Brake system and brake pedal device

Abstract

To provide a necessary and sufficient system configuration which can secure redundancy by optimization of the number of sensors and an optimal routing method of sensor information.SOLUTION: A brake system includes: four sensors 11 to 14; and at least two ECUs 21, 22. A first sensor 11 transmits a sensor output signal to a first ECU 21. A second sensor 12 transmits a sensor output signal to a second ECU 22. A third sensor 13 transmits a sensor output signal to at least one of the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22. A fourth sensor 14 transmits a sensor output signal to both of the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a brake system and a brake pedal device mounted on a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a brake-by-wire system has been known in which an electronic control unit detects the amount of brake pedal operation based on an output signal of a sensor that outputs a signal corresponding to the amount of brake pedal operation by a driver, and controls the operation of a brake circuit to brake a vehicle. In the following description, the electronic control unit is sometimes referred to as an "ECU", the amount of brake pedal operation is sometimes referred to as a "pedal operation amount", and the brake-by-wire system is sometimes referred to as a "brake system". ECU is an abbreviation for Electronic Control Unit. The ECU that controls the operation of the brake circuit is sometimes referred to as a BCU. BCU is an abbreviation for Brake Control Unit.

[0003] In each embodiment, the brake system described in Patent Document 1 includes six sensors for detecting the amount of operation of the brake pedal, two ECUs, and two power supplies. The six sensors are four position sensors and two force sensors. In this brake system, one of the two power supplies supplies power to three sensors (specifically, two position sensors and one force sensor), and the other power supply supplies power to the other three sensors. In addition, in this brake system, output signals from the three sensors (specifically, the same two position sensors and one force sensor as above) are transmitted to one of the two ECUs, and output signals from the other three sensors are transmitted to the other ECU. As a result, even if one of the power supplies fails, the output signals from the other three sensors to which power is supplied from the other power supply are transmitted to the other ECU, so that the brake circuit can be driven and controlled by the other ECU. In this way, this brake system provides redundancy against failures of the power supplies and ECUs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 185611 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, although the brake system described in Patent Document 1 provides redundancy against failures of the power supply device and the ECU, it is equipped with as many as six sensors, which causes problems such as an increase in the size of the brake pedal device in which the numerous sensors are arranged, and an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0006] In view of the above, the present invention provides a necessary and sufficient system configuration for ensuring redundancy by optimizing the number of sensors and an optimal routing method for sensor information for brake pedal sensing in a brake-by-wire system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, claim 1 ~4According to the invention described in the above, a brake system for controlling the operation of a brake circuit (40) for braking a vehicle includes four sensors (11-14) and at least two electronic control devices (21, 22). The four sensors generate and output sensor output signals corresponding to the amount of operation of a brake pedal (31) operated by a driver. The at least two electronic control devices control the operation of the brake circuit based on the sensor output signals output from the sensors. Here, the four sensors are arbitrarily referred to as a first sensor (11), a second sensor (12), a third sensor (13), and a fourth sensor (14). The first sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within itself to a predetermined electronic control device (21) of the at least two electronic control devices. The second sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within itself to an electronic control device (22) other than the predetermined electronic control device of the at least two electronic control devices. 。 Further, according to the invention described in claim 1, the third sensor transmits two sensor output signals, which are generated within the sensor and distributed by an integrated circuit within the sensor, to a predetermined electronic control device and another electronic control device, respectively; The fourth sensor is configured to transmit one sensor output signal generated within the sensor itself, divided into two by an integrated circuit within the sensor, and the two sensor output signals are transmitted to a predetermined electronic control device and another electronic control device, respectively. According to the invention described in claim 2, the third sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the third sensor to only one of the predetermined electronic control device or the other electronic control device, The fourth sensor is configured to transmit one sensor output signal generated within the sensor itself, divided into two by an integrated circuit within the sensor, and the two sensor output signals are transmitted to a predetermined electronic control device and another electronic control device, respectively. According to the invention described in claim 3, the third sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor itself to a predetermined electronic control device and another electronic control device by branching the sensor output signal into two by a wiring configuration, The fourth sensor is configured to transmit a sensor output signal generated within the sensor itself, which is branched into two sensor output signals by a wiring configuration, respectively to a predetermined electronic control device and another electronic control device. According to the invention described in claim 4, the third sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the third sensor to only one of the predetermined electronic control device and the other electronic control device, The fourth sensor is configured to transmit a sensor output signal generated within the sensor itself, which is branched into two sensor output signals by a wiring configuration, respectively to a predetermined electronic control device and another electronic control device.

[0008] According to this, in this brake system, sensor output signals from three sensors are input to at least one of a predetermined electronic control device or another electronic control device. Therefore, when one of the three sensors fails, the electronic control device to which the sensor output signals from the three sensors are input can identify the failed sensor by majority decision. At the same time, the electronic control device can accurately detect the pedal operation amount based on the normal sensor output signals excluding the failed sensor.

