BRAKE DUST COLLECTION SYSTEM

Abstract

A brake dust collection system (10) comprises a cover (11) that covers a braking device (9) arranged at an end section of each axle (7) of a vehicle (S), a suction device (12) that extracts dust generated within the cover (11) through a suction duct (14) from an opening (110) arranged on the cover (11), a control device (17) that operates the suction device (12) in a state in which the braking device (9) brakes a wheel-tire combination (8) mounted on the end section of the axle (7) while the vehicle (S) is in motion, and a collection device (15) that is arranged between the opening (110) and the suction device (12) in the suction duct (14) and collects the dust extracted by the suction device (12).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a brake dust collection system. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A conventional brake dust cleaner collects brake dust by ejecting a fluid into a cover that protects a brake drum or brake disc, and then sucking away dust dispersed within the cover through an opening provided on the cover (for example, Japanese patent application no. JP 2018-183 717 A).

[0003] US Patent 2021 / 0 396 285 A1 discloses a system for extracting brake particles from a vehicle's friction brake system. The extraction system comprises a vacuum source, a suction port, a filter, a pneumatic circuit connecting the suction port to the vacuum source, and a control unit for controlling the vacuum source. The extraction system also includes a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the pneumatic circuit. The control unit regulates the vacuum source so that the pressure in the pneumatic circuit reaches or approaches a predetermined vacuum setpoint. An associated method is also described.

[0004] DE 10 2008 029 504 B4 describes a device for suppressing the emission of abrasion dust from vehicles with a dimensionally stable housing that encloses the abrasion dust source or has a suction nozzle in its local and immediate vicinity and can be continuously or periodically pressurized by a vacuum generator with a fluid, usually air, oil or water, so that fine dust generated or introduced in the housing or in the immediate vicinity of the suction nozzle can be discharged without material loss via a suction line and deposited downstream.

[0005] US 2024 / 0 255 037 A1 relates to a method for controlling a brake particle extraction system. The extraction system comprises a vacuum source, a suction port located near a friction surface or within a friction part and connected to the vacuum source via a pneumatic line, and a control unit for controlling the vacuum source to control a brake particle extraction sequence according to the current brake activation information and to ensure that extraction occurs immediately after brake activation; or to establish a cleaning extraction state outside of brake sequences; or, once the cleaning extraction state meets a predetermined criterion, to control the vacuum source for a cleaning sequence of the pneumatic line for a predetermined duration. Brief description of the invention; task to be solved by the invention

[0006] Because the brake dust cleaner described above is used while a stationary vehicle is lifted, and tires of the corresponding wheel / tire combinations are removed from the vehicle, brake dust cannot be collected while the vehicle is in motion. As a result, there is a problem with brake dust being released into the atmosphere when the brakes are used while the vehicle is moving.

[0007] The present disclosure focuses on this point, and one of its objectives is to suppress the distribution of brake dust while a vehicle is in motion. SOLUTION TO THE TASK

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a brake dust collection system according to claim 1 is provided. The brake dust collection system comprises a cover that covers a braking device arranged at an end section of each axle of a vehicle, a suction device that draws dust generated within the cover through a suction channel from an opening arranged on the cover, a control device that operates the suction device in a state in which the braking device brakes a wheel-tire combination mounted on the end section of the axle while the vehicle is in motion, and a collection device arranged between the opening and the suction device in the suction channel that collects the dust drawn by the suction device. Further aspects of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims, the drawings, and the description of exemplary embodiments.

[0009] The control unit operates the suction device when it performs a first braking operation to slow the wheel-tire combination using the braking device. Furthermore, the control unit can perform a second braking operation to slow the wheel-tire combination using a motor that rotates the axle.

[0010] The control unit can execute the second braking operation with the suction device stopped if the charge level of an energy storage device that stores electricity generated by the motor is less than a first threshold.

[0011] The control unit can perform the first braking operation and operate the extraction device if the charge level, after reaching the first threshold, is equal to or greater than a second threshold that is lower than the first threshold.

[0012] The extraction device can be powered by electricity stored in the energy storage device.

[0013] The brake dust collection system may also include a warning device that notifies the driver of the vehicle of an abnormality in the collection device if the vacuum in the extraction device is equal to or greater than a predetermined vacuum.

[0014] The opening can be provided on an outer circumferential surface of the cover or on a section of the cover that faces the center of the vehicle in a vehicle width direction.

[0015] The brake dust collection system can comprise a first collection device that collects the dust drawn from the inside of the cover provided on a front axle of the vehicle, and a second collection device that collects the dust drawn from the inside of the cover provided on a rear axle of the vehicle, as a plurality of collection devices, wherein a size of a filter that the first collection device has for collecting the dust may be larger than a size of the filter that the second collection device has.

