DE102005000988A1 - Brake system for heavy vehicle, includes microprocessor which queries actuator control modules to determine what action, if any, should be taken by corresponding vehicle actuators upon receiving signals from vehicle sensors - Google Patents

Abstract

A microprocessor (114) receives signals from a vehicle sensor (210), and is in electrical communication with first and second species of brake components. Upon receiving the signals, the microprocessor queries actuator control modules (116) to determine what action, if any, should be taken by corresponding vehicle actuators (126).

Description

Territory of invention

The The present invention relates to vehicle dynamics control networks. and level control systems in heavy vehicles.

background the invention

pneumatic Vehicle dynamics control systems and level control systems, for example Braking systems and suspension systems, for heavy vehicles have been known and used for many years. Compressed air will not only as the force to operate components of such systems, but also as the medium to differentiate regulation information To transfer system components used.

In front Not too long ago, regulatory information was provided by means of electrical Transmit signals to heavy vehicle dynamics control and level control system components. Usually delivers a "single-task processor" or electrical Switch control information to a single type of component. The control information is responded according to a scheme generated on a sensor input of vehicle performance factors. Each system component includes an electrical actuator for receiving and interpreting the control signal to the pneumatic component to press.

One Disadvantage of known systems is their complexity in terms of construction, Assembly, maintenance and repair. Factors affecting the complexity increase, belong a big Number of individual components, the use of compressed air for both Regulatory information as well as imposition force as well as conflicts between regulatory strategies. These disadvantages are caused by the spread different types of regulatory strategies aggravated. For example can inherent Conflicts between antilock, traction, manual input / override and other vehicle dynamics schemes, cause "lost gone "or swinging brake systems pose a safety hazard.

Summary the invention

The The invention provides an electrical control network that has a or multiple vehicle dynamics control and / or level control systems a heavy vehicle, the control network being the activity of components thereof. The invention offers numerous advantages, Among other things, a reduction of components, a simplified Construction, a unified communication for many different types of system components, a simplified solution of Conflicts between competing regulatory strategies, expandability on additional Vehicle systems and a flexibility to upgrade to new, improved Vehicle control schemes.

at a concrete execution includes a braking system for a heavy vehicle a first type of brake component, a second Type of brake component, at least one vehicle power sensor and a regulator which receives sensor signals from the sensor and with the first and second types of brake component for actuation in electrical communication stands. A first scheme of regulation will be by the controller for generating control signals for the first one Type of brake component generated while a second control scheme from the controller for generating control signals for the second Type of brake component is used.

Ink can to oversteer of control signals for be provided the first and / or the second type of brake component. Preferably, the controller prevents the first and the second Type of brake component oscillates. A compressed air source and / or an electrical energy source is preferably for use in Actuate of at least one of the group comprising the first and the second type of brake component provided.

At least one of the group comprising the first and the second control scheme can be configured in a form that consists of the group comprising hardware, Software, firmware, a pluggable module and combinations of these is selected. The controller and at least one of the group comprising the first and the second control scheme connected by a data bus or by a control network be, the controller and the sensor can be through a communication bus be connected, and the first and the second type of brake component can be connected together in an application network.

In another embodiment, a heavy vehicle braking system includes a brake component, at least one vehicle power sensor, and a controller that receives sensor signals from the sensor and is in electrical communication with the brake component for actuation. A first control scheme is used by the controller to generate first control signals for the brake component is used while a second control scheme is used by the controller to generate second control signals for the brake component. A conflict resolution scheme is used by the controller to resolve conflicts between the first and second control signals.

The Conflict Resolution System may be configured in a form that includes the group Hardware, software, firmware, a pluggable module and combinations selected from these is, and / or may be part of one or both of the Group comprising the first and second regulatory scheme.

at another embodiment includes a braking system for a heavy vehicle a first type of brake component, a second Type of brake component, at least one vehicle power sensor, a central control network for receiving sensor signals from the sensor and in electrical communication with the first one and the second type of brake component for transmitting control signals to these and a central supply network for supplying Energy to the first and the second type of brake component for Actuate of the first and second types of brake component in response on the control signals coming from the central control network be received.