[0009] In addition, in this brake system, sensor output signals from two or more sensors are input to both the specified electronic control device and the other electronic control device. Therefore, even if either the specified electronic control device or the other electronic control device fails, the brake circuit can be driven and controlled by the other electronic control device. Therefore, this brake system can ensure redundancy against failure of the electronic control device.

[0010] In this way, this brake system can implement functions such as identifying a failed sensor by majority decision and ensuring redundancy against failure of the electronic control device by a routing method using four sensors. Therefore, this brake system can reduce manufacturing costs and the size of the brake pedal device by optimizing the number of sensors.

[0011] Furthermore, the predetermined electronic control unit and the other electronic control unit do not need to communicate with each other regarding the sensor output signals of the four sensors, so that the brake system can reduce the load of control processing on the electronic control unit.

[0012] Claim 7~10 The present invention relates to a brake pedal device. The brake pedal device is used in a brake system including at least two electronic control devices (21, 22) that drive and control a brake circuit (40) that brakes a vehicle. The brake pedal device includes a brake pedal (31) operated by a driver, and four sensors (11-14) that generate and output a sensor output signal according to the amount of operation of the brake pedal. Here, the four sensors are arbitrarily referred to as a first sensor (11), a second sensor (12), a third sensor (13), and a fourth sensor (14). The first sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within itself to a predetermined electronic control device (21) of the at least two electronic control devices. The second sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within itself to an electronic control device (22) other than the predetermined electronic control device of the at least two electronic control devices. 。 According to the invention described in claim 7, the third sensor transmits two sensor output signals, which are generated within the third sensor and distributed by an integrated circuit within the sensor, to a predetermined electronic control device and another electronic control device, respectively; The fourth sensor is configured to transmit one sensor output signal generated within the sensor itself, divided into two by an integrated circuit within the sensor, and the two sensor output signals are transmitted to a predetermined electronic control device and another electronic control device, respectively. According to the invention described in claim 8, the third sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the third sensor to only one of the predetermined electronic control device and the other electronic control device, The fourth sensor is configured to transmit one sensor output signal generated within the sensor itself, divided into two by an integrated circuit within the sensor, and the two sensor output signals are transmitted to a predetermined electronic control device and another electronic control device, respectively. According to the invention described in claim 9, the third sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor itself to a predetermined electronic control device and another electronic control device by branching the sensor output signal into two by a wiring configuration, The fourth sensor is configured to transmit a sensor output signal generated within the sensor itself, which is branched into two sensor output signals by a wiring configuration, respectively to a predetermined electronic control device and another electronic control device. According to the invention described in claim 10, the third sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the third sensor to only one of the predetermined electronic control device and the other electronic control device, The fourth sensor is configured to transmit a sensor output signal generated within the sensor itself, which is branched into two sensor output signals by a wiring configuration, respectively to a predetermined electronic control device and another electronic control device.

[0013] According to this, claim 7~10 The brake pedal device according to the present invention can achieve the same effects as the invention according to claim 1.

[0014] The reference symbols in parentheses attached to each component indicate an example of the correspondence between the component and specific components described in the embodiments described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a brake system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a side view of a brake pedal device provided in a brake system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a brake system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a brake system according to a third embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a brake system according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0017] (First embodiment) A brake system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. The brake system of the first embodiment is a brake-by-wire system in which electronic control units (hereinafter referred to as "ECUs") 21, 22 drive and control a brake circuit 40 to brake the vehicle based on the amount of operation of a brake pedal 31. The ECU that drives and controls the brake circuit 40 is sometimes called a BCU.

[0018] 1, the brake system of the first embodiment includes four sensors 11 to 14 and two ECUs 21 and 22. The four sensors 11 to 14 are provided in a brake pedal device 30 as shown in FIG.

[0019] 2 shows an organ-type brake pedal device 30 as an example. In the organ-type brake pedal device 30, a portion 32 of a brake pedal 31 that is depressed by a driver is disposed above the axis CL of the rocking motion in the vertical direction when the brake pedal device 30 is mounted on a vehicle. The coordinates shown in FIG. 2 indicate the vertical and front-rear directions when the brake pedal device 30 is mounted on a vehicle.

[0020] The brake pedal device 30 includes a housing 33, a brake pedal 31, and the like. The housing 33 is fixed to the floor or dash panel of the vehicle by bolts (not shown) or the like. The brake pedal 31 is formed in a plate shape and disposed obliquely with respect to the floor of the vehicle. Specifically, the brake pedal 31 is disposed obliquely so that its upper end is in the front of the vehicle and its lower end is in the rear of the vehicle. An upper portion of the brake pedal 31 is provided with a thick portion as a portion 32 to be depressed by the driver.

[0021] The connecting member 34 fixed to the brake pedal 31 is fixed to a rotating shaft (not shown) provided inside the housing 33. Therefore, the brake pedal 31 is provided so as to be swingable about a predetermined axis CL provided in the housing 33. In this specification, swinging refers to a rotational movement in the forward and reverse directions within a predetermined angle range about the predetermined axis CL.

