KR101590109B1

KR101590109B1 - brake system comprising thermoelement module and method for managing brake oil thereof

Info

Publication number: KR101590109B1
Application number: KR1020140138208A
Authority: KR
Inventors: 김동환; 김호영; 김참; 김종태; 안지현; 백주영
Original assignee: 재단법인대구경북과학기술원
Priority date: 2014-10-14
Filing date: 2014-10-14
Publication date: 2016-01-29

Abstract

A brake system is disclosed. The system includes a brake oil case for accommodating brake oil, a temperature sensor attached to the brake oil case, a thermoelectric module attached to the brake oil case, and an electric signal applied to the thermoelectric module if the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a threshold, And a control unit for cooling the oil and charging the battery using an electric signal induced by the thermoelectric module if the temperature is lower than the threshold. Thus, the brake oil can be effectively managed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a brake system including a thermoelectric module and a method of managing brake oil.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a brake system and a brake oil management method thereof, and more particularly, to a brake system capable of effectively managing a state of brake oil using a thermoelectric module and its brake oil management method.

With the development of vehicle technology, various types of automobiles are being developed and distributed. As a result, the performance of the automobile has been improved, and a lot of roads that can be driven at a higher speed than the past have been secured.

Although the driving performance of the vehicle such as an automobile is also important, the braking performance that can be stopped while driving is as important as that. If the braking performance is lowered, the vehicle traveling at high speed can not be stopped properly, which increases the risk of collision. Accordingly, efforts to improve the performance of the brake system have been continuously carried out.

The brake system can be divided into various types according to its operation method. One of them, hydraulic brake system, uses brake oil to brake the brake drum and pad of each wheel by applying pressure. The brake fluid is a fluid that forces the brake pedal to the braking system of each wheel of the vehicle so that the braking is performed. Such brake oil has high hygroscopicity to absorb water, and if not replaced for a long time, moisture in the brake oil increases. As a result, the boiling point is lowered. In this state, when the use of the brake frequently occurs on the downhill road or the like, the heat of the brake disk or the caliper may be transmitted to the brake oil, so that the brake oil may be boiled. In this case, a bubble lock may be generated in which bubbles are generated in the oil and the brake operating force is weakened. When the brake lock is generated, pressure can not be properly transmitted to the brakes of the respective wheels, so that normal braking becomes difficult.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a brake system capable of effectively managing brake oil using a thermoelectric module and a brake oil management method thereof.

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a braking system including a brake oil case for receiving brake oil, a temperature sensor attached to the brake oil case, a thermoelectric module attached to the brake oil case, A controller for applying an electric signal to the thermoelectric module to cool the brake oil when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a threshold value and charging the battery using the electric signal induced by the thermoelectric module if the temperature is below the threshold, .

The plurality of temperature sensors and the plurality of thermoelectric modules are dispersed in the brake oil case and arranged in pairs. The control unit controls the temperature sensors The operation of the matched thermoelectric module can be individually controlled.

Alternatively, the brake system may further include a level sensor for sensing a level of brake oil contained in the brake oil case. In this case, the plurality of temperature sensors and the plurality of thermoelectric modules are dispersedly disposed in the brake oil case, and the control unit controls the temperature of the brake oil based on the temperature information sensed by the plurality of temperature sensors And control the operation of the thermoelectric modules disposed below the water level detected by the water level sensor among the plurality of temperature sensors based on the determined temperature.

Also, the threshold value is divided into a plurality of threshold values, and the plurality of thermoelectric modules are dispersedly disposed in the brake oil case, and the control unit determines whether the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is higher than the highest threshold value among the plurality of threshold values The electric signals are applied to all the plurality of thermoelectric modules, and when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is less than the lowest one of the plurality of thresholds, the plurality of thermoelectric modules are used to charge the battery, If the sensed temperature falls within one of at least one threshold range between the uppermost threshold and the lowest threshold, the electric signal is applied only to the set number of thermoelectric modules corresponding to the corresponding threshold range, The battery may also be charged.

Alternatively, the plurality of thermoelectric modules may be dispersed in the brake oil case, and the controller may supply the electric signals to a different number of thermoelectric modules according to the sensed temperature of the temperature sensor.

The thermoelectric module may further include first and second pads, and a plurality of pins extending from pads facing the inner side of the brake oil case out of the first and second pads.

