An auxiliary braking system

Abstract

This application discloses an auxiliary braking system, including a monitoring device installed on the brake pads. The monitoring device includes a brake pad temperature sensor, a brake pad wear sensor, and a wheel speed sensor. The brake pad wear sensor is connected to the vehicle's instrument panel. The braking system includes a controller configured to acquire signals from the brake pad temperature sensor and the wheel speed sensor. By integrating the temperature, wear, and wheel speed sensors into the brake pads and configuring a dedicated controller, real-time and accurate monitoring of the braking system status can be achieved. Based on these monitoring signals, the controller makes a comprehensive judgment and can issue early warnings or actively intervene in control before braking performance declines due to overheating or excessive wear. This prevents potential accidents caused by brake failure and reduces safety risks caused by blind use or unauthorized installation of illegal devices. Overall, it enhances the initiative, intelligence, and reliability of braking protection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of vehicle braking technology, specifically relating to an auxiliary braking system. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, with the increasing popularity of automobiles and the growing complexity of application scenarios, vehicle lifespans are generally longer, and the performance of their components gradually declines with age. While the performance degradation of some components can be directly observed visually and replaced promptly, critical components such as the braking system are "non-visible," and their performance decline is often difficult to detect, posing significant safety hazards. Research indicates that some accidents involving freight trucks are directly related to poor braking system conditions, and braking system failure is one of the main contributing factors to freight truck accidents.

[0003] Common braking system problems include severely worn brake pads leading to decreased braking performance, especially during frequent braking on long downhill sections. This can cause excessively high wheel hub temperatures, potentially leading to tire overheating and even fire. High temperatures can also trigger brake fade, significantly increasing braking distance and seriously threatening driving safety. Current technology for trucks often uses brake pad wear warning systems, which use audible and visual signals on the instrument cluster to remind users to replace brake pads. However, this system cannot address the temperature rise caused by continuous braking. Commonly available water-cooling devices are mostly user-installed, relying on driver experience for operation and making precise control of cooling timing impossible. Furthermore, traffic management departments penalize unauthorized installations. In addition, while hydraulic retarders, optional for heavy vehicles, offer good performance, their high cost limits their widespread adoption. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an auxiliary device that can monitor braking status in real time, intelligently intervene, and enhance braking performance to improve driving safety. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides an auxiliary braking system that solves at least one of the aforementioned technical problems.

[0005] The technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0006] An auxiliary braking system includes a monitoring device disposed on brake shoes, the monitoring device comprising: a shoe temperature sensor, a shoe wear sensor, and a wheel speed sensor, the shoe wear sensor being connected to a vehicle instrument panel, and the braking system including a controller configured to acquire signals from the shoe temperature sensor and the wheel speed sensor.

[0007] In one preferred embodiment, the brake shoe includes a liner, and the brake shoe temperature sensor is disposed on the liner. The brake shoe temperature sensor is configured to monitor the temperature signal of the brake shoe in real time and transmit the signal to the controller.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the shoe wear sensor is disposed on the liner and is configured to acquire the distance between the wear break point and the inner surface of the liner, i.e. the remaining amount of the liner, and transmit it to the vehicle instrument panel.

[0009] In one preferred embodiment, the wheel speed sensor is installed inside the brake drum and is configured to monitor the wheel speed signal in real time and transmit the wheel speed signal to the controller.

[0010] In one preferred embodiment, the controller is configured to convert the wheel rotation speed signal into a vehicle speed signal and compare it with the displayed vehicle speed, and activate engine auxiliary braking when the speed exceeds a preset threshold.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the monitoring device further includes an angle sensor and a camshaft connected to the brake pads. The angle sensor is mounted on the camshaft and configured to measure the angle of rotation of the camshaft and send a signal to the controller. The controller is configured to determine the wear condition of the brake pads based on the angle signal.

[0012] In one preferred embodiment, the auxiliary braking system further includes an ambient temperature sensor and a slope sensor, both of which are connected to the controller. The controller is configured to acquire slope information from the slope sensor when the received shoe temperature signal is higher than a preset temperature value. If the slope information indicates a downhill slope, the controller sends a signal to reduce the engine speed.

[0013] In one preferred embodiment, the brake shoe is provided with a plurality of mounting holes, and the shoe temperature sensor and the shoe wear sensor are disposed on the inner surface of the mounting holes.

[0014] In one preferred embodiment, the controller is configured to display the braking system status and auxiliary braking effect on the instrument cluster in real time, including brake pad temperature, brake pad wear degree and engine torque control status.

