JPH05503779A - control system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] control system The invention provides a device to be controlled and a signal indicating a predetermined parameter. providing said signal to a sensor and management means for controlling said device in response to said signal; an electrical circuit for supplying the signal, and for a predetermined value of the parameter, the signal is Regarding control systems such as zero. This control system is specified below. Refer to it as a type of thing.

In this system, a zero voltage signal is due to said predetermined value of said parameter. It is impossible to distinguish whether this is due to a fault in the electrical circuit or the sensor.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a particular type of control system in which the aforementioned problems are overcome. It is to provide.

According to one feature of the invention, we test electrical continuity between the sensor and the circuit. certain types of control systems for which continuity testing means are provided to test do.

Preferably, the management means detects the absence of the signal, i.e., zero voltage. If so, the continuity testing means is activated.

The continuity testing means, when detecting the presence of electrical continuity, Provides a signal that allows operation.

The continuity testing means, when detecting the absence of electrical continuity, A signal may be provided to inhibit the operation of the device.

Preferably, said continuity testing means returns to zero after a period of time during which the signal is non-zero. The electrical continuity is configured to be tested after the electrical continuity is confirmed. child Electrical continuity may only be tested if it is necessary to do so. become certain.

This continuity sensing means means that a signal conditional is applied across the terminals of the sensor and the input of the circuit. indicating the predetermined value of the parameter to the management means when the voltage applied is less than a predetermined voltage; The signal conditioning is adapted to provide an output that is dependent on the impedance of the circuit; means for supplying a predetermined current to said circuit parallel to said predetermined current; The value is that when the circuit is conducting, the impedance of the test circuit takes a first value; A conditional is that the voltage across the input terminals of the circuit is less than a predetermined voltage; When the circuit is not conducting, the impedance of the test circuit is less than the second, first value. also takes a high value, and the condition is that the voltage across both terminals of the input of the circuit is greater than or equal to a predetermined value.

This control measure a) When it detects that the signal has decreased to zero, the continuity test routine begins. (and any output from the sensor circuit is considered to be a response to the continuity test) lI) i′i′I current supply means is activated, and the sensor and conditional are connected to the input input of the circuit. supplying said current through a parallel combination with a pedance; C) Preferably, the supply means stops operating and interrupts said current supply; The cycle of activation and deactivation lasts for a predetermined period of time (e.g. 100 milliseconds). cycle) is repeated multiple times (e.g. three times in a row), and the results obtained in this cycle are A signal is obtained when a signal indicating the opening or closing of the circuit is obtained for each cycle of the sequence. The corresponding signals are accepted by the management means and the different cycles in the sequence If a different signal is obtained for the device, the continuity test routine is interrupted and the device normal operation of the device begins; d) if the presence of the signal or evaluated series of said signals indicates the absence of continuity; , the management means implement said inhibition of the normal operation of the device, and in response to the or if the absence of the evaluated series of said signals indicates the presence of continuity, the management means allow normal operation of the It is designed to execute a routine called

The management means may initiate a warning signal if the absence of continuity is detected.

This control system can be of any desired type and the device can be of any suitable design. and a sensor means for sensing any suitable parameter.

For example, this control system may include a steering system for a vehicle and The vehicle is equipped with a means for orienting the vehicle, and a sensor determines the vehicle's steering position. Vine provides an indicating signal.

This control system also features a variable suspension system for the vehicle and The vise includes means for adjusting the suspension height of the vehicle. , the sensor provides a signal indicative of the vehicle's suspension cover.

This control system also prevents vehicle wheels from slipping during acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. The device is equipped with a system to prevent wheel acceleration or deceleration. A sensor provides a signal indicative of acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle.

This control system also includes a hydraulic brake system for the vehicle and is a skid control unit that releases the pressure of the operating fluid supplied to the vehicle's wheel brakes. The sensor detects the rotational speed of the vehicle's wheels and determines the rotational speed of the vehicle's wheels. A speed sensor may be included to provide a vehicle speed signal indicating the vehicle speed.

Moreover, in this case, due to more specific characteristics, the present invention provides wheel brakes and wheel speeds. a speed sensor that provides a speed signal and a management means responsive to said signal; Releases the pressure of the operating fluid supplied to the wheel brakes to the skid control unit. It is equipped with an electrical circuit that allows it to operate on hydraulic pressure for vehicles, referred to below as a specific type. Regarding brake systems.

For example, a speed sensor generates a voltage to provide the wheel signal so that the wheel In case of skid, a zero voltage signal is provided. Also, this speed sensor The system modifies the externally applied voltage to zero voltage if the wheels skid. generate.

