Electric brake system and method of controlling the same

Abstract

The invention relates to an electric brake system and a method of controlling the electric brake system. The electric brake system includes: an integrated master cylinder; a hydraulic pressure supply device configured to generate hydraulic pressure of the pressurized medium; and an auxiliary brake module configured to provide hydraulic pressure to the first wheel cylinder and the second wheel cylinder, where the auxiliary brake module may include: a pump configured to pressurize the pressurized medium; a motor configured to operate the pump; a first auxiliary flow path configured to transfer the pressurized medium pressurized by the pump to the first wheel cylinder; a first auxiliary supply flow path provided to supply a pressurized medium to the pump; a first auxiliary supply valve provided on the first auxiliary supply flow path to control the pressurized medium to be supplied to the pump; and a first pressure control valve configured to control a pressure of the first auxiliary flow path.

Description

Electric braking system and method for controlling electric braking system Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electric braking system and a method for controlling an electric braking system. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles are generally equipped with braking systems for braking, and various types of braking systems have been proposed for the safety of drivers and passengers.

[0003] Traditional braking systems primarily use a method where, when the driver depresses the brake pedal, a mechanically connected booster supplies the necessary hydraulic pressure to the wheel cylinders. However, with increasing market demand for detailed braking functions in response to vehicle operating conditions, electric braking systems have recently become prevalent. These systems receive the driver's braking intention as an electrical signal from a pedal displacement sensor that detects the displacement of the brake pedal when it is depressed, and accordingly operate the hydraulic supply device to supply the necessary hydraulic pressure to the wheel cylinders.

[0004] Such an electric braking system receives the driver's brake pedal operation or braking determination as an electrical signal during autonomous driving of the vehicle and accordingly electrically operates and controls the hydraulic supply device to generate the hydraulic pressure required for braking and transmit the hydraulic pressure to the wheel cylinders.

[0005] Such electric braking systems, and the methods for controlling them, are electrically operated and controlled, enabling complex and diverse braking operations. However, when technical problems occur in the electrical components, the hydraulic pressure required for braking cannot be generated stably, which may threaten the safety of vehicle occupants.

[0006] Therefore, when a component malfunctions or becomes uncontrollable, the electric braking system enters an abnormal operating mode, in which the mechanism for operating the driver's brake pedal needs to be directly connected to the wheel cylinder.

[0007] Furthermore, a method is needed that can achieve stable braking of the vehicle even after the electric braking system has entered an abnormal operating mode and before the driver operates the brake pedal.

[0008] In addition, there is a need for a method to perform active braking, such as the vehicle's anti-lock braking system (ABS) mode, so that the vehicle can perform stable braking and stable behavior even in abnormal operating modes of the electric braking system. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Therefore, one aspect of this disclosure is to provide an electric braking system and a method for controlling the electric braking system, which can effectively perform braking even under various operating conditions of the vehicle.

[0010] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide an electric braking system and a method for controlling the electric braking system, the electric braking system having improved braking performance and operational reliability.

[0011] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide an electric braking system and a method for controlling the electric braking system, which can perform various braking operation modes through a simple structure and operation.

[0012] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide an electric braking system and a method for controlling the electric braking system, which can improve the assemblability and productivity of products and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0013] Additional aspects of this disclosure 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 this disclosure.

[0014] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an electric braking system includes: an integrated master cylinder configured to discharge a pressurized medium based on a pedal force of a brake pedal; a hydraulic supply device configured to generate hydraulic pressure on the pressurized medium based on an electrical signal from a pedal displacement sensor of the brake pedal; and an auxiliary braking module configured to supply the hydraulic pressure to a first wheel cylinder and a second wheel cylinder among a plurality of wheel cylinders, wherein the auxiliary braking module may include: a pump configured to pressurize the pressurized medium; a motor configured to operate the pump; a first auxiliary flow path configured to deliver the pressurized medium pressurized by the pump to the first wheel cylinder; a first auxiliary supply flow path configured to supply the pressurized medium to the pump; a first auxiliary supply valve disposed on the first auxiliary supply flow path to control the supply of the pressurized medium to the pump; and a first pressure control valve configured to control the pressure of the first auxiliary flow path.

[0015] The auxiliary braking module may further include: a second auxiliary flow path configured to deliver the pressurized medium pressurized by the pump to the second wheel cylinder; a second auxiliary supply flow path configured to supply the pressurized medium to the pump; a second auxiliary supply valve disposed on the second auxiliary supply flow path to control the supply of the pressurized medium to the pump; and a second pressure control valve configured to control the pressure of the second auxiliary flow path.

[0016] The electric braking system may further include a control circuit configured to, when receiving a braking request from an external controller while the hydraulic supply device is inoperable, close the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve, open the first auxiliary supply valve and the second auxiliary supply valve, and control the motor to operate the pump.

[0017] When the hydraulic supply device is inoperable and the braking request is received from the brake pedal, the control circuit can open the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve, close the first auxiliary supply valve and the second auxiliary supply valve, and control the motor to stop the operation of the pump.

[0018] The control circuit can control the drive current supplied to the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve based on the pressure corresponding to the braking request from the external controller.

[0019] When the hydraulic supply device is inoperable, in the retraction mode, both the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve can be in the open state, and both the first auxiliary supply valve and the second auxiliary supply valve can be in the closed state.

[0020] When the hydraulic supply device is inoperable, in the cross-control mode of the first wheel with the first wheel cylinder and the second wheel with the second wheel cylinder, the control circuit can repeatedly perform a first control of opening the first pressure control valve, closing the first auxiliary supply valve, closing the second pressure control valve and opening the second auxiliary supply valve, and a second control of closing the first pressure control valve, opening the first auxiliary supply valve, opening the second pressure control valve and closing the second auxiliary supply valve, and control the motor to operate the pump during the repetition of the first control and the second control.

[0021] The integrated master cylinder may include: a first master piston configured to be displaced by operation of the brake pedal; a first master chamber whose volume is changed by the displacement of the first master piston; a second master piston configured to be displaced by the displacement of the first master piston or by hydraulic pressure on the first master chamber; and a second master chamber whose volume is changed by the displacement of the second master piston.

[0022] The electric braking system may further include: a reservoir; a first reservoir flow path connecting the first main chamber to the reservoir; a second reservoir flow path connecting the second main chamber to the reservoir; and a third reservoir flow path connecting the first auxiliary supply flow path and the second auxiliary supply flow path to allow the pump to communicate with the reservoir.

[0023] The electric braking system may further include: a first connecting flow path, wherein the first connecting flow path is provided with the first pressure control valve to connect the first wheel cylinder to the master cylinder; and a second connecting flow path, wherein the second connecting flow path is provided with the second pressure control valve to connect the second wheel cylinder to the master cylinder.

[0024] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an electric braking system may include: a main braking module connected to a brake pedal and mechanically and electrically operated and controlled to supply hydraulic pressure of a pressurized medium to a plurality of wheel cylinders; an auxiliary braking module including a pump configured to pressurize the pressurized medium, a motor configured to operate the pump, a first auxiliary flow path and a second auxiliary flow path respectively delivering the pressurized medium pressurized by the pump to a first wheel cylinder and a second wheel cylinder among the plurality of wheel cylinders, a first auxiliary supply flow path and a second auxiliary supply flow path configured to supply the pressurized medium to the pump, a first auxiliary supply valve configured on the first auxiliary supply flow path to control the supply of the pressurized medium to the pump, a second auxiliary supply valve configured on the second auxiliary supply flow path to control the supply of the pressurized medium to the pump, and a first pressure control valve and a second pressure control valve configured to control the pressure of the first auxiliary flow path and the second auxiliary flow path; and a control circuit configured to control at least one of the first pressure control valve, the second pressure control valve, the first auxiliary supply valve, the second auxiliary supply valve, or the motor of the auxiliary braking module when the main braking module is inoperable.

[0025] When a braking request is received from an external controller while the hydraulic supply device is inoperable, the control circuit can close the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve, open the first auxiliary supply valve and the second auxiliary supply valve, and control the motor to operate the pump.

[0026] When a braking request is received from the brake pedal while the hydraulic supply device is inoperable, the control circuit can open the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve, close the first auxiliary supply valve and the second auxiliary supply valve, and control the motor to stop the operation of the pump.

[0027] The control circuit can control the drive current supplied to the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve based on the pressure corresponding to the braking request from the external controller.

[0028] When the hydraulic supply device is inoperable, in the retraction mode, both the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve can be in the open state, and both the first auxiliary supply valve and the second auxiliary supply valve can be in the closed state.

[0029] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a method for controlling an electric braking system, the electric braking system comprising: a main braking module connected to a brake pedal and mechanically and electrically operated and controlled to supply hydraulic pressure of a pressurized medium to a plurality of wheel cylinders; and an auxiliary braking module comprising a pump configured to pressurize the pressurized medium, a motor configured to operate the pump, a first auxiliary flow path and a second auxiliary flow path respectively conveying the pressurized medium pressurized by the pump to a first wheel cylinder and a second wheel cylinder among the plurality of wheel cylinders, a first auxiliary supply flow path and a second auxiliary supply flow path configured to supply the pressurized medium to the pump, and a first auxiliary supply flow path and a second auxiliary supply flow path configured on the first auxiliary supply flow path to control the supply of the pressurized medium. The method includes the following steps: when a braking request is received from an external controller while the main braking module is inoperable, closing the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve and opening the first auxiliary supply valve and the second auxiliary supply valve; and controlling the motor to operate the pump based on the closing of the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve and the opening of the first auxiliary supply valve and the second auxiliary supply valve.

[0030] The method may further include the following steps: when a braking request is received from the brake pedal while the hydraulic supply device is inoperable, the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve are opened, the first auxiliary supply valve and the second auxiliary supply valve are closed, and the motor is controlled to stop the operation of the pump.

[0031] The method may further include the following steps: controlling the drive current supplied to the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve based on the pressure corresponding to the braking request from the external controller.

[0032] When the hydraulic supply device is inoperable, in the retraction mode, both the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve can be in the open state, and both the first auxiliary supply valve and the second auxiliary supply valve can be in the closed state.

[0033] The method may further include the following steps: when the hydraulic supply device is inoperable, in a cross-control mode of a first wheel equipped with the first wheel cylinder and a second wheel equipped with the second wheel cylinder, repeatedly opening the first pressure control valve, closing the first auxiliary supply valve, closing the second pressure control valve and opening the second auxiliary supply valve, and closing the first pressure control valve, opening the first auxiliary supply valve, opening the second pressure control valve and closing the second auxiliary supply valve; and controlling the motor to operate the pump during the repeated first control and second control. Attached Figure Description

[0034] These and / or other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent and more readily understood from the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] Figure 1 is a hydraulic circuit diagram illustrating an electric braking system according to one embodiment;

[0036] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit of an electric braking system according to one embodiment;

[0037] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the supply path of the pressurized medium controlled by the auxiliary braking module of an electric braking system according to one embodiment.

[0038] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the supply path of the pressurized medium controlled by the auxiliary braking module of an electric braking system according to one embodiment.

