Redundant power supply system of vehicle electromechanical brake system

Abstract

A solution is disclosed in which a redundant power supply system (rPMS) provides the required power to an electromechanical brake system. This is achieved by at least two separate power supply circuits (1), (2), each circuit containing energy storage modules (11, 12, 18, 19), such as batteries, which are supplied by an on-board electrical system of the vehicle. Furthermore, the invention partitions the energy storage modules (11, 12, 18, 19) in each power supply path such that sufficient power supplies the brake system and other safety critical components even if one or both of the energy storage modules fail.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an improved redundant power supply for an electromechanical braking system of a vehicle, preferably a commercial vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] With the ongoing trend of electrification, electromechanical braking systems (EMBS) have gained attention, achieving more precise braking control and faster response solely through electrical signals and energy media. Although pneumatic or hydraulic systems are currently the most common solutions in the commercial vehicle sector, EBS offers numerous advantages, ranging from reduced size and weight to lower environmental emissions.

[0003] These advantages are only realized when the braking system meets regulatory standards and specific safety requirements. The electricity required for the operation and control of the brake actuators is stored and transmitted by the power supply system. Because a failure in this power supply system can impair the vehicle's braking capability, multiple levels of redundancy are needed to improve the system's reliability and availability.

[0004] Commercial vehicles equipped with electromechanical braking systems (EMBS) face the potential risk of loss of braking function and failure to achieve expected braking performance when there is a failure in the vehicle's electrical grid power supply or power supply.

[0005] The wheel-end brake actuators and electronic control unit (ECU) of an electromechanical braking system require a stable and sufficient power supply to function properly. Therefore, a redundant power supply (rPMS) is needed to meet the braking performance requirements of driver input or automatic driving system commands.

[0006] For example, EP3626505A1 discloses a system and method for providing redundant power. This patent discloses a redundant power supply system for powering at least one vehicle component, comprising at least one power management unit connected to the vehicle's electrical grid and one or more storage units for storing electrical energy. A vehicle component is connected to at least two storage units to achieve redundant power supply.

[0007] Other existing technologies can be found, for example, in WO2023001770A1 or EP4077079A1. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved redundant power supply for electromechanical braking systems.

[0009] This objective is achieved by the system described in the independent claim. Other advantageous improvements fall within the scope of the dependent claims.

[0010] This invention discloses a solution in which a redundant power supply system (rPMS) provides the necessary power to the electromechanical braking system. This is achieved through at least two independent power supply circuits, each containing energy storage modules (such as batteries) powered by the vehicle's onboard electrical network. Furthermore, the invention preferably partitions the energy storage modules within each power supply path, ensuring sufficient power for the braking system and other safety-critical components even if one or two energy storage modules fail.

[0011] According to the present invention, a commercial vehicle system equipped with an organic electric braking system redundant power supply system (rPMS) provides at least two power supply paths powered by the vehicle's on-board electrical grid, each power supply path comprising at least two energy storage device modules interconnected in an H-type structure (2x2 energy storage devices).

[0012] Preferably, the two energy storage modules can be decoupled via a safety switch.

[0013] The advantage of smart fuses and smart switches lies in their protective capabilities. If one component fails (such as a short circuit), other components or other parts of the circuit can be decoupled and protected. This ensures that parts of the circuit still operate, and reduces costs because it eliminates the need to replace all components in the event of a failure.

[0014] Furthermore, they can measure current and voltage and are controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU), thus responding faster than fuses and making them more suitable for safety-related applications. The difference between them is not significant. Switches are used between two active components (such as DC / DC converters or energy storage devices), while fuses are used between the load and the energy source.

[0015] Preferably, the 2x2 energy storage device can have different capacities.

[0016] Advantageously, the redundant power supply system (rPMS) supplies power to the wheel brake actuators via smart fuses.

[0017] Preferably, the system further includes: a DC-DC converter to provide the power conversion required by the energy storage module; and an intelligent safety switch to protect the power supply path of circuit 1 and the power supply path of circuit 2 or any other circuit.

[0018] Advantageously, the system also includes a DC / DC converter for achieving charge balance between the upstream and downstream energy storage modules connected in series in each power supply path, and the DC / DC converter can be disconnected by a smart safety switch in the event of a fault.

[0019] In one advantageous improvement, the energy storage module powers the brake control electronic control unit (ECU) via a smart fuse. The ECU and manual control unit (HCU) are directly powered by a redundant power supply (rPMS); if redundant foot brake sensors (RFBS) and redundant trailer control modules (RTCM) are present, they are powered by the ECU.

[0020] Preferably, multiple smart safety switches can decouple the DC / DC converter, upstream battery, downstream battery, and vehicle electrical network, as well as the components thereof, in the event of a fault.

[0021] Advantageously, the redundant power supply system includes a normally closed switch to ensure that the foot brake sensor is powered in the (ignition) off state, thereby enabling braking action.