The thermoelectric module may be disposed in the vicinity of the outflow passage of the brake oil in the brake oil case.

The battery may further include a first battery for providing a driving voltage to the thermoelectric module and a second battery charged by an electric signal induced by the thermoelectric module, When the temperature is equal to or higher than the threshold value, turning on a first switch connecting between the first battery and the thermoelectric module, turning off a second switch connecting between the second battery and the thermoelectric module, If the temperature is less than the threshold value, the first switch can be turned off and the second switch can be turned on.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a brake oil management method for a brake system, the method comprising: sensing a temperature in a temperature sensor built in the brake oil case; And a control step of cooling the brake oil case by applying an electric signal to the thermoelectric module built in the thermoelectric module and charging the battery using the electric signal induced by the thermoelectric module if the temperature is lower than the threshold.

Here, a plurality of the temperature sensors and the thermoelectric modules may be dispersed in the brake oil case and arranged in pairs. In this case, in the controlling step, the operation of the thermoelectric module matched to each temperature sensor can be individually controlled according to the magnitude of the temperature sensed by each of the plurality of temperature sensors.

The threshold value may include a plurality of threshold values, and the plurality of thermoelectric modules may be dispersed in the brake oil case. In this case, the control step includes the steps of: applying the electric signal to all of the plurality of thermoelectric modules when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is not less than a highest one of the plurality of thresholds, Charging the battery using the remaining thermoelectric modules by applying the electric signal only to the number of thermoelectric modules set to correspond to the subordinate threshold value when the temperature is less than the threshold value and is equal to or higher than the subordinate temperature threshold, And charging the battery using the plurality of thermoelectric modules as a whole.

The plurality of thermoelectric modules may be dispersed in the brake oil case. In this case, the control step may supply the electric signals to the different number of thermoelectric modules according to the magnitude of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

According to various embodiments of the present invention as described above, when the brake oil is overheated to a certain level or more, it is cooled appropriately using a thermoelectric module, and when the brake oil is in a normal state, power generation is performed using heat generated from the brake oil , The electric energy can be effectively used.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a brake system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a brake oil management method according to an embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of the brake system of FIG. 1,
FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts for explaining various examples of a brake oil management method for managing brake oil using a plurality of thermoelectric modules,
6 to 9 are views showing various examples of the arrangement of the thermoelectric module in the brake system using a plurality of thermoelectric modules.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

While the terms used in various embodiments of the present invention have been chosen in light of the functionality of the embodiments disclosed herein and have been chosen in light of the general inventive concepts employed herein, It can be different. In addition, for the sake of convenience of explanation, there are some terms selected arbitrarily by the applicant, and the meanings thereof are not necessarily limited to the terms of this specification. Therefore, the terms used in the present specification should be defined based on the meaning of the term, not the simple name, and the contents disclosed throughout the specification and the known technology at the time of filing.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. But should be understood to include alternatives. In the following description of the embodiments, detailed description of known related arts will be omitted if it is determined that the gist can be blurred or unnecessary.

Also, the terms first, second, etc. used in this specification are used only for convenience of description, and therefore, the elements should not be limitedly interpreted by these terms. Furthermore, the singular terms "a", "an," and "the" include singular or plural, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

It is to be understood that the terms such as " comprise "or" comprise ", and the like in the specification are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, But do not preclude the presence or addition of other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a brake system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1, the brake system includes a brake oil case 100, a temperature sensor 110, a thermoelectric module 120, and a control unit 130. As shown in FIG. The brake system of FIG. 1 is applicable to a vehicle, but is not limited thereto, and may be applied to various types of moving means that move by a wheel, such as a motorcycle, an airplane, or the like.

The brake oil case 100 is a portion accommodating the brake oil. Alternatively, the brake oil case 100 may be referred to as various terms such as a master cylinder, a brake oil case, an oil chamber, and the like, but is generally referred to as a brake oil case 100 in this specification.

The brake oil case 100 may be made of various materials such as plastic, metal, glass, and the like. The brake oil case 100 receives the brake oil, and when the brake pedal is depressed, it provides brake oil with external components such as a booster. Components such as a booster or a brake pedal, a valve, a brake disk, a caliper, etc. are not directly related to the operation of the present embodiment, and therefore, illustration and description are omitted.