[0016] The brake dust collection system can comprise a first extraction device that extracts the dust generated within the cover provided at the front axle of the vehicle, and a second extraction device that extracts the dust generated within the cover provided at the rear axle of the vehicle, as a plurality of one or more extraction devices, wherein an extraction force with which the first extraction device extracts the dust can be greater than an extraction force with which the second extraction device extracts the dust.

[0017] The control unit can operate the extraction device if the depressor force of a brake pedal included in the vehicle is greater than a predetermined depressor force.

[0018] The control unit can i) perform the first braking operation and the second braking operation, or ii) perform the first braking operation and operate the suction device if the braking force corresponding to the amount of depressing of the brake pedal contained in the vehicle is greater than a maximum value of a braking force resulting from the second braking operation. IMPACT OF THE INVENTION

[0019] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress the distribution of brake dust while a vehicle is in motion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a structure of a vehicle S according to the present embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 shows the operation of a control device 17 based on a SOC of an energy storage device 16. Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows the vehicle S, which collects brake dust from each axle 7. Fig. Figure 4 shows an example of a processing sequence in control unit 17. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLES <Overview of vehicle S>

[0020] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a structure of a vehicle S according to the present embodiment. The in Fig. The vehicle S shown comprises a charging port 1, a machine 2, a crankshaft 3, a power transmission device 4, a plurality of motors 5 (one motor 5a and one motor 5b), an axle drive 6, an axle 7, a plurality of wheel-tire combinations 8 (one wheel-tire combination 8c and one wheel-tire combination 8d), a plurality of braking devices 9 (one braking device 9c and one braking device 9d), and a brake dust collection system 10. The brake dust collection system 10 comprises a plurality of covers 11 (one cover 11c and one cover 11d), a suction device 12, a vacuum sensor 13, a suction duct 14, a collection device 15, an energy storage device 16, a control device 17, and a signaling device 18.

[0021] Vehicle S is an EV (electric vehicle) equipped with a drive source that generates energy by receiving an electrical supply, and is, for example, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), or a battery electric vehicle (BEV). Fig. Figure 1 shows a PHEV as an example of vehicle S.

[0022] The charging port 1 is a plug-in connection for supplying power to the energy storage device 16 from the outside of the vehicle S. As an example, a driver of the vehicle S can stop the vehicle S at a location equipped with an energy supply device (a so-called charging station) and connect the end of an energy supply cable contained in the energy supply device to the charging port 1, thereby charging the energy storage device 16 with the electricity supplied by the energy supply device.

[0023] The machine 2 serves as a power source for the vehicle S and is an internal combustion engine that generates power by burning and expanding a mixture of fuel and intake air. The crankshaft 3 is a shaft for converting the reciprocating motion of a piston (not shown in the figures) in the machine 2 into a rotary motion. The power transmission device 4 is a device (a so-called gearbox) that converts the power generated by the machine 2 and the engine 5 into power suitable for the vehicle S to drive and for the operation of a driver, and transmits this power to the axle drive 6.

[0024] The motor 5 serves as a drive source for the vehicle S and is, for example, an electric motor with a stator and a rotor. The motor 5 generates power by causing the rotor, which is located inside the stator, to rotate. This is achieved, for example, by switching the direction of the stator's magnetic field using electricity supplied by the energy storage device 16 via an inverter (not shown in the figures). Furthermore, when the vehicle S brakes, the motor 5 supplies electricity to the energy storage device 16, which is generated by the rotor rotating in the opposite direction to the direction of rotation when the vehicle S is moving (that is, electricity generated by regenerative braking). Although Fig. Figure 1 shows an operation in which the motor 5a generates force and the motor 5b generates electricity by performing regenerative braking, both the motor 5a and the motor 5b can generate the force when driving the vehicle S and generate the electricity when braking the vehicle S.

[0025] The axle drive 6 comprises i) an axle gearbox that slows down the power (rotational speed) received from the power transmission device 4, and ii) a differential gearbox that converts the power slowed down by the axle gearbox into power (rotational motion) for each wheel-tire combination 8 based on an actual steering angle of the vehicle S. The axle 7 is a shaft that carries the wheel-tire combinations 8 at both ends of the vehicle S in the vehicle width direction. Fig. Figure 1 shows axle 7 as a drive shaft for rotating the wheel-tire combination 8 by the rotary motion received from the axle drive 6, but the vehicle S may be equipped with other axles 7 that differ from the drive shaft. The wheel-tire combination 8 is provided at an end section of axle 7 in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle S and comprises a wheel that rotates with the rotation of axle 7 and a tire mounted on an outer circumference of the wheel. If several axles 7 are provided in the vehicle S, the wheel-tire combinations 8 are, for example, provided at the end sections of the axles 7 in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle S.