[0039] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the discharge path and pressure release path of the pressurized medium controlled by the auxiliary braking module of an electric braking system according to one embodiment; and

[0040] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the operation of an electric braking system according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Throughout this specification, the same reference numerals denote the same components. This specification does not describe all components of the embodiments, and repetitions between embodiments or general content within the technical field of this disclosure will be omitted. The terms "part," "module," "component," and "block" as used in this specification may refer to software or hardware, and according to embodiments, multiple "parts," "modules," "components," and "blocks" may also refer to a single component, or a single "part," "module," "component," and "block" may comprise multiple components.

[0042] Throughout the manual, when one part is referred to as “connecting” to another, it includes not only direct connections but also indirect connections, and indirect connections include connections via wireless networks.

[0043] Furthermore, when a section is described as "including" a component, this means that the section may also include other components, unless otherwise specified, and other components are not excluded.

[0044] Throughout the specification, when a component is described as being "on" another component, this includes not only cases where the component is in contact with the other component, but also cases where other components are present between the two components.

[0045] The terms first, second, etc., are used to distinguish one component from another; the component is not limited by the above terms.

[0046] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “one,” and “the” include plural references.

[0047] For ease of interpretation, an identifier is used in each operation. The identifier does not describe the order of operations. Unless the context explicitly specifies a particular order, the execution order of each operation may differ from the specified order.

[0048] In the following description, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and the following exemplary embodiments. For descriptive purposes, the components shown in the drawings are at different scales than actual scales, and therefore the scales are not limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0049] Figure 1 is a hydraulic circuit diagram showing an electric braking system according to one embodiment.

[0050] Referring to FIG1, the electric braking system 1000 may include: a main braking module 100 (also referred to as the main brake 100; in some embodiments, it may also be referred to as an integrated dynamic brake (IDB) module or integrated dynamic brake) that is mechanically and / or electrically operated and controlled; an auxiliary braking module 200 (also referred to as “auxiliary brake 200”) disposed between the main braking module 100 and a plurality of wheel cylinders 1, 2, 3 and 4 and operated when the main braking module 100 is inoperable; a reservoir 300 storing a pressurized medium; a first control circuit 4100 for controlling the main braking module 100; and a second control circuit 4500 for controlling the auxiliary braking module 200.

[0051] The main braking module 100 may include: an integrated master cylinder 1200 for providing a reaction force to the driver based on the pedal force of the brake pedal 10, and simultaneously pressurizing and discharging pressurized medium contained therein; a hydraulic supply device 1300 for receiving the driver's braking intention as an electrical signal from a first pedal displacement sensor 11 that detects the displacement of the brake pedal 10, and generating hydraulic pressure for the pressurized medium through mechanical operation; a hydraulic control unit 1400 for controlling the hydraulic pressure supplied from the hydraulic supply device 1300; reservoir flow paths 1710, 1720, and 1730 for hydraulically connecting the reservoir 300 to the integrated master cylinder 1200 and to the auxiliary braking module 200; a dumping control unit 1800 disposed between the hydraulic supply device 1300 and the reservoir 300 to control the flow of the pressurized medium; and a check flow path 1900 configured to connect the integrated master cylinder 1200 to the hydraulic supply device 1300 to check for leaks in the various components.

[0052] When the driver presses the brake pedal 10 to perform the braking operation, the integrated master cylinder 1200 is configured to provide a reaction force to the driver to provide a stable pedal feel. At the same time, the operation of the brake pedal 10 pressurizes and discharges the pressurized medium received therein.

[0053] In the integrated master cylinder 1200, the master cylinder for pressurizing and discharging the pressurized medium contained therein by the pedal force of the brake pedal 10 and the pedal simulator 1240 for providing pedal feel to the driver can be coaxially arranged in a cylinder body 1210.

[0054] The master cylinder of the integrated master cylinder 1200 may include: a cylinder body 1210 in which a chamber is formed; a first master chamber 1220a formed at an inlet of the cylinder body 1210 connected to the brake pedal 10; a first master piston 1220 disposed in the first master chamber 1220a, connected to the brake pedal 10, and configured to be displaced by operation of the brake pedal 10; a second master chamber 1230a formed inside or in front of the first master chamber 1220a (based on the left side of FIG1); and a second master piston 1230 disposed in the second master chamber 1230a and configured to be displaced by displacement of the first master piston 1220 or by hydraulic pressure of a pressurized medium contained in the first master chamber 1220a.

[0055] The pedal simulator 1240 can be arranged between the first master piston 1220 and the second master piston 1230 to provide pedal feel through the elastic restoring force generated during compression.

[0056] The first main chamber 1220a and the second main chamber 1230a can be formed sequentially inward (from the right side of FIG. 1 to the left side of FIG. 1) on the cylinder body 1210 of the integrated master cylinder 1200 from the brake pedal 10. Furthermore, the first master piston 1220 and the second master piston 1230 are respectively disposed in the first main chamber 1220a and the second main chamber 1230a to generate hydraulic or negative pressure in the pressurized medium contained in each chamber according to forward and backward movement.

[0057] The cylinder body 1210 may include: a large-diameter portion 1211 having a first main chamber 1220a formed therein and having a relatively large inner diameter; and a small-diameter portion 1212 having a second main chamber 1230a formed therein and having a relatively small inner diameter compared to the large-diameter portion 1211. The large-diameter portion 1211 and the small-diameter portion 1212 of the cylinder body 1210 may be integrally formed.

[0058] The first main chamber 1220a may be formed inside the large-diameter portion 1211 formed in the front or rear portion (based on the right side of FIG1) of the cylinder 1210, and the first master piston 1220 connected to the brake pedal 10 via the input rod 12 may be accommodated in the first main chamber 1220a for reciprocating motion.

[0059] The pressurized medium can be introduced into and discharged from the first main chamber 1220a through the first hydraulic port 1280a, the second hydraulic port 1280b, and the third hydraulic port 1280c.

[0060] The first hydraulic port 1280a can be connected to the first reservoir flow path 1710, so that the pressurized medium flows from the reservoir 300 into the first main chamber 1220a, or the pressurized medium contained in the first main chamber 1220a is discharged into the reservoir 300.

[0061] The first main chamber 1220a can be connected to the first branch flow path 1910 and the second branch flow path 1920 of the inspection flow path 1900, as described below, via the second hydraulic port 1280b and the third hydraulic port 1280c, such that the pressurized medium contained in the first main chamber 1220a is discharged toward the inspection flow path 1900, or the pressurized medium is introduced from the inspection flow path 1900 into the first main chamber 1220a.

[0062] The first master piston 1220 of the integrated master cylinder 1200 can be configured to be housed in the first main chamber 1220a and move forward (to the left based on FIG. 1) to pressurize the pressurized medium housed in the first main chamber 1220a to generate hydraulic pressure, or move backward (to the right based on FIG. 1) to generate negative pressure inside the first main chamber 1220a. The first master piston 1220 may include: a first body 1221 formed in a cylindrical shape to be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the first main chamber 1220a; and a first flange 1222 formed to extend radially at the rear end of the first body 1221 (based on the right end portion of FIG. 1) and connected to the input rod 12. The first master piston 1220 may be elastically supported by a first piston spring 1220b, and the first piston spring 1220b may be configured such that one end is supported by the front surface of the first flange 1222 (based on the left side of FIG. 1) and the other end is supported by the outer surface of the cylinder body 1210.

[0063] The first master piston 1220 is provided with a first shut-off hole 1220d. In the non-operating state, i.e., in the preparatory state before displacement, the first shut-off hole 1220d communicates with the first main chamber 1220a and simultaneously with the third hydraulic port 1280c. Furthermore, a first sealing member 1290a for sealing the first main chamber 1220a from the outside can be disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the first master piston 1220 and the cylinder body 1210. The first sealing member 1290a can be disposed in a receiving groove recessed in the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder body 1210, and can contact the outer peripheral surface of the first master piston 1220. The first sealing member 1290a can prevent the pressurized medium contained in the first main chamber 1220a from leaking to the outside, and simultaneously prevent external foreign matter from flowing into the first main chamber 1220a. The first sealing member 1290a can be disposed on the outermost part of the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder body 1210, i.e., at the rear of the third hydraulic port 1280c (based on the right side of FIG1).

[0064] A third sealing member 1290c may be provided between the outer peripheral surface of the first main piston 1220 and the cylinder body 1210. The third sealing member 1290c prevents pressurized medium from flowing into the first main chamber 1220a from the first branch flow path 1910 connected to the third hydraulic port 1280c. The third sealing member 1290c may be disposed in a receiving groove formed in the front of the third hydraulic port 1280c on the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder body 1210 to contact the outer peripheral surface of the first main piston 1220. The third sealing member 1290c may be disposed in front of the first sealing member 1290a (based on the left side of FIG1) and may allow pressurized medium contained in the first main chamber 1220a to flow through the third hydraulic port 1280c to the first branch flow path 1910, but prevents pressurized medium from flowing into the first main chamber 1220a from the first branch flow path 1910.

[0065] The second main chamber 1230a may be formed inside the small-diameter portion 1212 formed inside or on the front (based on the left side of FIG1) of the cylinder 1210, and the second main piston 1230 may be accommodated in the second main chamber 1230a for reciprocating motion.

[0066] Pressurized medium can be introduced into and discharged from the second main chamber 1230a through the fourth hydraulic port 1280d and the fifth hydraulic port 1280e. The fourth hydraulic port 1280d can be connected to the second reservoir flow path 1720, such that the pressurized medium contained in the reservoir 300 flows into the second main chamber 1230a. Furthermore, the fifth hydraulic port 1280e can be connected to the second connection flow path 1620, as described below, such that the pressurized medium contained in the second main chamber 1230a is discharged toward the second connection flow path 1620, and conversely, the pressurized medium flows into the second main chamber 1230a from the second connection flow path 1620.

[0067] The second main piston 1230 may be configured to be housed in the second main chamber 1230a, moving forward to generate hydraulic pressure on the pressurized medium housed in the second main chamber 1230a, and moving rearward to generate negative pressure in the second main chamber 1230a. The second main piston 1230 may include: a second body 1231 formed in a cylindrical shape to be in close contact with the inner circumferential surface of the second main chamber 1230a; and a second flange 1232 formed to extend radially at the rear end of the second body 1231 (based on the right end portion of FIG. 2) and disposed inside the first main chamber 1220a. The diameter of the second flange 1232 may be formed to be larger than the inner circumferential diameter of the second main chamber 1230a. The second main piston 1230 may be elastically supported by a second piston spring (not shown), and the second piston spring may be configured such that one end is supported by the front surface of the second body 1231 (based on the left surface of FIG. 2) and the other end is supported by the inner surface of the cylinder 1210.

[0068] A second sealing member 1290b may be provided between the outer peripheral surface of the second main piston 1230 and the cylinder body 1210. The second sealing member 1290b seals the first main chamber 1220a relative to the second main chamber 1230a. The second sealing member 1290b may be disposed in a receiving groove recessed in the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder body 1210 to contact the outer peripheral surface of the second main piston 1230, and the second sealing member 1290b can prevent leakage of the pressurized medium contained in the first main chamber 1220a.

