Brake-by-wire system integrating brake switch signals and vehicle

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of brake-by-wire systems, and particularly relates to a brake-by-wire system integrating brake switch signals and a vehicle. Comprising a push rod connected with a brake pedal arm, a displacement sensor, a pressure sensor and a signal transmission controller, and the displacement sensor is used for detecting the displacement of the push rod, converting the detected displacement of the push rod into two paths of displacement signals and transmitting the two paths of displacement signals to the signal transmission controller; the pressure sensor is used for detecting the pressure of the push rod and transmitting a pressure signal of the push rod to the signal transmission controller; and the signal transmission controller is used for judging whether to send a CAN (Controller Area Network) signal indicating that the brake pedal is stepped down to the brake controller or not after receiving the pressure signal and the at least one path of displacement signal. The brake signal multi-redundancy effect can be achieved, the cost of parts is reduced, the effectiveness of the brake intention of a driver is ensured, the brake safety of the whole vehicle is improved, and the stability of the whole vehicle controller about the brake function safety is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of brake-by-wire systems, and particularly relates to brake-by-wire systems and vehicles with integrated brake switch signals. Background Technology

[0002] like Figure 1 As shown, most passenger cars still use a two-wire mechanical brake switch device. Figure 1 In this design, brake pedal arm 1 is mounted on brake pedal bracket 2, and brake switch 4 is mounted on brake light switch mounting bracket 3. Brake switch 4 has a push rod mounted on it. Existing two-wire mechanical brake switch devices transmit the driver's braking intention to the vehicle controller by sending an electrical signal.

[0003] This device has a simple structure and can serve as a component required by the vehicle controller for braking safety. In use, when the driver depresses the brake pedal, the brake pedal arm 1 moves downwards, exposing the push rod of the brake switch 4, thus connecting the circuit for releasing the brake electrical signal within the switching device. When the driver releases the brake pedal, the brake pedal arm 1 moves upwards, touching the push rod of the brake switch 4 and continuing to move upwards to its initial position, disconnecting the circuit for releasing the brake electrical signal within the switching device.

[0004] The aforementioned two-wire mechanical brake switch has a simple structure, but it lacks a backup brake signal. If it is damaged, it will trigger a brake system malfunction, illuminate the brake light, and cause the vehicle to experience a speed limit, thus affecting the overall braking safety of the vehicle. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the present invention provides a brake-by-wire system and vehicle with integrated brake switch signal, which can solve the problem of no brake signal backup for two-wire mechanical brake switches.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, one or more embodiments of the present invention provide the following technical solutions: The first aspect of the present invention provides a brake-by-wire system with integrated brake switch signals.

[0007] A brake-by-wire system integrating a brake switch signal includes a pushrod connected to the brake pedal arm, a displacement sensor, a pressure sensor, and a signal transmission controller, wherein: The displacement sensor is used to detect the displacement of the push rod and convert the detected displacement of the push rod into two displacement signals, which are then transmitted to the signal transmission controller. The pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure of the push rod and transmit the pressure signal of the push rod to the signal transmission controller. The signal transmission controller is used to determine whether to send a CAN signal indicating that the brake pedal has been pressed to the brake controller after receiving a pressure signal and at least one displacement signal.

[0008] As an alternative technical solution, contactors are also included: The contactor is used to activate when the displacement sensor fails, transmit a braking signal to the brake controller, and is redundant with the CAN signal when the brake pedal is depressed.

[0009] As an alternative technical solution, the two displacement signals are the SENT signal and the PWM signal, respectively.

[0010] As an alternative technical solution, the displacement sensor, pressure sensor, and contactor are all located inside the ECU housing, and the push rod is movably connected to the ECU housing.

[0011] As an alternative technical solution, the push rod is slidably connected to the ECU housing.

[0012] As an alternative technical solution, a connector is also included, which is disposed inside the ECU housing and is used to transmit a braking signal to the signal transmission controller when the contactor is turned on.