[0015] In one preferred embodiment, the controller communicates with each sensor, engine ECU, and instrument cluster via a CAN bus or analog signal.

[0016] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects achieved by this application are as follows:

[0017] This application solution integrates temperature, wear, and wheel speed sensors into the brake pads, along with a dedicated controller, to achieve real-time and accurate monitoring of the braking system. The system can collect key parameters during braking (such as pad temperature, wear level, and wheel speed) in real time. Based on these signals, the controller makes a comprehensive judgment and can issue early warnings or proactively intervene to control braking performance before it declines due to overheating or excessive wear. For example, when continuous braking causes excessively high pad temperature, the system can coordinate with the engine ECU to implement speed-limiting auxiliary braking, effectively alleviating the main brake load, preventing heat fade, and significantly improving safety under conditions such as long downhill slopes. Simultaneously, wear signals can be directly fed back to the instrument panel, prompting the user to replace the brake pads in a timely manner. This prevents potential accidents caused by brake failure and reduces safety risks associated with blind use or unauthorized installation of illegal devices. Overall, it enhances the initiative, intelligence, and reliability of braking protection. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the brake shoe structure in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0021] 1-Brake shoe, 11-Liner, 2-Brake shoe temperature sensor, 3-Brake shoe wear sensor, 4-Wheel speed sensor, 5-Steering angle sensor, 6-Camshaft. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this application, a detailed explanation is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of this application and the features thereof can be combined with each other.

[0024] Furthermore, it should be understood in the description of this application that the terms "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0025] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the "above" or "below" of the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0027] This solution provides an auxiliary braking system, such as Figure 1 As shown, a monitoring device is provided on the brake pad 1. The monitoring device includes a brake pad temperature sensor 2, a brake pad wear sensor 3, and a wheel speed sensor 4. The brake pad wear sensor 3 is connected to the vehicle instrument panel. The braking system includes a controller configured to acquire signals from the brake pad temperature sensor 2 and the wheel speed sensor 4.

[0028] This application solution integrates temperature, wear, and wheel speed sensors 4 into the brake pads 1, along with a dedicated controller, to achieve real-time and accurate monitoring of the braking system status. The system can collect key parameters during braking (such as pad temperature, wear level, and wheel speed) in real time. Based on these signals, the controller makes a comprehensive judgment and can issue early warnings or proactively intervene before braking performance declines due to overheating or excessive wear. For example, when continuous braking causes excessively high pad temperature, the system can link with the engine ECU to implement speed-limiting auxiliary braking, effectively alleviating the main brake load, preventing heat fade, and significantly improving safety under conditions such as long downhill slopes. Simultaneously, wear signals can be directly fed back to the instrument panel, prompting the user to replace the brake pads in time, preventing potential accidents caused by brake failure and reducing safety risks from blind use or unauthorized installation of illegal devices. Overall, it enhances the initiative, intelligence, and reliability of braking protection.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the brake shoe 1 includes a liner 11, and the shoe temperature sensor 2 is disposed on the liner 11. The shoe temperature sensor 2 is configured to monitor the temperature signal of the brake shoe 1 in real time and transmit the signal to the controller.

[0030] By directly placing the brake pad temperature sensor 2 on the liner 11 of the brake pad 1, the temperature change of the most sensitive area of ​​the friction pad during braking can be monitored in real time and accurately. This effectively avoids misjudgment caused by temperature monitoring lag or position deviation, and can capture the brake heat accumulation state in the first time, providing accurate input to the controller. As a result, auxiliary braking can be triggered in advance when the temperature approaches the critical value, significantly improving the ability to prevent brake heat fade and enhancing driving safety.

[0031] Furthermore, the hoof wear sensor 3 is disposed on the liner 11, and the hoof wear sensor 3 is configured to obtain the distance between the wear break point and the inner surface of the liner 11, i.e. the remaining amount of the liner 11, and transmit it to the vehicle instrument.

[0032] By integrating the brake pad wear sensor 3 into the liner 11 and directly measuring the distance between the wear break point and the inner surface of the liner 11, the actual remaining amount of brake pads 1 can be reflected in real time and accurately. This overcomes the shortcomings of traditional indirect measurement methods, which have large errors. It can achieve continuous monitoring of wear status and promptly alert the user to replace the brake pads before reaching the safety limit, thus avoiding brake failure due to excessive wear and eliminating potential safety hazards.

[0033] In one embodiment, the wheel speed sensor 4 is installed inside the brake drum and is configured to monitor the wheel speed signal in real time and transmit the wheel speed signal to the controller.