[0069] The second main piston 1230 is provided with a second shut-off hole 1230d. In the non-operating state, i.e., the preparatory state before displacement, the second shut-off hole 1230d communicates with the second main chamber 1230a, and simultaneously with the fourth hydraulic port 1280d and the second reservoir flow path 1720. Furthermore, a fourth sealing member 1290d may be provided between the outer peripheral surface of the second main piston 1230 and the cylinder body 1210. The fourth sealing member 1290d prevents the pressurized medium discharged from the second main chamber 1230a from flowing to the second reservoir flow path 1720 connected to the fourth hydraulic port 1280d. The fourth sealing member 1290d may be disposed on the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder body 1210 in a receiving groove recessed in the front portion (based on the left side of FIG. 1) of the fourth hydraulic port 1280d, so as to contact the outer peripheral surface of the second main piston 1230. The fourth sealing member 1290d may be disposed in front of the second sealing member 1290b (based on the left side of FIG1) and may allow pressurized medium to flow from the second reservoir flow path 1720 connected to the fourth hydraulic port 1280d into the second main chamber 1230a, but prevent pressurized medium discharged from the second main chamber 1230a from flowing to the fourth hydraulic port 1280d and the second reservoir flow path 1720.

[0070] The integrated master cylinder 1200 can ensure safety in the event of component failure by independently configuring the first master chamber 1220a and the second master chamber 1230a. For example, the first master chamber 1220a can be connected to wheel cylinders 1, 2, 3 and 4 via a check flow path 1900, a hydraulic supply device 1300, a hydraulic control unit 1400 and / or an auxiliary braking module 200, and the second master chamber 1230a can be connected to both wheel cylinders 1 and 2 via a second connection flow path 1620 described below, thereby enabling vehicle braking even if a problem such as a leak occurs in one chamber.

[0071] The pedal simulator 1240 can be positioned between the first master piston 1220 and the second master piston 1230 and provides the driver with the pedal feel of the brake pedal 10 through its elastic restoring force.

[0072] The pedal simulator 1240 is insertable between the front surface of the first master piston 1220 and the rear surface of the second master piston 1230 and is formed of an elastic material such as compressible and expandable rubber. The pedal simulator 1240 may include: a cylindrical body portion that is at least partially inserted into and supported by the front surface of the first master piston 1220; and a tapered portion that is at least partially inserted into and supported by the rear surface of the second master piston 1230 and has a diameter that gradually decreases forward (based on the left side of FIG1). At least portions at both ends of the pedal simulator 1240 can be stably supported by insertion into the first master piston 1220. Furthermore, by varying the elastic restoring force according to the degree of pedal force applied by the tapered portion, a stable and familiar pedal feel can be provided to the driver.

[0073] The hydraulic supply device 1300 is configured to receive the driver's braking intention as an electrical signal from the first pedal displacement sensor 11 that detects the displacement of the brake pedal 10, and to generate hydraulic pressure of the pressurized medium through mechanical operation.

[0074] The hydraulic supply device 1300 may include: a hydraulic supply unit for supplying pressure of the pressurizing medium transmitted to wheel cylinders 1, 2, 3 and 4; a motor 1360 for generating rotational force via an electrical signal from a first pedal displacement sensor 11; and a power conversion unit (not shown) for converting rotational motion into linear motion of the motor 1360 and transmitting the linear motion to the hydraulic supply unit.

[0075] The hydraulic supply unit of the hydraulic supply device 1300 includes: a cylinder 1310 in which a pressurized medium is disposed; a hydraulic piston 1320 in which the piston is disposed; pressure chambers 1330 and 1340 whose volumes are changed by operation of the hydraulic piston 1320; and a drive shaft 1390 for transmitting power from the power conversion unit to the hydraulic piston 1320.

[0076] A first pressure chamber 1330 may be disposed on the front surface side of the hydraulic piston 1320 (to the left of the hydraulic piston 1320 in FIG. 1). A second pressure chamber 1340 may be disposed on the rear surface side of the hydraulic piston 1320 (to the right of the hydraulic piston 1320 in FIG. 2). That is, the first pressure chamber 1330 may be separated by the cylinder body 1310 and the front surface of the hydraulic piston 1320, and is configured to have a volume that varies according to the forward and backward movement of the hydraulic piston 1320. The second pressure chamber 1340 may be separated by the cylinder body 1310 and the rear surface of the hydraulic piston 1320, and is configured to have a volume that varies according to the forward and backward movement of the hydraulic piston 1320. The first pressure chamber 1330 is connected to a first hydraulic flow path 1401, which will be described below, through a connecting hole formed in the cylinder body 1310, and the second pressure chamber 1340 is connected to a second hydraulic flow path 1402, which will be described below, through a connecting hole formed in the cylinder body 1310.

[0077] A sealing member may be disposed between the hydraulic piston 1320 and the cylinder 1310 to seal the openings of the cylinder 1310, the first pressure chamber 1330, and the second pressure chamber 1340, so that the hydraulic or negative pressure generated by the forward or backward movement of the hydraulic piston 1320 in the first pressure chamber 1330 and the second pressure chamber 1340 will not leak to the outside, and can be transmitted to the hydraulic control unit 1400 and the dumping control unit 1800, which will be described below.

[0078] Motor 1360 is configured to generate driving force for hydraulic piston 1320 via an electrical signal output from first control circuit 4100. Motor 1360 may be provided with a stator and a rotor, thereby rotating in either the forward or reverse direction to provide power for displacement of hydraulic piston 1320. The rotational angular velocity and rotation angle of motor 1360 can be precisely controlled by a motor control sensor (not shown). Since motor 1360 is known technology, its detailed description will be omitted.

[0079] The power conversion unit of the hydraulic supply device 1300 is configured to convert the rotational force of the motor 1360 into linear motion. For example, the power conversion unit may be provided in a structure including a worm shaft (not shown), a worm wheel (not shown), and a drive shaft 1390.

[0080] The worm shaft may be integrally formed with the rotating shaft of the motor 1360, and the worm may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the worm shaft and connected to engage with the worm wheel, thereby causing the worm wheel to rotate. The worm wheel may be connected to engage with the drive shaft 1390, thereby causing the drive shaft 1390 to move linearly, and the drive shaft 1390 may be connected to the hydraulic piston 1320 for integral operation, whereby the hydraulic piston 1320 may slide within the cylinder 1310.

[0081] To reiterate the above operation, when the first pedal displacement sensor 11 detects the displacement of the brake pedal 10, the detected signal is transmitted to the first control circuit 4100, and the first control circuit 4100 drives the motor 1360 to rotate the worm shaft in one direction. The rotational force of the worm shaft can be transmitted to the drive shaft 1390 through the worm wheel, and the hydraulic piston 1320 connected to the drive shaft 1390 can move forward in the cylinder 1310 to generate hydraulic pressure in the pressure chamber 1330.

[0082] Conversely, when the pedal force of the brake pedal 10 is released, the first control circuit 4100 drives the motor 1360 to rotate the worm shaft in the opposite direction. Therefore, the worm wheel can also rotate in the opposite direction, and the hydraulic piston 1320 connected to the drive shaft 1390 can move rearward in the cylinder 1310 to generate negative pressure in the pressure chamber 1330.

[0083] The hydraulic supply device 1300 can be hydraulically connected to the reservoir 300 via the dumping control unit 1800.

[0084] The hydraulic control unit 1400 can be configured to control the flow of pressurized medium toward each wheel cylinder 1, 2, 3, and 4, or the flow of pressurized medium collected in the hydraulic supply device 1300 from each wheel cylinder 1, 2, 3, and 4. To this end, the hydraulic control unit 1400 may include multiple flow paths and multiple valves capable of allowing or preventing the flow of pressurized medium in the multiple flow paths to smoothly control the flow of pressurized medium or hydraulic pressure. Furthermore, the hydraulic control unit 1400 may include a first hydraulic circuit 1500 and a second hydraulic circuit 1600 for controlling the flow of hydraulic pressure transmitted to the wheel cylinders 1, 2, 3, and 4 that brake the hydraulically actuated wheels w1, w2, w3, and w4 via the received pressurized medium.

[0085] The hydraulic control unit 1400 may include a first hydraulic flow path to a tenth hydraulic flow path (including 1401, 1402, 1403, 1404, 1405, 1406, 1407, 1408, 1409, and 1410). The first hydraulic flow path 1401 may be configured to communicate with a first pressure chamber 1330, and the second hydraulic flow path 1402 may be configured to communicate with a second pressure chamber 1340.

[0086] The first hydraulic flow path 1401 and the second hydraulic flow path 1402 can be configured to merge with the third hydraulic flow path 1403, and then rebranch into a fourth hydraulic flow path 1404 connected to the first hydraulic circuit 1500 and a fifth hydraulic flow path 1405 connected to the second hydraulic circuit 1600.

[0087] The sixth hydraulic flow path 1406 can be configured to connect with the first hydraulic circuit 1500, and the seventh hydraulic flow path 1407 can be configured to connect with the second hydraulic circuit 1600. The sixth hydraulic flow path 1406 and the seventh hydraulic flow path 1407 can merge with the eighth hydraulic flow path 1408, and then rebranch into the ninth hydraulic flow path 1409, which connects with the first pressure chamber 1330, and the tenth hydraulic flow path 1410, which connects with the second pressure chamber 1340.

[0088] The first hydraulic flow path 1401 may be provided with a first valve 1431 for controlling the flow of the pressurized medium. The first valve 1431 may be configured as a check valve, which allows the flow of the pressurized medium discharged from the first pressure chamber 1330, but prevents the pressurized medium from flowing in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the second hydraulic flow path 1402 may be provided with a second valve 1432 for controlling the flow of the pressurized medium, and the second valve 1432 may be configured as a check valve, which allows the flow of the pressurized medium discharged from the second pressure chamber 1340 and prevents the pressurized medium from flowing in the opposite direction.

[0089] The fourth hydraulic flow path 1404 is configured to branch from the third hydraulic flow path 1403, which merges with the first hydraulic flow path 1401 and the second hydraulic flow path 1402, and is connected to the first hydraulic circuit 1500. The third hydraulic flow path 1403 may be provided with a third valve 1433 for controlling the flow of the pressurized medium. The third valve 1433 may be configured as a check valve, which allows the pressurized medium to flow only from the third hydraulic flow path 1403 to the first hydraulic circuit 1500 and prevents the pressurized medium from flowing in the opposite direction.

[0090] The fifth hydraulic flow path 1405 is configured to branch off from the third hydraulic flow path 1403, which merges with the first hydraulic flow path 1401 and the second hydraulic flow path 1402, and is connected to the second hydraulic circuit 1600. The fifth hydraulic flow path 1405 may be equipped with a fourth valve 1434 for controlling the flow of the pressurized medium. The fourth valve 1434 may be configured as a check valve, which allows the pressurized medium to flow only from the third hydraulic flow path 1403 to the second hydraulic circuit 1600 and prevents the pressurized medium from flowing in the opposite direction.