[0026] The braking device 9 is a device provided at the end section of each axle 7 in the vehicle width direction of the vehicle S and brakes the vehicle S by braking the rotation of the axle 7, and is a so-called drum brake or disc brake. If the braking device 9 is a drum brake, it comprises a brake shoe that is pressed against the brake drum, and if the braking device 9 is a disc brake, it comprises a brake disc that rotates in accordance with the rotation of the axle 7 and a brake lining that pushes the brake disc in the vehicle width direction. In the braking device 9, when the brake shoe pushes against the brake drum or the brake lining pushes against the brake disc to brake the vehicle S, dust (so-called brake dust) is generated.

[0027] The brake dust collection system 10 is a system for collecting brake dust generated when the braking device 9 brakes the moving vehicle S. In the vehicle S, it is possible to suppress the distribution of brake dust into the atmosphere, since the brake dust collection system 10 collects brake dust while the vehicle S is in motion. The design and operation of the brake dust collection system 10 are described in detail below. <Bremsstaubsammelsystem 10>

[0028] The cover 11 is an element for covering the brake device 9, which is provided at the end section of the axle 7 of the vehicle S. If the brake device 9 is a drum brake, the cover 11 may be a brake drum and a backing plate contained within the drum brake. The cover 11 confines brake dust, which is generated when the brake device 9 slows the rotation of the axle 7, within a space surrounded by the cover 11, thereby suppressing the distribution of the brake dust into the atmosphere. Although the cover 11 is provided for each brake device 9 provided in the vehicle S, the cover 11c, which covers brake device 9c, and the cover 11d, which covers brake device 9d, are, among the multitude of covers 11 provided in the vehicle S, omitted for the sake of simplicity in the description in Fig. 1 shown.

[0029] Each cover 11 is equipped with an opening 110 (an opening 110c and an opening 110d in Fig. 1) provided. The opening 110 is provided, for example, on the outer circumferential surface of the cover 11 or on a section of the cover 11 that faces the center of the vehicle S in the vehicle width direction. The opening 110 is provided in this way so that the extraction channel 14 can be positioned so that it does not come into contact with the wheel-tire combination 8 in the brake dust collection system 10.

[0030] The extraction device 12 draws the brake dust generated inside the cover 11 from the opening 110, which is provided in the cover 11 via the extraction duct 14. The extraction device 12 operates, for example, on the basis of the electricity stored in the energy storage device 16. As an example, the extraction device 12 includes a motor equipped with a fan and creates a negative pressure (a pressure difference between the inside and outside of the extraction device 12) by causing the motor to rotate using the electricity supplied by the energy storage device 16, thereby expelling air to the outside of the extraction device 12.As another example, the extraction device 12 contains a pump and generates a vacuum by operating the pump using the electricity supplied by the energy storage device 16 to expel air to the outside of the extraction device 12. The extraction device 12 draws in the brake dust contained in the air by extracting the air from the space enclosed by the cover 11 using the generated vacuum.

[0031] The vacuum sensor 13 is a sensor for detecting the vacuum generated by the extraction device 12 and outputs the detected vacuum to the control device 17 at a predetermined control cycle. The predetermined control cycle is, for example, one second. The extraction duct 14 is a flow path through which air containing brake dust flows when the extraction device 12 extracts brake dust from each cover 11. The extraction duct 14 comprises a branch duct through which air flows from the opening 110 provided on each cover 11 to a connection point G2, and a connecting duct through which air flows from the connection point G2 to the extraction device 12. Fig. Figure 1 shows i) a first branch channel through which air flows from the opening 110c to the connection point G2, ii) a second branch channel through which air flows from the opening 110d to the connection point G2, and iii) a connection channel through which air flows from the connection point G2 to the extraction device 12. The collecting device 15 is provided downstream of the connection point G2 and upstream of the extraction device 12 in the connection channel.

[0032] The collection device 15 is located downstream of the opening 110 in the extraction duct 14 between the extraction device 12 and the connection point G2 and collects the brake dust extracted by the extraction device 12. The collection device 15 contains, for example, a filter for collecting brake dust and collects the brake dust when the extraction device 12 performs an extraction process that causes the brake dust contained in the air flowing through the extraction duct 14 to adhere to the filter.

[0033] The energy storage device 16, for example, contains a rechargeable storage battery and supplies power to the motor 5 (the motor 5a in Fig. 1) and the extraction device 12 supply electricity. The energy storage device 16, for example, charges itself with the electricity supplied by the motor 5 (a motor 5b in Fig. 1) is generated, which performs regenerative braking when the vehicle S brakes. The energy storage device 16 can charge itself with the electricity supplied by an external power supply unit via the charging port 1. The energy storage device 16 outputs a state of charge of the storage battery to the control unit 17 at a predetermined control cycle. It should be noted that in the following description, the state of charge of the storage battery contained in the energy storage device 16 is referred to as a SOC (State of Charge), and the SOC of the storage battery is referred to as the SOC of the energy storage device 16.