[0022] Although not shown in Fig. 2, a reaction force generating mechanism that generates a reaction force against the depressing force applied to the brake pedal 31 by the driver, four sensors 11 to 14, and the like are provided inside the housing 33. The reaction force generating mechanism and the four sensors 11 to 14 are not shown in Fig. 2.

[0023] Four sensors 11 to 14 shown in FIG. 1 are provided in a brake pedal device 30, and generate and output a sensor output signal corresponding to the amount of operation of a brake pedal 31 depressed by a driver.

[0024] The four sensors 11 to 14 may all be sensors that detect the same physical quantity, or may each be a sensor that detects a different physical quantity. In the first embodiment, from the viewpoint of redundancy, the four sensors 11 to 14 are sensors that detect two types of physical quantities (e.g., pedal rocking angle and pedal stroke amount) as the pedal operation amount using different detection principles. Specifically, for example, a magnetic sensor using a Hall element or a magnetic resistance element is used as the sensor that detects the pedal rocking angle. For example, an inductive sensor is used as the sensor that detects the pedal stroke amount. The types of the four sensors 11 to 14 are not limited to those described above, and various sensors such as a pressure sensor and a photoelectric sensor can be used.

[0025] The sensor output signals generated by the four sensors 11 to 14 are transmitted to the two ECUs 21 and 22. The method of transmission will be described later.

[0026] The two ECUs 21 and 22 are composed of a microcomputer including a processor for performing control processing and arithmetic processing, a storage unit such as a ROM and a RAM for storing programs and data, and peripheral circuits thereof. The storage unit is composed of a non-transient substantial storage medium. The ECUs 21 and 22 perform various control processing and arithmetic processing based on the programs stored in the storage unit, and control the operation of each device connected to the output port. Specifically, the ECUs 21 and 22 detect the exact pedal operation amount based on the sensor output signals generated by the four sensors 11 to 14, and control the operation of the brake circuit 40.

[0027] Various mechanisms can be adopted as the brake circuit 40. For example, the brake circuit 40 may be an electric brake in which an electric motor is driven by a command from the ECUs 21 and 22 to press brake pads against disc brake rotors to brake each wheel. Alternatively, for example, the brake circuit 40 may be configured to increase the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid by operating a master cylinder or a hydraulic pump, drive wheel cylinders arranged on each wheel, and operate the brake pads. The brake circuit 40 can also perform normal control, ABS control, VSC control, and the like, in response to control signals from the ECUs 21 and 22. ABS is an abbreviation for Anti-lock Braking System, and VSC is an abbreviation for Vehicle Stability Control.

[0028] Next, a method of transmitting sensor output signals from the four sensors 11 to 14 to the two ECUs 21 and 22 will be described.

[0029] For convenience of explanation, in the following description, the four sensors 11 to 14 are called the first sensor 11, the second sensor 12, the third sensor 13, and the fourth sensor 14 in order from the top to the bottom of FIG. 1. For convenience of explanation, of the two ECUs 21 and 22, the one at the top of FIG. 1 is called the first ECU 21, and the one at the bottom of FIG. 1 is called the second ECU 22. The first ECU 21 corresponds to a "predetermined electronic control device," and the second ECU 22 corresponds to an "another electronic control device." For convenience of explanation, in the following description, the wirings shown in FIG. 1 are called the first to sixth wirings 51 to 56. The names of the first to fourth sensors 11 to 14 do not limit the mounting positions or types of the sensors in the brake pedal device 30. The names of the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22 do not limit the mounting positions. These are the same as in the description of the second to fourth embodiments described later.

[0030] The first sensor 11 transmits a sensor output signal generated within its own sensor from a transmitting unit 111 of the first sensor 11 via a first wiring 51 to a first receiving unit 211 of the first ECU 21 .

[0031] The second sensor 12 transmits a sensor output signal generated within its own sensor from the transmitting unit 121 of the second sensor 12 via the second wiring 52 to the first receiving unit 221 of the second ECU 22 .

[0032] The third sensor 13 distributes one sensor output signal generated in its own sensor into two by duplicating the signal in an integrated circuit in the sensor, and generates two sensor output signals. The two sensor signals are identical signals. The third sensor 13 transmits one of the two sensor output signals from the first transmitting unit 131 of the third sensor 13 to the second receiving unit 212 of the first ECU 21 via the third wiring 53. The third sensor 13 transmits the other of the two sensor output signals from the second transmitting unit 132 of the third sensor 13 to the second receiving unit 222 of the second ECU 22 via the fourth wiring 54. That is, the third sensor 13 distributes one sensor output signal generated in its own sensor into two sensor output signals in an integrated circuit in the sensor, and transmits the two sensor output signals to the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22, respectively.

