Application-specific integrated circuit packaging type electronic brake light switch and electronic braking system using this

Abstract

Electronic brake light switch (1) comprising: • an application-specific integrated circuit (10) configured to generate both a signal to turn on a brake light, a first output signal (1-1) and a second output signal (1-2) when a brake pedal (500) is pressed, and in which electrical elements are packaged to prevent the occurrence of a failure when a fault, such as an external overvoltage, abnormal rise or short circuit, which may be generated at an output terminal occurs;and • a printed circuit board (20) configured to receive power to operate the application-specific integrated circuit (10), and on which the application-specific integrated circuit (10) is arranged, • wherein the printed circuit board (20) comprises a PCB detection element (20-1) connected to a detection element (10-1), a PCB connector (20-2) connected to the application-specific integrated circuit (10), and protective elements, and wherein the printed circuit board (20) forms a circuit in which the PCB detection element (20-1) is connected to the PCB connector (20-2) and the protective elements used for the circuit.

Description

Cross-reference to related application

[0001] This application is based upon and claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0067850, filed on May 15, 2015, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by this reference for all purposes. Background of the inventionField of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an electronic brake light switch, and more particularly, to an electronic brake system that can enable volume reduction and cost savings because an electronic brake light switch is configured to use an application-specific integrated circuit. Description of the technology used

[0003] Generally, an electronic brake lamp switch is applied to an electronic brake system, and output information is transmitted to various types of vehicle components by using OUTPUT1 and OUTPUT2 of the electronic brake lamp switch, and the electronic brake system is connected to an engine control unit or an electronic control unit (ECU), so that a vehicle is controlled depending on the circumstances.

[0004] For this purpose, the electronic brake switch comprises a detection component that detects movement of a brake pedal, an output component that outputs a signal to turn on a lamp based on the detected result, and a protection component that protects a product from damage.

[0005] For example, the detection device detects whether a driver is depressing a brake pedal, e.g., whether the brake pedal is depressed, and outputs a signal to turn on a brake light (right / left tail light and right / left upper tail light) when it detects that a driver is depressing the brake pedal. The output device generates OUTPUT1 and OUTPUT2, which are output using inverted images that use the output signal output by the detection device, and supplies power to vehicle components required to turn on the brake light or related to turning on the brake light. The protection device protects a product from damage caused by external overvoltage or abnormal surge / overvoltage while the electronic brake light switch is operated.

[0006] Therefore, the electronic brake light switch, which detects a driver's brake pedal operation and outputs the turn-on signal to turn on the brake light (right / left tail light and right / left upper tail light), is a significant component to inform drivers of following vehicles about the brake pedal operation.

[0007] However, the electronic brake light switch is manufactured using a printed circuit board (PCB) on which various types of components for forming the detection component, the output component, and the protection component are arranged separately. Therefore, the electronic brake light switch has fundamental limitations in order to reduce volume and save costs.

[0008] Referring to Fig. 6 to Fig. 8 According to the prior art, the fundamental limitation arises in the product volume aspect, since the detection device and the output device occupy approximately 70% of the size of a printed circuit board, considering similar passive components, and the circuit of the protection device, which includes Zener diodes, diodes, resistors, capacitors, and so on, occupies approximately 20% of the size of the printed circuit board. Furthermore, the fundamental limitation arises in the product cost aspect, since a field-effect transistor is used to realize stable output.

[0009] The information presented in this Background of the Invention section is provided only to enhance the understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be construed as an acknowledgment or any form of implication that this information constitutes prior art that would be already known to a person skilled in the art. Short summary

[0010] Various aspects of the present invention are directed to providing an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) package-type electronic brake lamp switch and an electronic brake system using the same, with the advantages of reducing a necessary space, wherein a detection device, an output device, and a protection device are formed on a (common) printed circuit board by packaging (in other words, housing) the detection device, the output device, and the protection device in a (single) application-specific integrated circuit, and in particular, product volume decrease and cost saving are realized by reducing the necessary space.

[0011] According to various aspects of the present invention, an electronic brake light switch may include an application-specific integrated circuit configured to generate a signal for turning on a brake light, a first output signal, and a second output signal when a brake pedal is depressed / operated, and configured to package (in other words, house) electrical elements to prevent failure when the failure occurs, for example, external overvoltage, abnormal rise or overvoltage, or short circuit; and capable of being generated at an output terminal; and a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to receive power / energy for operating the application-specific integrated circuit and on which the application-specific integrated circuit is disposed.