The Energy supplied by the central supply network, may include, for example, pneumatic energy or electrical energy.

at yet another embodiment a control network for controlling vehicle dynamics and level control systems in heavy vehicles, a first type of vehicle dynamics and level control system component, a second type of vehicle dynamics and level control system component, at least one vehicle power sensor and a controller, the sensor signals from the sensor and with the first and second types of vehicle dynamics and Level control system component for operation in electrical communication stands. A first control scheme is generated by the controller first control signals for the first type of vehicle dynamics and level control system component used while a second control scheme by the controller to generate Control signals for the second type of vehicle dynamics and level control system component is used.

Of the Regulator can also have a third control scheme to generate second Control signals for the first type of vehicle dynamics and level control system component use. In this case, the control network preferably comprises continue a conflict resolution scheme to release conflicts between the first and second control signals for the first type of vehicle dynamics and level control system component. The first and second types of vehicle dynamics and level control system components may be, for example Brake system components, suspension system components, Traction control system components, steering system components, stability control system components or combinations of these.

at yet another embodiment a control network for controlling vehicle dynamics and level control systems in heavy vehicles, a vehicle dynamics and level control system component, at least one vehicle power sensor and a controller, the sensor signals from the sensor and with the vehicle dynamics and level control system component for operation is in electrical communication. A first regulatory scheme is generated by the controller for generating first control signals for the vehicle dynamics and level control system component used while a second control scheme by the controller for generating second control signals for the Fahrzeugdynamik- and Level control system component is used. A conflict resolution scheme is released by the regulator conflicts between the first and second control signals used.

at yet another embodiment a system for operating of vehicle dynamics and level control systems in heavy vehicles a first type of vehicle dynamics and level control system component, a second type of vehicle dynamics and level control system component, at least one vehicle power sensor, a central control network for receiving sensor signals from the sensor and in electrical Communication with the first and second type of vehicle dynamics and A level control system component for transmitting control signals to these and a central supply network for supplying energy to the first and second types of vehicle dynamics and level control system components to operate of the first and second types of vehicle dynamics and level control system components in response to the control signals coming from the central control network be received.

The invention and its specific features and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Short description the drawings

1 Fig. 10 is a block diagram schematically illustrating one embodiment of a system for operating vehicular dynamics and level control systems in heavy vehicles according to the present invention;

2 FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating the operation of one embodiment of the system for operating the vehicle dynamics and level control systems in heavy vehicles 1 schematically represents; and

3 FIG. 10 is a partial schematic isometric view of one embodiment of the system for operating vehicular dynamics and leveling systems in heavy vehicles. FIG 1 ,

Full Description of an embodiment of the invention

First up 1 and 2 Referring to this, it becomes a system 110 for actuating vehicle dynamics and level control systems in heavy vehicles according to certain embodiments of the present invention. "Vehicle dynamics and level control systems" refers to those systems of a vehicle that are responsible for controlling the movement of the vehicle and its interaction with the road, such as the electronic braking system (EBS), the anti-lock braking system (ABS), the suspension system, traction control system, traction control system (ASR), steering system, stability control system, electronic stability program (ESP), adaptive cruise control (ACC) system, various components of the diagnostic system, trailer interface, power transmission, air management control system, the continuous brake retarder, etc. It should be noted that the term "vehicle dynamics and level control systems" does not include the propulsion group (ie the engine and its various components).

The system 110 includes a plurality of vehicle sensors 210 , which sensor signals 310 capture and generate, which represent one or more operating parameters of the vehicle. Examples of such vehicle sensors 210 include wheel speed sensors, nicksensors, vehicle height sensors, vehicle weight sensors, and many others. Because the signals 310 passing through the sensors 210 may be a variety of formats, may be a signal converter or signal conditioner 212 for translating the format of the signals into a for the microprocessor 114 useful format can be provided. In addition, since a plurality of signals 310 simultaneously through the sensors 210 can be transmitted, a sensor signal multiplexer 214 to avoid conflicts between sensor signals 310 to be provided. The processed and multiplexed signals 310 become the microprocessor 114 transfer.