[0091] A sixth hydraulic flow path 1406 is configured to communicate with the first hydraulic circuit 1500, and a seventh hydraulic flow path 1407 is configured to communicate with the second hydraulic circuit 1600 and merge with an eighth hydraulic flow path 1408. The sixth hydraulic flow path 1406 may be equipped with a fifth valve 1435 for controlling the flow of the pressurized medium. The fifth valve 1435 may be configured as a check valve, allowing the flow of pressurized medium discharged from the first hydraulic circuit 1500 but preventing the pressurized medium from flowing in the opposite direction. Furthermore, the seventh hydraulic flow path 1407 may be equipped with a sixth valve 1436 for controlling the flow of the pressurized medium. The sixth valve 1436 may be configured as a check valve, allowing only the flow of pressurized medium discharged from the second hydraulic circuit 1600 and preventing the pressurized medium from flowing in the opposite direction.

[0092] The ninth hydraulic flow path 1409 is configured to branch off from the eighth hydraulic flow path 1408, which is formed by the convergence of the sixth hydraulic flow path 1406 and the seventh hydraulic flow path 1407, and is connected to the first pressure chamber 1330. The ninth hydraulic flow path 1409 may be equipped with a seventh valve 1437 for controlling the flow of the pressurized medium. The seventh valve 1437 may be configured as a two-way control valve that controls the flow of the pressurized medium transmitted along the ninth hydraulic flow path 1409. The seventh valve 1437 may be configured as a normally closed solenoid valve.

[0093] The tenth hydraulic flow path 1410 is configured to branch off from the eighth hydraulic flow path 1408, which is formed by the convergence of the sixth and seventh hydraulic flow paths 1406 and is connected to the second pressure chamber 1340. The tenth hydraulic flow path 1410 may be equipped with an eighth valve 1438 for controlling the flow of the pressurized medium. The eighth valve 1438 may be configured as a two-way control valve that controls the flow of the pressurized medium transmitted along the tenth hydraulic flow path 1410. The eighth valve 1438 may be configured as a normally closed solenoid valve.

[0094] Based on the aforementioned multiple hydraulic flow paths and multiple valves, the hydraulic pressure generated in the first pressure chamber 1330 by the forward movement of the hydraulic piston 1320 can be sequentially transmitted to the first hydraulic circuit 1500 through the first hydraulic flow path 1401, the third hydraulic flow path 1403, and the fourth hydraulic flow path 1404, and can also be sequentially transmitted to the second hydraulic circuit 1600 through the first hydraulic flow path 1401 and the fifth hydraulic flow path 1405. Furthermore, the hydraulic pressure generated in the second pressure chamber 1340 by the backward movement of the hydraulic piston 1320 can be sequentially transmitted to the first hydraulic circuit 1500 through the second hydraulic flow path 1402 and the fourth hydraulic flow path 1404, and can also be sequentially transmitted to the second hydraulic circuit 1600 through the second hydraulic flow path 1402, the third hydraulic flow path 1403, and the fifth hydraulic flow path 1405.

[0095] Conversely, the negative pressure generated in the first pressure chamber 1330 by the rearward movement of the hydraulic piston 1320 causes the pressurized medium supplied to the first hydraulic circuit 1500 to be collected in the first pressure chamber 1330 in sequence through the sixth hydraulic flow path 1406, the eighth hydraulic flow path 1408, and the ninth hydraulic flow path 1409, and causes the pressurized medium supplied to the second hydraulic circuit 1600 to be collected in the first pressure chamber 1330 in sequence through the seventh hydraulic flow path 1407, the eighth hydraulic flow path 1408, and the ninth hydraulic flow path 1409. Furthermore, the negative pressure generated in the second pressure chamber 1340 by the forward movement of the hydraulic piston 1320 allows the pressurized medium supplied to the first hydraulic circuit 1500 to be collected in the first pressure chamber 1330 in sequence through the sixth hydraulic flow path 1406, the eighth hydraulic flow path 1408, and the tenth hydraulic flow path 1410, and also allows the pressurized medium supplied to the second hydraulic circuit 1600 to be collected in the second pressure chamber 1340 in sequence through the seventh hydraulic flow path 1407, the eighth hydraulic flow path 1408, and the tenth hydraulic flow path 1410.

[0096] The first hydraulic circuit 1500 can adjust and control the hydraulic pressure applied to the first wheel cylinder 1 and the third wheel cylinder 3, and the second hydraulic circuit 1600 can adjust and control the hydraulic pressure applied to the second wheel cylinder 2 and the fourth wheel cylinder 4.

[0097] The first hydraulic circuit 1500 may include: a first inlet valve 1501a, which is arranged upstream of the first wheel cylinder 1 to control the flow and hydraulic pressure of the pressurized medium delivered to the first wheel cylinder 1; and a third inlet valve 1501b, which is arranged upstream of the third wheel cylinder 3 to control the flow and hydraulic pressure of the pressurized medium delivered to the third wheel cylinder 3. The first inlet valve 1501a and the third inlet valve 1501b may be normally open solenoid valves.

[0098] In addition, the first hydraulic circuit 1500 may include a first outlet valve 1701a and a third outlet valve 1502a, which control the flow of pressurized medium discharged from the first wheel cylinder 1 and the third wheel cylinder 3 to improve performance when the brakes of the first wheel cylinder 1 and the third wheel cylinder 3 are released.

[0099] The first outlet valve 1701a may be connected (or configured) to the first connection flow path 1610 (described below) and correspond to the outlet of the first wheel cylinder 1 to control the flow of pressurized medium between the first wheel cylinder 1 and the integrated master cylinder 1200. For example, the first outlet valve 1701a may be configured as a normally open solenoid valve.

[0100] The third outlet valve 1502a can be located at the outlet of the third cylinder 3 to control the flow of pressurized medium from the third cylinder 3 to the reservoir 300, more specifically, to the first reservoir chamber 3101 of the reservoir 300. For example, the third outlet valve 1502a can be configured as a normally closed solenoid valve.

[0101] The first hydraulic circuit 1500 may include a check valve 1513a connected in parallel with each of the first inlet valve 1501a and the third inlet valve 1501b. Additionally, the first hydraulic circuit 1500 may include a check valve 1513b connected in parallel with the first outlet valve 1701a.

[0102] The check valve 1513a of the first inlet valve 1501a can be provided in the bypass flow path connecting the front and rear of the first inlet valve 1501a, and can allow the pressurized medium to flow only from the first wheel cylinder 1 to the hydraulic supply device 1300 and prevent the pressurized medium from flowing from the hydraulic supply device 1300 to the first wheel cylinder 1.

[0103] The check valve 1513a of the third inlet valve 1501b can be installed in the bypass flow path connecting the front and rear of the third inlet valve 1501b, and can allow the pressurized medium to flow only from the third wheel cylinder 3 to the hydraulic supply device 1300 and prevent the pressurized medium from flowing from the hydraulic supply device 1300 to the third wheel cylinder 3.

[0104] The check valve 1513b of the first outlet valve 1701a can be installed in the bypass flow path connecting the front and rear of the first outlet valve 1701a.

[0105] The first inlet valve 1501a, the third inlet valve 1501b, the first outlet valve 1701a, and the third outlet valve 1502a of the first hydraulic circuit 1500 can be installed on the flow path 1503 of the first hydraulic circuit.

[0106] The first hydraulic circuit flow path 1503 can be connected to or extend from the first connecting flow path 1610. The first hydraulic circuit flow path 1503 can merge with the fourth hydraulic flow path 1404 of the hydraulic control unit 1400 upstream of the first inlet valve 1501a and the third inlet valve 1501b. The first hydraulic circuit flow path 1503 can be connected to the first connecting flow path 1610 downstream of the first outlet valve 1701a via the first outlet valve 1701a. The first hydraulic circuit flow path 1503 can branch downstream of the first inlet valve 1501a and upstream of the first outlet valve 1701a and connect to the first wheel cylinder 1. The first hydraulic circuit flow path 1503 can branch downstream of the third inlet valve 1501b and upstream of the third outlet valve 1502a and connect to the third wheel cylinder 3.

[0107] The second hydraulic circuit 1600 may include: a second inlet valve 1601a, disposed upstream of the second wheel cylinder 2 to control the flow and hydraulic pressure of the pressurized medium supplied to the second wheel cylinder 2; and a fourth inlet valve 1601b, disposed upstream of the fourth wheel cylinder 4 to control the flow and hydraulic pressure of the pressurized medium supplied to the fourth wheel cylinder 4. The second inlet valve 1601a and the fourth inlet valve 1601b may be normally open solenoid valves.

[0108] The second hydraulic circuit 1600 may include a second outlet valve 1602a and a fourth outlet valve 1602b, which control the flow of pressurized medium discharged from the second wheel cylinder 2 and the fourth wheel cylinder 4 to improve performance when the brakes of the second wheel cylinder 2 and the fourth wheel cylinder 4 are released.

[0109] The second outlet valve 1602a can be located at the outlet of the second cylinder 2 to control the flow of pressurized medium transmitted from the second cylinder 2 to the reservoir 300, and more specifically, to the third reservoir chamber 3103 of the reservoir 300. For example, the second outlet valve 1602a can be configured as a normally closed solenoid valve.

[0110] The fourth outlet valve 1602b may be located at the outlet of the fourth cylinder 4 to control the flow of pressurized medium transmitted from the fourth cylinder 4 to the reservoir 300, and more specifically, to the third reservoir chamber 3103 of the reservoir 300. For example, the fourth outlet valve 1602b may be a normally closed solenoid valve.

[0111] The second hydraulic circuit 1600 may include a check valve 1613a connected in parallel with each of the second inlet valve 1601a and the fourth inlet valve 1601b.

[0112] The check valve 1613a of the second inlet valve 1601a can be provided in the bypass flow path connecting the front and rear of the second inlet valve 1601a, and can allow the pressurized medium to flow only from the second wheel cylinder 2 to the hydraulic supply device 1300 and prevent the pressurized medium from flowing from the hydraulic supply device 1300 to the second wheel cylinder 2.

[0113] The check valve 1613a of the fourth inlet valve 1601b can be provided in the bypass flow path connecting the front and rear of the fourth inlet valve 1601b, and can allow the pressurized medium to flow only from the fourth wheel cylinder 4 to the hydraulic supply device 1300 and prevent the pressurized medium from flowing from the hydraulic supply device 1300 to the fourth wheel cylinder 4.

[0114] The second inlet valve 1601a, the fourth inlet valve 1601b, the second outlet valve 1602a, and the fourth outlet valve 1602b can be installed on the second hydraulic circuit flow path 1603.

[0115] The second hydraulic circuit flow path 1603 can branch from or connect to the second connecting flow path 1620. The second hydraulic circuit flow path 1603 can branch downstream of the second inlet valve 1601a and upstream of the second outlet valve 1602a and connect to the second wheel cylinder 2. The second hydraulic circuit flow path 1603 can merge with the fifth hydraulic flow path 1405 of the hydraulic control unit 1400 upstream of the second inlet valve 1601a and the fourth inlet valve 1601b. The second hydraulic circuit flow path 1603 can branch between the fourth inlet valve 1601b and the fourth outlet valve 1602b and connect to the fourth wheel cylinder 4.

[0116] The first connection flow path 1610 of the main braking module 100 can be configured to connect the first main chamber 1220a of the integrated master cylinder 1200 to the first hydraulic circuit 1500, and the second connection flow path 1620 can be configured to connect the second main chamber 1230a of the integrated master cylinder 1200 to the second hydraulic circuit 1600.

