JP2009119889A - Brake control device of vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a brake control device capable of estimating occurrence of snow face previously, and preventing the snow fade from occurring by starting the snow fade countermeasure control at a proper timing. <P>SOLUTION: The brake control device estimates attachability of snow and ice on a pad or rotor in the future from weather information in the past or weather information in the future, and controls so as to start the operation of a snow fade countermeasure mechanism from the estimated attachability of ice and snow in the future and an operation start threshold of the snow fade countermeasure mechanism. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a vehicle brake control device, and more particularly to a vehicle brake control device related to snow fade countermeasure control.

  Conventionally, in vehicles such as four-wheeled vehicles, measures against snow fade that prevent snow fade when a phenomenon (snow fade) in which braking effectiveness decreases due to snow or ice entering between the pad and rotor during cold weather have occurred. A mechanism is provided.

  For example, in the technique of Patent Document 1, when a snow fade is detected, the brake cylinder hydraulic pressure is repeatedly increased and decreased, and vibration is generated by bringing the pad and rotor into contact with or separating from each other. Snow and ice adhered between the rotor and the rotor.

  In the technique of Patent Document 2, when the outside air temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than a preset reference temperature, the brake actuator is controlled so that snow or ice does not enter between the pad and the rotor. It was pressed against the rotor to prevent snow fade.

JP 2003-011800 A JP 2001-260866 A

  However, the above-described prior art has a problem that it is impossible to predict the occurrence of snow fade in advance and prevent the occurrence of snow fade.

  In particular, the technique of Patent Document 1 does not specify how to detect the occurrence of snow fade, and does not predict the occurrence of snow fade in advance. There is a problem that a decrease in effectiveness cannot be avoided.

  Further, in the technique of Patent Document 2, the brake is controlled based on the outside air temperature. However, since the past traveling state and future weather information are not used, it is difficult to remove when rain or snow adheres during traveling. In addition, there is a problem that the occurrence of snow fade cannot be prevented in advance.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, can predict the occurrence of snow fade in advance, can prevent the occurrence of snow fade by starting snow fade countermeasure control at an appropriate timing, An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle braking control device.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, one aspect of the present invention is a vehicle braking control device including at least a control unit, wherein the control unit is a future of ice and snow on a pad or a rotor. Ice / snow estimation means for estimating the possibility of adhesion on the basis of past weather information or future weather information, the possibility of adhesion of ice / snow in the future estimated by the ice / snow estimation means, and the operation of a snow fade countermeasure mechanism And a snow fade countermeasure start control means for controlling to start the operation of the snow fade countermeasure mechanism based on the start threshold value.

  In the braking control device of the present invention, the snow fade countermeasure mechanism includes a clearance adjusting means for adjusting a clearance between the pad and the rotor.

  In the braking control device of the present invention, the vehicle braking control device further includes a storage unit, and the control unit further includes weather information storage means for storing the past weather information in the storage unit. The past weather information stored by the meteorological information storage means includes the time when the snow or rain environment was traveled within the past predetermined time, or the time when the snow or rain fell within the past predetermined time. It is characterized by that.

  Further, in the braking control device of the present invention, the ice / snow estimating means has a snowfall probability of a predetermined value or more or a precipitation probability of a predetermined value or more during a predetermined time in the future based on the future weather information while the vehicle is stopped. In addition, when the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, the possibility of adhesion is estimated to be high.

  In the braking control device of the present invention, the snow fade countermeasure start control means adjusts the operation start threshold based on the future snowfall probability or precipitation probability.

  According to the present invention, the possibility of the future attachment of ice and snow to the pad or the rotor is estimated based on the past weather information or the future weather information, the estimated possibility of attachment of the ice and snow in the future, and the snow fade Since the control to start the operation of the snow fade countermeasure mechanism is controlled based on the operation start threshold of the countermeasure mechanism, the occurrence of the snow fade can be predicted in advance, and the snow fade countermeasure control is started at an appropriate timing. The occurrence of snow fade can be prevented.

  Further, according to the present invention, the snow fade countermeasure mechanism adjusts the clearance between the pad and the rotor, so that it is possible to execute the snow fade countermeasure control while preventing deterioration in durability due to wear of parts and the like.

  Further, according to the present invention, the past weather information includes the time when the snow or rain environment was traveled within the past predetermined time, or the time when the snow or rain fell within the past predetermined time. The occurrence of snowfade can be predicted appropriately based on the environment, and the occurrence of snowfade prevention control can be prevented by starting snowfade prevention control at an appropriate timing, and the energy used for snowfade prevention control can be reduced. Can be reduced.