[0033] The fourth sensor 14 also distributes one sensor output signal generated in its own sensor into two by duplicating the signal in an integrated circuit in the sensor, and generates two sensor output signals. The two sensor signals are identical signals. The fourth sensor 14 transmits one of the two sensor output signals from the first transmitting unit 141 of the fourth sensor 14 to the third receiving unit 213 of the first ECU 21 via the fifth wiring 55. The fourth sensor 14 transmits the other of the two sensor output signals from the second transmitting unit 142 of the fourth sensor 14 to the third receiving unit 223 of the second ECU 22 via the sixth wiring 56. Thus, the fourth sensor 14 distributes one sensor output signal generated in its own sensor into two sensor output signals in an integrated circuit in the sensor, and transmits the two sensor output signals to the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22, respectively.

[0034] The communication method between each of the sensors 11-14 and each of the ECUs 21, 22 may be analog communication, digital communication, optical communication, or the like. Examples of digital communication include SPI, I2C, UART, and SENT. SPI is an abbreviation for Serial Peripheral Interface. I2C is an abbreviation for Inter-Integrated Circuit. UART is an abbreviation for Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter. SENT is an abbreviation for Single Edge Nibble Transmission.

[0035] When SENT is adopted as the communication method, the transmitting unit is a driver and the receiving unit is a receiver. In Fig. 1, when SENT is adopted, wiring having a supply voltage line, a signal line, and a ground line is shown by a solid line. On the other hand, wiring having a signal line and a ground line but no supply voltage line is shown by a dashed line. This also applies to Figs. 3 to 5 which are referred to in the second to fourth embodiments described later.

[0036] In FIG. 1, the first wiring 51, the second wiring 52, the third wiring 53, and the sixth wiring 56 are wirings having a supply voltage line, a signal line, and a ground line. On the other hand, the fourth wiring 54 and the fifth wiring 55 are wirings having a signal line and a ground line, but not a supply voltage line. Therefore, the third sensor 13 operates by receiving power from the first ECU 21 via the third wiring 53. Therefore, even if the second ECU 22 breaks down, the third sensor 13 can continue to operate. On the other hand, the fourth sensor 14 operates by receiving power from the second ECU 22 via the sixth wiring 56. Therefore, the fourth sensor 14 can continue to operate even if the first ECU 21 breaks down.

[0037] On the other hand, when analog communication is adopted as the communication method, the transmitter and receiver are terminals, wires, or connectors.

[0038] As described above, in the brake system of the first embodiment, the sensor output signals of the first sensor 11, the third sensor 13, and the fourth sensor 14 are input to the first ECU 21. Meanwhile, the sensor output signals of the second sensor 12, the third sensor 13, and the fourth sensor 14 are input to the second ECU 22. Therefore, when one of the three sensors to which the sensor output signals are input fails, the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22 can identify the failed sensor by majority decision. At the same time, the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22 can accurately detect the pedal operation amount based on the normal sensor output signals excluding the failed sensor.

[0039] In addition, for a specific example of a method for identifying a faulty sensor by majority vote and detecting the exact pedal operation amount when three sensor output signals are input to ECUs 21 and 22, please refer to Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-142749 by the same applicant as in the present disclosure.

[0040] In the first embodiment, three sensor output signals are input to both the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22. Therefore, even if one of the first ECU 21 or the second ECU 22 fails, the other ECU can drive and control the brake circuit 40. Therefore, this brake system can ensure redundancy against failures of the ECUs 21 and 22.

[0041] In this way, the brake system of the first embodiment can implement functions such as identifying a failed sensor by majority decision and ensuring redundancy against failures of the ECUs 21, 22 by a routing method using the four sensors 11 to 14. Therefore, this brake system can reduce manufacturing costs and reduce the size of the brake pedal device 30 by optimizing the number of sensors.

[0042] Furthermore, in the brake system of the first embodiment, the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22 do not require communication between the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22 regarding the sensor output signals of the four sensors 11 to 14. Therefore, this brake system can reduce the load of the control processing of the ECUs 21 and 22.

[0043] In the first embodiment, from the viewpoint of redundancy, at least one of the four sensors 11-14 is a magnetic sensor, and the other sensors are inductive sensors. Accordingly, the brake system of the first embodiment is configured to employ a plurality of non-contact sensors with different detection principles, such as a magnetic sensor and an inductive sensor, for the four sensors 11-14. Therefore, even if the output signal of one sensor becomes abnormal due to the proximity of a magnetic foreign object or a conductive foreign object, which each sensor is weak against, the output signals of the other sensors can remain normal. Therefore, this brake system can ensure redundancy of the output signals of the sensors by preventing simultaneous failure of the sensors.

[0044] Second embodiment The second embodiment will be described below. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the method of transmitting sensor output signals from the four sensors 11 to 14 to the two ECUs 21 and 22 is changed, and other aspects are the same as those of the first embodiment, so only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0045] In the second embodiment, a method of transmitting sensor output signals from the four sensors 11 to 14 to the two ECUs 21 and 22 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0046] The first sensor 11 transmits a sensor output signal generated within its own sensor from a transmitting unit 111 of the first sensor 11 via a first wiring 51 to a first receiving unit 211 of the first ECU 21 .

