JP2005247194A - Electric parking brake device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electric parking brake device capable of preventing any release of a parking brake unintended by a driver. <P>SOLUTION: The electric parking brake device 1 to automatically operate a parking brake of a vehicle comprises a seating detection means 11 to detect that a driver is seated, a control means to permit the release of the parking brake only when the seating detection means detects that the driver is seated, and a brake operation detection sensor to detect the operation of a brake pedal, and permits the release of the parking brake only when the brake operation detection sensor detects the step-in operation of the brake pedal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an electric parking brake device.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known an electric parking brake device that operates and releases a parking brake electrically instead of a manual operation by an occupant. Also, as a conventional electric parking brake device, a parking switch that can perform a parking brake release operation is known, and when the parking brake release operation is performed with this parking switch, a device that releases the parking brake is known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
JP-A-11-278250

  However, in the conventional electric parking brake device, there is a possibility that an occupant other than the driver (for example, a child or a dog) may accidentally release the parking brake with the parking switch. Therefore, there is a possibility that the parking brake will be released without the driver's intention.

  The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electric parking brake device that can prevent the parking brake from being unintended by the driver. It is in.

  The present invention relates to an electric parking brake device that automatically activates a parking brake of a vehicle, and a seating detecting unit that detects the seating of the driver, and the parking brake is released only when the seating detecting unit detects the seating of the driver. And a control means to permit.

  The electric parking brake device according to the present invention permits the release of the parking brake only when the driver's seating is detected. Here, since the driver usually performs the parking brake release operation after sitting down, the electric parking brake device can release the parking brake according to the driver's intention. On the other hand, even if an occupant other than the driver (for example, a child or a dog) accidentally releases the parking brake, the electric parking brake device does not release the parking brake. Can be prevented.

(First embodiment)
DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 are configuration diagrams of the entire electric parking brake device according to the first embodiment, FIG. 1 shows a vehicle installation state of the electric parking brake device, and FIG. 2 shows a detailed configuration of the electric parking brake device. ing.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electric parking brake device 1 includes an ECU (sitting detection means, control means) 11, an actuator 13, an equalizer 15, a PKB cable 17, and a parking brake 19. In addition, the electric parking brake device 1 includes a power supply unit 21, a fuse 23, an emergency release operation unit 25, and a release cable 27. Furthermore, the electric parking brake device 1 includes an indicator lamp 29, a speaker (warning means) 30, various sensors / switches 31 to 59, a main harness 61, a connector 63, and a body harness 65.

  In the electric parking brake device 1, the actuator 13 controlled by the ECU 11 automatically releases and automatically operates the parking brake 19 installed on the vehicle rear wheel side via the equalizer 15 and the PKB cable 17.

  The ECU 11 and the actuator 13 of the electric parking brake device 1 are connected to the power supply unit 21. The power supply unit 21 supplies a voltage to the control unit 10 including the ECU 11 and the actuator 13 via the fuse 23. Specifically, the voltage is supplied to the ECU 11 from the first terminal 21a of the power supply unit 21 via the first fuse 23a. The voltage is supplied to the actuator 13 from the second terminal 21b through the second fuse 23b.

  The emergency release operation unit 25 is connected to the actuator 13 via a release cable 27, and can be operated manually to release the parking brake 19 at an early stage. It is.

  The indicator lamp 29 and various sensors / switches 31 to 59 are connected to the ECU 11 via a main harness 61, a connector 63 and a body harness 65.

  Here, the indicator lamp 29 is for displaying a state such as automatic release and automatic operation of the parking brake 19 and a system abnormality, and is turned on and off by a control signal from the ECU 11.

  The speaker 30 generates a predetermined warning sound based on the control signal transmitted from the ECU 11. Thereby, the speaker 30 performs a predetermined warning.