[0013] As an optional technical solution, the signal transmission controller is further used for: Set the braking intent action threshold; After receiving a pressure signal and at least one displacement signal, determine whether the displacement of the brake pedal is greater than the braking intention action threshold: If so, it is determined that the driver intends to brake, and a CAN signal indicating that the brake pedal has been pressed is sent to the brake controller; If not, it is determined that the driver has no intention to brake, and a CAN signal indicating that the brake pedal has not been pressed is sent to the brake controller.

[0014] As an optional technical solution, the signal transmission controller is further used for: Set the lower threshold for the next braking intention; Once it is determined, based on the pressure signal and at least one displacement signal, that the driver has pressed the brake pedal to the target position and released it, it is determined again whether the displacement of the brake pedal is between the lower limit threshold of the next braking intention and the braking intention action threshold. If so, it is determined that the driver still intends to brake again, and a CAN signal indicating that the brake pedal has been pressed is sent to the brake controller; If not, it is determined that the driver does not intend to brake again, and a CAN signal indicating that the brake pedal has not been pressed is sent to the brake controller.

[0015] As an optional technical solution, the signal transmission controller is further used for: When both displacement signals are invalid, i.e. the displacement sensor fails, the braking switch Lin signal is sent externally by connecting the contactor.

[0016] A second aspect of the present invention provides a vehicle.

[0017] Vehicles, including brake-by-wire systems with integrated brake switch signals as described in the first aspect. The above one or more technical solutions have the following beneficial effects: The brake-by-wire system with integrated brake switch signal designed in this invention can achieve multiple redundancy of brake signals, reduce component costs, ensure the effectiveness of the driver's braking intention, improve the overall vehicle braking safety, and guarantee the stability of the vehicle controller regarding braking function safety.

[0018] The brake-by-wire system with integrated brake switch signal designed in this invention has two displacement signals: one is the SENT signal, which is the primary displacement signal used by the system; the second is the PWM signal, which serves as a check and redundancy signal for the two displacement signals. These two signals are integrated into a PTS displacement sensor, combined with a pressure sensor. By monitoring displacement and pressure, the system determines whether the brake pedal is depressed and sends a CAN signal indicating that the brake pedal is depressed. Furthermore, a contactor (KM) is installed in the one-box. When the driver depresses the pedal, if the SENT and PWM displacement signals or the pressure sensor fails, the contactor (KM) conducts, sending a braking LIN signal through a 46-pin pin, which is redundant with the CAN signal.

[0019] The two displacement signals of this invention are redundant. When one displacement signal fails, it can be transmitted to the signal transmission controller through the other displacement signal. This will not interfere with the vehicle's brake signal transmission and the driver's braking intention judgment. It will not cause the braking to fail directly due to the failure of one signal, thereby improving the overall safety.

[0020] Advantages of additional aspects of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a two-wire mechanical brake switch device in the prior art.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the judgment logic of the signal transmission controller in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the brake pedal wake-up process according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0026] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows: 1. Brake pedal arm; 2. Brake pedal bracket; 3. Brake light switch mounting bracket; 4. Brake switch; 5. Push rod; 6. Pressure sensor; 7. ECU housing; 8. Displacement sensor; 9. Contactor; 10. Connector. Detailed Implementation

[0027] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and intended to provide further illustration of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0028] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to limit the exemplary implementations of the present invention.

[0029] Where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0030] Example 1 like Figure 1 As shown, this is a current two-wire mechanical brake switch 4 device. Figure 1 In this design, brake pedal arm 1 is mounted on brake pedal bracket 2, and brake switch 4 is mounted on brake light switch mounting bracket 3. Brake switch 4 has a push rod mounted on it. The existing two-wire mechanical brake switch 4 transmits the driver's braking intention to the vehicle controller by sending an electrical signal.

