An automatic cleaning method and system for vehicle brake discs

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of automotive control technology and discloses an automatic brake disc cleaning method and system. The method includes: determining whether to clean the brake disc based on received information such as the current vehicle driving mode, vehicle power information, vehicle status information, rainfall information, and vehicle wading depth information; if cleaning is determined, controlling the hydraulic control unit to perform multiple cyclic braking actions on the brake disc at a set pressure. The brake disc cleaning function of this invention is triggered only under specific conditions, reducing the probability of false triggering and avoiding excessive false triggering, which could cause unnecessary warning lights or excessive brake disc DTC thickness differences, leading to brake vibration after long mileage. This invention performs short-term braking at the lowest pressure without the user's awareness, repeating at regular intervals, thus providing a safe, comfortable, and intelligent driving experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of automotive control technology, and specifically relates to an automatic cleaning method and system for vehicle brake discs. Background Technology

[0002] When a vehicle is driven in the rain or through water, the brake pads absorb water, reducing their effectiveness and increasing braking distance, which affects safety performance.

[0003] Currently, existing technologies have developed automatic brake disc cleaning systems through vehicle stability control (ESC). These systems automatically perform brake disc cleaning and drying functions by applying slight test braking pressure when a trigger scenario is required.

[0004] However, excessive use of the intelligent brake disc cleaning function can lead to an excessive increase in the brake disc damping volume (DTV), which in turn increases the probability of brake shudder during normal braking. Current brake disc cleaning functions typically interact with the windshield wiper signals; when the rain sensor triggers the wipers, the brake disc cleaning function is activated based on vehicle speed logic.

[0005] However, in reality, many vehicles only require this function after driving through water. Existing brake disc cleaning strategies can lead to too many false triggers of the cleaning process, causing unnecessary function warning lights to illuminate or the brake disc DTC thickness difference to increase excessively, which in turn can cause brake vibration after long mileage. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the above problems, this invention provides an automatic cleaning method and system for vehicle brake discs, employing the following technical solution:

[0007] An automatic cleaning method for vehicle brake discs includes the following steps:

[0008] Based on the received information such as the current vehicle driving mode, vehicle power information, vehicle status information, rainfall information, and vehicle wading depth information, determine whether to clean the brake discs.

[0009] If it is determined that the brake disc needs to be cleaned, the hydraulic control unit is controlled to apply multiple cyclic braking actions to the brake disc at a set pressure.

[0010] Furthermore, vehicle power information includes power torque output information and current gear information.

[0011] Furthermore, vehicle status information includes vehicle speed information, brake pedal position information, accelerator pedal position information, door status information, and windshield wiper status information.

[0012] Furthermore, based on the received current vehicle driving mode, vehicle power information, vehicle status information, rainfall information, and wading depth information, it is determined whether to clean the brake discs, including the following steps:

[0013] If the vehicle is in driving mode for wading, snow, or mud, the power control system is functioning normally, the electronic parking brake system is not activated, the vehicle is in power gear, the engine or motor speed and output torque are both greater than zero, the wheel speed sensor signal is normal, the driver's side door is closed, the seat belt is fastened, the brake disc cleaning function is off by default, the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to the set value, the brake pedal is not depressed, the accelerator pedal is depressed, and the vehicle has just exited water, then it is determined to clean the brake discs.

[0014] Further, determining that the vehicle has emerged from the water after wading includes the following steps:

[0015] When the wading radar sensor detects that the vehicle's wading depth increases from 0 to a set value, then decreases from the maximum wading depth back to 0, and maintains this stable signal for multiple driving mode cycles, it is determined that the vehicle has exited the water after wading.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes the following steps:

[0017] The driver will be prompted via voice and / or text that the brake disc cleaning function has been automatically activated.

[0018] The present invention also provides an automatic cleaning system for vehicle brake discs, including a vehicle stability system controller, a power control system, a body sensor control system, an advanced driver assistance system, and a cockpit domain control.

[0019] The power control system is used to send vehicle power information to the vehicle stability system controller.

[0020] The vehicle body sensing control system is used to send vehicle status information to the vehicle stability system controller.

[0021] The advanced driver assistance system is used to send the identified rainfall information and vehicle wading depth information to the vehicle stability system controller.

[0022] The cockpit domain controller is used to send the current driving mode of the vehicle to the vehicle stability system controller.

