Vehicle control system

The vehicle control system addresses wheel slipping and instability by managing torque and hydraulic pressure distribution between wheels, ensuring stable braking force transitions from regenerative to frictional braking, thus stabilizing vehicle behavior.

JP2025012303AActive Publication Date: 2025-01-24HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2023115042
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-07-13
Publication Date
2025-01-24
Estimated Expiration
2043-07-13

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vehicle control systems face challenges in eliminating wheel slipping during deceleration due to regenerative braking, leading to insufficient braking force and vehicle instability, especially when transitioning from regenerative to frictional braking.

Method used

A vehicle control system that manages torque distribution between wheels using rotating electric machines and friction braking mechanisms, adjusts hydraulic pressure to wheels based on slipping conditions, and switches regenerative braking to friction braking to maintain stable braking force.

Benefits of technology

The system effectively eliminates wheel slipping, ensures consistent braking force, and stabilizes vehicle behavior by dynamically controlling hydraulic pressure and torque distribution, preventing insufficient or excessive braking.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a vehicle control system that can suppress shortage of braking force and destabilization of vehicle behavior when eliminating slipping states in wheels.SOLUTION: A vehicle control system 10 includes: an electric braking control part 21 that controls a fluid-pressure generating part 51; a behavior control part 23 that controls brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR, 15RL and 15RR; a front motor control part 25a and a rear motor control part 25b that control rotary electric machines 11a and 11b; and an integral control part 27. The behavior control part 23 shuts off distribution of working media of the fluid-pressure generating part 51 to the front brake mechanisms 15FL and 15FR, when slipping states occur in front wheels Fr during execution of regenerative braking by the front motor control part 25a. The electric braking control part 21 increases pressure of a pressure medium of the fluid-pressure generating part 50 more, in comparison with when the slipping states do not occur in the front wheels Fr.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle control system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, efforts to provide access to sustainable transport systems that take into consideration vulnerable transport participants such as the elderly, people with disabilities and children have been gaining momentum. To achieve this, we are focusing on research and development to further improve transport safety and convenience through development of vehicle behavior stability. Conventionally, a control device is known that predicts the start of anti-lock brake control operation and increases the frictional braking force and reduces the regenerative braking force in advance, thereby suppressing a sudden decrease in deceleration caused by a delayed response of the frictional braking force (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-35840 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In terms of vehicle behavior stability, when wheel slippage occurs during deceleration by regenerative braking, it is important to eliminate the slipping state while suppressing insufficient braking force and destabilization of the vehicle behavior. For example, the control device of the above-mentioned conventional technology controls the friction braking force and regenerative braking force before the start of anti-lock brake control operation, but it is difficult to accurately predict the vehicle behavior that changes depending on the road surface and braking state, etc., and there is a risk that an appropriate braking force cannot be ensured. For example, when regenerative braking force is switched to friction braking force as the anti-lock brake control operation is performed, there is a risk that the braking force will be insufficient due to pressure fluctuations caused by the opening and closing of a valve in the hydraulic circuit of the friction brake.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems by suppressing insufficient braking force and instability of vehicle behavior when eliminating wheel slippage, and thereby contribute to the development of a sustainable transportation system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems and achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following aspects. (1): A vehicle control system according to one aspect of the present invention (e.g., vehicle control system 10 in the embodiment) includes a rotating electric machine control unit (e.g., front motor control unit 25a, rear motor control unit 25b in the embodiment) that controls the operation of a rotating electric machine (e.g., front rotating electric machine 11a, rear rotating electric machine 11b in the embodiment) that transmits and receives torque between a predetermined wheel (e.g., front wheel Fr, rear wheel Rr in the embodiment), and friction braking mechanisms (e.g., first front brake mechanism 15FL, second front brake mechanism 15F in the embodiment) for a plurality of wheels (e.g., front wheel Fr and rear wheel Rr in the embodiment) including the predetermined wheel. and a friction braking control unit (e.g., electric brake control unit 21 and behavior control unit 23 in the embodiment) that controls the operation of a pressure system (e.g., hydraulic system 50 in the embodiment) that drives first rear brake mechanism 15R, first rear brake mechanism 15RL, and second rear brake mechanism 15RR) with a pressure medium (e.g., a working medium in the embodiment), and when a slippage state of the specified wheel occurs during regenerative braking being performed by the rotating electric machine control unit, the friction braking control unit blocks the flow of the pressure medium to the friction braking mechanism of the specified wheel and increases the pressure of the pressure medium compared to when the slippage state is not occurring.