In any case, if the wheels are skidding, the voltage and therefore this sensor produces a wheel speed signal of zero. Therefore, the control measures are to control such wheel speeds. Is the speed signal due to insufficient wheel rotation, or is there a problem with the electrical circuit or sensor? It is not possible to distinguish whether this is due to a disability or not.

A further object of the invention is to provide a hydraulically operated brake of a particular type which overcomes the aforementioned problems. To provide a rake system.

According to a second feature of the invention, we provide electrical continuity between this sensor and said circuit. are operated at certain types of hydraulic pressure such that continuity test means are provided to test the We provide brake systems that

Preferably, the management means detects the absence of the wheel speed signal. This causes the continuity test means to start.

This continuity testing means, upon detecting the presence of electrical continuity, will cause the skid control unit to A signal may be provided to allow normal anti-skid operation of the vehicle.

This continuity testing means, upon detecting the absence of electrical continuity, will cause the skid control unit to A signal may be provided to inhibit the normal anti-skid operation of the kit.

Preferably, said continuity testing means detects that the wheel speed reaches zero after a certain period of time when it is non-zero. configured to test said electrical continuity after the return is confirmed; . This ensures that electrical continuity is only tested when it is necessary to do so. becomes certain.

This continuity detection means is a speed sensor and the conditional is applied between both terminals of the input of the circuit. an output indicating the absence of wheel rotation to the management means if the applied voltage is less than a predetermined voltage; The vehicle speed signal is conditional on the impedance of the circuit and means for supplying a predetermined current to the parallel circuits, the value of the predetermined current; If the circuit is conductive, the impedance of the test circuit takes the first value; The condition is that the voltage between both terminals of the input of the circuit is less than the predetermined voltage, and , when the circuit is not conducting, the impedance of the test circuit is a second value equal to the first value. The condition is that the voltage across the input terminals of the circuit must be equal to or higher than the predetermined value. be.

This control measure a) When it detects that the wheel speed has decreased to zero, the continuity test routine Once initiated, any output from the wheel speed sensor circuit is in response to the continuity test. considered, b) When the current supply means is activated, the wheel speed sensor and the conditional are connected to the input input of the circuit. supplying said current through a parallel combination with a pedance; C) Preferably, the supply means stops operating and interrupts said current supply; The cycle of activation and deactivation lasts for a predetermined period of time (e.g. 100 milliseconds). cycle) is repeated multiple times (e.g. three times in a row), and the results obtained in this cycle are A signal is obtained when a signal indicating the opening or closing of the circuit is obtained for each cycle of the sequence. The corresponding signals are accepted by the management means and the different cycles within the sequence are If a different signal is obtained, the continuity test routine is interrupted and the normal It is evaluated based on the criteria that anti-skid operation is started, d) The presence of a wheel speed signal or an evaluated series of said signals indicates the absence of continuity. If the skid control unit's normal anti-skid operation is carrying out said prohibition, in response to a vehicle speed signal or an evaluated series of said signals; If the absence of conduction indicates the presence of continuity, the control means should ・Allows skid operation, It is designed to execute a routine called

The management means initiates a warning signal if the absence of continuity is detected.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a two-axle vehicle provided with a braking system embodying the invention. It is.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of a portion of the electrical circuit of the brake system of FIG. 1;

In FIG. 1, the vehicle has two front wheels 10.11 on the first axle and two front wheels 10.11 on the second axle. It has two rear wheels 12 and 13. Each wheel has wheel brakes 14 to 17, respectively. Each wheel is provided with a corresponding wheel speed sensor 18-2. be done. The wheel speed sensors 18 to 21 are equipped with alternating current voltage generators, and the generated The magnitude and frequency of the voltage varies proportionally to the rotational speed of the wheel. the wheels are stationary When the voltage is on, no voltage is generated. If desired, the wheel speed sensor can be of a different type. for example by modifying an externally applied voltage. It may be configured such that no voltage is supplied when the wheel is stationary.

The variable voltage and frequency current thus generated is applied to electrical circuits 22-25. Therefore, the sensor signal for each of the microprocessor and sensors 18 to 21 is and a conditional circuit.

The management means 26 connect the front and rear skid control units 28, 29 via a line 30. Provides control signals to operate.