  Further, according to the present invention, during a stop, the probability of snowfall is greater than or equal to a predetermined value or the probability of precipitation is greater than or equal to a predetermined value and the outside air temperature is a predetermined temperature based on future weather information. Since the possibility of adhesion is highly estimated in the following cases, the occurrence of snow fade can be predicted based on the future environment, and the occurrence of snow fade can be prevented by starting snowfade countermeasure control at an appropriate timing. In addition, it is possible to reduce energy consumption used for snow fade countermeasure control. In addition, by making the condition that the vehicle is stopped, it is possible to execute snow fade countermeasure control while suppressing a decrease in fuel consumption during traveling.

  Further, according to the present invention, the snow fade countermeasure start control means adjusts the operation start threshold based on the future snowfall probability or precipitation probability, so that the snowfade countermeasure control is executed when no snowfade occurs. It is possible to prevent deterioration of the durability of the parts due to the above.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a braking control device and a braking control method for a vehicle according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

[Outline of the present invention]
Hereinafter, the outline of the present invention will be described, and then the configuration and processing of the present invention will be described in detail.

  The present invention generally has the following basic features. That is, the present invention is a vehicle braking control device that includes at least a control unit, and estimates the possibility of ice and snow adhering to a pad or a rotor based on past weather information or future weather information. .

  Here, the braking control device further includes a storage unit, stores past weather information in the storage unit, and the stored past weather information travels in a snowy or rainy environment within a predetermined past time. Or information including time when snow or rain falls within a predetermined time in the past.

  In addition, during braking, the braking control device has a snowfall probability that is equal to or greater than a predetermined value or a precipitation probability that is equal to or greater than a predetermined temperature within a predetermined time in the future based on future weather information. In the case of the following, the possibility of adhesion may be estimated high. Here, “stopped” means that the vehicle equipped with the braking control device is in a stopped state. For example, when the ignition is OFF or the vehicle speed is “0”, the braking control is performed. It is determined that the vehicle is stopped by the processing of the device.

  Then, based on the estimated possibility of adhesion of ice and snow in the future and the operation start threshold value of the snow fade countermeasure mechanism, control is performed to start the operation of the snow fade countermeasure mechanism.

  Here, the “snow fade countermeasure mechanism” is a mechanism for preventing “snow fade”, which is a phenomenon in which snow or rain enters the clearance (gap) between the pad and the rotor and reduces the effectiveness of the brake. . As a snow fade countermeasure mechanism, for example, a clearance adjusting means (for example, a brake actuator) for adjusting the clearance between the pad and the rotor, a heating means for heating the pad or the rotor to melt the ice and snow adhering thereto, and the pad and the rotor In addition to the sliding means for scrubbing off the attached snow and ice, a known technique (for example, the technique described in Patent Documents 1 and 2) may be used.

  Here, the braking control device may adjust the operation start threshold based on the future snowfall probability or the precipitation probability. This is the end of the summary of the present invention.

[1-1. Configuration of Braking Control Device 100]
In FIG. 1, a braking control device 100 (for example, a brake control ECU) is mounted on a vehicle, and roughly, a control unit 102 such as a CPU that controls the entire braking control device 100 overall, The storage unit 106 is configured to store a database, a table, and the like, and these units are connected to be communicable via an arbitrary communication path. The braking control device 100 acquires signals detected by the various detection units 11 to 21 and controls the operation of the snow fade countermeasure mechanism 10 based on the signals.

  Various databases and tables (weather information file 106a) stored in the storage unit 106 are storage means such as a fixed disk device, and store various programs, tables, files, databases, and the like used for various processes.

  Among these components of the storage unit 106, the weather information file 106a functions as a weather information storage unit that stores past weather information or future weather information.

  In FIG. 1, the control unit 102 has a control program such as an OS (Operating System), a program defining various processing procedures, and an internal memory for storing required data. Information processing for executing various processes is performed. The control unit 102 is functionally conceptually configured to include an ice / snow estimation unit 102a, a snow fade countermeasure start control unit 102b, a weather information storage unit 102c, and a battery voltage acquisition unit 102d.

  Of these, the ice / snow estimating unit 102a functions as an ice / snow estimating unit that estimates the possibility of the future attachment of ice / snow to the pad or the rotor based on past weather information or future weather information stored in the weather information file 106a. To do. For example, the ice / snow estimating unit 102a has a snowfall probability that is greater than or equal to a predetermined value or a snowfall probability that is greater than or equal to a predetermined value within a predetermined future time based on future weather information stored in the weather information file 106a while the vehicle is stopped. In addition, when the outside air temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, the possibility of adhesion may be estimated to be high. Moreover, the ice / snow estimation unit 102a may estimate the possibility of adhesion based on information acquired from the other various detection units 11 to 21.