[0034] By installing wheel speed sensor 4 inside the brake drum, wheel speed signals can be captured accurately and stably, avoiding external interference and signal transmission delays, enhancing the reliability of wheel speed monitoring, providing real-time wheel speed data for the controller, enabling it to promptly determine the vehicle's motion status, providing a key basis for subsequent decisions on whether to activate auxiliary braking, and improving the overall system response speed and control accuracy.

[0035] Furthermore, the controller is configured to convert the wheel rotation speed signal into a vehicle speed signal and compare it with the displayed vehicle speed, and activate engine auxiliary braking when the speed exceeds a preset threshold.

[0036] By converting wheel speed signals into vehicle speed signals and comparing them with the displayed vehicle speed, engine-assisted braking can be automatically triggered when the vehicle speed signal is abnormal or exceeds a reasonable threshold. This design effectively identifies potential conditions such as wheel slippage, signal distortion, or sudden changes in braking demand, enabling intelligent intervention, avoiding under-braking or over-braking, and improving vehicle stability and safety under complex driving conditions.

[0037] In one embodiment, the monitoring device further includes an angle sensor 5 and a camshaft 6 connected to the brake pad 1. The angle sensor 5 is mounted on the camshaft 6 and is configured to measure the angle of rotation of the camshaft 6 and send a signal to the controller. The controller is configured to determine the wear state of the brake pad 1 based on the angle signal.

[0038] By adding an angle sensor 5 to monitor the camshaft 6 rotation angle, the wear state of the brake pads 1 can be indirectly and accurately inferred. This eliminates the need for direct contact with high-temperature or high-wear areas, simplifying installation, increasing reliability, and extending the sensor's lifespan due to its distance from heat sources. The controller promptly assesses pad wear based on angle changes, providing early warning and improving system maintainability and safety. When wear reaches its limit, the camshaft 6 rotation angle also reaches its limit, and the angle sensor 5 transmits a real-time pad wear signal to the controller. Assembly is simple and easy; the sensor can be reused without replacing brake pads, and its location away from heat sources further extends its lifespan.

[0039] In one embodiment, the auxiliary braking system further includes an ambient temperature sensor and a slope sensor, both of which are connected to the controller. The controller is configured to acquire slope information from the slope sensor when the received shoe temperature signal is higher than a preset temperature value. If the slope information indicates a downhill slope, the controller sends a signal to reduce the engine speed.

[0040] By adding ambient temperature and slope sensors and integrating them with shoe temperature signals, the system can more comprehensively perceive operating conditions. When going downhill and the shoe temperature is too high, the controller can make intelligent decisions and reduce engine speed to achieve auxiliary braking, effectively reduce the load on the main brake, prevent heat fade caused by continuous braking, and significantly improve safety and braking reliability under long downhill conditions.

[0041] In one embodiment, the brake shoe temperature sensor 2 is installed inside the brake shoe to monitor the temperature signal in real time and transmit it to the controller. The controller processes the temperature signal and sends it to the instrument display. The main reasons for brake shoe 1 malfunction are excessive wear and excessively high temperature. During operation, wear is the main cause of brake shoe temperature rise. Therefore, the optimal location for brake shoe temperature monitoring is the location of maximum wear, that is, the location of the maximum radial displacement under braking conditions, which is also the location of maximum wear. As the brake shoe temperature rises, the coefficient of friction gradually decreases. After reaching the decay temperature, the coefficient of friction drops sharply, resulting in severe thermal decay. At the same time, the wear of the brake shoe gradually increases, and carbonization intensifies.

[0042] In one preferred embodiment, the brake shoe 1 is provided with a plurality of mounting holes, and the shoe temperature sensor 2 and the shoe wear sensor 3 are disposed on the inner surface of the mounting holes.

[0043] By setting a dedicated mounting hole on the brake shoe 1 and embedding a sensor, the sensor is stably installed and accurately positioned, avoiding measurement deviations caused by vibration, high temperature or structural deformation, protecting the sensor from mechanical damage, extending its service life, and ensuring the accuracy and consistency of temperature and wear signals, thereby improving the overall monitoring reliability of the system.

[0044] In one preferred embodiment, the controller is configured to display the braking system status and auxiliary braking effect on the instrument cluster in real time, including brake pad temperature, brake pad wear degree and engine torque control status.

[0045] By displaying key braking system parameters (such as brake pad temperature, wear level, and engine torque control status) in real time on the instrument cluster, the driver can intuitively grasp the working status of the braking system and the intervention effect of auxiliary braking, improving the transparency and timeliness of human-machine interaction, helping the driver make reasonable decisions, and enhancing driving safety and system reliability.