Each of the skid control units 28,29 has a Controls the supply of operating tire pressure to the relay valves 31 to 34, and also controls the supply of operating tire pressure to the relay valves 31 to 34. The valves 31 to 34, on the other hand, are connected to the brakes 14 to ] Controls the supply of compressed air to 7. If desired, the working fluid can be a liquid. , the working fluid, whether liquid or gas, is braked independently of the control unit. and the control unit is thus able to supply the brakes with is configured to reduce the pressure of the fluid that is

2, sensor 18 is shown with its associated circuitry. the other 3 The four sensors 19 to 21 and their associated circuits 23 to 25 are similar. No further discussion is required.

The sensor 18 comprises a voltage generator as disclosed in EP-B-01,90879.

However, any other suitable voltage generator type sensor may be used if desired.

Sensor 18 is connected in circuit 22 to an input input of conventional sensor signal conditional circuit 36. It is connected in parallel to the impedance 35. Sensor signal conditional circuit 36 includes circuit 36 If the voltage between both input terminals of the control means 26 exceeds a predetermined value, providing a signal to the processor 37 such that the voltage across the input of the circuit 36 is less than a predetermined value; In this case, no signal is provided from the conditional circuit 36 to the microprocessor 37. It is composed of

Continuity test circuit 38 is connected in parallel to sensor 18 and impedance 35, and by a switch signal provided over line 40 from microprocessor 37. It includes suitable switch means 39 for operation.

Line 41 is from the microprocessor 37 to the skid control unit for control signals. The line 42 extends to the warning means drive circuit. are doing.

A microprocessor is programmed by an algorithm that: Execute the routine.

When wheel 10 is rotating, sensor 18 is conditioned by circuit 36. a suitable signal indicating rotation of the wheel is provided to the microprocessor 37. It will be done.

When the wheel stops rotating due to skid, or when the wheel sensor 18 or circuit 22 If electrical continuity is interrupted, the conditional is transferred from circuit 36 to microprocessor 3. 7 and therefore a) the microprocessor 37 The normal Initiating anti-lock operation and appropriate release of pressure on the associated wheel brake 14 and b) a wheel speed sensor continuity test routine is initiated to determine the wheel speed. The test continues until the sensor circuit is confirmed to be conductive or non-conductive.

If continuity of the wheel speed sensor is confirmed, normal wheel speed measurement will continue to be required. Provides anti-lock operation as required. If continuity of the wheel speed sensor is not confirmed If this is the case, check at least the wheels for which continuity is not confirmed and the anti-lock warning light is on. Therefore, anti-lock operation is impossible. If desired, warning means device circuit Vine operates any other warning means you wish.

More specifically, if the microprocessor initiates a continuity test routine, The microprocessor states that conditional means that any output from circuit 36 is to be executed. It is set to be considered as a response to a general exam. Furthermore, through line 40 The microprocessor 37 causes the switch 3 associated with the circuit 22 to 9 is closed and a predetermined constant or substantially constant value of direct current flows through the circuit 38. , therefore, the wheel speed sensor 18 and the sensor signal conditional have an input impedance of 3 Flows in parallel combination with 5. A constant or substantially constant current is an impedance by means of a series-connected fixed resistor with an impedance sufficiently larger than the impedance 35. or by a suitable transistor circuit providing a constant or substantially constant current. or by other suitable means.

If wheel speed sensor 18 or circuit 22 is conductive, the impedance seen from the test circuit is -dance is at a first value, and the condition is such that the predetermined There is a relatively small voltage drop of magnitude less than the value of The value of the predetermined current is selected such that there is no output to sensor 37.

Also, if the wheel speed sensor 18 or the circuit 22 is not conductive, it will be visible from the test circuit. The impedance is higher, so the conditional is is greater than or equal to the predetermined value, and the voltage drop from the circuit 36 to the microprocessor 37 is greater than or equal to the predetermined value. causes output to.

After a predetermined time, the switch S is opened by the microprocessor 37 and the switch The aforementioned cycle of closing and then opening again occurs at a given time and a given number of times. For example, one sequence occurs at least 3 times every 100 milliseconds. It is repeated repeatedly.

Microprocessor 37 then evaluates the results obtained in such a sequence. worth it. If all the results are the same, i.e. the conditional is evaluated by circuit 36. If a signal is generated or not generated in each cycle of the sequence The result of is received by the microprocessor and acts on it as described below. .

If all of the results are not the same, the microprocessor runs a continuity test routine. normal anti-lock wheel speed evaluation continues.

If the result is received and indicates that the circuit is conducting, i.e. the conditional is connected to the skid control unit due to no signal being received from circuit 36. normal anti-lock operation continues, whereas the conditional If non-conduction is indicated by a signal received by microprocessor 37 from If the microprocessor controls the skid control unit's normal anti-lock The motion is inhibited at least in relation to the wheel 10 associated with the sensor 18, and the signal is lit. input 42 to the anti-lock warning means drive circuit to alert the driver to the warning of reduced operation of the lock system.