[0034] The control unit 17 is a device containing one or more processors, such as a central processing unit (CPU) or an electronic control unit (ECU). The control unit 17, for example, executes a braking operation to brake the vehicle S and an operation to operate the extraction device 12 to collect brake dust generated by the braking operation. The control unit 17 may have a housing containing an electronic component or it may be a printed circuit board on which an electronic component is mounted.

[0035] The control unit 17 operates the suction device 12 in a state where the braking device 9 brakes the wheel-tire combination 8 mounted on the end section of the axle 7 while the vehicle S is moving. For example, the control unit 17 operates the suction device 12 upon receiving a signal that the driver of the vehicle S has depressed the brake pedal while the vehicle S is moving. If, for example, the amount of pressure applied by the brake pedal installed in the vehicle S is greater than a predetermined amount, the control unit 17 operates the suction device 12. As an example, if the amount of pressure applied by the brake pedal, as detected by a brake pedal sensor (not shown in the figures) fitted to the vehicle S, is greater than the predetermined amount, the control unit 17 operates the suction device 12.The predetermined pressure drop is a pressure drop value determined through experiments or simulations. The predetermined pressure drop value can be 0.

[0036] The control unit 17 operates in this way so that it can collect brake dust generated during braking of the vehicle S at the moment the vehicle S is braking. As a result, the brake dust collection system 10 can suppress the distribution of brake dust generated while the vehicle S is in motion into the atmosphere.

[0037] For example, the control unit 17 stops the extraction unit 12 upon receiving a signal that the driver of vehicle S has released the brake pedal. As an example, the control unit 17 stops the extraction unit 12 if the amount of brake pedal depressed, as detected by the brake pedal sensor, is equal to or less than the predetermined amount of depressed.

[0038] The control unit 17 performs at least one of the following braking operations to brake the vehicle S: i) a mechanical braking operation to brake the wheel-tire combination 8 using the braking device 9 (first braking operation), and ii) a regenerative braking operation to brake the wheel-tire combination 8 using the motor 5, which rotates the axle 7 (second braking operation). When the vehicle S is braked by the mechanical braking operation, the braking device 9 generates brake dust. However, when the vehicle S is braked by the regenerative braking operation, the braking device 9 does not generate brake dust. Therefore, the control unit 17 operates the extraction device 12 when, for example, it performs the mechanical braking operation as a combination of the mechanical braking operation and the regenerative braking operation.

[0039] If it is determined that the braking force corresponding to a certain amount of brake pedal actuation by the driver of vehicle S can be generated, for example, by regenerative braking, the control unit 17 performs the regenerative braking process and does not operate the extraction device 12. If this braking force is greater than the maximum value of the braking force that can be generated, for example, by regenerative braking, the control unit 17 either i) performs the regenerative braking process and the mechanical braking process, or ii) performs the mechanical braking process and operates the extraction device 12.

[0040] The control unit 17 operates as described above, so that the control unit 17 can operate the extraction unit 12 only when the brake unit 9 is generating brake dust, thus collecting the brake dust at an appropriate time. As a result, the control unit 17 can prevent the state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage unit 16, which supplies electricity to the extraction unit 12, from dropping excessively while the vehicle S is in motion.

[0041] To ensure that the energy storage device 16 charges and discharges a predetermined amount of electricity over a predetermined service life, it is desirable to charge and discharge the energy storage device 16 in such a way that its state of charge (SOC) remains within a predetermined range (for example, 30% or more and less than 80%). Furthermore, the energy storage device 16 discharges (supplies power to) the extraction device 12 when the control device 17 operates the extraction device 12 during the execution of the mechanical braking process, and charges itself with the electricity generated by the motor 5 when the control device 17 performs the regenerative braking process.Therefore, the control device 17 determines, for example, i) an operation to be performed from the mechanical braking operation and the regenerative braking operation on the basis of the SOC detected by the energy storage device 16, and ii) determines whether the extraction device 12 is to be operated on the basis of this operation or not.

[0042] Fig. Figure 2 shows the operation of the control unit 17 based on the SOC of the energy storage unit 16. The horizontal axis of Fig. 2 indicates the time. The vertical axis of Fig. 2 indicates i) “SOC”, which represents the SOC of the energy storage device 16, ii) “regenerative braking”, which represents whether the regenerative braking process is being carried out or not, iii) “mechanical braking”, which represents whether the mechanical braking process is being carried out or not, and iv) “brake dust extraction”, which represents whether the extraction device 12 is being operated or not. Fig. In section 2, “TH1” represents a first threshold (for example, 80%) of the SOC, and “TH2” specifies a second threshold (for example, 30%) of the SOC. Fig. 2 represents i) “execution”, that when the driver performs an action to brake the vehicle S, the control device 17 performs an action corresponding to that action, ii) “insufficient” represents that the control device 17 performs the mechanical braking action when the braking force required to brake the vehicle S is insufficient, and iii) “stop” represents that the control device 17 does not perform any action.