[0046] In one preferred embodiment, the controller communicates with each sensor, engine ECU, and instrument cluster via a CAN bus or analog signal.

[0047] The controller achieves communication with sensors, ECUs, and instruments using either CAN bus or analog signals, balancing data transmission reliability, real-time performance, and system compatibility. CAN bus is suitable for high-speed data exchange across multiple nodes, while analog signals are simple and stable. The combination of both ensures stable system operation under various vehicle models and operating conditions, enhancing system applicability and scalability. During driving, when the shoe temperature sensor 2's feedback value exceeds the preset temperature value, the controller, considering current road conditions, whether it's downhill, and whether the main brakes are continuously engaged, sends a message to the engine ECU via the CAN bus. This linearly reduces engine speed and vehicle speed, achieving engine-assisted braking and reducing the load on the main brakes.

[0048] Understandably, the preset temperature value can be adjusted depending on the vehicle model.

[0049] When the main brake is working for an extended period of time, or when the braking signal changes at a high frequency, the controller, in conjunction with the vehicle speed signal, sends a message to reduce the engine speed according to pre-set logic, thereby reducing the vehicle speed, achieving engine-assisted braking, and improving the braking effect.

[0050] When severe wear of brake pad 1 is detected, a warning signal is sent to the instrument panel to alert the driver to replace brake pad 1 in advance and reduce safety hazards.

[0051] In this application, each sensor collects information and sends it to the controller. Based on the information from each sensor, the controller automatically judges and intervenes according to the calibration program, outputting signals to the engine ECU to reduce engine speed, enhance braking effect, and eliminate safety hazards. At the same time, the controller communicates with the instrument cluster in real time and displays the braking system status (such as pad temperature, wear degree, etc.) and the effect of braking auxiliary devices (engine torque control status, etc.) on the instrument cluster, allowing users to more intuitively understand the relevant performance status of the braking system.

[0052] For any parts not mentioned in this application, existing technologies may be used or referenced.

[0053] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0054] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

Claims

1. An auxiliary braking system characterized in that, The system includes a monitoring device disposed on the brake pads, the monitoring device comprising: a brake pad temperature sensor, a brake pad wear sensor, and a wheel speed sensor, the brake pad wear sensor being connected to a vehicle instrument panel, and the braking system including a controller configured to acquire signals from the brake pad temperature sensor and the wheel speed sensor.

2. The auxiliary braking system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The brake pads include a liner, and the brake pad temperature sensor is disposed on the liner. The brake pad temperature sensor is configured to monitor the temperature signal of the brake pads in real time and transmit the signal to the controller.

3. The auxiliary braking system of claim 2, wherein, The shoe wear sensor is disposed on the liner and is configured to obtain the distance between the wear break point and the inner surface of the liner, i.e. the remaining amount of the liner, and transmit it to the vehicle instrument panel.

4. The supplemental braking system of claim 1, wherein, The wheel speed sensor is installed inside the brake drum and is configured to monitor the wheel speed signal in real time and transmit the wheel speed signal to the controller.

5. The supplemental braking system of claim 4, wherein, The controller is configured to convert the wheel rotation speed signal into a vehicle speed signal and compare it with the displayed vehicle speed, and to activate engine auxiliary braking when the speed exceeds a preset threshold.

6. The supplemental braking system of claim 1, wherein, The monitoring device also includes an angle sensor and a camshaft connected to the brake pads. The angle sensor is mounted on the camshaft and is configured to measure the angle of rotation of the camshaft and send the signal to the controller. The controller is configured to determine the wear condition of the brake pads based on the angle signal.

7. The supplemental braking system of claim 2, wherein, The auxiliary braking system also includes an ambient temperature sensor and a slope sensor. Both the ambient temperature sensor and the slope sensor are connected to the controller. The controller is configured to acquire the slope information from the slope sensor when the received shoe temperature signal is higher than a preset temperature value. If the slope information indicates a downhill slope, the controller sends a signal to reduce the engine speed.

8. The supplemental braking system of claim 1, wherein, The brake shoe is provided with multiple mounting holes, and the shoe temperature sensor and the shoe wear sensor are disposed on the inner surface of the mounting holes.

9. The supplemental braking system of claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to display the braking system status and auxiliary braking effect on the instrument cluster in real time, including brake pad temperature, brake pad wear degree and engine torque control status.

10. The supplemental braking system of claim 1, wherein, The controller communicates with various sensors, the engine ECU, and the instrument cluster via CAN bus or analog signals.

Images