[0007] (2): In the vehicle control system described in (1) above, when a slippage occurs in the specified wheel, the friction braking control unit may increase the pressure of the pressure medium compared to when the slippage does not occur by setting the pressure of the pressure medium in correspondence with a friction braking torque (e.g., a total increased friction braking torque TrT in an embodiment) obtained by multiplying a regenerative braking torque (e.g., a switchover friction braking torque TrS in an embodiment) reduced by the rotating electric machine control unit by a specified coefficient (e.g., the reciprocal of a specified rear brake coefficient k in an embodiment) while cutting off the flow of the pressure medium to the friction braking mechanism of the specified wheel.

[0008] (3): In the vehicle control system described in (1) or (2) above, when the friction braking control unit releases the blockage of the flow of the pressure medium to the friction braking mechanism of the specified wheel, the friction braking control unit may terminate the control for increasing the pressure of the pressure medium after a predetermined time period compared to a case in which the slip state is not occurring. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the above (1), the friction braking control unit can promote elimination of the slipping state of the specified wheel by blocking the flow of the pressure medium to the friction braking mechanism of the specified wheel. The friction braking control unit can suppress a shortage of friction braking force in the entire vehicle by increasing the pressure of the pressure medium flowing to the friction braking mechanisms of wheels other than the specified wheel compared to when no slipping state occurs. The friction braking control unit can suppress a shortage of braking force and destabilization of vehicle behavior when eliminating the slipping state of the specified wheel.

[0010] In the above case of (2), the rotating electric machine control unit can promote elimination of the slip state of the specified wheel by switching the regenerative braking torque of the specified wheel to friction braking torque of a wheel other than the specified wheel. When switching to friction braking torque, the friction braking control unit can prevent a shortage of braking force (the sum of the friction braking force and the regenerative braking force) of the entire vehicle by increasing the pressure of the pressure medium so as to include the friction braking torque that is insufficient due to the interruption of the flow of the pressure medium to the friction braking mechanism of the specified wheel.

[0011] In the above case (3), the friction braking control unit releases the blockage of the flow of the pressure medium to the friction braking mechanism of the specified wheel when the slipping state of the specified wheel is resolved, and therefore ends the control to increase the pressure of the pressure medium, thereby preventing the friction braking force of the entire vehicle from becoming excessive. The friction braking control unit reduces the increase in the pressure of the pressure medium to zero after a specified time, thereby preventing abrupt fluctuations in the friction braking force and destabilization of the vehicle behavior. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a vehicle control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a hydraulic system in the vehicle control system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence relationships between the vehicle speed, the valve open flag, the braking force, the pressure of the hydraulic system, and the braking torque in the vehicle control system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between a valve open flag and a pressure in a hydraulic system in the vehicle control system according to the embodiment of the present invention and a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A vehicle control system according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a configuration diagram of a vehicle control system 10 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the vehicle control system 10 according to an embodiment. The vehicle control system 10 of the embodiment is mounted on an electric vehicle (vehicle) such as an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a fuel cell vehicle. An electric vehicle is driven by a battery as a power source. A hybrid vehicle is driven by a battery and an internal combustion engine as a power source. A fuel cell vehicle is driven by a fuel cell as a power source. A vehicle equipped with the vehicle control system 10 may be, for example, a front-wheel drive vehicle equipped with a rotating electric motor that generates power for the front wheels, a rear-wheel drive vehicle equipped with a rotating electric motor that generates power for the rear wheels, or an all-wheel drive vehicle equipped with a rotating electric motor that generates power for both the front and rear wheels.

[0014] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a vehicle 1 equipped with a vehicle control system 10 includes, for example, a front rotating electric machine 11a and a rear rotating electric machine 11b, a front differential device 13a and a rear differential device 13b, a first front brake mechanism 15FL and a second front brake mechanism 15FR, a first rear brake mechanism 15RL and a second rear brake mechanism 15RR, and a processing device 17.

[0015] The front rotating electric machine 11a transfers torque between the left and right front wheels Fr, for example, via a front differential 13a. The rear rotating electric machine 11b transfers torque between the left and right rear wheels Rr, for example, via a rear differential 13b. Each rotating electric machine 11a, 11b is, for example, a three-phase AC brushless DC motor. Each rotating electric machine 11a, 11b generates drive torque for each wheel Fr, Rr by performing power running operation using power supplied from a power conversion device or the like. Each rotating electric machine 11a, 11b performs regenerative operation using rotational power input from each front wheel Fr and each rear wheel Rr, thereby generating power and generating regenerative braking torque for each front wheel Fr and each rear wheel Rr.