[0047] The second sensor 12 transmits a sensor output signal generated within its own sensor from the transmitting unit 121 of the second sensor 12 via the second wiring 52 to the first receiving unit 221 of the second ECU 22 .

[0048] The third sensor 13 transmits a sensor output signal generated within its own sensor from a transmitting unit 131 of the third sensor 13 to a second receiving unit 212 of the first ECU 21 via a third wiring 53 .

[0049] The fourth sensor 14 distributes one sensor output signal generated in its own sensor into two by duplicating the signal in an integrated circuit in the sensor, and generates two sensor output signals. The two sensor signals are identical signals. The fourth sensor 14 transmits one of the two sensor output signals from the first transmitting unit 141 of the fourth sensor 14 to the third receiving unit 213 of the first ECU 21 via the fourth wiring 54. The fourth sensor 14 transmits the other of the two sensor output signals from the second transmitting unit 142 of the fourth sensor 14 to the second receiving unit 222 of the second ECU 22 via the fifth wiring 55. Thus, the fourth sensor 14 distributes one sensor output signal generated in its own sensor into two sensor output signals in an integrated circuit in the sensor, and transmits the two sensor output signals to the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22, respectively.

[0050] The communication method between each of the sensors 11 to 14 and each of the ECUs 21 and 22 may be analog communication, digital communication, optical communication, or the like. Examples of digital communication include SPI, I2C, UART, and SENT.

[0051] When SENT is adopted as the communication method, the transmitting unit is a driver, and the receiving unit is a receiver. In the second embodiment, the first wiring 51, the second wiring 52, the third wiring 53, and the fifth wiring 55 are wirings having a supply voltage line, a signal line, and a ground line. On the other hand, the fourth wiring 54 is a wiring having a signal line and a ground line, but not a supply voltage line. Therefore, the fourth sensor 14 is supplied with power from the second ECU 22 and operates. Therefore, the fourth sensor 14 can continue to operate even if the first ECU 21 breaks down.

[0052] On the other hand, when analog communication is adopted as the communication method, the transmitter and receiver are terminals, wires, or connectors.

[0053] As described above, in the brake system of the second embodiment, the sensor output signals of the first sensor 11, the third sensor 13, and the fourth sensor 14 are input to the first ECU 21. Meanwhile, the sensor output signals of the second sensor 12 and the fourth sensor 14 are input to the second ECU 22. Therefore, when one of the three sensors to which the sensor output signals are input fails, the first ECU 21 can identify the failed sensor by majority decision. At the same time, the first ECU 21 can accurately detect the pedal operation amount based on the normal sensor output signals excluding the failed sensor.

[0054] In the second embodiment, two or more sensor output signals are input to both the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22. Therefore, even if one of the first ECU 21 or the second ECU 22 fails, the other ECU can drive and control the brake circuit 40. Therefore, this brake system can ensure redundancy against failures of the ECUs 21 and 22.

[0055] In this way, in the brake system of the second embodiment as well, it is possible to implement functions such as identifying a failed sensor by majority decision and ensuring redundancy against failures of the ECUs 21, 22 by a routing method using the four sensors 11 to 14. Therefore, this brake system can reduce manufacturing costs and the size of the brake pedal device 30 by optimizing the number of sensors.

[0056] Furthermore, in the brake system of the second embodiment, the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22 do not require communication between them regarding the sensor output signals of the four sensors 11 to 14. Therefore, this brake system can reduce the load of the control processing on the ECUs 21 and 22.

[0057] Third embodiment The third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, etc. in that the method of transmitting sensor output signals from the four sensors 11 to 14 to the two ECUs 21 and 22 is changed, but the rest of the third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, etc., and therefore only the differences from the first embodiment, etc. will be described.

[0058] In the third embodiment, a method of transmitting sensor output signals from the four sensors 11 to 14 to the two ECUs 21 and 22 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0059] The first sensor 11 transmits a sensor output signal generated within its own sensor from a transmitting unit 111 of the first sensor 11 via a first wiring 51 to a first receiving unit 211 of the first ECU 21 .

[0060] The second sensor 12 transmits a sensor output signal generated within its own sensor from the transmitting unit 121 of the second sensor 12 via the second wiring 52 to the first receiving unit 221 of the second ECU 22 .

[0061] The third sensor 13 distributes one sensor output signal generated in its own sensor into two by a wiring configuration provided in the transmission unit 131 or the like. In the present disclosure, the wiring configuration refers to a physical means such as a terminal, a connector, a harness, or the like. The two sensor signals distributed by the wiring configuration are the same signal. Then, the third sensor 13 transmits one of the two sensor output signals from the transmission unit 131 of the third sensor 13 to the second receiving unit 212 of the first ECU 21 via the third wiring 53. Also, the third sensor 13 transmits the other of the two sensor output signals from the transmission unit 131 of the third sensor 13 to the second receiving unit 222 of the second ECU 22 via the fourth wiring 54. Therefore, the third sensor 13 distributes one sensor output signal generated in its own sensor into two sensor output signals by the wiring configuration, and transmits the two sensor output signals to the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22, respectively.