  Each of the various sensor switches 31 to 59 is configured to transmit a signal corresponding to a detection result or input content to the ECU 11. FIG. 3 is a partial configuration diagram of the electric parking brake device 1 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, a parking switch 31 which is one of various sensors / switches 31 to 59 can operate and release a parking brake. Specifically, the parking switch 31 transmits an operation signal corresponding to the operation content to the ECU 11. The ECU 11 operates the actuator 13 in accordance with the contents of the operation signal to release and operate the parking brake 19 by electric drive.

  The ignition sensor 33 detects the state of the ignition switch. The ignition sensor 33 detects whether the ignition is OFF, the accessory is ON, or the engine is operating, and an ignition signal relating to the detection result is detected. Is transmitted to the ECU 11. Further, the ignition sensor 33 is configured to detect whether or not a vehicle key is inserted, and transmits the detected result to the ECU 11 by including the detected result in an ignition signal.

  The accelerator position sensor 35 is for detecting the operation of the accelerator pedal. Specifically, the accelerator position sensor 35 is installed in the accelerator pedal section and transmits an accelerator position signal synchronized with the movement of the accelerator pedal to the ECU 11.

  A brake pedal switch (brake operation detection sensor) 37 is installed in the brake pedal portion and detects the operation of the brake pedal. Specifically, the brake pedal switch 37 detects a brake pedal depression operation (brake pedal ON) and a brake pedal return operation (brake pedal OFF). Then, the brake pedal switch 37 transmits a brake pedal signal related to the detected result to the ECU 11.

  The clutch position sensor 39 is for detecting the operation of the clutch pedal, and transmits a clutch position signal synchronized with the movement of the clutch pedal to the ECU 11 as with the accelerator position sensor 35.

  The engine speed detection sensor 41 detects the engine speed and transmits an engine speed signal related to the detected result to the ECU 11. The engine torque detection sensor 43 detects engine torque and transmits an engine torque signal related to the detected result to the ECU 11.

  The shift position detection sensor 45 detects the state of the shift position, that is, whether it is a drive position or a neutral position, and transmits a shift position signal related to the detected result to the ECU 11.

  The seat pressure sensor (seat detection means) 47 is installed on the seat surface of the driver's seat and detects the pressure applied to the driver's seat. Then, the seat pressure sensor 47 transmits a pressure signal related to the detected result to the ECU 11.

  The lining temperature sensor 51 is installed in the RR brake pad or the lining, detects the temperature of the RR brake friction material, and transmits a temperature signal related to the detected result to the ECU 11.

  The load sensor 53 is installed inside the actuator 13, measures the load applied to the actuator-side end of the PKB cable 17, and transmits a load signal related to the measurement result to the ECU 11.

  The gradient sensor 55 detects the inclination angle of the road surface on which the vehicle is stopped, and transmits an inclination angle signal related to the detected result to the ECU 11.

  The wheel speed sensor 57 is provided in a four-wheel axle housing part, detects each wheel speed, and transmits a wheel speed signal related to the detected result to the ECU 11.

  The reduction gear rotation sensor 59 is installed inside the actuator 13, detects the rotation speed of a gear (a reduction gear 67 described later) in the actuator, and transmits a reduction gear rotation speed signal related to the detected result to the ECU 11.

  The ECU 11 automatically releases and automatically operates the parking brake 19 based on signals from the various sensors and switches 31 to 59. When the automatic release and automatic operation are performed, the ECU 11 is operated. It has become.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the actuator 13 includes a motor M and a speed reducer 67. Next, the control unit 10 including the actuator 13 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is an internal configuration diagram of the control unit 10 of the electric parking brake device 1. As shown in the figure, the control unit 10 has a configuration in which an ECU 11 and an actuator 13 are housed in a housing 69. More specifically, the ECU 11 is connected to the motor M, and is configured to drive the motor M in the normal direction or the reverse direction. The motor M is connected to a speed reducer 67. The speed reducer 67 includes a drive gear 71, a guide shaft 73, a first driven gear 75, a drive shaft 77, and a second driven gear 79.