[0016] The front differential 13a connects, for example, the front rotating electric machine 11a to the left and right front wheels Fr. The rear differential 13b connects, for example, the rear rotating electric machine 11b to the left and right rear wheels Rr. Each of the differentials 13a and 13b is, for example, a bevel gear type differential mechanism, and is an open differential that does not have a so-called differential limiting mechanism. The first front brake mechanism 15FL and the second front brake mechanism 15FR are, for example, friction braking mechanisms provided on the left and right front wheels Fr, respectively. The first rear brake mechanism 15RL and the second rear brake mechanism 15RR are, for example, friction braking mechanisms provided on the left and right rear wheels Rr, respectively. Each of the brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR, 15RL, and 15RR includes a disk brake or a drum brake connected to a hydraulic pressure generating unit 51 (described later) that uses hydraulic pressure or the like. Each of the brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR, 15RL, and 15RR performs friction braking on each of the front wheels Fr and each of the rear wheels Rr, for example, by hydraulic pressure generated by an actuator of the hydraulic pressure generating unit 51 in response to the operation of a brake operator by an operator.

[0017] The processing device 17 includes, for example, an electric braking control unit 21, a behavior control unit 23, a front motor control unit 25a, a rear motor control unit 25b, and an integrated control unit 27. Each of the control units 21, 23, 25a, 25b, and 27 is a software function unit that functions by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a predetermined program. The software function unit is an ECU that includes a processor such as a CPU, a ROM (Read Only Memory) that stores programs, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that temporarily stores data, and electronic circuits such as a timer. At least a part of each of the control units 21, 23, 25a, 25b, and 27 may be an integrated circuit such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration).

[0018] The vehicle control system 10 of the embodiment includes, for example, a processing device 17 and various sensors mounted on the vehicle 1. The processing device 17 acquires detection value signals output from various sensors of the vehicle 1, and comprehensively controls the rotating electric machines 11a, 11b and the brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR, 15RL, 15RR. The various sensors include, for example, an operation amount sensor 31, a rotation sensor 33, an acceleration sensor 35, a wheel speed sensor 37, a current sensor 39, a voltage sensor 41, and a temperature sensor 43. The operation amount sensor 31 includes, for example, a brake operation sensor that detects whether or not an operator operates a brake operator and the amount of operation, and an accelerator operation sensor that detects whether or not an operator operates an accelerator operator and the amount of operation. The rotation sensor 33 detects the rotation angle of each of the rotating electric machines 11a, 11b. The acceleration sensor 35 detects the acceleration of the vehicle 1. The wheel speed sensor 37 detects the rotation speed (wheel speed) of each of the front wheels Fr and each of the rear wheels Rr (each wheel). The current sensor 39, the voltage sensor 41, and the temperature sensor 43 each detect, for example, the current, voltage, and temperature of each of the rotating electric machines 11a, 11b and a power storage device such as a battery that exchanges power between each of the rotating electric machines 11a, 11b.

[0019] The electric braking control unit 21 controls, for example, the operation of a hydraulic pressure generating unit 51 that generates hydraulic pressure for each of the brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR, 15RL, and 15RR. The behavior control unit 23 controls friction braking by each of the brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR, 15RL, and 15RR based on hydraulic pressure generated by the control of the electric brake control unit 21, for example, in order to suppress abrupt changes in the behavior of the vehicle 1 and stabilize the posture. The behavior control unit 23 executes, for example, anti-brake lock control to prevent wheel lock during braking, traction control to prevent wheel slip (slip at each wheel) during acceleration and deceleration, and lateral slip suppression control during cornering. The behavior control unit 23 obtains, for example, detection value signals output from the acceleration sensor 35 and the wheel speed sensor 37, and estimates the speed (vehicle speed) of the vehicle 1.