[0062] The fourth sensor 14 also distributes one sensor output signal generated within its own sensor into two by a wiring configuration provided in the transmission unit 141, etc. The two sensor signals distributed by the wiring configuration are the same signal. The fourth sensor 14 transmits one of the two sensor output signals from the transmission unit 141 of the fourth sensor 14 to the third reception unit 213 of the first ECU 21 via the fifth wiring 55. The fourth sensor 14 also transmits the other of the two sensor output signals from the transmission unit 141 of the fourth sensor 14 to the third reception unit 223 of the second ECU 22 via the sixth wiring 56. Therefore, the fourth sensor 14 also distributes one sensor output signal generated within its own sensor into two sensor output signals by a wiring configuration, and transmits the two sensor output signals to the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22, respectively.

[0063] The communication method between each of the sensors 11 to 14 and each of the ECUs 21 and 22 may be analog communication, digital communication, optical communication, or the like. Examples of digital communication include SPI, I2C, UART, and SENT.

[0064] In addition, when SENT is adopted as the communication method, the transmitting unit is a driver, and the receiving unit is a receiver. In the third embodiment, the first wiring 51, the second wiring 52, the third wiring 53, and the sixth wiring 56 are wirings having a supply voltage line, a signal line, and a ground line. On the other hand, the fourth wiring 54 and the fifth wiring 55 are wirings having a signal line and a ground line, but not a supply voltage line. Therefore, the third sensor 13 operates by receiving power from the first ECU 21. Therefore, even if the second ECU 22 breaks down, the third sensor 13 can continue to operate. On the other hand, the fourth sensor 14 operates by receiving power from the second ECU 22. Therefore, even if the first ECU 21 breaks down, the fourth sensor 14 can continue to operate.

[0065] On the other hand, when analog communication is adopted as the communication method, the transmitter and receiver are terminals, wires, or connectors.

[0066] As described above, the brake system of the third embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the third sensor 13 and the fourth sensor 14 can distribute the sensor output signals by physical means such as a wiring configuration including a terminal, a connector, or a harness.

[0067] (Fourth embodiment) The fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, etc. in that the method of transmitting sensor output signals from the four sensors 11-14 to the two ECUs 21 and 22 is changed, but the rest of the fourth embodiment is the same as the first embodiment, etc., and therefore only the differences from the first embodiment, etc. will be described.

[0068] In the fourth embodiment, a method of transmitting sensor output signals from the four sensors 11 to 14 to the two ECUs 21 and 22 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0069] The first sensor 11 transmits a sensor output signal generated within its own sensor from a transmitting unit 111 of the first sensor 11 via a first wiring 51 to a first receiving unit 211 of the first ECU 21 .

[0070] The second sensor 12 transmits a sensor output signal generated within its own sensor from the transmitting unit 121 of the second sensor 12 via the second wiring 52 to the first receiving unit 221 of the second ECU 22 .

[0071] The third sensor 13 transmits a sensor output signal generated within its own sensor from a transmitting unit 131 of the third sensor 13 to a second receiving unit 212 of the first ECU 21 via a third wiring 53 .

[0072] The fourth sensor 14 distributes one sensor output signal generated within its own sensor into two by a wiring configuration provided in the transmission unit 141, etc. The two sensor signals distributed by the wiring configuration are the same signal. Then, the fourth sensor 14 transmits one of the two sensor output signals from the transmission unit 141 of the fourth sensor 14 to the third receiving unit 213 of the first ECU 21 via the fourth wiring 54. Also, the fourth sensor 14 transmits the other of the two sensor output signals from the transmission unit 141 of the fourth sensor 14 to the second receiving unit 222 of the second ECU 22 via the fifth wiring 55. Therefore, the fourth sensor 14 distributes one sensor output signal generated within its own sensor into two sensor output signals by the wiring configuration, and transmits the two sensor output signals to the first ECU 21 and the second ECU 22, respectively.

[0073] The communication method between each of the sensors 11 to 14 and each of the ECUs 21 and 22 may be analog communication, digital communication, optical communication, or the like. Examples of digital communication include SPI, I2C, UART, and SENT.

[0074] When SENT is adopted as the communication method, the transmitting unit is a driver, and the receiving unit is a receiver. In the fourth embodiment, the first wiring 51, the second wiring 52, the third wiring 53, and the fifth wiring 55 are wirings having a supply voltage line, a signal line, and a ground line. On the other hand, the fourth wiring 54 is a wiring having a signal line and a ground line, but not a supply voltage line. Therefore, the fourth sensor 14 is supplied with power from the second ECU 22 and operates. Therefore, the fourth sensor 14 can continue to operate even if the first ECU 21 breaks down.