The temperature sensor 110 is a component for sensing the temperature of the brake oil in the brake oil case 100. The temperature sensor 110 may be embedded in the inner wall surface of the brake oil case 100, the bottom surface, the lid portion, or in close contact with the outer wall of the brake oil case 100.

The thermoelectric module 120 is built in the brake oil case 100 and is a component for cooling the temperature of the brake oil or performing power generation using heat transmitted from the brake oil. The thermoelectric module 120 may be termed various terms such as a thermoelectric element, a thermoelectric unit, a Peltier element, a thermoelectric module, and the like, but is generally referred to herein as a thermoelectric module 120. The thermoelectric module 120 is a device in which P type and N type thermoelectric semiconductors are alternately arranged between two conductive pads and pads such as ceramics are disposed on both sides of the conductive pads. As P-type and N-type thermoelectric semiconductors, various materials such as silicon (Si) and germanium (Ge) can be used. When the current flows from the N-type terminal of the thermoelectric module 120 toward the P-type terminal, an endothermic reaction is caused in the first pad due to the Peltier effect, and an exothermic reaction occurs in the second pad on the opposite side. When an electric current flows in the opposite polarity, an endothermic reaction occurs in the second pad and an exothermic reaction occurs in the first pad. Conversely, when the first pad is heated, heat is conducted in the direction of the second pad to generate an electromotive force between the conductive pads. Thus, power generation can be achieved. Since the configuration and operation of the thermoelectric module 120 have already been known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The control unit 130 controls the operation of the thermoelectric module based on the sensing result sensed by the temperature sensor 110. Specifically, when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than the threshold, the controller 130 applies an electric signal to the thermoelectric module 120 to cool the brake oil. On the other hand, if the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is less than the threshold value, the controller 130 cuts off the electric signal applied to the thermoelectric module. In this state, when the thermoelectric module is heated by the temperature inside the brake oil case, the battery is charged using the electric signal induced by the thermoelectric module. The charged battery can be used for various purposes. For example, the control unit 130 may use the power charged in the battery to control lighting means such as a headlight, an emergency light, and an interior lamp of a moving means to which a brake system is applied, or to drive various convenience facilities. Alternatively, the thermoelectric module 120 may further include a heat dissipating fan for cooling the heat generated from the opposite side pad in the process of cooling the brake oil in the brake oil case 100. The controller 130 may use the power charged in the battery to drive the heat-dissipating fan.

2 is a flowchart illustrating a brake oil management method for a brake system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2, the brake system continuously senses and monitors the internal temperature of the brake oil case 100 (S210). The internal temperature can be detected by the temperature sensor 110 incorporated in the brake oil case 100. The temperature sensor 110 may be implemented with various types of sensors such as thermistors, resistance temperature detectors (RTD), thermoelectric sensors, IC sensors, and the like.

If the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 110 is higher than the threshold value (S220), the brake system uses the thermoelectric module 120 to cool the brake oil stored in the brake oil case (S230). On the other hand, if the sensed temperature is less than the threshold value (S220), the brake system charges the battery using the electric signal induced by the thermoelectric module 120 built in the brake oil case (S240). The threshold value can be arbitrarily set. Depending on the type of temperature sensor, the threshold value can be set to various parameters. For example, in an embodiment for outputting a temperature value at a temperature sensor, the threshold value may be set to a temperature factor such as a < 0 > C. In this case, the control unit 130 can control the operation of the thermoelectric module 120 by comparing the threshold value stored in the internal memory (not shown) with the output value of the temperature sensor. Alternatively, when the temperature sensor is a variable resistance that varies with temperature, such as a thermistor, the threshold value may be set to a resistance value factor such as b?. In this case, the control unit 130 may be implemented as a control circuit or a chip that controls the operation of the thermoelectric module 120 based on the magnitude of the current value or the voltage value flowing through the temperature sensor.

2, only one threshold value is used. However, it is also possible to control the operation of the thermoelectric module using a plurality of threshold values having different sizes. This will be described later in the following section.