[0043] For example, if the vehicle S is braking, the control unit 17 performs the regenerative braking process with the extraction unit 12 stopped, if the state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage unit 16, which stores the electricity generated by the motor 5, is below the threshold TH1. For example, if the vehicle S is traveling to the Fig. During the time P0 shown in section 2, the control unit 17 determines that the state of charge (SOC) detected by the energy storage device 16 is below TH1. The control unit 17 then sets the braking force corresponding to the amount of pressure applied to the brake pedal by the driver of vehicle S and generates this braking force, for example, by performing regenerative braking with the extraction device 12 stopped.

[0044] The control unit 17 operates as described above, so that the control unit 17 can improve the state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage device 16 by performing regenerative braking to brake the vehicle S when the SOC of the energy storage device 16 is low. As a result, the control unit 17 can suppress degradation of the energy storage device 16. It should be noted that in Fig. 2 shown time P0, if the specified braking force is greater than the maximum value of the braking force that can be generated by the regenerative braking process, the control device 17 can perform both the regenerative braking process and the mechanical braking process with the suction device 12 in operation.

[0045] For example, when the vehicle S is braked, the control unit 17 executes the mechanical braking process and operates the extraction device 12 if the SOC, after reaching the threshold TH1, is equal to or above the threshold TH2, which is lower than the threshold TH1. For example, when the vehicle S comes to the Fig. During time P1 shown in Figure 2, the control unit 17 determines that the state of charge (SOC) is equal to or greater than the threshold TH2 at the current time contained within time P1, after the SOC has reached the threshold TH1 at time T1. The control unit 17 then sets the braking force corresponding to the amount of depressurization of the brake pedal by the driver of vehicle S and generates this braking force, for example, by performing the mechanical braking process and operating the extraction device 12.

[0046] The control unit 17 operates as described above, enabling it to lower the state of charge (SOC) by operating the extraction device 12 when the vehicle S is braked and to collect the brake dust resulting from the execution of the mechanical braking process. As a result, the control unit 17 can prevent degradation of the energy storage device 16 and the distribution of brake dust while the vehicle S is in motion.

[0047] With renewed reference to Fig. 1. The signaling device 18 is a device for reporting to the driver of vehicle S whether the brake dust collection system 10 is in an abnormal condition or not. The abnormal condition refers, for example, to a situation in which brake dust adheres to the filter of the collection device 15, causing the filter to become clogged and the extraction device 12 to have difficulty drawing air from the cover 11. The signaling device 18 reports the abnormality in the collection device 15 to the driver of vehicle S, for example, when the control device 17 determines that a vacuum in the extraction device 12, detected by the vacuum sensor 13, is equal to or greater than a predetermined vacuum. The predetermined vacuum is a vacuum determined by experiments or simulations.

[0048] The alarm device 18 displays, for example, a warning image indicating that the collection device 15 is in an abnormal state on a dashboard (not shown in the figures) equipped with the vehicle S, upon receiving vacuum information from the control device 17 indicating that the vacuum of the extraction device 12 is equal to or greater than the predetermined vacuum. The warning image includes a symbol or text data recommending, for example, replacing or cleaning the filter of the collection device 15. The alarm device 18 can also emit a warning tone indicating that the collection device 15 is in an abnormal state from a loudspeaker (not shown in the figures) equipped with the vehicle S, upon receiving vacuum information from the control device 17 indicating that the vacuum of the extraction device 12 is equal to or greater than the predetermined vacuum.

[0049] For example, the signaling device 18 performs a process to hide the displayed warning image or does not perform a process to display the warning image upon receiving vacuum information from the control unit 17 indicating that the vacuum of the suction device 12 is lower than the predetermined vacuum. The signaling device 18 can perform a process to stop the emitted warning tone or it can refrain from emitting the warning tone upon receiving vacuum information from the control unit 17 indicating that the vacuum of the suction device 12 is lower than the predetermined vacuum. The signaling device 18 operates as described above; the signaling device 18 can notify the driver of vehicle S at an appropriate time about the need to replace or clean the filter contained in the collection device 15.

[0050] In Fig. Figure 1 is axle 7, which is a drive shaft included in the vehicle S. It is shown as an example of axle 7, but the vehicle S may also include one or more other axles 7. In this case, the wheel-tire combination 8, the brake assembly 9, and the cover 11 are arranged at the end section of each axle 7. The axle 7 located at the front longitudinally of the vehicle S (hereinafter referred to as the "front axle") carries a greater load during braking than the axle 7 located at the rear longitudinally of the vehicle S (hereinafter referred to as the "rear axle"). Therefore, the brake assembly 9 located on the front axle produces a greater amount of brake dust when the vehicle S is braked than the brake assembly 9 located on the rear axle.