[0117] The first connection flow path 1610 may be configured to connect the outlet of the simulator valve 1711 (described below) provided on the first reservoir flow path 1710 to the first wheel cylinder 1. For example, the first connection flow path 1610 may be connected to the first wheel cylinder 1 via the first outlet valve 1701a and the auxiliary braking module 200, such that the outlet of the simulator valve 1711 provided on the first reservoir flow path 1710 is connected to the first wheel cylinder 1.

[0118] The second connection flow path 1620 can be configured to connect the fifth hydraulic port 1280e to the second wheel cylinder 2. For example, the second connection flow path 1620 can be connected to the second wheel cylinder 2 via the auxiliary braking module 200, so that the fifth hydraulic port 1280e is connected to the second wheel cylinder 2.

[0119] A shut-off valve 172a for controlling the bidirectional flow of the pressurized medium can be installed on the second connection flow path 1620. For example, the shut-off valve 172a can be a normally open solenoid valve.

[0120] The reservoir flow path 1700 can be configured to connect the integrated master cylinder 1200 to the reservoir 300.

[0121] The reservoir flow path 1700 may include: a first reservoir flow path 1710 that connects the first main chamber 1220a to the first reservoir chamber 3101 of the reservoir 300; and a second reservoir flow path 1720 that connects the second main chamber 1230a to the third reservoir chamber 3103 of the reservoir 300. Furthermore, the reservoir flow path 1700 may include a third reservoir flow path 1730 that connects the auxiliary braking module 200 to the fourth reservoir chamber 3104 of the reservoir 300.

[0122] One end of the first reservoir flow path 1710 can be connected to the first main chamber 1220a via the first hydraulic port 1280a of the integrated master cylinder 1200, and the other end can be connected to the first reservoir chamber 3101 of the reservoir 300. A simulator valve 1711 can be provided on the first reservoir flow path 1710, thereby controlling the flow of pressurized medium through the first reservoir flow path 1710 between the reservoir 300 and the first main chamber 1220a.

[0123] One end of the flow path 1720 of the second reservoir can be connected to the second main chamber 1230a through the fourth hydraulic port 1280d of the integrated master cylinder 1200, and the other end can be connected to the reservoir 300.

[0124] One end of the third reservoir flow path 1730 can be connected to auxiliary supply flow paths 2641 and 2642, which are connected to a pair of pumps 2620 of the auxiliary braking module 200 (described below).

[0125] The dumping control unit 1800 may include at least one flow path and at least one valve for controlling the flow of pressurized medium between the hydraulic supply device 1300 and the reservoir 300.

[0126] The dumping control unit 1800 may include: a first dumping control unit that controls the flow of pressurized medium between a first reservoir chamber 3101 and a second pressure chamber 1340 of the reservoir 300; and a second dumping control unit that controls the flow of pressurized medium between a second reservoir chamber 3102 and a first pressure chamber 1330 of the reservoir 300.

[0127] The first dumping control unit may include: a first dumping flow path 1810 that connects the second pressure chamber 1340 to the reservoir 300; and a first bypass flow path 1830 that branches off from the first dumping flow path 1810 and then rejoins the first dumping flow path 1810. The second dumping control unit may include: a second dumping flow path 1820 that connects the first pressure chamber 1330 to the reservoir 300; and a second bypass flow path 1840 that branches off from the second dumping flow path 1820 and then rejoins the second dumping flow path 1820.

[0128] A first dumping check valve 1811 and a first dumping valve 1831, controlling the flow of the pressurized medium, may be respectively disposed on the first dumping flow path 1810 and the first bypass flow path 1830. The first dumping check valve 1811 may be configured to allow the pressurized medium to flow only from the reservoir 300 to the first pressure chamber 1330 and to prevent the pressurized medium from flowing in the opposite direction. The first bypass flow path 1830 may be connected in parallel with the first dumping check valve 1811 on the first dumping flow path 1810, and the first bypass flow path 1830 may be provided with the first dumping valve 1831, which controls the flow of the pressurized medium between the first pressure chamber 1330 and the reservoir 300. That is, the first bypass flow path 1830 can be connected by bypassing the front and rear ends of the first dumping check valve 1811 on the first dumping flow path 1810, and the first dumping valve 1831 can be configured as a bidirectional solenoid valve that controls the flow of pressurized medium between the first pressure chamber 1330 and the reservoir 300. The first dumping valve 1831 can be configured as a normally open solenoid valve.

[0129] A second tilting check valve 1821 and a second tilting valve 1841, controlling the flow of the pressurized medium, may be respectively disposed on the second tilting flow path 1820 and the second bypass flow path 1840. The second tilting check valve 1821 may be configured to allow the pressurized medium to flow only from the reservoir 300 to the first pressure chamber 1330 and to prevent the pressurized medium from flowing in the opposite direction. The second bypass flow path 1840 may be connected in parallel with the second tilting check valve 1821 on the second tilting flow path 1820, and the second bypass flow path 1840 may be provided with the second tilting valve 1841, which controls the flow of the pressurized medium between the first pressure chamber 1330 and the reservoir 300. That is, the second bypass flow path 1840 can be connected by bypassing the front and rear ends of the second dumping check valve 1821 on the second dumping flow path 1820, and the second dumping valve 1841 can be configured as a bidirectional solenoid valve that controls the flow of the pressurized medium between the first pressure chamber 1330 and the reservoir 300. The second dumping valve 1841 can be configured as a normally closed solenoid valve.

[0130] The flow path 1900 is configured to connect the integrated master cylinder 1200 to the hydraulic supply unit 1300 and to check for leaks in the various components mounted on the integrated master cylinder 1200 and the simulator valve 1711.

[0131] The inspection flow path 1900 may have one end connected to the second pressure chamber 1340 and the other end branched into a first branch flow path 1910 and a second branch flow path 1920, the first branch flow path 1910 and the second branch flow path 1920 being connected to the first main chamber 1220a through a second hydraulic port 1280b and a third hydraulic port 1280c, respectively.

[0132] For example, a check valve 1911 may be provided on the first branch flow path 1910 to control the bidirectional flow of the pressurized medium between the first main chamber 1220a and the second pressure chamber 1340. A test check valve 1921 may be provided on the second branch flow path 1920 to allow the pressurized medium to flow only from the first main chamber 1220a to the second pressure chamber 1340 and to prevent the pressurized medium from flowing in the opposite direction.

[0133] One end of the inspection flow path 1900 can be connected to the second pressure chamber 1340 via the first dumping flow path 1810 shown in Figure 1, but it can also be directly connected to the second pressure chamber 1340, which is different from the case in Figure 1.

[0134] The main braking module 100 may further include: a circuit pressure sensor PS1 for detecting the hydraulic pressure of the pressurized medium supplied by the hydraulic supply device 1300; and a cylinder pressure sensor PS2 for detecting the hydraulic pressure of the second main chamber 1230a.

[0135] A loop pressure sensor PS1 may be installed on the first hydraulic circuit 1500 to detect the hydraulic pressure of the pressurized medium generated and supplied from the hydraulic supply device 1300 and transmitted to the first hydraulic circuit 1500 in inspection mode. For example, the loop pressure sensor PS1 may be installed on the fourth hydraulic flow path 1404.

[0136] A cylinder pressure sensor PS2 can be disposed on the second connection flow path 1620 between the shut-off valve 172a and the second main chamber 1230a to detect the hydraulic pressure of the pressurized medium contained in the second main chamber 1230a. For example, a signal corresponding to the pressure value information of the pressurized medium detected by the loop pressure sensor PS1 and the cylinder pressure sensor PS2 can be transmitted to the first control circuit 4100, and the first control circuit 4100 can compare the hydraulic pressure value detected by the loop pressure sensor PS1 with the hydraulic pressure value detected by the cylinder pressure sensor PS2, and determine whether a leak has occurred in the integrated master cylinder 1200 or the simulator valve 1711.

[0137] In addition, the main braking module 100 may also include a stroke sensor (not shown) for measuring the displacement of the hydraulic piston 1320 of the hydraulic supply device 1300, and the stroke sensor may be used to check for leakage in the integrated master cylinder 1200 based on information about the displacement of the hydraulic piston 1320.

[0138] The auxiliary braking module 200 can operate when it receives a braking request from an external controller while the main braking module 100 is inoperable, and generates and provides the hydraulic pressure required for braking the first wheel cylinder 1 and the second wheel cylinder 2.

[0139] The auxiliary braking module 200 may include: a pair of pumps 2620 that pressurize the pressurizing medium; a motor 2610 for driving the pair of pumps 2620; a first auxiliary flow path 2103 for transferring the pressurized medium pressurized by the pumps 2620 to a first wheel cylinder 1; a second auxiliary flow path 2203 for transferring the pressurized medium pressurized by the pumps 2620 to a second wheel cylinder 2; a first auxiliary supply flow path 2641 and a second auxiliary supply flow path 2642 configured to supply the pressurized medium to each of the pair of pumps 2620; a first auxiliary supply valve 2641a disposed on the first auxiliary supply flow path 2641 to control the supply of the pressurized medium to the pumps 2620; and a second auxiliary supply valve 2642a disposed on the second auxiliary supply flow path 2642 to control the supply of the pressurized medium. The mass is supplied to pump 2620; a first auxiliary connection flow path 2100 is hydraulically connected to the first connection flow path 1610; a second auxiliary connection flow path 2200 is hydraulically connected to the second connection flow path 1620; a first pressure control valve 2101 is disposed in the first auxiliary connection flow path 2100 to regulate the pressure of the first auxiliary connection flow path 2100 and the first auxiliary supply flow path 2641; a second pressure control valve 2201 is disposed in the second auxiliary connection flow path 2200 to control the pressure of the second auxiliary connection flow path 2200 and the second auxiliary supply flow path 2642; a first check valve 2101a is connected in parallel with the first pressure control valve 2101; and a second check valve 2201a is connected in parallel with the second pressure control valve 2201.

[0140] A pair of pumps 2620 pressurize the pressurizing medium according to the reciprocating motion of a piston (not shown) disposed in the motor 2610. The pumps 2620 receive the pressurizing medium from a first auxiliary supply flow path 2641 of a third reservoir flow path 1730 hydraulically connected to the reservoir 300, and pressurize the pressurizing medium to the hydraulic level required for braking by operating the motor 2610.

[0141] A pressurized medium having hydraulic pressure generated by one of a pair of pumps 2620 can be delivered to the first wheel cylinder 1 via a first auxiliary flow path 2103 configured as the outlet flow path of pump 2620. For this purpose, the first auxiliary flow path 2103 may have an inlet end connected to the outlet of pump 2620 and an outlet end connected to the first wheel cylinder 1.

[0142] The pressurized medium having hydraulic pressure generated by another pump 2620 of a pair of pumps 2620 can be delivered to the second wheel cylinder 2 through a second auxiliary flow path 2203 configured as the outlet flow path of pump 2620. For this purpose, the second auxiliary flow path 2203 may have an inlet end connected to the outlet of pump 2620 and an outlet end connected to the second wheel cylinder 2.

[0143] The first auxiliary supply flow path 2641 may have one end connected to the inlet of the pump 2620 and connected to the first auxiliary flow path 2103. In addition, the other end of the first auxiliary supply flow path 2641 may be connected to the third reservoir flow path 1730.