[0012] The first output or the first output signal and the second output or the second output signal can be output to each other by means of inverted images.

[0013] The application-specific integrated circuit may include an oscillation circuit portion that generates a coil oscillation to detect whether the brake pedal is depressed; a power detector that detects a criterion of the ON operation and OFF operation of the electronic brake light switch for overvoltage or low voltage; a data input circuit portion that inputs information for setting an ON and OFF gap of the electronic brake light switch to match the operation of the brake pedal; a protection circuit portion that protects against external overvoltage or surge; first and second output devices that output a first output and a second output, perform a short-circuit protection function to prevent failure when failure, particularly external short circuit, occurs, and transfer power of a battery with a built-in current limiting circuit;and an application-specific integrated circuit controller configured to be connected to the oscillation circuit portion, the power detector, the data input circuit portion, the protection circuit portion, and the first output device and the second output device;

[0014] According to various aspects of the present invention, an electronic braking system may include an electronic brake lamp switch comprising an application-specific integrated circuit configured to include a detection device that generates a signal for turning on a brake lamp when a brake pedal is depressed / operated, an output device that generates output signals of a first output and a second output for turning on the brake lamp by using an output signal generated by the detection device, and a protection device for short-circuit protection to prevent a failure when the failure occurs, for example, an external overvoltage, an abnormal rise / overvoltage, or a short circuit capable of being generated at an output terminal;and a printed circuit board configured to provide power / energy for operating the application-specific integrated circuit thereon, and the application-specific integrated circuit mounted / disposed thereon; a battery providing power to the electronic brake light switch; a brake light operated by a first output signal of the first output of the electronic brake light switch; an electronic control unit interconnect device operated by a second output signal of the second output of the electronic brake light switch; and a brake pedal configured to have its operation detected by the electronic brake light switch.;

[0015] The electronic brake light switch may be configured to detect whether the brake pedal is being depressed / operated by a change in distance from a light switch detection area disposed near the brake pedal.

[0016] The distance change can be transmitted to the application-specific integrated circuit.

[0017] The brake light may be divided into a right tail light, a left tail light and / or an upper tail light of a vehicle, and the brake light may receive the first output signal through a relay.

[0018] The electronic control unit interconnect device may include a vehicle dynamic control (VDC) and an electronic chromic mirror (ECM).

[0019] The present invention applies the application-specific integrated circuit configured to reduce a space occupied in the printed circuit board to an electronic brake lamp switch, so that below-mentioned advantages and effects can be realized.

[0020] First, external outputs and protective components except for sensor areas are removed, so that the product can be downsized. Second, an assembly space (of the braking system) in a vehicle can be secured, and work such as assembly or installation can be simplified by downsizing the product. Third, costs can be saved by removing components. Fourth, material management and processes can be simplified by removing components. Fifth, a circuit structure can be simplified. Sixth, the field inferiority rate can be minimized by simplifying a circuit structure. Seventh, the domestic and foreign quality index can be improved because the field inferiority rate is minimized.

[0021] Furthermore, the electronic brake system is configured in common with the electronic brake lamp switch to which the application-specific integrated circuit of the present invention is applied. Therefore, the electronic brake system realizes a more compact assembly and low cost compared with a conventional electronic brake system without the application-specific integrated circuit. In particular, the circuit of the electronic brake system according to the present invention is simplified, thereby reducing the probability of failure, improving the initial quality, and improving the durability quality of a vehicle.

[0022] It is to be understood that the term “vehicle” or “vehicle-...” or any other similar terms used herein includes motor vehicles in general, such as passenger vehicles, including so-called sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, numerous commercial vehicles, as well as e.g. watercraft, including a variety of boats and ships, as well as e.g. aircraft and the like, and further also hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g. fuels produced from resources other than petroleum). A so-called hybrid vehicle, as referred to herein, is a vehicle that has two or more power sources, e.g. vehicles that are powered by both gasoline and electricity.

[0023] The methods and apparatus of the present invention have other features and advantages which will become apparent from or are set forth in more detail in the accompanying drawings incorporated herein and the following detailed description, which together serve to explain certain principles of the present invention. Short description of the drawings

[0024] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary application specific integrated circuit type electronic brake light switch according to the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing basic internal compositions of the exemplary application-specific integrated circuit applied to Fig. 1 shows.

[0026] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a printed circuit board applied to Fig. 1.

[0027] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of an electronic brake pedal system to which an exemplary application-specific integrated circuit type electronic brake lamp switch according to the present invention is applied.