[0051] Accordingly, in the brake dust collection system 10, the extraction device 12, the extraction duct 14, and the collection device 15 can each be provided for the front axle and the rear axle. The brake dust collection system 10 can cause the extraction device 12 to generate an extraction force corresponding to the amount of brake dust in the front axle and the rear axle, respectively, or it can attach a filter with a size corresponding to the amount of brake dust to the collection device 15.

[0052] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows vehicle S, which collects brake dust from each axle 7. The in Fig. Vehicle S shown in section 3 differs from the one in [section / document]. Fig. The vehicle S shown in Figure 1 is distinguished by the fact that it comprises a front axle 7a, a wheel-tire combination 8a, a wheel-tire combination 8b, a brake device 9a, a brake device 9b, a cover 11a, a cover 11b, a first suction device 12a, a first vacuum sensor 13a, a first suction channel 14a and a first collection device 15a and is otherwise identical. A Fig. The rear axle 7b shown in section 3 is the same as the one in Fig. 1 Axis 7 shown, one in Fig. The second extraction device shown in Figure 3, 12b, is the same as the one in Figure 3. Fig. 1 extraction device 12 shown, one in Fig. The second vacuum sensor shown, 13b, is the same as the one in [reference missing]. Fig. 1 shown vacuum sensor 13, one in Fig. The second extraction channel 14b shown in Figure 3 is the same as the one in Figure 3. Fig. 1 shown extraction channel 14 and one in Fig. The second collection facility shown, 15b, is the same as the one in 3. Fig. 1. Collecting device 15. An opening 110a is provided on the cover 11a and an opening 110b is provided on the cover 11b, as shown in Figure 1. Fig. 3 shown.

[0053] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the brake dust collection system 10 comprises, for example, the first extraction device 12a and the second extraction device 12b, referred to as extraction device 12. The first extraction device 12a is a device that extracts brake dust generated within the cover 11a and the cover 11b, which is provided on the front axle 7a of the vehicle S, for example, through the first extraction channel 14a. The second extraction device 12b is a device that extracts brake dust generated within the cover 11c and the cover 11d, which is provided on the rear axle 7b of the vehicle S, for example, through the second extraction channel 14b. The first extraction device 12a extracts brake dust with a suction force that is greater than the suction force with which the second extraction device 12b extracts brake dust.

[0054] The brake dust collection system 10 operates in this way so that the extraction device 12 can increase the extraction force for extracting air containing brake dust from the cover 11, which covers the brake device 9, which is subjected to a greater load for braking the vehicle S among the multitude of brake devices 9 contained in the vehicle S.

[0055] The brake dust collection system 10, for example, includes the first collection device 15a and the second collection device 15b as collection device 15. The first collection device 15a is, for example, a device provided between the connection point G1 and the first suction device 12a in the first suction duct 14a and collects the brake dust that is extracted from the inside of the cover 11a and the cover 11b provided on the front axle 7a of the vehicle S. The second collection device 15b is, for example, a device provided between the connection point G2 and the second suction device 12b in the second suction duct 14b and collects the brake dust that is extracted from the inside of the cover 11c and the cover 11d provided on the rear axle 7b of the vehicle S.The first collection unit 15a is fitted with a brake dust collection filter that is larger than the filter fitted to the second collection unit 15b. Since the amount of brake dust drawn from the inside of covers 11a and 11b is greater than the amount drawn from the inside of covers 11c and 11d, the brake dust collection system 10 can fit a filter with an adsorption capacity equal to the amount of brake dust to the collection unit 15 by making the filter fitted to the first collection unit 15a larger than the filter fitted to the second collection unit 15b. As a result, the brake dust collection system 10 can bring forward the time at which a pressure increase due to clogging in each filter occurs.

[0056] The warning device 18 notifies the driver of vehicle S of an abnormality in the first collection unit 15a if the vacuum detected by the first vacuum sensor 13a is equal to or greater than the predetermined vacuum. The warning device 18 also notifies the driver of vehicle S of an abnormality in the second collection unit 15b if the vacuum detected by the second vacuum sensor 13b is equal to or greater than the predetermined vacuum. For example, the warning device 18 displays an initial warning image on the dashboard indicating that an abnormality exists in the first collection unit 15a if the vacuum in the first extraction unit 12a, detected by the first vacuum sensor 13a, is equal to or greater than the predetermined vacuum.For example, the alarm device 18 displays a second warning image indicating that the abnormality in the second collection device 15b on the dashboard is present if the negative pressure of the second extraction device 12b, detected by the second negative pressure sensor 13b, is equal to or greater than the predetermined negative pressure.