[0075] On the other hand, when analog communication is adopted as the communication method, the transmitter and receiver are terminals, wires, or connectors.

[0076] As described above, the brake system of the fourth embodiment can achieve the same effects as those of the second embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the fourth sensor 14 can distribute the sensor output signal by physical means such as a wiring configuration including a terminal, a connector, or a harness.

[0077] (Other embodiments) (1) In the above embodiments, an organ-type brake pedal device 30 has been described as an example of the brake pedal device 30, but the brake pedal device 30 is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a pendant-type brake pedal device. In the pendant-type brake pedal device, the portion of the brake pedal 31 that is pressed by the driver is disposed below the axis CL of the swing in the vertical direction when the brake pedal is installed in the vehicle.

[0078] (2) In each of the above embodiments, the brake system has been described as including two ECUs 21 and 22. However, the brake system may include three ECUs. In other words, it is sufficient for the brake system to include at least two ECUs 21 and 22.

[0079] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the claims. Moreover, the above-described embodiments are not unrelated to each other, and can be appropriately combined, except when the combination is clearly impossible. Moreover, in each of the above-described embodiments, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential, except when they are specifically stated to be essential or when they are clearly considered to be essential in principle. Moreover, in each of the above-described embodiments, when the numbers, values, amounts, ranges, etc. of the components of the embodiments are mentioned, they are not limited to the specific numbers, except when they are specifically stated to be essential or when they are clearly limited to a specific number in principle. Moreover, in each of the above-described embodiments, when the shapes, positional relationships, etc. of the components are mentioned, they are not limited to the shapes, positional relationships, etc., except when they are specifically stated to be essential or when they are clearly limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle.

[0080] The control unit and the method according to the present invention may be realized by a special-purpose computer provided by configuring a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the control unit and the method according to the present invention may be realized by a special-purpose computer provided by configuring a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control unit and the method according to the present invention may be realized by one or more special-purpose computers configured by a combination of a processor and a memory programmed to execute one or more functions and a processor configured with one or more hardware logic circuits. Furthermore, the computer program may be stored in a computer-readable non-transitory tangible recording medium as instructions executed by a computer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 11 First Sensor 12 Second Sensor 13 3rd Sensor 14 4th Sensor 21 1st ECU 22 2nd ECU 31 Brake pedal 40 Brake circuit

Claims

1. A brake system for controlling a brake circuit (40) for braking a vehicle, Four sensors (11 to 14) that generate and output a sensor output signal corresponding to an amount of operation of a brake pedal (31) operated by a driver; at least two electronic control devices (21, 22) that control operation of the brake circuit based on a sensor output signal output from the sensor; When the four sensors are arbitrarily referred to as a first sensor (11), a second sensor (12), a third sensor (13), and a fourth sensor (14), The first sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor to a predetermined one of the at least two electronic control devices (21); The second sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor to an electronic control device (22) other than a predetermined electronic control device among the at least two electronic control devices; the third sensor transmits two sensor output signals obtained by dividing one sensor output signal generated within the third sensor into two by an integrated circuit within the sensor, to a given electronic control device and to another electronic control device, respectively; A brake system in which the fourth sensor is configured to transmit two sensor output signals, one of which is generated within the sensor itself and distributed into two by an integrated circuit within the sensor, to a given electronic control device and another electronic control device, respectively.

2. A brake system that drives and controls a brake circuit (40) that brakes a vehicle, Four sensors (11 to 14) that generate and output a sensor output signal corresponding to an amount of operation of a brake pedal (31) operated by a driver; at least two electronic control devices (21, 22) that control operation of the brake circuit based on a sensor output signal output from the sensor; When the four sensors are arbitrarily referred to as a first sensor (11), a second sensor (12), a third sensor (13), and a fourth sensor (14), The first sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor to a predetermined one of the at least two electronic control devices (21); The second sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor to an electronic control device (22) other than a predetermined electronic control device among the at least two electronic control devices; the third sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the third sensor to only one of the first electronic control device or the second electronic control device; A brake system in which the fourth sensor is configured to transmit two sensor output signals, one of which is generated within the sensor itself and distributed into two by an integrated circuit within the sensor, to a given electronic control device and another electronic control device, respectively.

3. A brake system that drives and controls a brake circuit (40) that brakes a vehicle, Four sensors (11 to 14) that generate and output a sensor output signal corresponding to an amount of operation of a brake pedal (31) operated by a driver; at least two electronic control devices (21, 22) that control operation of the brake circuit based on a sensor output signal output from the sensor; When the four sensors are arbitrarily referred to as a first sensor (11), a second sensor (12), a third sensor (13), and a fourth sensor (14), The first sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor to a predetermined one of the at least two electronic control devices (21); The second sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor to an electronic control device (22) other than a predetermined electronic control device among the at least two electronic control devices; the third sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor itself to a predetermined electronic control device and another electronic control device by branching the sensor output signal into two by a wiring configuration, A brake system, wherein the fourth sensor is configured to transmit a sensor output signal generated within the sensor itself, the sensor output signal being branched into two by a wiring configuration, each of the sensor output signals being transmitted to a specific electronic control device and another electronic control device.