[0028] Fig. 5 illustrates operating states of the electronic braking system of the Fig. 4.

[0029] Fig. 6 to Fig. 8 are schematic diagrams of a printed circuit board circuit applied to an electronic brake light switch according to the prior art.

[0030] It should be understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and illustrate a somewhat simplified representation of various features of the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the present invention as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes, will be determined in part by the particular application and operating environment. Detailed description

[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the present invention(s), examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the invention(s) will be described in connection with exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the present description is not intended to limit the invention(s) to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention(s) is / are intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0032] Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 show compositions of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) type electronic brake light switch according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] Referring to Fig. 1 can be an electronic brake light switch 1 an investigative component 10-1 , an output component 10-2 , a protective component 10-3 an application-specific integrated circuit (hereinafter referred to as ASIC) 10 and a printed circuit board (hereinafter referred to as PCB) 20 , in which the ASIC 10 is arranged.

[0034] Specifically, the detection component determines 10-1 whether a brake pedal is depressed to output a signal to turn on a brake lamp when it is detected that a driver is depressing the brake pedal. The output component 10-2provides power to the vehicle components necessary to turn on the brake light or related to turning on the brake light by using the output signal provided by the detection component 10-1 is generated. For this purpose, the output component uses 10-2 a field-effect transistor (FET). The protective component 10-3 Protects a product against damage from external overvoltage or abnormal / unusual surge / overvoltage and performs a failure prevention function when failures such as external overvoltages, abnormal surges or short circuits that may be generated at an output terminal occur while the electronic brake light switch 1 is operated.

[0035] Specifically, the ASIC integrates 10 the detection component 10-1 , the output component 10-2 and the protective component 10-3, so that a circuit of the PCB 20 not individually with the respective determination component 10-1 , the output component 10-2 and the protective component 10-3 is connected.

[0036] Fig. 2 illustrates internal compositions of the ASIC 10 . As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the ASIC 10 an ASIC controller 11 , an oscillating circuit section 13 , a power detector 14 , a data input circuit section 15 , a protection circuit section 17 and a first and a second output device 19A and 19B have.

[0037] The ASIC control 11 controls the operation of the oscillating circuit section 13 , the power detector 14 , the data input circuit section 15 , of the protection circuit section 17, the first and second output components 19A and 19A and so on. The oscillating circuit section 13 performs a coil oscillation to determine whether the brake pedal is / has been pressed. The power detector 14 determines a criterion of the ON and OFF operation of the electronic brake light switch 1 in case of overvoltage or low voltage. The data input circuit section 15 can send information to the ASIC controller 11 to set an ON and OFF gap of the electronic brake light switch 1 to match the operation / condition of the brake pedal and the detection component 10-1 to be connected. The protection circuit section 17 can help protect the ASIC 10 against external overvoltages or surges and with the protective component 10-3The first and second output components 19A and 19A communicates with OUTPUT1 and OUTPUT2 of the output component 10-2 , which are two different types of outputs to transport / transmit power from a battery to turn on the brake light, in particular, the first and second output components play 19A and 19A which output an OUTPUT1 and OUTPUT2, in short circuit protection a function to prevent failure when failure such as external short circuit occurs and to transport / transmit power of a battery with a built-in current limiting circuit.

[0038] Specifically, the PCB 20 a room / area / place where the ASIC 10 Therefore, the overall size / dimension of the PCB 20 be reduced, since the space required by the ASIC 10occupied, is small. This follows because the detection component 10-1 / the output components 10-2 which contains approximately 70% of the PCB 20 and the protective component 10-3 , which contains approximately 20% of the PCB 20 into an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 10 packaged, in other words housed.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows a circuit structure of the PCB 20 . As in Fig. 3, the PCB 20 a circuit in which a PCB detection component 20-1 is connected with a PCB connector 20-2 , and protection components, such as a Zener diode, a diode, a resistor, and a capacitor, used for the circuit are used in small numbers. The PCB detection component 20-1 is connected to the detection component 10-1 . The PCB connector 20-2is connected to the ASIC 10 . Therefore, the total dimension and volume of the PCB 20 be reduced because a part for forming the circuit can be very small.

[0040] The PCB 20 , whose overall size is very reduced, since the circuit structure together with the ASIC 10 is simplified, is therefore used for the electronic brake light switch 1 used so that the product can be minimized, an assembly area can be assured, labor / assembly can be simplified, costs can be saved, material management and process can be simplified, the field inferiority rate can be minimized, and quality can be improved.