[0057] In the brake dust collection system 10, the point in time at which a vacuum increase occurs due to a blockage in each filter can be determined more precisely. Therefore, if the warning device 18 informs the driver individually about the need to replace or clean each filter, the point in time of such notifications for each filter can also be determined more precisely.In particular, in the brake dust collection system 10, it is possible to a) bring forward the time at which the increase in negative pressure occurs due to a blockage in the filter mounted on the collection unit 15a, and b) the time at which the increase in negative pressure occurs due to a blockage in the filter mounted on the collection unit 15b, so that it is also possible to c) bring forward the time to report the need to replace or clean the filter mounted on the collection unit 15a, and d) bring forward the time to report the need to replace or clean the filter mounted on the collection unit 15b. This makes it easier for the driver to replace or clean the filters at the same time.It should be noted that in the brake dust collection system 10, even if the vehicle S comprises several axles 7, brake dust can be collected using a single extraction device 12 and a single collection device 15. <Verarbeitungsablauf in der Steuereinrichtung 17>

[0058] Fig. Figure 4 shows an example of a processing flow in control unit 17. The one in Fig. The processing sequence shown in Figure 4 illustrates a process for braking the vehicle S using the in Fig. 1 Control unit 17 shown, which performs the mechanical braking process and / or the regenerative braking process. The in Fig. The processing sequence shown in section 4 begins when vehicle S is traveling at a time that is in the Fig. The time P0 shown in section 2 is included.

[0059] Control unit 17 determines whether braking force is necessary to brake the vehicle S (S11). For example, control unit 17 determines i) that braking force is necessary if the depressor pressure detected by the brake pedal sensor is greater than 0 at the time step S11 is executed, and ii) that no braking force is necessary if this depressor pressure is 0 at the time step S11 is executed. If it is determined that no braking force is necessary (NO in S11), control unit 17 repeats step S11. If it is determined that braking force is necessary (YES in S11), control unit 17 starts the regenerative braking process (S12).

[0060] The control unit 17 then determines whether additional braking force is necessary (S13). For example, the control unit 17 determines i) that additional braking force is necessary if the depressor pressure detected by the brake pedal sensor is greater than 0 at the time step S13 is executed, and ii) that no additional braking force is necessary if this depressor pressure is 0 at the time step S13 is executed. If it is determined that no additional braking force is necessary (NO in S13), the control unit 17 terminates the regenerative braking process (S14) and ends the Fig. 4. Processing shown. If it is determined that the additional braking force is necessary (YES in S13), the control unit 17 determines whether the SOC of the energy storage device 16 is equal to or greater than the threshold TH1 (S15).

[0061] If the state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage device 16 is less than the threshold TH1 (NO in S15), the control device 17 returns to step S12 and continues the regenerative braking process. If the SOC of the energy storage device 16 is equal to or greater than the threshold TH1 (YES in S15), the control device 17 terminates the regenerative braking process (S16), starts the mechanical braking process (S17), and operates the extraction device 12 (S18).

[0062] The control unit 17 then determines whether additional braking force is required (S19). For example, the control unit 17 determines i) that additional braking force is necessary if the depressor amount detected by the brake pedal sensor is greater than 0 at the time step S19 is executed, and ii) that no additional braking force is necessary if this depressor amount is 0 at the time step S19 is executed. If it is determined that no additional braking force is necessary (NO in S19), the control unit 17 terminates the mechanical braking process and stops the suction device 12 (S20). Then the control unit 17 terminates the Fig. 4. The process shown. If it is determined that the additional braking force is necessary (YES in S19), the control unit 17 determines whether the SOC of the energy storage device 16 is less than the threshold TH2 (S21).

[0063] If the state of charge (SOC) of the energy storage device 16 is equal to or greater than the threshold TH2 (NO in S21), the control device 17 returns to step S17 and continues the execution of the mechanical braking process. If the SOC of the energy storage device 16 is less than the threshold TH2 (YES in S21), the control device 17 terminates the mechanical braking process and stops the extraction device 12 (S22). Then, the control device 17 returns to step S12 and starts the execution of the regenerative braking process. <Wirkungen des Bremsstaubsammelsystems 10>

[0064] As described above, the brake dust collection system 10 comprises i) the cover 11 for covering the brake assembly 9, which is arranged at the end section of the axle 7 of the vehicle S, ii) the suction device 12 for extracting the brake dust generated within the cover 11 from the opening 110, which is arranged on the cover 11, via the suction duct 14, iii) the control device 17 for operating the suction device 12 in a state in which the brake assembly 9 brakes the wheel-tire combination 8, which is mounted at the end section of the axle 7, while the vehicle S is moving, and iv) the collection device 15, which is arranged between the opening 110 and the suction device 12 in the suction duct 14 and collects the brake dust extracted by the suction device 12.

[0065] Since the brake dust collection system 10 is configured as described above, it can contain the brake dust generated by the braking device 9 when the moving vehicle S is braked, within a space enclosed by the cover 11. In the brake dust collection system 10, the suction device 12 draws the brake dust from the opening 110 located in the cover 11 when the vehicle S is braked, allowing the collection device 15 to collect the brake dust while the vehicle S is in motion. As a result, the brake dust collection system 10 can suppress the distribution of brake dust while the vehicle S is in motion.