Once the microprocessor 114 receives the sensor signals, asks the microprocessor 114 Aktorregelungsmodule 116 to determine which action at best by the respective vehicle actuator 126 should be carried out. For this purpose, each of the actuator control modules contains 116 on this an actuator control scheme 312 which comprises at least one rule, and preferably a plurality of rules relating to the actuation of actuators 126 in response to various sensor signals 310 includes. The actuator control modules 116 can be a concrete type of single actor 126 (eg, service brakes, auxiliary brakes, trailer height adjustment, etc.), a type of vehicle system (eg, brake system, suspension system, etc.), or a subsystem of a vehicle system (eg, antilock brake system, shock absorption system, etc.).

A security and customization module 120 can be provided which includes a security and / or customer customization scheme. A security scheme 314 For example, it may include one or more rules that apply to security requirements imposed by a government agency or the like. This allows binding rules to be incorporated into the overall control scheme without requiring the actuator control modules 116 even adapted to different legal systems. For example, if the same system 110 Both in the United Kingdom and in the United States of America (these countries have different security regulations) the system would be used 110 merely require that the security and customization module 120 while all other modules could be used in both countries. The customization scheme 316 can include one or more rules tailored to the preferences of a specific user. This allows preferences to be incorporated into the overall control scheme without requiring the actuator control modules 116 even adapted for different users. The customization scheme 316 can be used on a larger scale, for example for different vehicle manufacturers, or on a smaller scale, for example, for a particular company (eg, United Parcel Service or the like).

It is considered that the query of the microprocessor 114 of actuator control modules 116 and the security and customization module 120 (if provided) may return contradictory rules from the various schemes, as well as those by the sensors 210 reported situation should be responded. These conflicts are caused by the microprocessor 114 based on a conflict settlement scheme 318 which is on the conflict settlement module 118 is saved, using the conflict control scheme 318 contains one or more rules about how to resolve conflicts between other rules. These conflict rules can be absolute (that is, "safety schemas always have priority over actuator control schemas") or can depend on detected conditions of the vehicle (eg, "If condition A is detected, the rule contained in actuator control scheme X takes precedence over the rule contained in actuator control scheme Y." ). Of course, conflict control rules can be significantly more complicated in order to resolve potential conflicts between a number of actuator control schemes that are faced with a number of detected conditions. Although preferred in some embodiments, the conflict control scheme 318 on a separate conflict settlement module 118 It should be understood that this need not be the case. Rather, the conflict control scheme may be on one or more actuator control modules 116 be stored either entirely on a single module or divided into several modules.

Therefore Conflict rules contribute to conflicts at the regulatory level to solve. With such a system lead inherent Conflicts between antilock, traction, manual input / override and other vehicle dynamics schemes are no longer lost gone "or vibrating braking systems that pose a safety hazard.

Once any conflicts have been resolved, the microprocessor generates 114 any required actuator control signals 320 and transmits such signals 320 to the vehicle actuators 126 , In favor of ease of use and interchangeability of system components, in certain embodiments, the actuator control signals 320 which by the microprocessor 114 generated and transmitted in a standard format. If this is the case, each of the actuators can 126 a driver 216. for converting from standard to specific control signals (represented by the reference number 322 are designated) include. This specific control signal is then used to generate an actuation signal (represented by the reference numeral 324 is called to generate) to cause the actuators 126 perform the requested function.

The actors 126 are associated with various components of the vehicle dynamics and level control systems of a vehicle, such as the brake system, the suspension system, the traction control system, the steering system, the stability control system, and so forth. The actors 126 can be assigned to different types of components within the same system or components in different systems. For example, actuators 126 be associated with two different types of brake system components or may be associated with a brake system component and a suspension system component. In some embodiments, only one type of actuator will be used 126 controlled.