  Further, the snow fade countermeasure start control unit 102b starts the operation of the snow fade countermeasure mechanism based on the possibility of adhesion of ice and snow in the future estimated by the ice snow estimation unit 102a and the operation start threshold value of the snow fade countermeasure mechanism. Functions as a snow fade countermeasure start control means to control. Here, the snow fade countermeasure start control unit 102b may adjust the operation start threshold based on the future snowfall probability or precipitation probability. For example, if the future snowfall probability or precipitation probability is low, the threshold value is increased. You may adjust to set.

  The weather information storage unit 102c functions as a weather information storage unit that stores past weather information in the weather information file 106a. Here, the past meteorological information may include time information such as a time when the vehicle travels in a snow or rain environment within a predetermined past time, a time when snow or rain falls within a past predetermined time, and the like.

  The battery voltage acquisition unit 102d functions as a battery voltage acquisition unit that acquires the battery voltage by controlling the battery voltage detection unit 21 that detects the battery voltage. Above, description of the structure of the braking control apparatus 100 mounted in the vehicle is finished.

[1-2. Configuration of Snow Fade Countermeasure Mechanism 10]
In FIG. 1, the snow fade countermeasure mechanism 10 (for example, a brake actuator) is generally configured to include a clearance adjustment unit 10 a that adjusts the clearance between the pad and the rotor, and the snow fade countermeasure mechanism 10 includes braking control. It is controlled by the device 100. The snow fade countermeasure mechanism 10 includes, for example, a heating means for heating the pad or the rotor to melt the ice and snow adhering thereto, or a sliding means for scraping off the adhering ice and snow by sliding the pad and the rotor. You may prepare. This is the end of the description of the configuration of the snow fade countermeasure mechanism 10.

[1-3. Configuration of Various Detection Units 11 to 21]
In FIG. 1, various detection units (current “rain” detection unit 11 to location detection unit 21) are schematically represented by a current “rain” detection unit 11, a current “snow” detection unit 12, and a current “outside temperature”. ”Detection unit 13, future“ rain ”information acquisition unit 14, future“ snow ”information acquisition unit 15, future“ outside air temperature ”information acquisition unit 16, vehicle speed detection unit 17, IG (ignition) ON / OFF detection unit 18, the battery voltage detection part 19, the time detection part 20, and the place detection part 21 are comprised, and the ice and snow estimation part 102a of the braking control apparatus 100 controls these various detection parts 11-21, Control to acquire each detected signal.

  Among these, the current “rain” detection unit 11 functions as current “rain” detection means for detecting whether or not it is currently raining around the vehicle. For example, a raindrop detection sensor attached to a wiper or the like. It may be a temperature detection sensor, a car navigation system that acquires current weather information, or the like.

  The current “snow” detection unit 12 functions as current “snow” detection means for detecting whether or not snow is currently falling around the vehicle. For example, a raindrop detection sensor attached to a wiper or the like, a temperature It may be a detection sensor and a car navigation system that acquires current weather information.

  The current “outside air temperature” detection unit 13 functions as current “outside air temperature” detecting means for detecting the current temperature around the vehicle. For example, a temperature detection sensor and a car that acquires current weather information are used. It may be a navigation system or the like.

  Further, the future “rain” information acquisition unit 14 functions as future “rain” information acquisition means for estimating whether or not future rain has occurred around the vehicle after a predetermined time has elapsed. It may be a car navigation system that acquires future weather information.

  The future “snow” information acquisition unit 15 functions as a future “snow” information acquisition unit that estimates whether or not future snow is falling around the vehicle after a predetermined time has elapsed. It may be a car navigation system or the like that acquires future weather information.

  The future “outside air temperature” information acquisition unit 16 functions as a future “outside air temperature” information acquisition unit that estimates the future temperature around the vehicle after a predetermined time has elapsed. It may be a car navigation system that acquires weather information.

  Moreover, the vehicle speed detection part 17 functions as a vehicle speed detection means which detects the traveling speed of a vehicle, for example, a vehicle speed sensor etc. may be sufficient.

  The IG ON / OFF detection unit 18 functions as an IG ON / OFF detection unit that detects whether the ignition (IG) is on or off, and detects whether the engine is on or off. For example, a pulse detection sensor or the like may be used.