[0020] Each of the front motor control unit 25a and the rear motor control unit 25b includes a power conversion device connected to a power source such as a power storage device mounted on the vehicle 1. Each of the motor control units 25a, 25b controls the exchange of power between the front rotating electric machine 11a and the rear rotating electric machine 11b via a power conversion device configured with, for example, a plurality of switching elements. Each of the motor control units 25a, 25b generates a rotational driving force by sequentially commutating current to the three phases during the power running operation of each of the rotating electric machines 11a, 11b. Each of the motor control units 25a, 25b generates a rotational braking force by converting AC power input from the three phases into DC power through switching operations of each phase synchronized with the rotation during the regenerative operation of each of the rotating electric machines 11a, 11b.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a hydraulic system 50 in the vehicle control system 10 of the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the hydraulic system 50 includes, for example, a hydraulic pressure generating unit 51, a medium flow path 53, a first front valve 55a and a first rear valve 55b, a second front valve 57a and a second rear valve 57b, a reservoir tank 59, a check valve 61, and a pump 63. The hydraulic pressure generating unit 51 includes, for example, a hydraulic cylinder such as a master cylinder that generates hydraulic pressure (master pressure), and an actuator such as an electric motor that is a power source for the hydraulic cylinder. The medium flow path 53 is a flow path for a working medium (pressure medium) such as hydraulic oil that transmits power.

[0022] The first front valve 55a and the first rear valve 55b are, for example, directional control valves, etc. Each of the valves 55a, 55b is disposed in the medium flow path 53 between the hydraulic pressure generating unit 51 and each of the brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR, 15RL, and 15RR. Each of the valves 55a, 55b switches between flow and blocking of the working medium to, for example, each of the brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR, 15RL, and 15RR. The second front valve 57a and the second rear valve 57b are, for example, directional control valves, etc. Each of the valves 57a, 57b is disposed in the medium flow path 53 between the first front valve 55a and the reservoir tank 59 and between the first rear valve 55b and the reservoir tank 59. Each of the valves 57a, 57b switches between allowing and blocking the flow of the working medium to and from the reservoir tank 59, for example.

[0023] The reservoir tank 59 stores the working medium. The check valve 61 is disposed in the medium flow path 53 between the reservoir tank 59 and the pump 63. The check valve 61 allows the working medium to flow from the reservoir tank 59 to the pump 63 and prohibits the working medium from flowing back from the pump 63 to the reservoir tank 59. The pump 63 is disposed in the medium flow path 53 between the hydraulic pressure generating unit 51 and the first front valve 55a and the first rear valve 55b. The pump 63 pumps out the working medium toward the hydraulic pressure generating unit 51.

[0024] In the hydraulic system 50, for example, when the first front valve 55a and the first rear valve 55b are in an open state, the working medium flows in parallel from the hydraulic pressure generating unit 51 to each of the brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR, 15RL, and 15RR. For example, when the valves 55a and 55b are in an open state, the pressure of the working medium acting on each of the front brake mechanisms 15FL and 15FR (Fr pressure) and the pressure of the working medium acting on each of the rear brake mechanisms 15RL and 15RR (Rr pressure) become the same according to the pressure of the working medium (master pressure) in the hydraulic pressure generating unit 51. In a state in which the same pressure is acting, the frictional braking force by each of the front brake mechanisms 15FL and 15FR and the frictional braking force by each of the rear brake mechanisms 15RL and 15RR are set in advance to have a predetermined front / rear ratio depending on, for example, the size and friction material of each of the brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR, 15RL, and 15RR.

[0025] An example of the operation of the vehicle control system 10 in the embodiment will be described below. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the correspondence relationship between the speed of the vehicle 1, the valve open flag, the braking force, the pressure of the hydraulic system, and the braking torque in the vehicle control system 10 of the embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the vehicle 1 is in a front-wheel drive state in which the front rotating electric machine 11a generates torque (driving torque and regenerative braking torque) on the left and right front wheels Fr. The integrated control unit 27 acquires the braking force (required braking force) of the vehicle 1 requested by the driver in response to the driver's operation of the accelerator operator and brake operator related to the deceleration of the vehicle 1, for example, when the vehicle 1 decelerates after time t1.

[0026] First, during the period from time t1 to time t2, when the required braking force increases in response to the driver's brake operation, etc., the integrated control unit 27 generates a braking force equivalent to the required braking force by increasing the regenerative braking force of the front rotating electric machine 11a via the front motor control unit 25a. Next, for example, from time t2 to time t3, during a period in which the required braking force increases in response to the driver's brake operation, the integrated control unit 27 increases the master pressure of the hydraulic system 50 via the electric braking control unit 21 and the behavior control unit 23, thereby increasing the frictional braking force of each of the brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR, 15RL, and 15RR. For example, the electric braking control unit 21 and the behavior control unit 23 open the valves 55a and 55b of the hydraulic system 50 and increase the master pressure of the hydraulic pressure generating unit 51, thereby increasing the pressure of the working medium acting on each of the brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR, 15RL, and 15RR. For example, when each of the valves 55a, 55b is in an open state, the pressure of the working medium acting on each of the front brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR (Fr pressure) and the pressure of the working medium acting on each of the rear brake mechanisms 15RL, 15RR (Rr pressure) are equal to the master pressure generated by the hydraulic pressure generating unit 51. The integrated control unit 27 generates a braking force equivalent to the required braking force by the regenerative braking force of the front rotating electric machine 11a and the frictional braking force of each of the brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR, 15RL, 15RR.