[0031] When in use, the driver presses the brake pedal, and after the brake pedal arm 1 moves down, the push rod of the brake switch 4 will be exposed, and then the circuit for releasing the brake electrical signal in the switching device will be connected; when the driver releases the brake pedal, the brake pedal arm 1 moves up, touches the push rod of the brake switch 4 device and continues to move up to the initial position, disconnecting the circuit for releasing the brake electrical signal in the switching device.

[0032] The aforementioned two-wire mechanical brake switch 4 has a simple structure, but it lacks brake signal backup. If it is damaged, it will trigger a brake system malfunction, illuminate the warning light, and cause the vehicle to experience speed limits, affecting the overall braking safety of the vehicle.

[0033] Based on this, this embodiment discloses a brake-by-wire system with integrated brake switch 4 signal.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the brake-by-wire system integrating the brake switch 4 signal includes a push rod 5 connected to the brake pedal arm 1, a displacement sensor 8, a pressure sensor 6, and a signal transmission controller, wherein: The displacement sensor 8 is used to detect the displacement of the push rod 5, and convert the detected displacement of the push rod 5 into two displacement signals, and transmit the two displacement signals to the signal transmission controller respectively. The pressure sensor 6 is used to detect the pressure of the push rod 5 and transmit the pressure signal of the push rod 5 to the signal transmission controller. The signal transmission controller is used to determine whether to send a CAN signal indicating that the brake pedal has been pressed to the brake controller after receiving a pressure signal and at least one displacement signal.

[0035] It can be understood that the two displacement signals mentioned above are redundant. When one displacement signal fails, it can be transmitted to the signal transmission controller through the other displacement signal. This will not interfere with the vehicle's brake signal transmission or the driver's braking intention judgment. It will not cause the brakes to fail due to the failure of one signal, thus improving the overall safety.

[0036] Specifically, the signal transmission controller performs logical judgment and sends a CAN signal to the brake controller indicating whether the brake pedal is pressed or not, based on the judgment result.

[0037] Furthermore, the signal transmission controller is also used for: Set the braking intent action threshold; After receiving a pressure signal and at least one displacement signal, determine whether the displacement of the brake pedal is greater than the braking intention action threshold: If so, it is determined that the driver intends to brake, and a CAN signal indicating that the brake pedal has been pressed is sent to the brake controller; If not, it is determined that the driver has no intention to brake, and a CAN signal indicating that the brake pedal has not been pressed is sent to the brake controller.

[0038] The signal transmission controller is further configured to: Set the lower threshold for the next braking intention; Once it is determined, based on the pressure signal and at least one displacement signal, that the driver has pressed the brake pedal to the target position and released it, it is determined again whether the displacement of the brake pedal is between the lower limit threshold of the next braking intention and the braking intention action threshold. If so, it is determined that the driver still intends to brake again, and a CAN signal indicating that the brake pedal has been pressed is sent to the brake controller; If not, it is determined that the driver does not intend to brake again, and a CAN signal indicating that the brake pedal has not been pressed is sent to the brake controller.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment adopts an integrated design. The displacement sensor 8 and pressure sensor 6 are evenly distributed inside the ECU housing 7. The push rod 5 is movably connected to the ECU housing 7, and there is a sliding connection between the push rod 5 and the ECU housing 7. Thus, the brake pedal arm 1 can drive the push rod 5 to move, causing the push rod 5 to generate displacement. The displacement of the push rod 5 can be detected by the displacement sensor 8, and the pressure of the push rod 5 can be detected by the pressure sensor 6.

[0040] The ECU housing 7 provides support for the movable connection of the push rod 5, and does not interfere with the displacement of the push rod 5, thus ensuring that the push rod 5 can move freely under the drive of the brake pedal arm 1.

[0041] In this embodiment, the two displacement signals mentioned above are the SENT signal and the PWM signal, respectively.