  The battery voltage detection unit 19 functions as a battery voltage detection unit that detects the current voltage state of the battery, and may be, for example, a battery voltage monitoring current sensor (for example, an AD sensor). Here, the battery voltage acquisition unit 102d controls the battery voltage detection unit 19 to acquire a signal indicating the state of the detected battery voltage.

  The time detection unit 20 functions as time detection means for detecting the current time and the like.

  Further, the location detection unit 21 functions as location detection means for detecting the current position of the vehicle, and may be, for example, a global positioning system (GPS) mounted on a car navigation system or the like. Above, description of the structure of the various detection parts 11-21 is finished.

  This completes the description of the configuration of the braking control device 100, the snow fade countermeasure mechanism 10, and the various detection units 11 to 21.

[2. Processing of Braking Control Device 100]
Next, an example of the processing in the braking control apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 are flowcharts showing the ice / snow estimation process of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the snow fade countermeasure suppression start control process of the present invention.

[2-1. Ice and snow estimation processing]
First, the processes from the ice / snow estimation process steps SA-1 to SA-16 of the process of the braking control apparatus 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the ice / snow estimating unit 102a controls the current “rain” detecting unit 11 to detect whether or not it is currently raining around the vehicle (step SA-1).

  If the ice / snow estimation unit 102a determines that it is currently raining (step SA-1: Yes), it controls the IG ON / OFF detection unit 18 to determine whether the engine is on or off. By detecting whether or not the vehicle is in a stopped state, and when it is determined that the vehicle is in a stopped state, the ice / snow estimating unit 102a controls the time detecting unit 20 to determine the stop state duration time of the vehicle. It is acquired and it is determined whether or not the acquired stop state continuation time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time t1 (t1 indicates a threshold value for determining rain during stoppage) (step SA-2). The ice / snow estimation unit 20 may determine that the vehicle is stopped by controlling the vehicle speed detection unit 17 to detect that the vehicle speed is “0” (the same applies to the following).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not currently raining (Step SA-1: No), the ice / snow estimating unit 102a sets Flag1 (a flag indicating that it has been raining while the vehicle is stopped) to OFF. , Flag2 (a flag indicating that it has been raining during traveling) is set to OFF, and the process proceeds to step SA-6.

  Returning to step SA-2, if the snow and snow estimating unit 102a determines that the stop state duration time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time t1 (step SA-2: Yes), it sets Flag1 to ON and sets Flag2 to OFF. The process proceeds to step SA-4.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the stop state duration is less than the predetermined time t1 (step SA-2: No), the ice / snow estimation unit 102a controls the time detection unit 20 to acquire the stop state duration of the vehicle, It is determined whether or not the acquired stop state continuation time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time t2 (t2 indicates a threshold for determining rain during running) (step SA-3).

  Then, when the ice / snow estimating unit 102a determines that the stationary state duration is equal to or longer than the predetermined time t2 (step SA-3: Yes), Flag2 is set to ON and Flag1 is set to OFF. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step SA-4.

  On the other hand, when the ice / snow estimating unit 102a determines that the stop state duration is less than the predetermined time t2 (step SA-3: No), the process directly proceeds to step SA-4.

  Then, the ice / snow estimating unit 102a determines whether Flag1 is set to ON within the past predetermined time t11 (t11 indicates a threshold for determining rain during the past stop) although Flag1 is currently OFF. (Step SA-4).

  When the snow / snow estimating unit 102a determines that Flag1 is currently set to ON within the past predetermined time t11 (Step SA-4: Yes), the snow / snow estimating unit 102a , Flag 11 (a flag indicating that it has been raining within the past t11) is set to ON, and the process proceeds to Step SA-5.

  On the other hand, if the ice / snow estimating unit 102a determines that Flag1 is currently OFF and Flag1 has not been set ON within the past predetermined time t11 (step SA-4: No), the ice / snow estimating unit 102a , Flag 11 is set to OFF, and the process proceeds to Step SA-5.

  Then, the ice / snow estimating unit 102a determines whether Flag2 is set to ON within the past predetermined time t22 (t22 indicates a threshold for determining rain during past driving) although Flag2 is currently OFF. Is determined (step SA-5).

  Then, the ice / snow estimating unit 102a determines that Flag2 is set to ON within the past predetermined time t22 (Step SA-5: Yes), but Flag22 (within the past t22). Is set to ON, and the process proceeds to step SA-6.

  On the other hand, if the snow / ice estimation unit 102a determines that Flag2 is currently OFF and Flag2 has not been set to ON within the past predetermined time t22 (Step SA-5: No), Flag 22 is set to OFF. Then, the process proceeds to step SA-6.