[0027] Next, when the required braking force is constant, for example after time t3, and no slippage of the front wheels Fr and rear wheels Rr is detected, such as in the period up to time t4, the integrated control unit 27 generates a braking force equivalent to the required braking force by maintaining the regenerative braking force of the front rotating motor 11a and the frictional braking forces of each brake mechanism 15FL, 15FR, 15RL, 15RR constant.

[0028] Next, for example, at time t4, when the behavior control unit 23 detects a slip state of the front wheels Fr due to the wheel speed of the front wheels Fr falling below a predetermined threshold value corresponding to the vehicle speed due to a change in the road to a low friction road, the behavior control unit 23 starts executing the anti-brake lock control. For example, the behavior control unit 23 switches the valve close flag for the first front valve 55a of the hydraulic system 50 from an open state "0" to a closed state "1" to block the flow of the working medium to each of the front brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR. With the first front valve 55a in the closed state, the pressure of the working medium acting on each of the front brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR (Fr pressure) becomes at least equal to or lower than the master pressure at time t4, and changes to a constant or decreasing tendency from time t4, for example. On the other hand, with the first rear valve 55b being maintained in the open state, the pressure of the working medium acting on each of the rear brake mechanisms 15RL, 15RR (Rr pressure) is always equal to the master pressure.

[0029] Then, for example, from time t4 to time t5 during which the slipping state of the front wheels Fr continues, the integrated control unit 27 changes the regenerative braking force of the front rotating electric machine 11a to a decreasing tendency and the master pressure of the hydraulic pressure generating unit 51 to an increasing tendency via the front motor control unit 25a and the electric brake control unit 21, thereby changing the pressure of the working medium acting on each of the rear brake mechanisms 15RL, 15RR to an increasing tendency (Rr pressure=master pressure). For example, the electric brake control unit 21 increases the master pressure of the hydraulic pressure generating unit 51 compared to a case in which the regenerative braking force is reduced and the frictional braking force is increased according to the required braking force in a state in which no slipping occurs in each wheel. For example, the electric brake control unit 21 increases the master pressure by a predetermined increase amount PU so as to further raise the frictional braking force in addition to the increase amount PS of the master pressure corresponding to the changeover from the regenerative braking force at the front wheels Fr to the frictional braking force. It should be noted that the Fr pressure PP shown in FIG. 4 is the amount of decrease in the Fr pressure that occurs from time t4 due to the first front valve 55a being closed, for example.

[0030] The specified increase in master pressure PU includes at least an increase in master pressure to compensate for the amount of increase in master pressure PS that does not act on the front brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR due to the closed state of the first front valve 55a on the rear brake mechanisms 15RL, 15RR.

[0031] The electric brake control unit 21 sets the frictional braking force to a braking force (second braking force) obtained by, for example, adding a predetermined braking force to a braking force (first braking force) obtained by subtracting the regenerative braking force from the required braking force. The first braking force is, for example, all frictional braking forces set when the regenerative braking force is switched to a frictional braking force in a state where no slippage occurs in any of the wheels. The second braking force is, for example, all frictional braking forces set when the regenerative braking force is switched to a frictional braking force in a state where slippage occurs in a drive wheel (for example, the front wheel Fr in front-wheel drive). The predetermined braking force is a braking force corresponding to the above-mentioned predetermined increase PU in the master pressure and a lifting frictional braking torque TrU described later.