[0144] The first auxiliary supply flow path 2641 is equipped with a first auxiliary supply valve 2641a, which controls the flow of the pressurized medium supplied to the pump 2620. The first auxiliary supply valve 2641a can be configured as a normally closed solenoid valve.

[0145] The second auxiliary supply flow path 2642 may have one end connected to the inlet of the pump 2620 and connected to the second auxiliary flow path 2203. Furthermore, the other end of the second auxiliary supply flow path 2642 may be connected to the third reservoir flow path 1730. The other end of the second auxiliary supply flow path 2642 may branch from or be connected to the first auxiliary supply flow path 2641.

[0146] The second auxiliary supply flow path 2642 is equipped with a second auxiliary supply valve 2642a, which controls the flow of the pressurized medium supplied to the pump 2620. The second auxiliary supply valve 2642a can be configured as a normally closed solenoid valve.

[0147] The first auxiliary connection flow path 2100 may extend to the first connection flow path 1610 and may be referred to as a part of the first connection flow path 1610, i.e., the first connection flow path 1610. In addition, the second auxiliary connection flow path 2200 may extend to the second connection flow path 1620 and may be referred to as a part of the second connection flow path 1620, i.e., the second connection flow path 1620.

[0148] The first pressure control valve 2101 can be installed on the first auxiliary connection flow path 2100, and the second pressure control valve 2201 can be installed on the second auxiliary connection flow path 2200.

[0149] The first pressure control valve 2101 can adjust the blocking pressure according to the electrical signal (or current) from the second control circuit 4500 to regulate the pressure of the first auxiliary connection flow path 2100 and the first auxiliary supply flow path 2641.

[0150] The second pressure control valve 2201 can adjust the blocking pressure according to the electrical signal (or current) from the second control circuit 4500 to regulate the pressure of the second auxiliary connection flow path 2200 and the second auxiliary supply flow path 2642.

[0151] The first pressure control valve 2101 and the second pressure control valve 2201 can be normally open solenoid valves.

[0152] The first check valve 2101a connected in parallel with the first pressure control valve 2101 and the second check valve 2201a connected in parallel with the second pressure control valve 2201 allow the pressurized medium to flow in one direction to prevent backflow in the opposite direction, and can be controlled according to an electrical signal from the second control circuit 4500.

[0153] The reservoir 300 can contain and store pressurized medium. The reservoir 300 can be hydraulically connected to at least one component of the main braking module 100 and at least one component of the auxiliary braking module 200.

[0154] The reservoir 300 can be configured by being divided into multiple chambers by a partition 3105.

[0155] The reservoir 300 may include a plurality of reservoir chambers 1101, 1102, 1103, and 1104, and the plurality of reservoir chambers 1101, 1102, 1103, and 1104 may be arranged in parallel in a row. For example, the first reservoir chamber 3101, the second reservoir chamber 3102, the third reservoir chamber 3103, and the fourth reservoir chamber 3104 may be arranged in parallel in a row from one side to the other of the reservoir 300.

[0156] The first reservoir chamber 3101 can communicate with the first reservoir flow path 1710 and be connected to the integrated master cylinder 1200, and can supply pressurized medium to or receive pressurized medium from the first master chamber 1220a of the integrated master cylinder 1200. In addition, the first reservoir chamber 3101 can be hydraulically connected to the dumping control unit 1800 and the hydraulic circuit 1510.

[0157] The second storage chamber 3102 can be hydraulically connected to the dumping control unit 1800.

[0158] The third reservoir chamber 3103 can communicate with the second reservoir flow path 1720 and be connected to the integrated master cylinder 1200. For example, the third reservoir chamber 3103 can supply pressurized medium to the second main chamber 1230a of the integrated master cylinder 1200 or receive pressurized medium from the second main chamber 1230a through a fourth hydraulic port 1280d of the integrated master cylinder 1200 connected to the second reservoir flow path 1720 and the second reservoir flow path 1720. Furthermore, the third reservoir chamber 3103 can be hydraulically connected to the second hydraulic circuit 1600.

[0159] The fourth reservoir chamber 3104 can communicate with the third reservoir flow path 1730 and be connected to the auxiliary braking module 200. For example, the fourth reservoir chamber 3104 can be connected to the upstream side of the auxiliary supply valves 2641a and 2642a of the auxiliary braking module 200 via the third reservoir flow path 1730.

[0160] Each partition 3105 can be disposed between adjacent reservoir chambers. At least a portion of the upper end of each partition 3105 can be opened, thereby allowing adjacent reservoir chambers 1101, 1102, 1103, and 1104 to communicate with each other to allow the movement of pressurized medium. For example, when a large amount of pressurized medium flows into the first reservoir chamber 3101, the pressurized medium can pass through the upper end of the partition 3105 and can be transferred to the second reservoir chamber 3102, the third reservoir chamber 3103, and / or the fourth reservoir chamber 3104.

[0161] Thus, by dividing the reservoir 300 into four reservoir chambers (including 1101, 1102, 1103, and 1104), stable operation of the electric braking system 1000 can be achieved. For example, when the reservoir 300 forms a single chamber and the capacity of the pressurized medium is insufficient, the pressurized medium cannot be stably supplied to the hydraulic supply device 1300, nor can it be stably supplied to the integrated master cylinder 1200 and the tilt control unit 1800. Therefore, by separately configuring the reservoirs 300, even if the pressurized medium cannot be supplied to one component, braking of the vehicle can be achieved by supplying the pressurized medium to another component.

[0162] The main braking module 100 can be electrically connected to and controlled by the first control circuit 4100.

[0163] The auxiliary braking module 200 can be electrically connected to and controlled by the second control circuit 4500.

[0164] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit of an electric braking system according to one embodiment.

[0165] Figure 3 is a diagram showing the supply path of the pressurized medium controlled by the auxiliary braking module of an electric braking system according to one embodiment.

[0166] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the supply path of the pressurized medium controlled by the auxiliary braking module of an electric braking system according to one embodiment.

[0167] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the discharge path and pressure release path of the pressurized medium controlled by the auxiliary braking module of an electric braking system according to one embodiment.

[0168] Referring to FIG2, the electric braking system 1000 may include a main braking module 100, an auxiliary braking module 200 and / or a control circuit 400.

[0169] The main braking module 100 may be the main braking module 100 of FIG1 and may include: a motor 1360 for generating rotational force by means of a control signal of a first control circuit 4100 that receives an electrical signal from a first pedal displacement sensor 11 of the brake pedal 10; and a main valve block V1 that includes the valve included in the main braking module 100 of FIG1.

[0170] The main valve block V1 may include a simulator valve 1711, a shut-off valve 172a, a check valve 1911, a test check valve 1921, a first inlet valve 1501a, a first outlet valve 1701a, a second inlet valve 1601a, a second outlet valve 1602a, a third inlet valve 1501b, a third outlet valve 1502a, a fourth inlet valve 1601b, a fourth outlet valve 1602b, and / or check valves 1513a, 1513b, and 1613a.

[0171] The auxiliary braking module 200 may be the auxiliary braking module 200 of FIG1 and may include: a motor 2610 for generating rotational force by receiving a control signal from a second control circuit 4500 that receives an electrical signal from a second pedal displacement sensor 11'; and an auxiliary valve block V2 that includes the valve included in the auxiliary braking module 200 of FIG1.

[0172] The auxiliary valve block V2 may include a first pressure control valve 2101, a second pressure control valve 2201, a first auxiliary supply valve 2641a, a second auxiliary supply valve 2642a, a first check valve 2101a and / or a second check valve 2201a.

[0173] The control circuit 400 may include a first control circuit 4100 and a second control circuit 4500.

[0174] The first control circuit 4100 may include multiple semiconductor devices and may be named in various ways, such as an electronic control unit (ECU). For example, the first control circuit 4100 may include one or more processors 4110, one or more memories 4120 and / or communication circuits 4130.

[0175] The first control circuit 4100 can be electrically or communicatively connected to the second control circuit 4500 via the communication circuit 4130.

[0176] The first control circuit 4100 can receive a signal corresponding to the user's braking intention from the first pedal displacement sensor 11, and in response thereto, the first control circuit 4100 can provide each of the hydraulic supply device 1300 and the hydraulic control unit 1400 with an electrical signal for supplying hydraulic pressure to or releasing hydraulic pressure from the wheel cylinders 1, 2, 3 and 4.

[0177] The first control circuit 4100 can receive signals corresponding to the rotational speed of each wheel from the first wheel speed sensor 221 disposed on the first wheel w1, the second wheel speed sensor 222 disposed on the second wheel w2, the third wheel speed sensor 223 disposed on the third wheel w3, and the fourth wheel speed sensor 224 disposed on the fourth wheel w4. Furthermore, in response to receiving a signal corresponding to the rotational speed of each wheel from each of the wheel speed sensors 221, 222, 223, and 224, the first control circuit 4100 can provide electrical signals to the hydraulic supply device 1300 and the hydraulic control unit 1400 for supplying hydraulic pressure to or releasing hydraulic pressure from each of the wheel cylinders 1, 2, 3, and 4, thereby implementing an anti-lock braking system (ABS).

[0178] For example, the first control circuit 4100 may receive a signal corresponding to the user's braking intention from the first pedal displacement sensor 11, and in response thereto, the first control circuit 4100 may control at least one valve and / or motor 1360 of the main valve block V1.

[0179] The first control circuit 4100 can switch the electric braking system 1000 from normal mode to reversing mode when the hydraulic supply device 1300 is inoperable, and can transmit a signal indicating the switch to reversing mode to the second control circuit 4500. The reversing mode is a mode in which the electric braking system 1000 maintains minimum braking function due to abnormal operation of the main braking module 100.

[0180] The second control circuit 4500 may include multiple semiconductor devices and may be named in various ways, such as ECU. For example, the second control circuit 4500 may include one or more processors 4510, one or more memories 4520 and / or communication circuits 4530.

[0181] The second control circuit 4500 can be electrically or communicatively connected to the first control circuit 4100 via the communication circuit 4530.

[0182] The second control circuit 4500 can identify whether the first control circuit 4100 is in a normal or abnormal state, i.e., in an inoperable state, based, for example, by receiving signals from the first control circuit 4100 via communication with the first control circuit 4530. Furthermore, the second control circuit 4500 can identify whether a component of the main braking module 100 is in a normal or inoperable state based, for example, by receiving signals from the first control circuit 4100 via communication with the first control circuit 4100.

[0183] The second control circuit 4500 can receive a signal indicating a switch to the reversal mode of the electric braking system 1000 via the communication circuit 4530.

[0184] In the retraction mode, the first pressure control valve 2101 and the second pressure control valve 2201, which are normally open solenoid valves, remain open, while the first auxiliary supply valve 2641a and the second auxiliary supply valve 2642a, which are normally closed solenoid valves, remain closed.

[0185] In this state, when the brake pedal 10 is pressed, the pressurizing medium can be supplied to the first wheel cylinder 1 and the third wheel cylinder 3 through the first connecting flow path 1610, and the pressurizing medium can be supplied from the integrated master cylinder 1200 to the second wheel cylinder 2 and the fourth wheel cylinder 4 through the second connecting flow path 1620.