  Then, the ice / snow estimating unit 102a controls the current “snow” detecting unit 12 to detect whether or not it is currently snowing around the vehicle (step SA-6).

  If the snow / ice estimating unit 102a determines that it is currently snowing (step SA-6: Yes), it controls the IG ON / OFF detecting unit 18 to determine whether or not the vehicle is stopped. When the ice / snow estimation unit 102a determines that the vehicle is in a stopped state, the ice / snow estimation unit 102a controls the time detection unit 20 to acquire the vehicle stop state duration and the acquired stop state duration time. Is equal to or longer than a predetermined time t3 (t3 indicates a threshold value for determining snowfall while the vehicle is stopped) (step SA-7).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the snow / snow estimating unit 102a is not currently snowing (step SA-6: No), Flag 3 (a flag indicating that snow has fallen while the vehicle is stopped) is set to OFF, and Flag 4 (Flag indicating that it was snowing during traveling) is set to OFF, and the process proceeds to step SA-11.

  Returning to step SA-7, if the snow and snow estimating unit 102a determines that the stop state duration time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time t3 (step SA-7: Yes), it sets Flag3 to ON and sets Flag4 to OFF. . Thereafter, the process proceeds to Step SA-9.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the stop state duration is less than the predetermined time t3 (step SA-7: No), the ice / snow estimation unit 102a controls the time detection unit 20 to acquire the stop state duration of the vehicle, It is determined whether or not the acquired stop state continuation time is equal to or longer than a predetermined time t4 (t4 indicates a threshold value for determining snowfall during traveling) (step SA-8).

  Then, when the snow and snow estimating unit 102a determines that the stop state duration time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time t4 (step SA-8: Yes), the snow and snow estimating unit 102a sets Flag4 to ON and sets Flag3 to OFF. Then, the process proceeds to step SA-9.

  On the other hand, if the ice / snow estimating unit 102a determines that the stop state duration is less than the predetermined time t4 (step SA-8: No), the process proceeds to step SA-9.

  Then, the ice / snow estimating unit 102a determines whether Flag3 has been set ON within the past predetermined time t33 (t33 indicates a snowfall determination threshold during the past stop), although Flag3 is currently OFF. Is determined (step SA-9).

  Then, when the Ice / Snow estimating unit 102a determines that Flag3 is set to ON within the past predetermined time t33 (Step SA-9: Yes), Flag33 (within the past t33) is currently Flag3 is OFF. Is set to ON, and the process proceeds to step SA-10.

  On the other hand, if the snow / snow estimating unit 102a determines that Flag3 is currently OFF and Flag3 has not been set to ON within the past predetermined time t33 (step SA-9: No), the snow / snow estimating unit 102a , Flag 33 is set to OFF, and the process proceeds to Step SA-10.

  Then, the ice / snow estimating unit 102a determines whether Flag4 is set to ON within the past predetermined time t44 (t44 indicates a snowfall determination threshold during the past travel), although Flag4 is currently OFF. Is determined (step SA-10).

  If the snow / snow estimating unit 102a determines that Flag4 is currently set to ON within the past predetermined time t44 (Step SA-10: Yes), Flag44 (within past t44) is currently off. Is set to ON, and the process proceeds to step SA-11.

  On the other hand, if the snow and snow estimating unit 102a determines that Flag4 is currently OFF and Flag4 has not been set to ON within the past predetermined time t44 (Step SA-10: No), Flag 44 is set to OFF. Then, the process proceeds to step SA-11.

As shown in FIG. 3, the ice / snow estimation unit 102a controls the current “outside air temperature” detection unit 13 to detect the current temperature around the vehicle, and a predetermined temperature T ₅ (for example, −3 ° C. <T ₅ It is determined whether it is <3 ° C.) or less (step SA-11).

Then, ice and snow estimation unit 102a, when a predetermined temperature is determined to be _{T 5} or less (step SA-11: Yes), Flag5 set to ON (flag indicating that the current outside air temperature is low), the step SA Proceed to -12.

On the other hand, if the ice and snow estimator 102a is predetermined temperature is determined to exceed the _{T 5} (step SA-11: No), snow and ice estimator 102a sets to OFF Flag5, the process proceeds to step SA-12.

Then, the ice / snow estimation unit 102a controls the future “outside air temperature” information acquisition unit 16 to acquire weather information from a car navigation system or the like, and controls the time detection unit 20 based on the acquired weather information. predetermined time from the detected current time t5 (e.g., 30 minutes <t5 <180 min) after the probability exceeds a predetermined value _{P 5} outside air temperature is _{T 5} or less in the peripheral vehicle (for _{example, 50% <P 5 <100} % ) It is determined whether or not the above is satisfied (step SA-12).