[0032] When the electric braking control unit 21 switches the regenerative braking force to the frictional braking force, for example, after time t4, the electric braking control unit 21 sets the increased frictional braking torque corresponding to the decrease in the regenerative braking torque as the switched frictional braking torque TrS. For example, the electric braking control unit 21 sets the torque (the total increase in the frictional braking torque) obtained by adding the switched frictional braking torque TrS and the lifting frictional braking torque TrU corresponding to the above-described predetermined braking force as the total increased frictional braking torque TrT (= TrS + TrU). For example, the electric braking control unit 21 sets the torque obtained by multiplying the switched frictional braking torque TrS by a predetermined coefficient as the total increased frictional braking torque TrT. The predetermined coefficient is, for example, in the case of front-wheel drive, the reciprocal of a predetermined rear brake coefficient k (0 < k < 1) set for each of the rear brake mechanisms 15RL and 15RR. That is, the predetermined rear brake coefficient k indicates the ratio of the switched frictional braking torque TrS in the total increased frictional braking torque TrT when the first front valve 55a is in the closed state. For example, the switched frictional braking torque TrS, the lifting frictional braking torque TrU, the total increased frictional braking torque TrT (= TrU + TrS), and the predetermined rear brake coefficient k have a correspondence relationship described by the following mathematical formula.

[0033] Total increased frictional braking torque TrT = Switched frictional braking torque TrS / k Lifting frictional braking torque TrU = Switched frictional braking torque TrS × (1 - k) / k

[0034] For example, during the period from time t4 to time t5, the switched frictional braking torque TrS is the same as the decrease in the regenerative braking torque (= Tra - Trb) from the regenerative braking torque Tra at time t4 to the regenerative braking torque Trb at time t5. The lifting frictional braking torque TrU is the same as the increase in the total braking torque (= Trd - Trc) from the total braking torque Trc (= regenerative braking torque + frictional braking torque = required braking torque) at time t4 to the total braking torque Trd (= regenerative braking torque + frictional braking torque) at time t5.

[0035] Next, for example, at time t5, when the behavior control unit 23 detects that the slipping state of the front wheels Fr has been eliminated because the wheel speed of the front wheels Fr has exceeded a predetermined threshold value corresponding to the vehicle speed due to the interruption of the flow of the working medium to each of the front brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR and the reduction in the regenerative braking force, the behavior control unit 23 stops the execution of the anti-brake lock control. For example, the behavior control unit 23 releases the interruption of the flow of the working medium to each of the front brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR by switching the valve close flag for the first front valve 55a of the hydraulic system 50 from "1" indicating a closed state to "0" indicating an open state. With the first front valve 55a in an open state, the pressure of the working medium acting on each of the front brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR (Fr pressure) increases toward the master pressure. On the other hand, with the first rear valve 55b maintained in an open state, the pressure of the working medium acting on each of the rear brake mechanisms 15RL, 15RR (Rr pressure) is equal to the master pressure.

[0036] When the first front valve 55a is switched from the closed state to the open state, the master pressure (=Rr pressure) temporarily drops with the increase in Fr pressure so that the working medium is drawn toward the front brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR rather than toward the rear brake mechanisms 15RL, 15RR of the first rear valve 55b, which is maintained in the open state. Then, after a suitable time has passed, the master pressure (=Rr pressure) and the Fr pressure become equal at a predetermined equilibrium pressure. As described above, the electric brake control unit 21 increases the master pressure of the hydraulic pressure generating unit 51 in advance by a predetermined increase amount PU, for example, during the period from time t4 to time t5, thereby preventing the frictional braking force from becoming insufficient relative to the required braking force even if the master pressure temporarily decreases, for example, after time t5.

[0037] Then, in order to prevent the frictional braking force from becoming excessive with respect to the required braking force after the master pressure temporarily drops after time t5, for example, the electric brake control unit 21 gradually reduces the predetermined increase amount PU toward zero over a period until time t6, for example. For example, the predetermined time from time t5 to time t6 is set to at least the time required for the master pressure (=Rr pressure) and Fr pressure to become equal to a predetermined equilibrium pressure. The electric brake control unit 21 reduces the predetermined increase amount PU of the master pressure toward zero, for example, from time t5 to time t6, so that the lifting friction braking torque TrU corresponding to the above-mentioned predetermined braking force decreases toward zero.

[0038] Next, for example, from time t6 to time t7, the integrated control unit 27 switches to friction braking forces at the front wheels Fr and rear wheels Rr until the regenerative braking force at the front wheels Fr becomes zero, and ensures the required braking force using only the friction braking force.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence relationship between the valve open flag and the pressure of the hydraulic system 50 in the vehicle control system 10 of the embodiment and a comparative example. In the embodiment and comparative example shown in FIG. 5, the regenerative braking force at the front wheels Fr is switched to a frictional braking force after the first front valve 55a of the hydraulic system 50 is closed by executing anti-brake lock control, for example, from time t4 to time t5. As described above, in the embodiment, a predetermined increase amount PU of the master pressure is set to compensate for the increase amount PS of the master pressure that does not act on the front wheels Fr due to the changeover from regenerative braking force to frictional braking force after time t4, at the rear wheels Rr. A comparative example is, for example, a case where the predetermined increase amount PU of the master pressure is not set.