[0023] The vehicle stability system controller is used to determine whether to clean the brake discs based on the received current vehicle driving mode, vehicle power information, vehicle status information, rainfall information, and vehicle wading depth information; if it is determined that the brake discs should be cleaned, the hydraulic control unit is controlled to apply multiple cyclic braking applications to the brake discs at a set pressure.

[0024] Furthermore, the vehicle body sensing control system includes wheel speed sensors, brake pedal travel sensors, accelerator pedal position sensors, and a vehicle body domain controller;

[0025] The wheel speed sensor is used to send the acquired vehicle speed information to the vehicle stability system controller.

[0026] The brake pedal travel sensor is used to send brake pedal position information to the vehicle stability system controller.

[0027] The accelerator pedal position sensor is used to send accelerator pedal position information to the vehicle stability system controller;

[0028] The vehicle body domain controller is used to send door status information and windshield wiper status information to the vehicle stability system controller.

[0029] Furthermore, it also includes an indicator unit, which is also used to prompt the driver via voice and / or text that the brake disc cleaning function has been automatically activated for use after wading through water.

[0030] Furthermore, the cockpit domain controller is also used to send the driving mode soft switch, the vehicle stability system controller off soft switch, and the intelligent brake disc cleaning function soft switch to the indicator unit for display.

[0031] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0032] 1. This invention determines whether to clean the brake discs based on the vehicle's driving mode, vehicle power information, vehicle status information, rainfall information, and vehicle wading depth information. The brake disc cleaning function is only triggered under specific conditions, reducing the probability of false triggering in the past and avoiding excessive false triggering of cleaning, which may cause unnecessary function warning lights to complain or the brake disc DTC thickness difference to increase excessively, thereby causing brake vibration after long mileage.

[0033] 2. The present invention applies short-term braking with minimal pressure without the user's notice, repeating this process at regular intervals, thereby providing a safe, comfortable, and intelligent driving experience.

[0034] Other features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the following description, and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and other advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the structures pointed out in the description and the drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an automatic cleaning system for vehicle brake discs according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an automatic brake disc cleaning system for a fuel-powered vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an automatic brake disc cleaning system for an electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0039] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an automatic brake disc cleaning system for a hybrid vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an automatic cleaning method for vehicle brake discs according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0042] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., used in this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this application described herein.

[0043] This invention provides an automatic cleaning method and system for vehicle brake discs, applicable to both fuel-powered and new energy vehicles. It is triggered only under specific conditions, reducing the probability of false triggering of brake disc cleaning in existing technologies, thereby bringing a safe, comfortable, and intelligent driving experience.

[0044] like Figure 1As shown, an automatic cleaning system for vehicle brake discs includes an Electronic Stability Controller (ESC), a power control system, a body sensing control system, an Advanced Driving Assistance System (ADAS), and a cockpit domain controller.

[0045] The powertrain control system, body sensor control system, advanced driver assistance system, cockpit domain controller, and vehicle stability system controller are connected via CAN / CANFD network communication.

[0046] The powertrain control system sends vehicle power information to the CAN network and is received by the vehicle stability controller; the body sensor control system sends vehicle status information to the CAN network and is received by the vehicle stability controller.

[0047] Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are used to send the identified rainfall and wading depth information of the vehicle body to the CAN network and receive it from the vehicle stability system controller. For example, ADAS obtains rainfall information through a rain sensor mounted on the windshield and wading depth information through a wading radar sensor.

[0048] Cockpit domain control is used to send the current vehicle driving mode to the CAN network and be received by the vehicle stability system controller.

[0049] The vehicle stability system controller is used to determine whether to clean the brake discs based on the received current vehicle driving mode, vehicle power information, vehicle status information, rainfall information, and vehicle wading depth information. If it is determined that the brake discs should be cleaned, the hydraulic control unit is controlled to apply multiple cyclic braking applications to the brake discs at a set pressure.

[0050] For example, vehicle power information includes power torque output information and current gear information; vehicle status information includes vehicle speed information, brake pedal position information, accelerator pedal position information, door status information, and windshield wiper status information. Brake pedal position information represents the braking distance and depressed state of the brake pedal, while accelerator pedal position information represents the accelerator pedal opening.

[0051] The vehicle body sensing control system includes wheel speed sensors, brake pedal travel sensors, accelerator pedal position sensors, and a vehicle body domain controller.