  The drive gear 71 is connected to the motor M and transmits the rotational force from the motor M to the first driven gear 75 that is pivotally supported by the guide shaft 73. The first driven gear 75 is connected to a second driven gear 79 that is pivotally supported by the drive shaft 77, and transmits its rotational force to the second driven gear 79. Further, the drive shaft 77 is threaded and a drive nut 81 is attached so as to mesh with the threaded portion. For this reason, the drive nut 81 moves along the extending direction of the drive shaft 77 when the second driven gear 79 rotates. The drive nut 81 is connected to a casing 83 having a load sensor 53 (not shown). Therefore, the casing 83 can move in the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft 77 in accordance with the movement of the drive nut 81.

  With this configuration, when the ECU 11 drives the motor M to rotate forward or reversely, the drive shaft 77 is rotated by the rotation of the second driven gear 79, and the casing 83 is moved along with the movement of the drive nut 81 to move the PKB. The cable 17 is drawn or fed out. Then, the parking brake 19 is released or actuated by this drawing or feeding.

  Next, the detailed operation of the electric parking brake device 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step ST <b> 11 shown in FIG. 5, the ECU 11 reads the operation signal transmitted from the parking switch 31 and determines whether or not the parking brake 31 has been released by the parking switch 31.

  As a result, when it is determined that the parking brake release operation has been performed (ST11: YES), the ECU 11 proceeds to step ST12, and when it is determined that the parking brake release operation has not been performed (ST11: NO). Return to step ST11.

  In step ST12, the ECU 11 reads the pressure signal transmitted from the seat pressure sensor 47, and multiplies the pressure indicated by the pressure signal by the area of the seat surface of the driver's seat. Then, the ECU 11 compares the multiplication value obtained thereby with a predetermined threshold value.

  As a result, the ECU 11 proceeds to step ST13 when the multiplication value exceeds the threshold value (step ST12: YES), and proceeds to step ST11 when the multiplication value is equal to or less than the threshold value (step ST12: NO). Return.

  In step ST13, the ECU 11 determines that the driver is seated in the driver's seat. In other words, the ECU 11 detects the driver's seating. Next, the ECU 11 releases the parking brake 19. Thereafter, the electric parking brake device 1 returns to step ST11.

  Here, the threshold value is, for example, 32 (kg). Here, the value 32 (kg) is calculated by the following equation (1).

36 (kg) (1st percentile value for Japanese adult women) -4 (kg) (the amount of pressure applied to the driver's seat decreased by touching both feet) = 32 (kg) (1)
As described above, in the first embodiment, the electric parking brake device 1 releases the parking brake 19 only when the parking brake is released and the pressure sensor 47 and the ECU 11 detect the seating of the driver. To do. That is, the electric parking brake device 1 permits the release of the parking brake 19 only when the driver's seating is detected. Here, since the driver normally operates the parking switch 31 after sitting down, the electric parking brake device 1 can release the parking brake 19 according to the driver's intention. On the other hand, even if an occupant other than the driver (for example, a child or a dog) accidentally releases the parking brake with the parking switch, the electric parking brake device 1 does not release the parking brake. Release can be prevented.

  Further, as a conventional electric parking brake device, a parking switch disposed between a steering wheel and a vehicle side surface is also known. In the conventional electric parking brake device, it is difficult for passengers other than the driver to operate the parking switch. However, since the parking switch is disposed on the opposite side of the shift lever with respect to the steering wheel, when the driver starts the vehicle, after pushing the parking switch, the steering wheel is temporarily moved to operate the shift lever. Because it was necessary, it took time and effort to drive. Therefore, the conventional electric parking brake device has a problem that it takes time and effort to drive.

  However, in the electric parking brake device 1 according to the first embodiment, there is no need to arrange the parking switch 31 between the vehicle and the steering wheel, so that such a problem does not occur. Moreover, in the electric parking brake device 1, since the parking switch 31 may be arranged at any position, the degree of freedom of layout in the vehicle compartment becomes higher than that of the conventional electric parking brake device.