[0022] This measure significantly improves safety, especially since the movement of the brake pedal can trigger a braking event even when the vehicle is off.

[0023] In another advantageous commercial vehicle system, a redundant power supply system can be specially configured in a second circuit 2, which includes a separate power supply path so that the front wheel brake actuators can ensure the required braking performance in the event of a failure in circuit 2. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments.

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of two redundant power supply systems for the electromechanical braking system of a commercial vehicle is shown.

[0026] Figure 2 This diagram shows a schematic of the redundant power supply for a commercial vehicle.

[0027] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a redundant power supply system with an integrated SF-NC for redundant foot brake sensors RFBS is shown.

[0028] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a redundant power supply system with a second circuit containing a single power supply path is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1 This illustrates the redundant power system architecture for commercial vehicles.

[0030] In this embodiment, an on-board electrical network 101 is provided. The power supply for the electromechanical braking system (EMBS) includes a redundant power supply system (rPMS), which is labeled 102 and 103 in braking circuit 1 and circuit 2, respectively.

[0031] Each redundant power system (rPMS) module can power the redundant manual control unit (RHCU) 107, the redundant foot brake sensor (RFBS) 108, and the redundant trailer control module (RTCM) 109.

[0032] In addition, the redundant power supply system (rPMS) 102 in circuit 1 provides the necessary power to the first brake control electronic control unit (ECU) 106 and, for example, the front wheel actuators 104 and 105; the redundant power supply system (rPMS) 103 in circuit 2 provides the necessary power to the second brake control electronic control unit (ECU) 106 and, for example, the rear wheel actuators 111 and 112.

[0033] Figure 2 This diagram shows a schematic of the redundant power supply for a commercial vehicle.

[0034] The redundant power supply system of circuit 1 consists of the following main components: two independent power supply paths powered by the vehicle's onboard electrical network 1. The first power supply path contains two energy storage modules connected in series. Each module [battery module 11 and battery module 18] provides the U2 voltage, and they can be disconnected from the vehicle's onboard electrical network 1 via smart safety switch 14 or smart safety switch 6. Similarly, the second path contains energy storage modules 12 and 19, which are separated by smart safety switch 15 and can be decoupled from the vehicle's onboard electrical network 1 via smart safety switch 7.

[0035] The first and second power supply paths of the system are connected to the vehicle's onboard electrical network 1 via a DC-DC converter 3. The DC-DC converter 3 converts power to a U1[V] voltage to meet battery requirements. In the event of a fault in the DC-DC converter itself, it can be electrically decoupled from circuit 2 via a smart safety switch 2 to meet safety requirements. Similarly, in the event of a fault, the DC-DC converter 3 can also be isolated from the remaining redundant power supply system (rPMS) of circuit 1 via a smart safety switch 4.

[0036] The proposed energy storage configuration ensures that even if any energy storage module fails, a backup independent power supply path can still provide the required U1 voltage to some of the wheel brake actuators. With this degraded secondary braking performance power, energy storage modules 12 and 19 in the second power supply path can be used at a lower capacity for backup purposes. This redundancy ensures power supply to the left and right front wheel brake actuators 21 and 22 via smart fuses 8 and 9, respectively.

[0037] Furthermore, the DC / DC converter 10 is used to achieve charge balance between the upstream energy storage modules (modules 11, 12) and the downstream energy storage modules (modules 18, 19), ensuring coordinated operation. The DC / DC converter 10 can be decoupled via smart safety switches 5 and 13.

[0038] The redundant power system (rPMS) ensures that the redundant manual control unit (RHCU) 24 can obtain U2 voltage power from the energy storage module through the smart fuse 17, which is configured to decouple the redundant manual control unit (RHCU) from the redundant power system (rPMS) in the event of a fault.

[0039] The redundant power supply system (rPMS) ensures that even if one of the energy storage modules fails, the brake control electronic control unit (ECU) 23 can still draw power from the other energy storage module via the smart fuse 16; the brake control electronic control unit, as well as the redundant foot brake sensor (RFBS) 25 and the redundant trailer control module (RTCM) 26 (if any), can also be powered.

[0040] Circuit 2 has a similar structure and components to Circuit 1, see Figure 2 .

[0041] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a redundant power supply system with an integrated SF-NC for redundant foot brake sensors (RFBS) is shown.

[0042] Figure 3 The layout includes an additional normally closed smart fuse SF-NC 20. SF-NC 20 powers the redundant foot brake sensor 25 when the vehicle is in the (ignition) off state and the braking system is deactivated, so that movement of the brake pedal can trigger a braking event even when the vehicle is off. When the vehicle is in the (ignition) on state and the redundant power supply system (rPMS) is operating, SF-NC 20 is in the open state, and the redundant foot brake sensor 25 can be directly powered by the brake control electronic control unit 23.

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a redundant power supply system with a second circuit containing a single power supply path is shown.