Then, ice and snow estimation unit 102a, if the probability of the outside air temperature is determined to be _{P 5} or more (step SA-12: Yes), then set to ON FLAG6 (flag indicating that the low future outside air temperature), Proceed to step SA-13.

On the other hand, ice and snow estimation unit 102a, if the probability of the outside air temperature is determined to be smaller than _{P 5} (step SA-12: No), snow and ice estimator 102a sets to OFF FLAG6, then step SA-13 Proceed to

Then, the ice / snow estimation unit 102a controls the future “rain” information acquisition unit 14 to acquire weather information from a car navigation system or the like, and controls and detects the time detection unit 20 based on the acquired weather information. Whether or not the rain probability of raining around the vehicle after a predetermined time t6 (for example, 30 minutes <t6 <180 minutes) from the current time is greater than or equal to a predetermined value P ₆ (for example, 50% <P ₆ <100%) It is determined whether or not (step SA-13).

Then, ice and snow estimation unit 102a, if the rainfall probability is determined to be _{P 6} or more (step SA-13: Yes), then set to ON (flag indicating that higher future rainfall probability) Flag7, step SA Proceed to -14.

On the other hand, ice and snow estimation unit 102a, if the rainfall probability is determined to be less than _{P 6} (step SA-13: No), sets to OFF Flag7, the process proceeds to step SA-14.

Then, the ice / snow estimation unit 102a controls the future “snow” information acquisition unit 15 to acquire future weather information, and based on the acquired weather information, controls the time detection unit 20 to detect the current time After a predetermined time t7 (for example, 30 minutes <t7 <180 minutes), it is determined whether or not the snowfall probability that snow falls around the vehicle is greater than or equal to a predetermined value P ₇ (for example, 50% <P ₇ <100%). (Step SA-14).

Then, ice and snow estimation unit 102a, if the snowfall probability is determined to be _{P 7} or more (step SA-14: Yes), then set to ON (flag indicating that higher future snowfall probabilities) Flag8, step SA Proceed to -15.

On the other hand, ice and snow estimation unit 102a, if the snowfall probability is determined to be less than _{P 7} (step SA-14: No), sets to OFF Flag8, the process proceeds to step SA-15.

  Then, the ice / snow estimation unit 102a is based on the number of operations stored in the storage unit 106 (the number of times the snow fade countermeasure mechanism 10 has been operated in the past) and the current position of the vehicle detected by controlling the location detection unit 21. In the past, it is determined whether or not a snow fade has occurred at the same place within a predetermined D days (step SA-15).

  If the snow / snow estimating unit 102a determines that a snow fade has occurred at the same place within a predetermined D days (step SA-15: Yes), Flag 9 (a flag indicating that the snow fade has occurred in the past) ) Is set to ON, and the flow proceeds to Step SA-16.

  On the other hand, if the ice / snow estimating unit 102a determines that no snow fade has occurred at the same location within the predetermined D days (step SA-15: No), it sets Flag 9 to OFF and proceeds to step SA-16.

  Then, the ice / snow estimation unit 102a determines whether any of Flags 5 to 9 is set to ON (step SA-16).

  And when the snow and snow estimation part 102a judges that ON is set to any Flag of Flags 5-9 (step SA-16: Yes), it reduces the corresponding value in predetermined time t1-t4, The corresponding value of the predetermined times t11, t22, t33 and t44 is increased, and then the process proceeds to step SA-17.

  On the other hand, if the snow / ice estimating unit 102a determines that OFF is set for any of Flags 5 to 9 (step SA-16: No), the ice / snow estimating unit 102a performs the predetermined times t1 to t4, t11, t22, t33, and t44. The corresponding value is restored to the original, and the process proceeds to step SA-17. This is the end of the explanation of the ice / snow estimation process.

[2-2. Snow fade countermeasure start control process]
Next, the processing of step SA-17 and step SA-18 of the snow fade countermeasure start control processing of the braking control device 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the snow fade countermeasure start control unit 102b is in a state in which any one of Flags 1 to 4, 11, 22, 33, and 44 is set to ON, or a stop state (ignition). Is in the OFF state or the vehicle speed is “0”), Flag 7 is set to ON and Flag 5 or 6 is set to ON, or the vehicle is in the stopped state. In this case, it is determined whether or not the state where Flag 8 is set to ON is established (step SA-17).