[0186] Referring to Figure 3, when the first pressure control valve 2101 and the second pressure control valve 2201 remain open in the retraction mode and the first auxiliary supply valve 2641a and the second auxiliary supply valve 2642a remain closed, the second main chamber 1230a of the integrated master cylinder 1200 can be connected to the second wheel cylinder 2 through the second connecting flow path 1620 and the second auxiliary connecting flow path 2200. The second connecting flow path 1620 is connected to the fifth hydraulic port 1280e in the open state of the integrated master cylinder 1200, and the second auxiliary connecting flow path 2200 is connected to the second connecting flow path 1620 and is equipped with the second pressure control valve 2201 in the open state.

[0187] Furthermore, the second main chamber 1230a and the fourth wheel cylinder 4 can be connected to each other via the second connecting flow path 1620, the second hydraulic circuit flow path 1603 equipped with the second inlet valve 1601a in an open state and the fourth inlet valve 1601b in an open state, and a flow path extending from the second hydraulic circuit flow path 1603 to the fourth wheel cylinder 4. In this case, each of the second outlet valve 1602a and the fourth outlet valve 1602b is in a closed state, and the shut-off valve 172a is in an open state. Here, the second hydraulic circuit flow path 1603 branches from the second connecting flow path 1620 and connects to the fourth wheel cylinder 4, and can be referred to as the second connecting flow path 1620.

[0188] In addition, the second hydraulic circuit flow path 1603 can be connected to the bottom of the fourth valve 1434 provided on the fifth hydraulic flow path 1405, the seventh hydraulic flow path 1407, one side of the fifth valve 1435 provided in the sixth hydraulic flow path 1406, the eighth hydraulic flow path 1408, and the ninth hydraulic flow path 1409 and the tenth hydraulic flow path 1410 connecting the seventh valve 1437 and the eighth valve 1438.

[0189] Furthermore, the first main chamber 1220a and the first wheel cylinder 1 can be communicated with each other via the first hydraulic port 1280a in the open state of the integrated main cylinder 1200, the first outlet valve 1701a in the open state connected to the first connecting flow path 1610 and provided in the first hydraulic circuit flow path 1503, and the first auxiliary connecting flow path 2100 provided with the first pressure control valve 2101 in the open state. Additionally, the first main chamber 1220a and the third wheel cylinder 3 can be communicated with each other via the first hydraulic port 1280a in the open state of the integrated main cylinder 1200, the first connecting flow path 1610, the first outlet valve 1701a in the open state connected to the first connecting flow path 1610, the first inlet valve 1501a in the open state, the first hydraulic circuit flow path 1503 provided with the third inlet valve 1501b in the open state, and the flow path extending from the first hydraulic circuit flow path 1503 to the third wheel cylinder 3. In this case, the third outlet valve 1502a is in the closed state.

[0190] Therefore, in the reversing mode, when the brake pedal 10 is pressurized in the hydraulic circuit state shown in Figure 3, the pressurizing medium can be supplied to the first wheel cylinder 1 and the third wheel cylinder 3 through the first connecting flow path 1610, and the pressurizing medium can be supplied from the integrated master cylinder 1200 to the second wheel cylinder 2 and the fourth wheel cylinder 4 through the second connecting flow path 1620.

[0191] The second control circuit 4500 can control at least one valve and / or motor 2610 of the auxiliary valve block V2 when it receives a braking request (or deceleration demand signal) from an external controller while the hydraulic supply device 1300 is inoperable.

[0192] When the hydraulic supply device 1300 is inoperable, the second control circuit 4500 can close the first pressure control valve 2101 and the second pressure control valve 2201, control the first auxiliary supply valve 2641a and the second auxiliary supply valve 2642a to open, and drive the motor 2610.

[0193] For example, when the hydraulic supply unit 1300 is inoperable, the first control circuit 4100 may transmit a braking request to the second control circuit 4500 based on signals acquired by at least one sensor of the vehicle (e.g., wheel speed sensor, camera, etc.). Alternatively, when the hydraulic supply unit 1300 is inoperable, a vehicle control circuit (not shown) that is communicatively or electrically connected to the first control circuit 4100 and the second control circuit 4500 may transmit a braking request to the second control circuit 4500.

[0194] The second control circuit 4500 can receive a braking request from the first control circuit 4100 or the vehicle control circuit, and in response to the braking request, close the first pressure control valve 2101 and the second pressure control valve 2201, and control the first auxiliary supply valve 2641a and the second auxiliary supply valve 2642a to open, as shown in FIG4. Furthermore, the second control circuit 4500 can drive the motor 2610.

[0195] Referring to Figure 4, the pump 2620 can communicate with the reservoir 300 through the third reservoir flow path 1730, the first auxiliary supply flow path 2641 connected to the third reservoir flow path 1730 and provided with the first auxiliary supply valve 2641a in the open state, and the second auxiliary supply flow path 2642 connected to the first auxiliary supply flow path 2641 and provided with the second auxiliary supply valve 2642a in the open state.

[0196] Furthermore, pump 2620 can communicate with the downstream side of the first pressure control valve 2101 in the closed state on the first auxiliary flow path 2103, the first auxiliary connecting flow path 2100, and the first wheel cylinder 1. Additionally, pump 2620 can communicate with the downstream side of the second pressure control valve 2201 in the closed state on the second auxiliary flow path 2203, the second auxiliary connecting flow path 2200, and the second wheel cylinder 2.

[0197] Therefore, in the hydraulic circuit state shown in Figure 4, when the motor 2610 is driven by the second control circuit 4500, the pressurized medium can be supplied from the reservoir 300 to the first wheel cylinder 1 and the second wheel cylinder 2 through the third reservoir flow path 1730, supplied to the pump 2620 via the first auxiliary supply flow path 2641 and the second auxiliary supply flow path 2642, supplied from the pump 2620 to the first auxiliary flow path 2103 and the first auxiliary connection flow path 2100, and supplied to the second auxiliary flow path 2203 and the second auxiliary connection flow path 2200.

[0198] The second control circuit 4500 can control the drive current supplied to the first pressure control valve 2101 and the second pressure control valve 2201 based on the pressure corresponding to the braking request of the external controller.

[0199] The drive current information for each pressure information mapped to multiple pressure information can be stored in memory 4520.

[0200] The second control circuit 4500 can identify the pressure information corresponding to the braking request of the external controller from the drive current information of each pressure information in the multiple pressure information stored in the memory 4520, and identify the drive current information mapped to the identified pressure information.

[0201] The second control circuit 4500 can supply current corresponding to the identified drive current information to the first pressure control valve 2101 and the second pressure control valve 2201. The first pressure control valve 2101 and the second pressure control valve 2201 can control the pressure of the first auxiliary connection flow path 2100, the first auxiliary flow path 2103, the second connection flow path 1620, and the second auxiliary flow path 2203 by controlling the blocking pressure according to the supplied drive current. Therefore, the pressure of the first wheel cylinder 1 and the second wheel cylinder 2 can be controlled.

[0202] In order to release the pressure on the first cylinder 1 and the second cylinder 2 when the hydraulic supply device 1300 is not operable, the second control circuit 4500 can open the first pressure control valve 2101 and the second pressure control valve 2201 and close the first auxiliary supply valve 2641a and the second auxiliary supply valve 2642a.

[0203] For example, in order to release the pressure in the first and second cylinders 1 and 2 after the pressurized medium is supplied by the motor 2610, the second control circuit 4500 can open the first pressure control valve 2101 and the second pressure control valve 2201 and close the first auxiliary supply valve 2641a and the second auxiliary supply valve 2642a. When controlling the release of the pressure in the first and second cylinders 1 and 2, the second control circuit 4500 can release the drive of the motor 2610.

[0204] Referring to Figure 5, according to the opening of the first pressure control valve 2101 and the closing of the first auxiliary supply valve 2641a, the first wheel cylinder 1 can be connected to the integrated main cylinder 1200 through the first connecting flow path 1610 to release the pressure of the first wheel cylinder 1, that is, to release the pressure. Furthermore, according to the opening of the second pressure control valve 2201 and the closing of the second auxiliary supply valve 2642a, the second wheel cylinder 2 can be connected to the integrated main cylinder 1200 through the second connecting flow path 1620 to release the pressure of the second wheel cylinder 2, that is, to release the pressure.

[0205] Based on the opening of the first pressure control valve 2101 and the closing of the first auxiliary supply valve 2641a, the first auxiliary flow path 2103, the first auxiliary connection flow path 2100 connected to the first wheel cylinder 1, and the first hydraulic circuit flow path 1503, which is equipped with the first inlet valve 1501a and the third inlet valve 1501b in the open state and the first outlet valve 1701a in the open state, can be interconnected. Furthermore, the flow paths used to connect the first hydraulic circuit flow path 1503 to the third wheel cylinder 3 can be interconnected. Additionally, the first auxiliary connection flow path 2100 can be connected to the first reservoir chamber 3101 of the reservoir 300 via the first connection flow path through the integrated master cylinder 1200 and the first bypass flow path 1830.

[0206] Therefore, the pressure of the first cylinder 1 and the third cylinder 3 can be discharged through the first connecting flow path 1610.

[0207] Furthermore, based on the opening of the second pressure control valve 2201 and the closing of the second auxiliary supply valve 2642a, the second auxiliary flow path 2203, the second auxiliary connection flow path 2200 connected to the second wheel cylinder 2, the second connection flow path 1620, and the second reservoir flow path 1720 can be interconnected. Additionally, the second connection flow path 1620, the second hydraulic circuit flow path 1603 (equipped with the second inlet valve 1601a and the fourth inlet valve 1601b in the open state and the second outlet valve 1602a and the fourth outlet valve 1602b in the closed state), the second hydraulic circuit flow path 1603, and the flow path for connecting the second hydraulic circuit flow path 1603 to the fourth wheel cylinder 4 can be interconnected.

[0208] Therefore, the pressure of the second cylinder 2 and the fourth cylinder 4 can be discharged through the second connecting flow path 1620.

[0209] In addition, the first hydraulic circuit flow path 1503 and the second hydraulic circuit flow path 1603 can be connected to the bottom of the fourth valve 1434 provided on the fifth hydraulic flow path 1405, the bottom of the third valve 1433 provided on the fourth hydraulic flow path 1404, the seventh hydraulic flow path 1407, the eighth hydraulic flow path 1408, and the ninth hydraulic flow path 1409 and the tenth hydraulic flow path 1410 that connect the seventh valve 1437 to the eighth valve 1438.

[0210] Meanwhile, when an external leak occurs in the flow path and / or when the leak cannot be identified, the second control circuit 4500 controls the auxiliary braking module 200 to release the pressure of the first wheel cylinder 1 and the second wheel cylinder 2. That is, when the second control circuit 4500 opens the first pressure control valve 2101 and the second pressure control valve 2201 and closes the first auxiliary supply valve 2641a and the second auxiliary supply valve 2642a, the fourth storage chamber 3104 of the storage 300 may be emptied.

[0211] Therefore, the second control circuit 4500 can monitor the brake fluid level (BFL) of the reservoir 300 (e.g., the fourth reservoir chamber 3104), and when the BFL of the fourth reservoir chamber 3104 is less than a predetermined reference level, the second control circuit 4500 can switch the electric braking system 1000 to a rollback mode. For example, when the BFL of the fourth reservoir chamber 3104 is less than a predetermined reference level while the auxiliary braking module 200 releases the pressure of the first wheel cylinder 1 and the second wheel cylinder 2, the second control circuit 4500 can switch the electric braking system 1000 to a rollback mode.