After operating the preceding sequence of cycles, the sensor continuity test routine is finished and , the normal anti-lock control routine is resumed.

The microprocessor 37 determines whether the sensors 18-21 detect the The continuity test routine described above is initiated each time a wheel stops rotating. has been programmed. Therefore, when the vehicle is stationary, the vehicle speed The sensor continuity test routine is not initiated.

Notwithstanding the foregoing example, separate wheel speed sensors and skid control circuits and wheel brakes and, if desired, specific wheels. A speed sensor is used to control one or more skid control units. each skid control unit provides wheel speed signals to one or more vehicles. Can control wheel brakes.

Although the foregoing embodiments have described a hydraulic brake system for a vehicle, the present invention can detect any desired suitability by sensing any desired suitable parameters. can be applied to any other desired control system for controlling any desired device. Ru. For example, this control system may include a steering system for a vehicle. and the device may include means for orienting the vehicle, and the sensor may include means for orienting the vehicle. Provides a signal indicating steering position.

In addition, this control system may include a variable suspension system for the vehicle. and the device shall have means for adjusting the suspension hide of the vehicle. The sensor provides a signal indicating the vehicle's suspension suspension.

In addition, this control system prevents vehicle wheels from slipping during acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. The device may be equipped with a system for stopping the wheel, and the device may be equipped with a system for The sensor may provide a signal indicating acceleration or deceleration of the wheel. can be provided.

In the foregoing description and accompanying drawings, the disclosures are made in accordance with the specific form thereof, and in the accompanying drawings. the means for performing the disclosed functions and the methods or processes for achieving the disclosed results; Features disclosed in connection with a suitable class or set or composition of components may be separately The invention can also be modified in its various forms by any combination of these features. It can be used for implementation in various forms.

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Claims (25)