[0040] In each of the embodiments and comparative examples, when the first front valve 55a of the hydraulic system 50 is switched from a closed state to an open state due to the suspension of execution of the anti-brake lock control, for example, after time t5, the master pressure (=Rr pressure) temporarily decreases as the Fr pressure increases. In the comparative example, since the master pressure of hydraulic pressure generating unit 51 is not increased in advance by a predetermined increase amount PU, a temporary drop in master pressure after time t5, for example, results in a state in which the frictional braking force is insufficient for the required braking force. For example, a reduction in the frictional braking force corresponding to the drop in master pressure PD in the comparative example makes it impossible to ensure the frictional braking force (=required braking force-regenerative braking force) required for the required braking force. In contrast to this, in the embodiment, the master pressure of the hydraulic pressure generating unit 51 is increased in advance by a predetermined increase amount PU, so that even if the master pressure temporarily decreases, for example, after time t5, it is possible to secure the master pressure required to obtain the frictional braking force (=required braking force-regenerative braking force) required for the required braking force.

[0041] As described above, according to the vehicle control system 10 of the embodiment, when a slip state occurs in the front wheels Fr performing regenerative braking, the behavior control unit 23 can promote the elimination of the slip state by cutting off the flow of the working medium to each of the front brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR and by replacing the regenerative braking torque in the front wheels Fr with friction braking torque. The electric brake control unit 21 can suppress a shortage of the friction braking force in the entire vehicle by increasing the pressure (master pressure) of the working medium flowing to each of the rear brake mechanisms 15RL, 15RR compared to when a slip state does not occur. The electric brake control unit 21 can suppress a shortage of the braking force and the instability of the vehicle behavior when the slip state of the front wheels Fr is eliminated by setting a predetermined increase amount PU of the master pressure.

[0042] The integrated control unit 27 can promote the elimination of the slipping state of the front wheels Fr by switching the regenerative braking torque at the front wheels Fr to friction braking torque. The electric brake control unit 21 can prevent a shortage of braking force (the sum of friction braking force and regenerative braking force) of the entire vehicle by setting the increase in master pressure PS corresponding to the switching to a predetermined increase in master pressure PU, which is an increase for compensating for the portion of the master pressure increase PS that does not act on the front wheels Fr due to the closed state of the first front valve 55a.

[0043] The electric brake control unit 21 responds to the temporary drop in master pressure that occurs when the first front valve 55a is switched to the open state when the slippage at the front wheels Fr is eliminated by using a predetermined increase in master pressure PU, thereby suppressing a shortage of frictional braking force and overall braking force throughout the vehicle.

[0044] When the slippage at the front wheels Fr is resolved, the electric brake control unit 21 reduces the predetermined increase PU in the master pressure towards zero over a predetermined period of time, thereby preventing the frictional braking force throughout the vehicle from becoming excessive and preventing sudden fluctuations in the frictional braking force and instability in vehicle behavior.

[0045] (Modification) Modifications of the embodiment will be described below. Note that the same parts as those in the above-described embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified. In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle 1 is in a front-wheel drive state in which the front rotating electric machine 11a generates torque (driving torque and regenerative braking torque) on the left and right front wheels Fr, as in the example shown in Fig. 4, but is not limited thereto. For example, the vehicle 1 may be in a rear-wheel drive state in which the rear rotating electric machine 11b generates torque (driving torque and regenerative braking torque) on the left and right rear wheels Rr, or in an all-wheel drive state in which the rotating electric machines 11a, 11b generate torque on all the wheels, etc.