[0212] When the hydraulic supply device 1300 is inoperable, the second control circuit 4500 can control the first wheel cylinder 1 and the second wheel cylinder 2 independently.

[0213] For example, in a cross-control mode where a first wheel w1 with a first wheel cylinder 1 and a second wheel w2 with a second wheel cylinder 2 are provided, the second control circuit 4500 can sequentially repeat a first control of opening the first pressure control valve 2101, closing the first auxiliary supply valve 2641a, closing the second pressure control valve 2201, and opening the second auxiliary supply valve 2642a, and a second control of closing the first pressure control valve 2101, opening the first auxiliary supply valve 2641a, opening the second pressure control valve 2201, and closing the second auxiliary supply valve 2642a. Furthermore, the second control circuit 4500 can control the motor 2601 to drive during the repetition of the first and second controls.

[0214] For example, when the hydraulic supply device 1300 is inoperable, the second control circuit 4500 can provide an electrical signal to the auxiliary braking module 200 in ABS mode to supply hydraulic pressure to each of wheel cylinders 1 and 2 or to release hydraulic pressure from each of wheel cylinders 1 and 2.

[0215] The second control circuit 4500 can sequentially repeat a third control of opening the first pressure control valve 2101 and closing the first auxiliary supply valve 2641a, and a fourth control of closing the first pressure control valve 2101 and opening the first auxiliary supply valve 2641a to achieve ABS. Furthermore, the second control circuit 4500 can control the motor 2601 to drive during the repeated third and fourth controls.

[0216] Furthermore, the second control circuit 4500 can sequentially repeat a fifth control of opening the second pressure control valve 2201 and closing the second auxiliary supply valve 2642a, and a sixth control of closing the second pressure control valve 2201 and opening the second auxiliary supply valve 2642a to achieve ABS. Additionally, the second control circuit 4500 can control the motor 2601 to drive during the repetition of the fifth and sixth controls.

[0217] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the operation of an electric braking system 1000 (and / or a second control circuit 4500) according to one embodiment.

[0218] Referring to Figure 6, the electric braking system 1000 can identify the inoperability (601) of the hydraulic supply device 1300.

[0219] The electric braking system 1000 can switch from a normal mode to a reversing mode in response to the detection of inoperability of the hydraulic supply device 1300. In this case, both the first pressure control valve 2101 and the second pressure control valve 2201 can be in the open state, and both the first auxiliary supply valve 2641a and the second auxiliary supply valve 2642a can be in the closed state.

[0220] The electric braking system 1000 can receive a braking request (603) from an external controller during periods when the hydraulic supply device 1300 is inoperable.

[0221] When a braking request is received from an external controller while the hydraulic supply device 1300 is inoperable, the electric braking system 1000 can control the motor 2601 to close the first pressure control valve 2101 and the second pressure control valve 2201, open the first auxiliary supply valve 2641a and the second auxiliary supply valve 2642a, and operate the pump 2620 (605).

[0222] In addition to the above-described embodiment shown in Figure 6, when the pump 2620 is being operated in the closed state of the first pressure control valve 2101 and the second pressure control valve 2201 and the open state of the first auxiliary supply valve 2641a and the second auxiliary supply valve 2642a, and the electric braking system 1000 receives a braking request through the brake pedal 10, the electric braking system 1000 can open the first pressure control valve 2101 and the second pressure control valve 2201, close the first auxiliary supply valve 2641a and the second auxiliary supply valve 2642a, and control the motor 2601 to stop the operation of the pump 2620.

[0223] Furthermore, in addition to the embodiment described above in FIG6, the electric braking system 1000 can control the drive current supplied to the first pressure control valve 2101 and the second pressure control valve 2201 based on the pressure corresponding to the braking request from an external controller. The first pressure control valve 2101 and the second pressure control valve 2201 can control the pressures of the first auxiliary connection flow path 2100, the first auxiliary flow path 2103, the second connection flow path 1620, and the second auxiliary flow path 2203 by controlling the blocking pressure corresponding to the supplied drive current. Therefore, the pressures of the first wheel cylinder 1 and the second wheel cylinder 2 can be controlled.

[0224] As can be clearly seen from the above description, the electric braking system 1000 and its control method according to the above embodiments can stably and effectively achieve braking under various operating conditions of the vehicle.

[0225] Furthermore, the electric braking system 1000 and its control method can improve braking performance and operational reliability.

[0226] Furthermore, the electric braking system 1000 and its control method can be implemented with a simple structure and operation to perform various braking operation modes.

[0227] Furthermore, the electric braking system 1000 and its control method can improve the assemblability and productivity of the product and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0228] Furthermore, the disclosed embodiments can be implemented in the form of a recording medium storing computer-executable instructions. The instructions can be stored as program code, and when executed by a processor, the instructions can generate program modules to perform the operations of the disclosed embodiments. The recording medium can be implemented as a computer-readable recording medium.

[0229] Computer-readable recording media can include various recording media that store instructions that can be interpreted by a computer. For example, computer-readable recording media can be read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, flash memory, optical data storage devices, etc.

[0230] Machine-readable storage media may be provided in the form of non-transient storage media, where the term "non-transient" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include signals (such as electromagnetic waves), but the term does not distinguish between cases where data is semi-permanently stored in the storage medium and cases where data is temporarily stored in the storage medium.

[0231] The disclosed embodiments have been described so far with reference to the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will understand that this disclosure may be embodied in forms different from the disclosed embodiments without altering the technical spirit and essential features of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that the above-disclosed embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes.

Claims

1. An electric braking system, the electric braking system comprising: An integrated master cylinder is configured to discharge pressurized medium based on brake pedal operation; A hydraulic supply device configured to generate hydraulic pressure for the pressurized medium based on an electrical signal from a pedal displacement sensor of the brake pedal; The system includes an auxiliary brake configured to supply hydraulic pressure of the pressurizing medium to a first wheel cylinder and a second wheel cylinder, wherein the auxiliary brake comprises: a pump configured to pressurize the pressurizing medium; a motor configured to operate the pump; a first auxiliary flow path configured to deliver the pressurized medium pressurized by the pump to the first wheel cylinder; a first auxiliary supply flow path configured to supply the pressurized medium to the pump; a first auxiliary supply valve disposed on the first auxiliary supply flow path to control the supply of the pressurized medium to the pump; and a first pressure control valve configured to control the pressure of the pressurized medium in the first auxiliary flow path.

2. The electric braking system according to claim 1, wherein, The auxiliary brake further includes: a second auxiliary flow path configured to deliver the pressurized medium pressurized by the pump to the second wheel cylinder; a second auxiliary supply flow path configured to supply the pressurized medium to the pump; a second auxiliary supply valve disposed on the second auxiliary supply flow path to control the supply of the pressurized medium to the pump; and a second pressure control valve configured to control the pressure of the pressurized medium in the second auxiliary flow path.

3. The electric braking system according to claim 2, further comprising a control circuit configured to, in response to receiving a braking request from an external controller, close the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve, open the first auxiliary supply valve and the second auxiliary supply valve, and control the motor to operate the pump when the hydraulic supply device is inoperable.

4. The electric braking system according to claim 3, wherein, The control circuit is configured to, in response to receiving a braking request from the brake pedal, open the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve, close the first auxiliary supply valve and the second auxiliary supply valve, and control the motor to stop the operation of the pump when the hydraulic supply device is inoperable.

5. The electric braking system according to claim 3, wherein, The control circuit is configured to control the drive current supplied to the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve based on the pressure corresponding to the braking request from the external controller.

6. The electric braking system according to claim 3, wherein, When the hydraulic supply device is inoperable, in the retraction mode, the first pressure control valve and the second pressure control valve are in the open state, and the first auxiliary supply valve and the second auxiliary supply valve are in the closed state.

7. The electric braking system according to claim 3, wherein, When the hydraulic supply device is inoperable, in the cross-control mode of the first wheel equipped with the first wheel cylinder and the second wheel equipped with the second wheel cylinder, the control circuit is configured to: repeatedly open the first pressure control valve, close the first auxiliary supply valve, close the second pressure control valve and open the second auxiliary supply valve; and close the first pressure control valve, open the first auxiliary supply valve, open the second pressure control valve and close the second auxiliary supply valve; and control the motor to operate the pump during the repetition of the first control and the second control.

8. The electric braking system according to claim 1, wherein, The integrated master cylinder includes: a first master piston, which is displaceable by operation of the brake pedal; a first master chamber, the volume of which changes according to the displacement of the first master piston; a second master piston, which is displaceable by the displacement of the first master piston or by hydraulic pressure on the first master chamber; and a second master chamber, the volume of which changes according to the displacement of the second master piston. The electric braking system further includes: a reservoir; a first reservoir flow path connecting the first master chamber to the reservoir; a second reservoir flow path connecting the second master chamber to the reservoir; a third reservoir flow path connecting the third reservoir flow path to the first auxiliary supply flow path and the second auxiliary supply flow path to allow the pump to communicate with the reservoir; a first connecting flow path provided with a first pressure control valve to connect the first wheel cylinder to the master cylinder; and a second connecting flow path provided with a second pressure control valve to connect the second wheel cylinder to the master cylinder.

9. An electric braking system, the electric braking system comprising: A main brake, which is connected to the brake pedal and is mechanically and electrically operated to supply hydraulic pressure to a pressurized medium; An auxiliary brake, comprising: a pump configured to pressurize the pressurizing medium; a motor configured to operate the pump; a first auxiliary flow path and a second auxiliary flow path respectively conveying the pressurized medium pressurized by the pump to a first wheel cylinder and a second wheel cylinder; a first auxiliary supply flow path and a second auxiliary supply flow path configured to supply the pressurized medium to the pump; and a first auxiliary supply valve disposed on the first auxiliary supply flow path to control the supply of the pressurized medium to the pump. The pump; a second auxiliary supply valve disposed in the second auxiliary supply flow path to control the supply of the pressurizing medium to the pump; a first pressure control valve and a second pressure control valve configured to control the pressure of the pressurizing medium in the first auxiliary flow path and the second auxiliary flow path; and a control circuit configured to control at least one of the first pressure control valve, the second pressure control valve, the first auxiliary supply valve, the second auxiliary supply valve, or the motor of the auxiliary brake when the main brake is inoperable.

10. A method for controlling an electric braking system, the method comprising the following steps: When the main brake of the electric braking system is inoperable, in response to receiving a braking request, the pressure control valve of the auxiliary brake is closed and the auxiliary supply valve of the auxiliary brake is opened, the auxiliary brake supplying hydraulic pressure of the pressurized medium to the wheel cylinders; and the motor of the operating pump is controlled based on the closure of the pressure control valve and the opening of the auxiliary supply valve, the pump generating the hydraulic pressure of the pressurized medium, wherein the auxiliary supply valve controls the supply of the pressurized medium to the pump, and the pressure control valve controls the pressure of the pressurized medium transmitted from the pump to the corresponding wheel cylinders.

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