[0052] The system includes: wheel speed sensor, which transmits the acquired vehicle speed information to the CAN network and receives it from the vehicle stability system controller; brake pedal travel sensor, which transmits the brake pedal position information to the CAN network and receives it from the vehicle stability system controller; accelerator pedal position sensor, which transmits the accelerator pedal position information to the CAN network and receives it from the vehicle stability system controller; and body domain controller, which transmits door status information and wiper status information to the CAN network and receives it from the vehicle stability system controller.

[0053] The advanced driver assistance system is used to send the identified rainfall and wading depth information of the vehicle body to the CAN network and be received by the vehicle stability system controller.

[0054] like Figure 2 As shown, for example, the vehicle is a gasoline vehicle, and the power control system includes an engine management system (EMS) and a transmission control unit (TCU). The engine management system is used to send power torque output information to the CAN network and receive it from the vehicle stability system controller. The power torque output information of the gasoline vehicle includes engine speed information and engine output torque information. The transmission control unit is used to send the current driving gear information to the CAN network and receive it from the vehicle stability system controller.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, for example, the vehicle is an electric vehicle, and the power control system includes a vehicle control unit (VCU). The vehicle control unit is used to send power torque output information and current driving gear information to the CAN network and receive them from the vehicle stability system controller. The power torque output information of the electric vehicle includes motor speed information and motor output torque information.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, for example, the vehicle is a hybrid vehicle. The power control system includes a hybrid control unit (HCU) and a transmission control unit. The hybrid control unit is used to send power torque output information to the CAN network and receive it from the vehicle stability system controller. The power torque output information of the hybrid vehicle includes engine speed information and engine output torque information, or motor speed information and motor output torque information. The transmission control unit is used to send the current driving gear information to the CAN network and receive it from the vehicle stability system controller.

[0057] For example, the automatic brake disc cleaning system also includes an indicator unit, and the cockpit domain controller is also used to send soft switches for driving mode, vehicle stability system controller off, and intelligent brake disc cleaning function to the indicator unit for display.

[0058] The indicator unit also provides voice and / or text notifications to the driver that the brake disc cleaning function has been automatically activated. This function cleans the brake discs after driving through water, reducing braking distance. Users can rest assured that the function will automatically trigger. For example, the indicator unit may include the vehicle's infotainment screen and instrument cluster, which can provide voice and / or text notifications to the driver that the brake disc cleaning function has been automatically activated.

[0059] Based on the above-mentioned automatic cleaning system for vehicle brake discs, such as Figure 5 As shown, the present invention also provides an automatic cleaning method for vehicle brake discs, comprising the following steps:

[0060] S1. The vehicle stability system controller determines whether to clean the brake discs based on the received information on the current vehicle's driving mode, vehicle power information, vehicle status information, rainfall information, and vehicle wading depth information.

[0061] For example, if the vehicle stability system controller receives a message indicating that the vehicle is in a wading, snow, or mud driving mode, the indicator unit displays that the vehicle has entered a wading, snow, or mud driving mode, the power control system is functioning normally, the electronic parking brake (EPB) system is not activated, the vehicle is in a power gear (D, R, or S), the engine or motor speed and output torque are both greater than zero, the wheel speed sensor signal is normal, the driver's side door is closed, the seat belt is fastened, the brake disc cleaning function is off by default, the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a set value (e.g., greater than 15 km / h, which can also be adjusted as needed), the brake pedal is not depressed, the accelerator pedal is in the normal driving position, and the vehicle has just emerged from water, then the system will determine to clean the brake discs.

[0062] It should be noted that the vehicle stability system controller's determination of whether to clean the brake disc includes, but is not limited to, the signals mentioned above. Under the concept of this invention, the number or type of signals can be increased or decreased.

[0063] For example, if the vehicle is a gasoline-powered vehicle, and the vehicle stability system controller receives information that the vehicle is in a wading, snow, or mud driving mode, the indicator unit displays that the vehicle has entered a wading, snow, or mud driving mode, the power control system is functioning normally, the electronic parking brake (EPB) system is not activated, the vehicle is in D, R, or S gear, the engine speed and output torque are both greater than zero, the wheel speed sensor signals are normal, the driver's side door is closed, the seat belt is fastened, the brake disc cleaning function is in the default off state, the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to 15 km / h, the brake pedal is not depressed, the accelerator pedal is in the normal driving position, and the vehicle has just exited water, then the system will determine to clean the brake discs.