[0046] For example, in the case of rear-wheel drive, when a slipping state of the rear wheel Rr occurs, the behavior control unit 23 executes anti-brake lock control to switch the first rear valve 55b of the hydraulic system 50 from an open state to a closed state, thereby cutting off the flow of the working medium to each of the rear brake mechanisms 15RL, 15RR. Then, the integrated control unit 27 changes the regenerative braking force of the rear rotating electric machine 11b to a decreasing tendency and changes the master pressure of the hydraulic pressure generating unit 51 to an increasing tendency, for example, over a period during which the slipping state of the rear wheel Rr continues, thereby changing the pressure of the working medium acting on each of the front brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR (Fr pressure=master pressure) to an increasing tendency. For example, in the case of rear-wheel drive, the predetermined coefficient by which the shifting friction braking torque TrS is multiplied to set the total increased friction braking torque TrT is the reciprocal of a predetermined front brake coefficient h set for each of the front brake mechanisms 15FL, 15FR. The predetermined front brake coefficient h is set to, for example, h=1-k, depending on the predetermined rear brake coefficient k in the embodiment. For example, when the first rear valve 55b is in a closed state, the shifting friction braking torque TrS, the lifting friction braking torque TrU, the total increased friction braking torque TrT (=TrU+TrS), and the predetermined front brake coefficient h (=1-k) have a correspondence relationship described by the following formula.

[0047] Total increased friction braking torque TrT = changeover friction braking torque TrS / (1-k) Lifting friction braking torque TrU = Re-holding friction braking torque TrS × k / (1-k)

[0048] In the above-described embodiment, the vehicle 1 includes the front rotating electric machine 11a connected to the left and right front wheels Fr and the rear rotating electric machine 11b connected to the left and right rear wheels Rr, but is not limited thereto. For example, each wheel may be provided with an individual rotating electric machine, or each appropriate combination of a plurality of wheels may be provided with an individual rotating electric machine.

[0049] In the above embodiment, the predetermined increase amount PU of the master pressure is set to an increase amount for compensating for the increase amount PS of the master pressure corresponding to the changeover from regenerative braking force to frictional braking force, which is not applied to the front wheels Fr due to the closed state of the first front valve 55a, at the rear wheels Rr, but is not limited to this. For example, the predetermined increase amount PU may further include an increase amount for compensating for the reduction amount PP of the Fr pressure reduced by the behavior control unit 23 at the rear wheels Rr. Also, for example, in the case of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the front wheels Fr and the rear wheels Rr may be interpreted interchangeably.

[0050] The embodiments of the present invention are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as the scope and spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1...vehicle, 10...vehicle control system, 11a...front rotating electric machine (rotating electric machine), 11b...rear rotating electric machine (rotating electric machine), 13a...front differential device, 13b...rear differential device, 15FL...first front brake mechanism, 15FR...second front brake mechanism, 15RL...first rear brake mechanism, 15RR...second rear brake mechanism, 17...processing device, 21...electric braking control unit (friction braking control unit), 23...behavior control unit (friction braking control unit), 25a...front motor control unit (rotating electric machine control unit), 25b...rear Motor control unit (rotating electric machine control unit), 27...integrated control unit, 31...operation amount sensor, 33...rotation sensor, 35...acceleration sensor, 37...wheel speed sensor, 39...current sensor, 41...voltage sensor, 43...temperature sensor, 50...hydraulic system (pressure system), 51...hydraulic pressure generating unit, 53...medium flow path, 55a...first front valve, 55b...first rear valve, 57a...second front valve, 57b...second rear valve, 59...reservoir tank, 61...check valve, 63...pump, Fr...front wheel, Rr...rear wheel.

Claims

1. a rotating electric machine control unit that controls an operation of a rotating electric machine that transmits and receives torque between the rotating electric machine and a predetermined wheel; a friction braking control unit that controls the operation of a pressure system that drives friction braking mechanisms of a plurality of wheels including the predetermined wheel by a pressure medium; Equipped with The friction braking control unit includes: When a slip state occurs in the specified wheel during execution of regenerative braking by the rotating electric machine control unit, the flow of the pressure medium to the friction braking mechanism of the specified wheel is blocked, and the pressure of the pressure medium is increased compared to when the slip state does not occur. Vehicle control system.

2. The friction braking control unit includes: When a slip state occurs in the specified wheel, while the flow of the pressure medium to the friction braking mechanism of the specified wheel is cut off, the pressure of the pressure medium is set in accordance with a friction braking torque obtained by multiplying the regenerative braking torque reduced by the rotating electric machine control unit by a specified coefficient, thereby increasing the pressure of the pressure medium compared to when the slip state does not occur. The vehicle control system of claim 1 .

3. The friction braking control unit includes: When the interruption of the flow of the pressure medium to the friction braking mechanism of the predetermined wheel is released, the control for increasing the pressure of the pressure medium compared to when the slip state is not occurring is terminated after a predetermined time. The vehicle control system according to claim 1 or 2.

Citation Information

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