[0044] Figure 4 The layout in circuit 2 employs a special configuration, which includes a separate power supply path in which two energy storage modules are connected in series. This setup ensures that in the event of a failure of the rear wheel brake actuators 42, 43 or the redundant power supply system (rPMS) 45 in circuit 2, the front wheel brake actuators 21 and 22 will maintain the required braking performance.

[0045] List of reference numerals

[0046] 1. Vehicle-mounted electrical grid

[0047] 2 intelligent safety switches

[0048] 3DC / DC converter

[0049] 4 intelligent safety switches

[0050] 5 intelligent safety switches

[0051] 6 intelligent safety switches

[0052] 7 Smart Safety Switch

[0053] 8 smart fuses

[0054] 9 Smart Fuse

[0055] 10DC / DC converter

[0056] 11 Upstream Energy Storage Module

[0057] 12 Upstream Energy Storage Module

[0058] 13 Intelligent safety switches

[0059] 14 Intelligent Safety Switch

[0060] 15 Intelligent Safety Switches

[0061] 16 Smart Fuse

[0062] 17 Smart Fuse

[0063] 18 Downstream energy storage module

[0064] 19 Downstream energy storage module

[0065] 20 Normally Closed Smart Fuse (SF-NC)

[0066] 21 Left wheel brake actuator

[0067] 22 Right wheel brake actuator

[0068] 23 Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

[0069] 24. Redundant Manual Control Unit (RHCU)

[0070] 25 Redundant foot brake sensors

[0071] 26 Redundant Trailer Control Module

[0072] 101 Vehicle-mounted electrical grid

[0073] 102 Redundant Power Management System (rPMS)

[0074] 103 Redundant Power Management System (rPMS)

[0075] 104 Wheel-end brake actuator

[0076] 105 Wheel-end brake actuator

[0077] 106 Electronic Control Unit (ECU)

[0078] 107 Manual Control Unit (HCU)

[0079] 108 Redundant Foot Brake Sensors (rFBS)

[0080] 109 Redundant Trailer Control Module (rTCM)

[0081] 110 Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the Second Circuit

[0082] 111 Wheel-end brake actuator

[0083] 112 Wheel-end brake actuator

Claims

1. A redundant power supply system (rPMS) for an electromechanical braking system of a vehicle, characterized in that, The redundant power system includes at least two power supply paths powered by the vehicle's onboard electrical grid, each power supply path containing at least two energy storage modules (11, 18; 12, 19) interconnected in the form of H-type 2x2 energy storage devices.

2. The redundant power supply system rPMS according to claim 1, characterized in that, The two energy storage modules (11, 18; 12, 19) of each power supply path can be decoupled via safety switches (6, 14; 7, 15), preferably intelligent safety switches.

3. The redundant power supply system rPMS according to claim 1, characterized in that, The 2x2 energy storage modules (11, 18; 12, 19) are configured with different capacities.

4. The redundant power supply system rPMS according to claim 1, characterized in that, The redundant power system includes smart fuses (8, 9) which are installed in the wiring from the redundant power system rPMS to the wheel brake actuators (21, 22).

5. The redundant power supply system rPMS according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The redundant power system further includes a DC-DC / DC converter (3) to provide the power conversion required by the energy storage modules (11, 18; 12, 19), and the redundant power system preferably also includes a safety switch to protect at least two power supply paths of at least one circuit or any other circuit.

6. The redundant power supply system rPMS according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The redundant power system further includes a DC-DC / DC converter (10) configured to achieve charge balance between the upstream energy storage module (11, 12) and the downstream energy storage module (18, 19) connected in series in each power supply path. Preferably, the redundant power system also includes a safety switch (5, 13) configured to disconnect the DC-DC / DC converter (10) in the event of a fault.

7. The redundant power supply system rPMS according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, At least one of the energy storage modules (18, 19) is configured to power the brake control electronic control unit ECU (23), preferably via a smart fuse (16), so that the brake control electronic control unit ECU can control at least one of the wheel brakes, and the redundant power supply system rPMS is preferably configured to power at least one of the redundant manual control unit RHCU (24), redundant foot brake sensor RFBS (25), and redundant trailer control module RTCM (26).

8. The redundant power supply system rPMS according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Multiple smart safety switches are provided and configured to decouple the DC-DC / DC converters (3, 10), the energy storage modules (11, 12; 18, 19), preferably the upstream energy storage modules (11, 12) and the downstream energy storage modules (18, 19) from the vehicle's onboard electrical grid and from each other in the event of a fault.

9. The redundant power supply system rPMS according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The redundant power supply system includes a normally closed switch (20) to ensure power supply to the foot brake sensor (25) when the ignition is off.

10. A redundant power supply system rPMS, which employs a configuration in a second circuit or any other circuit such that the configuration includes a separate power supply path configured to ensure the required braking performance by the front wheel brake actuators (21, 22) in the event of a circuit failure.

11. A commercial vehicle comprising a redundant power supply system (rPMS) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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