[0064] For example, if the vehicle is an electric vehicle, and the vehicle stability system controller receives a message indicating that the vehicle is in a wading, snow, or mud driving mode, the indicator unit displays that the vehicle has entered a wading, snow, or mud driving mode, the power control system is functioning normally, the electronic parking brake (EPB) system is not activated, the vehicle is in D, R, or S gear, the motor speed and output torque are both greater than zero, the wheel speed sensor signal is normal, the driver's side door is closed, the seat belt is fastened, the brake disc cleaning function is off by default, the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to 15 km / h, the brake pedal is not depressed, the accelerator pedal is in the normal driving position, and the vehicle has just exited water, then the system will determine to clean the brake discs.

[0065] For example, if the vehicle is a hybrid vehicle, and the vehicle stability system controller receives information that the vehicle is in a wading, snow, or mud driving mode, the indicator unit displays that the vehicle has entered a wading, snow, or mud driving mode, the power control system is functioning normally, the electronic parking brake (EPB) system is not activated, the vehicle is in D, R, or S gear, the engine or motor speed and output torque are both greater than zero, the wheel speed sensor signal is normal, the driver's side door is closed, the seat belt is fastened, the brake disc cleaning function is off by default, the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to 15 km / h, the brake pedal is not depressed, the accelerator pedal is in the normal driving position, and the vehicle has just exited water, then the system will determine to clean the brake discs.

[0066] This step automatically determines that after the driver has driven through water, there is mud and water between the brake pads and discs that needs to be removed in time to reduce braking distance.

[0067] For example, vehicle driving mode recognition is divided into two forms: manual and automatic. In manual mode, the user selects the vehicle's driving mode manually. For example, the vehicle is equipped with a driving mode knob or button for the user to switch the vehicle's driving mode to suit the user's driving needs for all-terrain road conditions.

[0068] For example, automatically identifying a vehicle in wading driving mode includes the following steps: when the wading radar sensor detects that the vehicle's wading depth is gradually increasing from 0, it determines that the vehicle is in wading driving mode.

[0069] For example, determining that a vehicle has exited water after wading includes the following steps: when the wading radar sensor detects that the vehicle's wading depth increases from 0 to a set value, then decreases from the maximum wading depth back to 0, and maintains a stable CAN signal cycle for multiple driving modes, then it is determined that the vehicle has exited water after wading.

[0070] For example, the wading depth can be set to 300mm, or it can be adjusted as needed; the threshold for the number of CAN signal cycles in driving mode can be set as needed, for example, it can be set to 10.

[0071] For example, automatically identifying whether a vehicle is in snow or mud driving mode includes the following steps: The in-vehicle infotainment unit (IHU) or cockpit domain controller determines whether the vehicle is in snow or mud driving mode based on vehicle acceleration information, accelerator pedal position information, rainfall information, and environmental information. For example, the IHU or cockpit domain controller uses a camera to determine whether the vehicle's environment is snow, sand, or mud.

[0072] This step determines the most appropriate driving mode for the vehicle at the moment, so that the system can automatically determine the appropriate driving mode without the user having to manually select it.

[0073] S2. If it is determined that the brake disc needs to be cleaned, the hydraulic control unit is controlled to apply multiple cyclic braking actions to the brake disc at a set pressure.

[0074] For example, the vehicle stability system controller can, without the user's notice, control the hydraulic control unit to apply short, rapid braking to the four-wheel brake discs at a minimum pressure (0.5-1.5 bar, adjustable) for 3-10 cycles at 10-20 ms / cycle. The cycle and number of cycles are adjustable. The braking intensity is insufficient to be clearly perceived by the user. The mechanical friction between the brake pads and brake discs quickly cleans away mud and foreign objects, so that the ideal braking performance can be achieved quickly after the water is removed, reducing the safe braking distance when the user needs to brake urgently.

[0075] S3. The indicator unit will prompt the driver via voice and / or text that the brake disc cleaning function has been automatically activated. This function is used to clean the brake discs after driving through water, thereby reducing braking distance. Users do not need to worry about the function being automatically triggered.

[0076] The automatic cleaning method for vehicle brake discs of the present invention applies short-term braking with minimal pressure without the user's awareness, repeating the process at regular intervals, thereby providing a safe, comfortable, and intelligent driving experience. The automatic cleaning method for vehicle brake discs of the present invention is characterized by high intelligence, scenario-based application, and logical practicality, and has good practical application value.