[0042] The One-box integrating the brake switch 4 signal designed in this invention has two displacement signals: one is a SENT signal, which is the primary displacement signal used by the system; the second is a PWM signal, which serves as a check and redundancy signal for the two displacement signals. Both signals are integrated into the PTS displacement sensor 8, and a pressure sensor 6 is also included. The signal transmission controller determines whether the brake pedal is depressed by monitoring the displacement and pressure, and then sends a CAN signal indicating that the brake pedal is depressed.

[0043] To achieve redundant transmission of the CAN signal for the brake pedal being depressed, the brake-by-wire system integrating the brake switch 4 signal in this embodiment also includes a contactor 9: The contactor 9 is used to turn on when the displacement sensor 8 fails, and transmits a braking signal to the brake controller. It is redundant with the CAN signal when the brake pedal is pressed.

[0044] It also includes a connector 10, which is disposed inside the ECU housing 7 and is used to transmit a braking signal to the signal transmission controller when the contactor 9 is turned on.

[0045] In this embodiment, connector 10 has 46 pins, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it is located on one side of the ECU housing 7.

[0046] The signal transmission controller is further configured to: When both displacement signals are invalid, i.e. displacement sensor 8 fails, the brake switch 4Lin signal is sent out by connecting contactor 9.

[0047] When a contactor 9 (KM) is installed in the One-box, and the driver presses the pedal, the contactor 9 (KM) will conduct when the SENT and PWM displacement signals or the pressure sensor 6 fails. It will then send a braking Lin signal through the 46-pin pin, which is redundant with the CAN signal.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, the One-box integrating the brake switch 4 signals, when the driver presses the brake pedal, the logic for determining the master cylinder displacement and the driver's required pressure within the controller is as follows (specific values ​​can be calibrated): (1) The brake pedal status signal sent by One-box is valid: The braking intention action threshold is set as follows: brake pedal displacement is 4mm and pressure is 3bar.

[0049] When the driver first presses the brake pedal, the One-box push rod 5 connected to the pedal arm will move into the controller, generating displacement. When the displacement sensor 8 module detects that the displacement is less than 4mm and the pressure required by the driver corresponding to this displacement is less than 3bar, it is determined that the driver has no intention to brake and an external CAN signal indicating that the brake pedal has not been pressed is sent.

[0050] (2) The brake pedal status signal sent by One-box is valid: When the driver continues to press the brake pedal, the One-box push rod 5 connected to the pedal arm will continue to move into the controller. When the displacement sensor 8 module detects a displacement of ≥4mm, or the corresponding driver's required pressure of ≥3bar, it determines that the driver has braked and sends a CAN signal to press the brake pedal.

[0051] (3) The brake pedal status signal sent by One-box is valid: The lower limit threshold for the next braking intention is set as follows: brake pedal displacement is 2.5 mm, and pressure is 1.5 bar.

[0052] When the driver presses the brake pedal to the target position and releases the pedal arm, if the displacement of the master cylinder inside the One-box is between 2.5mm and 4mm, or the corresponding driver-required pressure is between 1.5bar and 3bar, it is determined that the driver still intends to brake again, and the CAN signal for pressing the brake pedal is sent out again.

[0053] (4) When the SENT signal and PWM signal in the PTS displacement sensor 8 module inside the One-box are both invalid, the added contactor 9 (KM) will conduct electricity to transmit the electrical signal and send the brake switch 4Lin signal through the 46Pin pin.

[0054] like Figure 4 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the brake pedal wake-up process in this embodiment. (See figure.) The displacement of the brake pedal is detected by displacement sensor 8; When the displacement of the brake pedal exceeds the preset wake-up displacement threshold, the sensor outputs a wake-up source. The system verifies the wake-up source and detects the pedal displacement. When the detected pedal displacement exceeds the sleep displacement threshold, the system wakes up and outputs a power-saving request. If the detected pedal displacement is less than the sleep displacement threshold and there is no effective wake-up source within the set time, the system will re-execute the power-down procedure.