  That is, when the snow fade countermeasure start control unit 102b has run on snow within t1 (for example, 30 minutes <t2 <60 minutes) or more within the past t1 (for example, 30 minutes <t1 <60 minutes), the past t11 (For example, 60 minutes <t11 <180 minutes) If snow falls over t3 (for example, 60 minutes <t3 <180 minutes) within the time, it will rain within the past t4 (for example, 30 minutes <t4 <60 minutes). If you run over t5 (for example, 15 minutes <t5 <60 minutes), it will rain for more than t6 (for example, 60 minutes <t6 <180 minutes) within the past t44 (for example, 60 minutes <t44 <180 minutes) If it falls, if there is a probability that snow will fall over the time t8 (for example, 30 minutes <t8 <180 minutes) in the stopped state over P2 (for example, 50% <P2 <100%), 30 minutes <t <180 minutes> Snow fade when the probability of rain over time is P3 (for example, 50% <P3 <100%) or more and the outside air temperature is T (for example, −3 ° C. <T <3 ° C.) or less. It is estimated that there is a possibility of adhesion sufficient to start the operation of the countermeasure mechanism 10.

  When the snow fade countermeasure start control unit 102b determines that the above state is established (there is a possibility of sufficient adhesion) (step SA-17: Yes), it controls the snow fade countermeasure control mechanism 10; Reduce the clearance between the pad and rotor from the normal position. That is, the operation of the snow fade countermeasure control mechanism 10 is started, and the process proceeds to Step SA-18.

  On the other hand, when the snow fade countermeasure start control unit 102b determines that the above state is not established (step SA-17: No), the snow fade countermeasure start control unit 102b controls the snow fade countermeasure control mechanism 10 to Return the clearance between the pad and rotor to the normal position. That is, the operation of the snow fade countermeasure control mechanism 10 is released. Thereafter, the process proceeds to Step SA-19.

  Then, the snow fade countermeasure start control unit 102b has flag 6 set to OFF, or the current battery voltage acquired from the battery voltage detection unit 19 by the control of the battery voltage acquisition unit 102d is low, or The fade countermeasure mechanism 10 is operating for a predetermined time t55 (t55 indicates a snow fade countermeasure mechanism activation upper limit value) or a time until the start of operation predicted based on the travel pattern estimated by the control unit 102. Is less than a predetermined time t66 (t66 indicates a time threshold for interrupting the operation of the snow fade countermeasure mechanism because the time until the start of operation is near) (step SA-18).

Here, the snow fade countermeasure start control unit 102b is, for example, in a case where the current outside air temperature is lower than Temp3 (for example, −3 ° C. <Temp3 <3 ° C.) or in a situation where snow or rain is falling. Snow fade countermeasure control has been continued in the past for t _a (for example, 60 minutes <t _a <180 minutes) and the time until the start of driving (or braking operation by the driver's intention) is t _b (for example, 60 It may be determined whether a state shorter than min <t _b <180 min) is established. Moreover, the snow fade countermeasure start control unit 102b may determine whether a state lower than the battery voltage V (for example, 9v <V <10v) is established, for example. Further, the snow fade countermeasure start control unit 102b may determine, for example, whether or not a state in which the operation time of the snow fade countermeasure control is longer than t _c (for example, 30 minutes <t _c <360 minutes) is established. The operation time t _c of the snow fade countermeasure control is the battery voltage V (preferably 9 v <V <10 v) when the battery voltage is in the above state when the amount of power consumed by the snow fade countermeasure control is subtracted from the battery power amount. However, it differs greatly depending on the snowfade countermeasure control method.

  When the snow fade countermeasure start control unit 102b determines that the above state is established (step SA-18: Yes), the operation of the snow fade countermeasure control mechanism 10 is interrupted, and the snow fade countermeasure start control process is performed. finish.

  On the other hand, when the snow fade countermeasure start control unit 102b determines that the above state is not established (step SA-18: No), the snow fade countermeasure start control process ends. This is the end of the description of the snow fade countermeasure start control process.

  This completes the description of the processing of the braking control apparatus 100.

[Other embodiments]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, the present invention can be applied to various different embodiments in addition to the above-described embodiments within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. May be implemented.

  In addition, among the processes described in the embodiment, all or part of the processes described as being automatically performed can be performed manually, or the processes described as being performed manually can be performed. All or a part can be automatically performed by a known method.

  In addition, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including registration data of each processing, and database configuration shown in the above-mentioned documents and drawings can be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified.

  Further, regarding the braking control device 100, the illustrated components are functionally schematic and do not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated.