The components which the actuators 126 are in communication with a type of energy supply 218 for supplying energy 220 to operate the components. The energy supply 218 For example, a compressed air tank or a battery for supplying energy 220 in the form of pneumatic energy or electrical energy. In certain embodiments, the same centralized power supply results 218 energy 220 all components through the system 110 be centrally controlled. In other embodiments, different components may be used by the system 110 be centrally controlled, powered by various power supplies with energy.

The system 110 may allow the microprocessor 114 the operation of the sensors 210 via a sensor adjustment and adjustment signal 222 or the like controls. For example, under certain conditions, it may be desirable for vehicle sensors 210 Provide more detailed data than is usually provided, or provide data more often or less often than usual.

The system 110 may include the capability of manual input and / or override commands 224 from the vehicle driver to the vehicle actuators 126 to control manually and / or by the microprocessor 114 override issued commands. Such manual input and / or override commands 224 can the microprocessor 114 for transmission through this to the actuators 126 (in which case such instructions may or may not be conflict-checked) or, without being passed through the microprocessor, can act reindeer 126 be fed directly.

The microprocessor 114 and the various modules may be connected, for example, by a data bus or by a regulatory network. The microprocessor 114 and the sensors 210 For example, they may be connected by a communication bus, and the first and second types of brake components and / or their actuators 126 For example, they may be connected together in an application network. If the microprocessor 114 and the actors 126 are connected by a network or the like, the Aktorregelungsmodule 116 for the transfer to the microprocessor the address 326 of the actuator in the network stored on it.

Now on 3 With reference to this, a concrete exemplary embodiment of the system is described therein 110 shown. In this embodiment, various components of the system 110 represented as hardware components. However, it should be understood that this is not essential and that the various components may include hardware, software, firmware, and combinations thereof, or may take many other forms.

At the in 3 illustrated embodiment, the system comprises 110 a housing 112 , in which several of its components are included. Inside the case 112 is a microprocessor 114 arranged, which various functions of the system 110 controls, which is described in more detail below. Also inside the case 112 accommodated is a plurality of modules, such as the Aktorregelungsmodule 116 , the conflict settlement module 118 and the security and customization module 120 , Other module types are also possible.

A plurality of sockets 122 is inside the case 112 provided, with each of the sockets 122 is designed to receive a module and the modules with the microprocessor 114 to communicate. Due to this bushing arrangement, each of the modules is easily installable, removable and replaceable. As a result, if components of the system can 110 added, removed or replaced, the module (s) corresponding to that component, added, removed or replaced. In addition, modules can be easily exchanged if control schemes contained on the modules are to be modified or updated. Preferably, as is out 3 indicates the number of jacks provided 122 greater than the number of modules initially provided to allow easy expansion of the system 110 when new components are added to enable.

The housing 112 Also includes, preferably on an outer surface thereof, a plurality of sensor input ports 124 and a plurality of actuator output ports (not shown). The actuator output ports are provided to the inside of the housing 112 to connect received electronics to at least one and preferably a plurality of vehicle dynamics and level control system components, each of which comprises an actuator for performing any action on one or more of the vehicle dynamics and level control systems of a vehicle. The sensor input ports 124 are provided to the inside of the housing 112 to connect received electronics with a plurality of vehicle sensors, which detect and generate a signal representing one or more operating parameters of the vehicle. Examples of such vehicle sensors include wheel speed sensors, nicksensors, vehicle height sensors, vehicle weight sensors, and many others.

The housing 112 Also includes, preferably on an outer surface thereof, at least one manual input or override port which allows connection of an input device that may be used to control the actuators 126 through the microprocessor 114 to override if desired by the vehicle operator, as discussed in greater detail below. A cover (not shown) is preferably provided to the housing 112 to be closed in such a way that the electronics accommodated therein are protected.