[0066] The present disclosure is explained with reference to the embodiments. The technical scope of the present disclosure is not limited to that explained in the embodiments above, and it is possible to make various changes and modifications within the scope of the disclosure. For example, all or part of the device may be configured with any unit that is functionally or physically distributed or integrated. Furthermore, new embodiments generated by any combination thereof are included in the embodiments of the present disclosure. Moreover, the effects of the new embodiments resulting from the combinations also have the effects of the original embodiments. REFERENCE MARK LIST S vehicle 1 charging port 2 Machine 3 Crankshaft 4 Power transmission device 5 engine 5a Motor 5b Motor 6-axle drive 7-axis 7a Front axle 7b Rear axle 8 wheel-tire combination 8a Wheel-tire combination 8b Wheel-tire combination 8c wheel-tire combination 8d wheel-tire combination 9. Braking system 9a Braking system 9b Braking system 9c Brake system 9d Brake system 10 Brake dust collection system 11 Cover 11a Cover 11b Cover 11c Cover 11d Coverage 110 Opening 110a Opening 110b Opening 110c opening 110d opening 12 Extraction system 12a first extraction device 12b second extraction device 13 Vacuum sensor 13a first vacuum sensor 13b second vacuum sensor 14 Extraction channel 14a first extraction channel 14b second extraction channel 15 Collection facility 15a first collection facility 15b second collection facility 16 Energy storage device 17 Control unit 18 Reporting device

Claims

[1] Brake dust collection system (10), comprising: a cover (11) covering a braking device (9) arranged at an end section of each axle (7) of a vehicle (S); an extraction device (12) which extracts dust generated within the cover (11) through an extraction channel (14) from an opening (110) arranged on the cover (11); a control device (17) that operates the extraction device (12) in a state in which the braking device (9) brakes a wheel-tire combination (8) mounted on the end section of the axle (7) while the vehicle (S) is moving; a collecting device (15) which is arranged between the opening (110) and the extraction device (12) in the extraction duct (14) and which collects the dust extracted by the extraction device (12); and an energy storage device (16) comprising a rechargeable storage battery, wherein: the control unit (17) operates the extraction unit (12) when it performs a first braking operation to brake the wheel-tire combination (8) using the braking unit (9), wherein the control unit (17) can furthermore perform a second braking operation to brake the wheel-tire combination (8) using a motor (5) that rotates the axle (7), and the energy storage device (16) supplies power to the extraction device (12) when the control device (17) operates the extraction device (12) during the execution of the mechanical braking process, and recharges itself with the electricity generated by the motor (5) when the control device (17) performs the regenerative braking process. [2] Brake dust collection system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (17) performs the second braking operation with the extraction device (12) stopped when a charge level of an energy storage device (16) that stores electricity generated by the motor (5) is less than a first threshold value. [3] Brake dust collection system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the control device (17) performs the first braking operation and operates the extraction device (12) when the charge level, after reaching the first threshold, is equal to or greater than a second threshold which is lower than the first threshold. [4] Brake dust collection system (10) according to claim 3, wherein the extraction device (12) is driven by being supplied with electricity stored in the energy storage device (16). [5] Brake dust collection system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: a notification device (18) that notifies a driver of the vehicle (S) of an abnormality in the collection device (15) when a negative pressure of the extraction device (12) is equal to or greater than a predetermined negative pressure. [6] Brake dust collection system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the opening (110) is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the cover (11) or a section of the cover (11) which is directed towards a center of the vehicle (S) in a vehicle width direction. [7] Brake dust collection system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: a first collecting device (15a) that collects the dust extracted from the inside of the cover (11) provided on a front axle (7a) of the vehicle (S), and a second collecting device (15b) that collects the dust extracted from the inside of the cover (11) provided on a rear axle (7b) of the vehicle (S), as a plurality of collecting devices (15); wherein a size of filter that the first collection device (15a) has for collecting the dust is larger than a size of filter that the second collection device (15b) has. [8] Brake dust collection system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising: a first extraction device (12a) that extracts the dust generated within the cover (11) provided on the front axle (7a) of the vehicle (S), and a second extraction device (12b) that extracts the dust generated within the cover (11) provided on the rear axle (7b) of the vehicle (S), as a plurality of the one or more extraction devices (12); wherein a suction force with which the first extraction device (12a) extracts the dust is greater than a suction force with which the second extraction device (12b) extracts the dust. [9] Brake dust collection system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the control device (17) operates the extraction device (12) when a depress amount of a brake pedal contained in the vehicle (S) is greater than a predetermined depress amount. [10] Brake dust collection system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the control device (17) i) performs the first braking operation and the second braking operation or ii) performs the first braking operation and operates the extraction device (12) when the braking force corresponding to the amount of depressing of the brake pedal contained in the vehicle (S) is greater than a maximum value of a braking force resulting from the second braking operation.

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