[0041] Meanwhile, Fig. 4 Compositions of an electronic brake pedal system to which an ASIC type electronic brake lamp switch according to the present invention is applied.

[0042] As in Fig. 4, an electronic braking system 100 the electronic brake light switch 1 , a battery 200 provided in a vehicle to supply energy / power to the electronic brake light switch 1 to provide a first output operating device 300 , which by means of a first output signal 1-1 the electronic brake light switch 1 operated, a second output operating device 400 , which by means of a second output signal 1-2 the electronic brake light switch 1 operated, and a brake pedal 500 which is adapted to operate from the electronic brake light switch 1 is detected. In addition, the electronic braking system communicates 100with an internal combustion engine control unit or an electronic control unit (ECU), so that the vehicle is controlled depending on the vehicle's circumstances. A circuit structure for the communication of the electronic braking system 100 with the combustion engine control unit or the electronic control unit corresponds to a conventional type.

[0043] Specifically, the electronic brake light switch 1 the above with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 described electronic brake light switches 1 In particular, the first and second output signals 1-1 and 1-2 each with OUTPUT1 and OUTPUT2 of the output component 10-2 communicated that is on / in the ASIC 10 is integrated. The first output signal 1-1 is / will be connected to the first output operating device 300 output and the second output signal 1-2is / will be connected to the first output signal using inverted images 1-1 output, so that an output information of the brake light switch is sent to various vehicle components of the second output operating component 400 is / will be transmitted.

[0044] Specifically, the first output operating device 300 a brake light 310 which are connected to the first output signal 1-1 by a relay 310-1 , which at the first output signal 1-1 is arranged, and may include other vehicle components. The brake light 310 can be divided into a right tail light, a left tail light and an upper tail light.

[0045] Specifically, the second output operating device 400 a vehicle dynamics control (VDC) 410 and an electrochromic mirror (ECM) 420 which is connected to the second output signal 1-2connected, and other vehicle components. The vehicle dynamics control 410 A braking system automatically controls each wheel, ensuring vehicle stability when driving on rainy, snowy, or uneven roads, or when making a quick turn at high speed. The electrochromic mirror 420 automatically detects the illumination of a rear-view mirror in the vehicle interior using a photo sensor in the illuminated vehicle tail light and reduces the reflectivity of the mirror to prevent the driver from being dazzled.

[0046] Specifically, the brake pedal 500 pressed by a driver to operate the braking system and a lamp switch detection section 500-1 is at the brake pedal 500 arranged to change the distance to the ASIC 10 the electronic brake light switch 1 to detect.

[0047] Referring to Fig. 5 there is an undetectable distance h between the lamp-switch detection section 500-1 and the electronic brake light switch 1 which is not detected, provided the brake pedal 500 is designed in the vehicle in such a way that the electronic brake light switch 1 is not operated when the brake pedal 500 is not activated. This causes the electronic brake light switch 1 the first and second output signal 1-1 and 1-2 not.

[0048] On the other hand, the electronic brake light switch 1 like the ASIC 10 operated when the brake pedal 500 is operated. With reference to Fig. 2 controls the ASIC control 11 the ASIC 10 such that the oscillation circuit section 13a coil oscillation to determine whether the brake pedal is pressed (for example, an alternating electrical signal is generated in the coil) and a data input circuit section 15 Enters information about the undetermined distance h and the determined distance H of the lamp-switch determination section 500-1 to create an ON and OFF gap of the electronic brake light switch 1 to adjust it so that it synchronizes with the operation of the brake pedal 500 and the first and second output devices 19A and 19A transmit a current from a battery to switch on the brake light.

[0049] This will activate the lamp switch detection section 500-1 together with the brake pedal 500 moved downwards so that a distance between the lamp switch detection section 500-1 and the electronic brake light switch 1from the non-detected distance h to the detected distance H. Thus, the electronic brake light switch 1 This causes the electronic brake light switch to generate 1 the first output signal 1-1 , so that the right tail light, the left tail light and the upper tail light of the brake light 310 switched on and generates the second output signal 1-2 , so that the VDC 410 and the ECM 420 that are connected to the ECU.

[0050] This makes the electronic braking system 100 together with the electronic brake light switch 1 , to which the ASIC 10 Therefore, the electronic braking system 100Compared with a conventional electronic brake lamp switch that does not adopt the ASIC, a more compact composition and low cost, and in particular, the circuit structure of the electronic brake system according to the present invention is simplified, thereby reducing the failure probability, significantly improving the early quality, and improving the durability quality of a vehicle.