  Further, a conventional electric parking brake device having a two-step operation type parking switch is known. Also in the conventional electric parking brake device, it is difficult for passengers other than the driver to operate the parking switch. However, since it is difficult for the driver to operate the parking switch in the same manner, the conventional electric parking brake device has a problem in that it takes time to perform the driving operation.

  However, in the electric parking brake device 1, it is not necessary to set the parking switch 31 to a two-stage operation type, so that such a problem does not occur.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the electric parking brake device 2 according to the second embodiment will be described. The electric parking brake device 2 according to the second embodiment is substantially the same as the electric parking brake device 1, but is different in terms of automatic operation processing of the parking brake 19. Hereinafter, the detailed operation of the electric parking brake device 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step ST <b> 21 shown in FIG. 6, the ECU 11 reads the operation signal transmitted from the parking switch 31 and determines whether or not the parking brake 31 has been released by the parking switch 31.

  As a result, when it is determined that the parking brake release operation has been performed (ST21: YES), the ECU 11 proceeds to step ST22, and when it is determined that the parking brake release operation has not been performed (ST21: NO). Return to step ST21.

  In step ST22, the ECU 11 reads the pressure signal transmitted from the seat pressure sensor 47, and multiplies the pressure indicated by the pressure signal by the area of the seat surface of the driver's seat. Then, the ECU 11 compares the multiplication value obtained thereby with a predetermined threshold value.

  As a result, the ECU 11 proceeds to step ST23 when the multiplication value exceeds the threshold value (step ST22: YES), and proceeds to step ST21 when the multiplication value is equal to or less than the threshold value (step ST22: NO). Return.

  In step ST23, the ECU 11 determines that the driver is seated in the driver's seat. In other words, the ECU 11 detects the driver's seating. Next, the ECU 11 reads the brake pedal signal output from the brake pedal switch 37 and detects whether or not the brake pedal signal indicates a depression operation of the brake pedal, in other words, the brake pedal switch 37 detects the depression operation of the brake pedal. Determine whether or not.

  As a result, if the ECU 11 determines that the brake pedal switch 37 has detected the depression of the brake pedal (ST23: YES), the ECU 11 proceeds to step ST24, where the brake pedal switch 37 has detected the depression of the brake pedal. If not (ST23: NO), the process returns to step ST21.

  In step ST24, the ECU 11 releases the parking brake 19. Thereafter, the electric parking brake device 2 returns to step ST21.

  As described above, in the second embodiment, in the electric parking brake device 2, the seat pressure sensor 47 and the ECU 11 detect the seating of the driver, and the brake pedal switch 37 detects the depression operation of the brake pedal. Only the parking brake 19 is released. Here, since the driver normally operates the parking switch 31 while sitting and pressing the brake pedal, the electric parking brake device 2 more reliably follows the driver's intention than the electric parking brake device 1. The parking brake 19 can be released. Further, the electric parking brake device 2 can more reliably prevent the parking brake 19 from being released by an occupant other than the driver, as compared with the electric parking brake device 1. This can be prevented more reliably than the brake device 1.

(Third embodiment)
Next, the electric parking brake device 3 according to the third embodiment will be described. The electric parking brake device 3 according to the third embodiment is substantially the same as the electric parking brake device 1, but mainly differs in terms of automatic operation processing of the parking brake 19. Hereinafter, the detailed operation of the electric parking brake device 3 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step ST31 shown in FIG. 7, the ECU 11 reads the operation signal transmitted from the parking switch 31 and determines whether or not the parking brake 31 has been released by the parking switch 31.

  As a result, when it is determined that the parking brake release operation has been performed (ST31: YES), the ECU 11 proceeds to step ST32, and when it is determined that the parking brake release operation has not been performed (ST31: NO). Return to step ST31.