  For example, all or some of the processing functions provided in each device of the braking control apparatus 100, particularly the processing functions performed by the control unit 102, are interpreted and executed by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the CPU. It can be realized by a program to be executed, or can be realized as hardware by wired logic. The program is recorded on a recording medium to be described later, and is mechanically read by the braking control device 100 as necessary. In other words, the storage unit 106 such as ROM or HD stores a computer program for performing various processes by giving instructions to the CPU in cooperation with an OS (Operating System). This computer program is executed by being loaded into the RAM, and constitutes a control unit in cooperation with the CPU.

  Further, this computer program may be stored in an application program server (for example, a server that distributes car navigation information) connected to the braking control apparatus 100 via an arbitrary network. It is also possible to download all or part of it.

  The program according to the present invention can also be stored in a computer-readable recording medium. Here, the “recording medium” refers to any “portable physical medium” such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, or a LAN, WAN, or Internet. It includes a “communication medium” that holds the program in a short period of time, such as a communication line or a carrier wave when the program is transmitted via a network represented by

  The “program” is a data processing method described in an arbitrary language or description method, and may be in any format such as source code or binary code. Note that the “program” is not necessarily limited to a single configuration, but is distributed in the form of a plurality of modules and libraries, or in cooperation with a separate program typified by an OS (Operating System). Including those that achieve the function. Note that a well-known configuration and procedure can be used for a specific configuration for reading a recording medium, a reading procedure, an installation procedure after reading, and the like in each device described in the embodiment.

  Various databases and the like (meteorological information file 106a) stored in the storage unit 106 are storage means such as a memory device such as a RAM and a ROM, a fixed disk device such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, and an optical disk. Stores programs, tables, databases, files, etc.

  In addition, the braking control device 100 is connected to an information processing device such as a known personal computer or workstation, and software (including programs, data, etc.) that implements the method of the present invention is installed in the information processing device. It may be realized.

  Furthermore, the specific form of distribution / integration of the devices is not limited to the one shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof is configured to be functionally or physically distributed / integrated in an arbitrary unit according to various additions. can do.

  As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the occurrence of snow fade can be predicted in advance, and the occurrence of snow fade can be prevented by starting snow fade countermeasure control at an appropriate timing. Since a braking control device can be provided, it can be used in the automobile industry and the like.

It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of this braking control apparatus with which this invention is applied. It is a flowchart which shows the ice-snow estimation process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the ice-snow estimation process in this embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the snow fade countermeasure start control processing in this embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Braking control apparatus 102 Control part
102a Ice / Snow Estimator
102b Snow fade countermeasure start control unit
102c Weather information storage unit
102d Battery voltage acquisition unit 106 Storage unit
106a Weather information file 10 Snow fade countermeasure mechanism 10a Clearance adjustment unit 11 Current “rain” detection unit 12 Current “snow” detection unit 13 Current “outside air temperature” detection unit 14 Future “rain” information acquisition unit 15 Future "Snow" information acquisition unit 16 Future "outside air temperature" information acquisition unit 17 Vehicle speed detection unit 18 IG ON / OFF detection unit 19 Battery voltage detection unit 20 Time detection unit 21 Location detection unit

Claims (5)

A vehicle braking control device comprising at least a control unit,
The controller is
Ice / snow estimation means for estimating the future possibility of ice / snow adhering to the pad or rotor based on past weather information or future weather information;
Snow fade countermeasure start control means for controlling to start the operation of the snow fade countermeasure mechanism based on the possibility of adhesion of the ice snow in the future estimated by the ice snow estimation means and the operation start threshold value of the snow fade countermeasure mechanism. When,
A braking control device comprising: The snow fade countermeasure mechanism is:
The braking control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a clearance adjusting unit that adjusts a clearance between the pad and the rotor. The vehicle braking control device comprises:
A storage unit;
The controller is
Weather information storage means for storing the past weather information in the storage unit,
The past weather information stored by the weather information storage means includes a time during which the vehicle travels in a snow or rain environment within a predetermined time in the past, or a time when snow or rain falls within a past predetermined time. The braking control device according to claim 1. The ice / snow estimation means includes:
When the vehicle is stopped, based on the future weather information, within a predetermined time in the future, when the snowfall probability is a predetermined value or more or the precipitation probability is a predetermined value or more and the outside air temperature is a predetermined temperature or less, The braking control device according to claim 1, wherein the possibility of adhesion is estimated to be high. The snow fade countermeasure start control means includes:
The braking control device according to claim 1, wherein the operation start threshold value is adjusted based on the future snowfall probability or precipitation probability.

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