[0077] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic cleaning method for vehicle brake discs, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Based on the received information regarding the current vehicle's driving mode, vehicle power information, vehicle status information, rainfall information, and wading depth, the system determines whether to clean the brake discs. This process includes the following steps: Upon receiving information that the vehicle is in wading, snow, or mud driving mode, the power control system is functioning normally, the electronic parking brake system is not activated, the vehicle is in power gear, the engine or motor speed and output torque are both greater than zero, the wheel speed sensor signals are normal, the driver's side door is closed, the seatbelt is fastened, the brake disc cleaning function is off by default, the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a set value, the brake pedal is not depressed, the accelerator pedal is depressed, and the vehicle has exited water after wading, the system determines to clean the brake discs. Determining that the vehicle has exited water after wading includes the following steps: When the wading radar sensor detects that the vehicle's wading depth increases from 0 to a set value, then decreases from the maximum wading depth back to 0 and remains stable for multiple driving mode signal cycles, it is determined that the vehicle has exited the water after wading. Vehicle power information includes power torque output information and current gear information; vehicle status information includes vehicle speed information, brake pedal position information, accelerator pedal position information, door status information, and windshield wiper status information. If it is determined that the brake disc needs to be cleaned, the hydraulic control unit is controlled to apply multiple cyclic braking actions to the brake disc at a set pressure.

2. The automatic cleaning method for vehicle brake discs according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes the following steps: The driver will be prompted via voice and / or text that the brake disc cleaning function has been automatically activated.

3. An automatic cleaning system for vehicle brake discs, characterized in that, This includes vehicle stability system controller, power control system, body sensor control system, advanced driver assistance system, and cockpit domain control; The power control system is used to send vehicle power information to the vehicle stability system controller. The vehicle body sensing control system is used to send vehicle status information to the vehicle stability system controller. The advanced driver assistance system is used to send the identified rainfall information and vehicle wading depth information to the vehicle stability system controller. The cockpit domain controller is used to send the current driving mode of the vehicle to the vehicle stability system controller. The vehicle stability system controller is used to determine whether to clean the brake discs based on the received current vehicle driving mode, vehicle power information, vehicle status information, rainfall information, and vehicle wading depth information. This includes the following steps: Upon receiving information that the vehicle is in wading, snow, or mud driving mode, the power control system is functioning normally, the electronic parking brake system is not activated, the vehicle is in power gear, the engine or motor speed and output torque are both greater than zero, the wheel speed sensor signal is normal, the driver's side door is closed, the seatbelt is fastened, the brake disc cleaning function is in the default off state, the vehicle speed is greater than or equal to a set value, the brake pedal is not depressed, the accelerator pedal is depressed, and the vehicle has exited water after wading, the controller determines to clean the brake discs. Determining that the vehicle has exited water after wading includes the following steps: When the wading radar sensor detects that the vehicle's wading depth increases from 0 to a set value, then decreases from the maximum wading depth back to 0 and remains stable for multiple driving mode signal cycles, it is determined that the vehicle has exited the water after wading. Vehicle power information includes power torque output information and current gear information; vehicle status information includes vehicle speed information, brake pedal position information, accelerator pedal position information, door status information, and windshield wiper status information. The vehicle body sensing control system includes wheel speed sensors, brake pedal travel sensors, accelerator pedal position sensors, and a vehicle body domain controller. The wheel speed sensor is used to send the acquired vehicle speed information to the vehicle stability system controller; the brake pedal travel sensor is used to send the brake pedal position information to the vehicle stability system controller; the accelerator pedal position sensor is used to send the accelerator pedal position information to the vehicle stability system controller; and the body domain controller is used to send the door status information and windshield wiper status information to the vehicle stability system controller. If it is determined that the brake disc needs to be cleaned, the hydraulic control unit is controlled to apply multiple cyclic braking actions to the brake disc at a set pressure.

4. The automatic cleaning system for vehicle brake discs according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes an indicator unit, which is used to prompt the driver via voice and / or text that the brake disc cleaning function has been automatically activated for use after wading through water.

5. The automatic cleaning system for vehicle brake discs according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cockpit domain controller is also used to send soft switches for driving mode, vehicle stability system controller off, and intelligent brake disc cleaning function to the indicator unit for display.

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