Although the invention with reference to a specific arrangement of parts, Characteristics and the like has been described, they should not as all possible Arranging arrangements or features covering, and it is for adequately savvy Professionals quite a lot of other modifications and variations recognizable.

Claims (28)

A heavy vehicle braking system comprising: a first type of brake component, a second type of brake component, at least one vehicle power sensor, a controller receiving sensor signals from the sensor and in electrical communication with the first and second types of brake components for actuation first control scheme, which is used by the controller for generating control signals for the first type of brake component, and a second control scheme used by the controller to generate control signals for the second type of brake component. A braking system according to claim 1, comprising a manual input to oversteer of control signals for the first type of brake component. A braking system according to claim 1, comprising a manual input to oversteer of control signals for the second type of brake component. Braking system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is the first and the second type of brake component prevents swinging. A braking system according to claim 1, comprising a compressed air source for use when pressing at least one of the group comprising the first and the second Type of brake component. Braking system according to claim 1, comprising an electrical Energy source for use in operating at least one from the group comprising the first and the second type of brake component. Brake system according to claim 1, wherein at least one from the group comprising the first and the second regulatory scheme is configured in a form consisting of at least one of the Group comprising hardware, software, firmware and a plugin Module selected is. Brake system according to claim 1, wherein the regulator and at least one of the group comprising the first and the second Control scheme are connected by a data bus. Brake system according to claim 1, wherein the regulator and the sensor is connected by a communication bus. Brake system according to claim 1, wherein the regulator and the first and second types of brake component through a control network are connected. A braking system according to claim 1, wherein the first and the second type of brake component in an application network with each other are connected. Brake system for a heavy vehicle comprising: a brake component, at least a vehicle power sensor, a controller, the sensor signals from the sensor and with the brake component for operation in electrical communication stands, a first control scheme by the controller for Generating first control signals used for the brake component becomes, a second control scheme, by the controller for Generating second control signals used for the brake component will, and a conflict resolution scheme, that through the regulator to release conflicts between the first and second control signals is used. A braking system according to claim 12, comprising a manual input to oversteer of control signals for the brake component. Brake system according to claim 12, wherein the controller is the Brake components prevents swinging. Brake system according to claim 12, comprising a compressed air source for use in operating the Brake component. Braking system according to claim 12, comprising an electrical Power source for use in operating the brake component. A braking system according to claim 12, wherein at least one from the group comprising the first and the second regulatory scheme is configured in a form consisting of at least one of the Group comprising hardware, software, firmware and a plugin Module selected is. The braking system of claim 12, wherein the conflict resolution scheme is configured in a form consisting of at least one of the Group comprising hardware, software, firmware and a plugin Module selected is. The braking system of claim 12, wherein the conflict resolution scheme a part of one or both of the group comprising the first one and the second regulatory scheme. Brake system according to claim 12, wherein the regulator and at least one of the group comprising the first and the second Control scheme are connected by a data bus. Brake system according to claim 12, wherein the regulator and the sensor is connected by a communication bus. Brake system according to claim 12, wherein the regulator and the brake component is connected by a control network. A heavy vehicle braking system comprising: a first type of brake component, a second type of brake component, at least one vehicle power sensor, a central control network for receiving sensor signals from the sensor and in electrical communication with the first and second types of brake component for transmitting control signals thereto, and a central supply network for supplying power to the sensor first and second types of brake components for actuating the first and second types of brake component in response to the control signals received from the central control network. A braking system according to claim 23, comprising a manual input to oversteer of control signals for the first type of brake component. A braking system according to claim 23, comprising a manual input to oversteer of control signals for the second type of brake component. Brake system according to claim 23, wherein the central Control network the first and second type of brake component on Prevents swinging. Braking system according to claim 23, wherein the energy, which is supplied by the central supply network, includes pneumatic energy. Braking system according to claim 23, wherein the energy, which is supplied by the central supply network, includes electrical energy.