[Claims] 1. A device to be controlled and a sensor providing a signal indicating a predetermined parameter and providing said signal to management means for controlling said device in response to said signal. an electrical circuit, the signal being zero for a predetermined value of the parameter; A control is provided with continuity testing means for testing electrical continuity between the sensor and said circuit. control system. 2. If said management means detects the absence of said signal, i.e. a zero voltage signal, said 2. A control system according to claim 1, adapted to initiate the test means. 3. If the continuity test means detects the presence of electrical continuity, the device's normal 3. A control system according to claim 1 or 2, which provides a signal authorizing operation. 4. If the continuity test means detects the absence of electrical continuity, the normal The control system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which provides a signal for inhibiting the operation of the control system. Tem. 5. Continuity test means ensure that the signal returns to zero after a period of non-zero. Claims 1 to 4 are configured to test the electrical continuity after the electrical continuity has been approved. A control system according to any of the above. 6. Continuity sensing means is applied between the sensor and the input of the conditioning circuit. an output indicating the predetermined value of the parameter when the voltage applied is less than a predetermined voltage; to the impedance of a signal conditioning circuit adapted to provide the control means with A means for supplying a predetermined current to the parallel circuit is provided, and the value of the predetermined current is: If the circuit is conducting, the impedance of the test circuit is the first value, and the conditional The voltage across the input terminals of the circuit will be less than the predetermined voltage; when the impedance of the test circuit is higher than the first value of the second value, and the voltage across the input terminals of the conditioning circuit is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. The control system according to any one of boxes 1 to 5. 7. management means a) When it detects that the signal has decreased to zero, the continuity test routine begins. b) before any output from the sensor circuit is considered to be a response to the continuity test; The current supply means operates to maintain parallelism between the input impedance of the sensor and the conditioning circuit. supplying said current through the column combination, after which said current supply means ceases operation; c) if the presence of the signal indicates the absence of continuity; The control means inhibit the normal operation of the device and if the absence of the signal indicates the presence of continuity. the management means permit normal operation of the device; 7. A control system according to claim 6, adapted to execute the routine. 8. The cycle of starting and stopping the current supply is repeated multiple times within a predetermined period of time. The signals obtained in this cycle are repeated and the signals indicating the opening and closing of the circuit are sequenced If obtained for each cycle of the corresponding signal is accepted by the management means. If different signals are obtained for different cycles of the sequence, the The pass test routine is interrupted and normal operation of the device begins; If the presence of the evaluated sequence of said signals indicates the absence of continuity, the management means The absence of an evaluated sequence of said signals indicates the presence of continuity. Management measures should be evaluated on the basis that they will allow normal operation of the device if the 8. The control system according to claim 7. 9. The management means may claim to initiate a warning signal if the absence of continuity is detected. 9. A control system according to any one of boxes 1 to 8. 10. The control system includes a steering system for the vehicle, and the device and a sensor provides a signal indicative of the steering position of the vehicle. A control system according to any one of claims 1 to 9. 11. The control system has a variable suspension system for the vehicle and the device is equipped with means for adjusting the vehicle's suspension height; Claims 1 to 9, wherein the sensor provides a signal indicating the suspension height of the vehicle. The control system described in any of the above. 12. Control system prevents wheels from slipping during vehicle acceleration or deceleration the device comprises a means for controlling the rate of acceleration or deceleration of the wheel; Claims 1 to 9, wherein the sensor provides a signal indicating acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle. Control system as described. 13. The control system includes a hydraulic brake system for the vehicle and the device The skid control unit releases the pressure of the operating fluid supplied to the wheel brakes of the A vehicle equipped with a sensor that detects the rotational speed of the vehicle's wheels and indicates the rotational speed of the vehicle's wheels. 10. A speed sensor according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a speed sensor providing both speed signals. control system. 14. a wheel brake; a speed sensor providing a wheel speed signal; and a speed sensor responsive to said signal. supplying said signal to a management means for supplying said signal to a skid control unit for supplying said signal to a wheel brake; and an electrical circuit for relieving the pressure of the operating fluid that has been discharged, and continuity testing means are provided. a hydraulically operated brake system that tests electrical continuity between the sensor and the circuit; stem. 15. The management means detects the absence of the wheel speed signal. 15. A brake according to claim 14 adapted to initiate operation of the continuity testing means. Ki system. 16. The continuity test means provides a signal if it detects the presence of electrical continuity. Normal anti-skid operation of the skid control unit to release the brakes 16. The brake system according to claim 14 or 15, which allows. 17. The continuity test means shall provide a signal if it detects the absence of electrical continuity. Normal anti-skid operation of the skid control unit to release the brakes 17. The brake system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, which prohibits. 18. said continuity testing means indicates that the wheel speed has returned to zero after a period of non-zero; Claims 14 to 14 are configured to test the electrical continuity after it has been confirmed. 18. The brake system according to any one of 17. 19. Continuity sensing means detects that the voltage applied across the input of the conditioning circuit is If the voltage is below a predetermined voltage, the speed sensor and output are provided to the management means to rotate the wheel. impedance of a wheel speed signal conditioning circuit adapted to indicate the absence of rotation. means for supplying a predetermined current to a circuit in parallel with the predetermined current; is the impedance of the test circuit is the first value when the circuit is conducting, or In addition, the voltage between the input terminals of the conditioning circuit becomes less than the predetermined voltage, and the circuit becomes conductive. , the impedance of the test circuit has a second value higher than the first value. , and the voltage between both terminals of the input of the conditioning circuit is greater than or equal to a predetermined value. 19. The brake system according to any one of 14 to 18. 20. management means a) When it is detected that the wheel speed has decreased to zero, a continuity test routine is initiated. Any output from the wheel speed sensor circuit that is initiated is considered to be a response to the continuity test. is, b) Said current supply means is activated to supply input impedance to the wheel speed sensor and conditioning circuit. - supplying said current through a parallel combination with a c) the presence of a wheel speed signal indicates conduction; If the skid control unit indicates the absence of If the above inhibition of kid movement is carried out and the absence of wheel speed signal indicates the presence of continuity, then control means permit normal anti-skid operation of the skid control unit; The brake system according to claim 19, adapted to carry out the routine stem. 21. The cycle of starting and stopping the current supply is repeated a plurality of times within a predetermined period of time. The signals obtained in this cycle are repeated several times, and the signals indicating the opening and closing of the circuit are sequenced. If obtained for each cycle of the and different signals are obtained for different cycles of the sequence. The continuity test routine is interrupted and normal anti-skid operation begins; If the presence of the evaluated sequence of said signals indicates the absence of continuity, the management means Executes the normal anti-skid operation of the kid control unit and disables the said trust. If the absence of an evaluated sequence of signals indicates the presence of continuity, the management means Claims evaluated on the basis of permitting normal anti-skid behavior of knits 20. The control system according to claim 20. 22. Request that the management means initiate a warning signal if the absence of continuity is detected. A brake system according to any one of ranges 14 to 21. 23. A control system substantially as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. 24. A vehicle braking system substantially as described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. Mu. 25. Any novel features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings or any combination of characteristics.