component temperature based on the converted brake component temperature at each wheel; and The threshold is related to the determined average braking component temperature.

Images