[0051] According to various embodiments, the electronic braking system applies 100 the electronic brake light switch 1 The total dimensions and volume of the PCB 20 can be reduced and the cost of the PCB 20 can be saved by applying the ASIC 10 as electronic brake light switch 1 , which uses the application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 10which is configured to detect the detection component 10-1 , the output component 10-2 , the protective component 10-3 to switch on a brake light when the brake pedal 500 is pressed / operated, packaged therein, and the printed circuit board (PCB) 20 which is set up so that the ASIC 10 arranged therein to provide power / energy to operate the ASIC 10 In particular, the probability of errors can be reduced and the early quality and durability of a vehicle can be improved, since the electronic braking system 100has a compact and simple circuit. The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain certain principles of the invention and their practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to understand various embodiments of the present invention, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0052] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0053] KR 10-2015-0067850

[0001]

Claims

[1] Electronic brake light switch ( 1 ) comprising: • an application-specific integrated circuit ( 10 ) which is configured to output both a signal for switching on a brake light, a first output signal ( 1-1 ) as well as a second output signal ( 1-2 ) when a brake pedal ( 500 ) is pressed, and is arranged to package electrical elements to prevent failure when the failure occurs, in particular external overvoltage, abnormal surge or short circuit; which is capable of being generated at an output terminal; and • a printed circuit board ( 20 ), which is designed to provide energy to operate the application-specific integrated circuit ( 10 ) and on which the application-specific integrated circuit ( 10 ) is arranged. [2] Electronic brake light switch (1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the first output and the second output are output to each other by means of inverted images. [3] Electronic brake light switch ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, the application-specific integrated circuit ( 10 ) comprising: • a resonant circuit area ( 13 ), which uses a coil oscillation to determine whether the brake pedal ( 500 ) is pressed; • a power detector ( 14 ), which is a criterion of ON operation and OFF operation of the electronic brake light switch ( 1 ) for overvoltage or low voltage; • a data input circuit area ( 15 ), the information for setting an ON and OFF gap of the electronic brake light switch ( 1 ) to start operating the brake pedal ( 500 ) to agree; • a protection circuit area (17 ), which protects against external overvoltage or surge; • a first and second output component ( 19A , 19A ), which outputs a first output (OUTPUT1) and a second output (OUTPUT2), and has a function of short-circuit protection to prevent failure when failure, especially external short circuit, occurs, and current of a battery ( 200 ) with a built-in current limiting circuit; and • an application-specific integrated circuit controller ( 11 ), which is connected to the resonant circuit area ( 13 ), the power detector ( 14 ), the data input circuit area ( 15 ), the protection circuit area ( 17 ), and the first and second output components ( 19A , 19A ) is connected. [4] Electronic braking system ( 100 ) comprising: • an electronic brake light switch ( 1) comprising an application-specific integrated circuit ( 10 ), which is set up to pack: • a detection component that generates a signal to turn on a brake lamp when a brake pedal ( 500 ) is pressed, • an output component ( 300 , 400 ) that generates an output signal of a first output and a second output for turning on the brake light by using an output signal generated by the detection device, and • a short-circuit protection device to prevent failure when the failure occurs, in particular external overvoltage, abnormal rise or overvoltage or short circuit capable of being generated at an output terminal; and • a printed circuit board ( 20 ) which is arranged to provide energy for operating the application-specific integrated circuit ( 10) is provided thereon, and the application-specific integrated circuit is attached thereto; • a battery that provides power to the electronic brake light switch; • a brake light ( 310 ), which is controlled by a first output signal of the first output of the electronic brake light switch ( 1 ) is operated; • an electronic control unit connecting device operated by a second output signal of the second output of the electronic brake light switch; and • a brake pedal ( 500 ), which is designed so that its operation is detected by the electronic brake light switch. [5] Electronic braking system according to claim 4, wherein the electronic brake light switch ( 1 ) is arranged by a distance change from a lamp switch detecting section located at the brake pedal ( 500) is arranged to determine whether the brake pedal ( 500 ) is pressed. [6] The electronic braking system according to claim 5, wherein the distance change is transmitted to the application-specific integrated circuit ( 10 ) is transmitted. [7] Electronic braking system according to one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the brake light ( 310 ) is divided into a right tail light, a left tail light and an upper tail light of a vehicle, and the brake light receives the first output signal through a relay ( 310-1 ) receives. [8] The electronic braking system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the electronic control unit interconnection device comprises a vehicle dynamics control (VDC) and an electrochromic mirror (ECM).

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