  In step ST32, the ECU 11 reads the pressure signal transmitted from the seat pressure sensor 47, and multiplies the pressure indicated by the pressure signal by the area of the seat surface of the driver's seat. Then, the ECU 11 compares the multiplication value obtained thereby with a predetermined threshold value.

  As a result, the ECU 11 proceeds to step ST33 when the multiplication value exceeds the threshold value (ST32: YES), and proceeds to step ST35 when the multiplication value is equal to or less than the threshold value (ST32: NO).

  In step ST33, the ECU 11 determines that the driver is seated in the driver's seat. In other words, the ECU 11 detects the driver's seating. Next, the ECU 11 reads the brake pedal signal output from the brake pedal switch 37 and detects whether or not the brake pedal signal indicates a depression operation of the brake pedal, in other words, the brake pedal switch 37 detects the depression operation of the brake pedal. Determine whether or not.

  As a result, when the ECU 11 determines that the brake pedal switch 37 has detected the depression of the brake pedal (ST33: YES), the ECU 11 proceeds to step ST34, and the brake pedal switch 37 has detected the depression of the brake pedal. If not (ST33: NO), the process proceeds to step ST35.

  In step ST34, the ECU 11 releases the parking brake 19. Thereafter, the electric parking brake device 3 returns to step ST31.

  In step ST35, the ECU 11 outputs a control signal for generating a predetermined warning sound to the speaker 30, and the speaker 30 generates a predetermined warning sound based on the control signal. Thereafter, the electric parking brake device 3 returns to step ST31. Here, the content of the warning sound is, for example, “parking brake cannot be released”.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the electric parking brake device 3 generates a predetermined warning sound when the release operation is performed with the parking switch 31 when the release of the parking brake 19 is prohibited.

  Therefore, since the electric parking brake device 3 can prevent the operation of the parking switch 31 not intended by the driver, the electric parking brake device 1 and the electric parking brake devices 1 and 2 are more reliably prevented from being released than the electric parking brake device 1 and 2. I can do it.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated based on embodiment, this invention is not restricted to the said embodiment, Each embodiment may be combined and it adds in the range which does not deviate from the meaning of this invention. Also good. For example, in the first to third embodiments, the speaker 30 gives a warning by generating a warning sound. However, the warning may be given by displaying the content of the warning on the screen.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a block diagram of the whole electric parking brake apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment, and has shown the vehicle installation state of the electric parking brake apparatus. It is a lineblock diagram of the whole electric parking brake device concerning a 1st embodiment, and shows the detailed composition of an electric parking brake device. It is a partial block diagram of the electric parking brake device according to the first embodiment. It is an internal block diagram of the control unit of an electric parking brake device. It is a flowchart which shows detailed operation | movement of the electric parking brake apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows detailed operation | movement of the electric parking brake apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows detailed operation | movement of the electric parking brake apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1-3. Electric parking brake device 10 ... Control unit 11 ... ECU (sitting detection means, control means)
30 ... Speaker (Warning means)
31 ... Parking switch 37 ... Brake pedal switch (brake operation detection sensor)

Claims (3)

In the electric parking brake device that automatically operates the parking brake of the vehicle,
Seating detection means for detecting the driver's seating;
Control means for permitting release of the parking brake only when the seating detection means detects the driver's seating;
An electric parking brake device comprising: It has a brake operation detection sensor that detects the operation of the brake pedal,
2. The electric parking brake device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit permits the release of the parking brake only when the brake operation detection sensor detects a depression operation of the brake pedal. Warning means for giving a predetermined warning;
A parking switch capable of releasing the parking brake,
The control means releases the parking brake and prohibits the release of the parking brake when the parking brake is released by the parking switch when permitting the release of the parking brake. 3. The electric parking brake device according to claim 1, wherein when the parking brake is released by the parking switch, the warning unit causes the warning to be performed. 4.

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