4. A brake system that drives and controls a brake circuit (40) that brakes a vehicle, Four sensors (11 to 14) that generate and output a sensor output signal corresponding to an amount of operation of a brake pedal (31) operated by a driver; at least two electronic control devices (21, 22) that control operation of the brake circuit based on a sensor output signal output from the sensor; When the four sensors are arbitrarily referred to as a first sensor (11), a second sensor (12), a third sensor (13), and a fourth sensor (14), The first sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor to a predetermined one of the at least two electronic control devices (21); The second sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor to an electronic control device (22) other than a predetermined electronic control device among the at least two electronic control devices; the third sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the third sensor to only one of the first electronic control device or the second electronic control device; A brake system, wherein the fourth sensor is configured to transmit a sensor output signal generated within the sensor itself, the sensor output signal being branched into two by a wiring configuration, each of the sensor output signals being transmitted to a specific electronic control device and another electronic control device.

5. A brake system described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the communication method between the sensor and the electronic control device is any one of analog communication, digital communication, and optical communication.

6. A brake system described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the four sensors is a magnetic sensor and the other sensors are inductive sensors.

7. A brake pedal device used in a brake system having at least two electronic control devices (21, 22) that drive and control a brake circuit (40) that brakes a vehicle, A brake pedal (31) operated by a driver; four sensors (11 to 14) that generate and output a sensor output signal corresponding to an operation amount of the brake pedal; When the four sensors are arbitrarily referred to as a first sensor (11), a second sensor (12), a third sensor (13), and a fourth sensor (14), The first sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor to a predetermined one of the at least two electronic control devices (21); The second sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor to an electronic control device (22) other than a predetermined electronic control device among the at least two electronic control devices; the third sensor transmits two sensor output signals obtained by dividing one sensor output signal generated within the third sensor into two by an integrated circuit within the sensor, to a given electronic control device and to another electronic control device, respectively; A brake pedal device, wherein the fourth sensor is configured to transmit two sensor output signals, one of which is generated within the sensor and distributed by an integrated circuit within the sensor, to a specific electronic control device and another electronic control device, respectively.

8. A brake pedal device used in a brake system having at least two electronic control devices (21, 22) that drive and control a brake circuit (40) that brakes a vehicle, A brake pedal (31) operated by a driver; four sensors (11 to 14) that generate and output a sensor output signal corresponding to an operation amount of the brake pedal; When the four sensors are arbitrarily referred to as a first sensor (11), a second sensor (12), a third sensor (13), and a fourth sensor (14), The first sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor to a predetermined one of the at least two electronic control devices (21); The second sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor to an electronic control device (22) other than a predetermined electronic control device among the at least two electronic control devices; the third sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the third sensor to only one of the first electronic control device or the second electronic control device; A brake pedal device, wherein the fourth sensor is configured to transmit two sensor output signals, one of which is generated within the sensor and distributed by an integrated circuit within the sensor, to a specific electronic control device and another electronic control device, respectively.

9. A brake pedal device used in a brake system having at least two electronic control devices (21, 22) that drive and control a brake circuit (40) that brakes a vehicle, A brake pedal (31) operated by a driver; four sensors (11 to 14) that generate and output a sensor output signal corresponding to an operation amount of the brake pedal; When the four sensors are arbitrarily referred to as a first sensor (11), a second sensor (12), a third sensor (13), and a fourth sensor (14), The first sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor to a predetermined one of the at least two electronic control devices (21); The second sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor to an electronic control device (22) other than a predetermined electronic control device among the at least two electronic control devices; the third sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor itself to a predetermined electronic control device and another electronic control device by branching the sensor output signal into two by a wiring configuration, A brake pedal device, wherein the fourth sensor is configured to transmit a sensor output signal generated within the sensor itself, the sensor output signal being branched into two by a wiring configuration, each of the sensor output signals being transmitted to a specific electronic control device and another electronic control device.

10. A brake pedal device used in a brake system having at least two electronic control devices (21, 22) that drive and control a brake circuit (40) that brakes a vehicle, A brake pedal (31) operated by a driver; four sensors (11 to 14) that generate and output a sensor output signal corresponding to an operation amount of the brake pedal; When the four sensors are arbitrarily referred to as a first sensor (11), a second sensor (12), a third sensor (13), and a fourth sensor (14), The first sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor to a predetermined one of the at least two electronic control devices (21); The second sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the sensor to an electronic control device (22) other than a predetermined electronic control device among the at least two electronic control devices; the third sensor transmits a sensor output signal generated within the third sensor to only one of the first electronic control device or the second electronic control device; A brake pedal device, wherein the fourth sensor is configured to transmit a sensor output signal generated within the sensor itself, the sensor output signal being branched into two by a wiring configuration, each of the sensor output signals being transmitted to a specific electronic control device and another electronic control device.

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