[0055] If the displacement of the brake pedal is less than the preset wake-up displacement threshold, the detection continues for the next moment.

[0056] The One-box with integrated brake switch 4 signals designed in this embodiment of the invention can achieve multiple redundancy of brake signals, reduce component costs, ensure the effectiveness of the driver's braking intention, improve the overall vehicle braking safety, and ensure the stability of the vehicle controller regarding braking function safety.

[0057] Example 2 This embodiment discloses a vehicle.

[0058] The vehicle includes a brake-by-wire system with an integrated brake switch 4 signal as described in Embodiment 1.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will understand that the modules or steps of the present invention described above can be implemented using general-purpose computer devices. Optionally, they can be implemented using computer-executable program code, thereby allowing them to be stored in a storage device for execution by a computer device, or they can be fabricated as separate integrated circuit modules, or multiple modules or steps can be fabricated as a single integrated circuit module. The present invention is not limited to any particular combination of hardware and software.

[0060] While the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A brake-by-wire system with integrated brake switch signal, characterized in that, It includes a push rod connected to the brake pedal arm, as well as a displacement sensor, a pressure sensor, and a signal transmission controller, wherein: The displacement sensor is used to detect the displacement of the push rod and convert the detected displacement of the push rod into two displacement signals, which are then transmitted to the signal transmission controller. The pressure sensor is used to detect the pressure of the push rod and transmit the pressure signal of the push rod to the signal transmission controller. The signal transmission controller is used to determine whether to send a CAN signal indicating that the brake pedal has been pressed to the brake controller after receiving a pressure signal and at least one displacement signal.

2. The brake-by-wire system with integrated brake switch signal as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes contactors: The contactor is used to activate when the displacement sensor fails, transmit a braking signal to the brake controller, and is redundant with the CAN signal when the brake pedal is depressed.

3. The brake-by-wire system with integrated brake switch signal as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The two displacement signals are the SENT signal and the PWM signal, respectively.

4. The brake-by-wire system with integrated brake switch signal as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The displacement sensor, pressure sensor, and contactor are all located inside the ECU housing, and the push rod is movably connected to the ECU housing.

5. The brake-by-wire system with integrated brake switch signal as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The push rod is slidably connected to the ECU housing.

6. The brake-by-wire system with integrated brake switch signal as described in claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a connector, which is located inside the ECU housing, for transmitting a braking signal to the signal transmission controller when the contactor is engaged.

7. The brake-by-wire system with integrated brake switch signal as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The signal transmission controller is further configured to: Set the braking intent action threshold; After receiving a pressure signal and at least one displacement signal, determine whether the displacement of the brake pedal is greater than the braking intention action threshold: If so, it is determined that the driver intends to brake, and a CAN signal indicating that the brake pedal has been pressed is sent to the brake controller; If not, it is determined that the driver has no intention to brake, and a CAN signal indicating that the brake pedal has not been pressed is sent to the brake controller.

8. The brake-by-wire system with integrated brake switch signal as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The signal transmission controller is further configured to: Set the lower threshold for the next braking intention; Once it is determined, based on the pressure signal and at least one displacement signal, that the driver has pressed the brake pedal to the target position and released it, it is determined again whether the displacement of the brake pedal is between the lower limit threshold of the next braking intention and the braking intention action threshold. If so, it is determined that the driver still intends to brake again, and a CAN signal indicating that the brake pedal has been pressed is sent to the brake controller; If not, it is determined that the driver does not intend to brake again, and a CAN signal indicating that the brake pedal has not been pressed is sent to the brake controller.

9. The brake-by-wire system with integrated brake switch signal as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The signal transmission controller is further configured to: When both displacement signals are invalid, i.e. the displacement sensor fails, the braking switch Lin signal is sent externally by connecting the contactor.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, The brake-by-wire system includes the integrated brake switch signal as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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