3 is a view showing an example of a detailed configuration of a brake system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3, the thermoelectric module 120 includes two conductive pads 122 and 125 disposed opposite to each other, P-type and N-type thermoelectric semiconductors 123 and 124 alternately arranged at predetermined intervals between the conductive pads 122 and 125, And first and second pads 121 and 126 disposed outside the conductive pads. 3 shows a state in which the second pads 126 are disposed so as to face the inside of the brake oil case 100. 3, the thermoelectric module 120 is mounted on the outer surface of the brake oil case 100 to transmit cold air or heat through the wall surface of the brake oil case 100. However, (120) itself may be formed on the inner surface of the brake oil case (100) so as to directly contact the brake oil.

The thermoelectric module 120 may further include a plurality of pins 170 extending from the pads 121 and 126 toward the inside of the brake oil case 100. In FIG. 3, although the fins 170 are shown as being arranged in a row, they may be distributed in a plurality of rows and columns as in a matrix. The pin 170 is for transmitting the temperature of the second pad 126 effectively into the brake oil case 100 and may be made of a material having a high thermal conductivity. The number, length, thickness, shape, forming position, etc. of the fins 170 may be variously modified depending on the size or shape of the brake oil case 100 or the arrangement position of the thermoelectric module 120.

The temperature sensor 110 is disposed at a position where the temperature of the brake oil can be effectively detected. 3, the temperature sensor 110 is shown extending from the side wall of the brake oil case 100 to the inside. However, according to another embodiment, the temperature sensor 110 is formed on the outer surface of the brake oil case 100 The temperature may be indirectly sensed through the side wall of the brake oil case 100. [ Alternatively, the temperature sensor 110 may be formed on the bottom surface of the brake oil case 100.

The first battery 140 and the second battery 150 are electrically connected to the thermoelectric module 120. The first battery 140 is a component for cooling the second pad 126 of the thermoelectric module by providing a driving voltage to the thermoelectric module 120. The second battery 150 is a secondary battery that is charged by an electric signal induced by the thermoelectric module 120.

The electric power charged in the second battery 150 can be utilized for various purposes. In one example, when the second pad of the thermoelectric module 120 is cooled, the first pad is heated. In this case, the heat of the first pad may affect other peripheral components. Therefore, a heat dissipation plate or a heat dissipation fan can be disposed around the first pad. The electric power charged in the second battery 150 can be used to turn the heat radiating fan. The first battery may be the main battery of the moving means to which the brake system is applied, or a separate battery may be used.

In another example, the power charged in the second battery 150 may be provided to the first battery 140 and used to charge the first battery 140. If the first battery is the main battery of the vehicle, the second battery 150 may be used in parallel with the vehicle generator to charge the first battery 140. [

In FIG. 3, the first and second batteries 150 are shown to be distinguished from each other. However, in some embodiments, one battery may be used. In this case, when the brake oil is not heated beyond the threshold value, the battery is charged with an electric signal caused by the thermoelectric module 120. When the brake oil is heated above the threshold value, the charged battery is discharged to turn the thermoelectric module 120 It may be turned on.

The switch unit 160 may be disposed between the first and second batteries 140 and 150 and the thermoelectric module 120. The controller 130 may control the switch unit 160 to selectively connect the thermoelectric module 120 to one of the first and second batteries 140 and 150. In FIG. 3, the switch unit 160 includes the first switch 161 and the second switch 162. The control unit 130 turns on the first switch 161 connecting between the first battery 140 and the thermoelectric module 120 when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 110 is equal to or higher than the threshold, 150 and the thermoelectric module 120 are turned off. On the other hand, if the temperature is less than the threshold value, the second switch 162 is turned on and the first switch 161 is turned off.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a brake oil management method according to another embodiment of the present invention. According to Fig. 4, the brake system manages brake oil using a plurality of thresholds. It also includes a plurality of thermoelectric modules distributed in the brake oil case. According to this embodiment, the control unit 130 of the brake system can perform the cooling operation by supplying electric signals to the different number of thermoelectric modules according to the magnitude of the sensed temperature in the temperature sensor.

According to the present embodiment, first, the brake system detects the temperature of the brake oil from time to time or periodically (S410). Since the sensor for temperature detection has been described in detail in the above section, a duplicate description will be omitted.

The brake system first compares the detected temperature with a first threshold, which is the highest one of the plurality of thresholds. If the detected temperature is equal to or higher than the first threshold value (S420), the entire thermoelectric module is driven to cool the brake fluid (S430).

On the other hand, if it is less than the first threshold value and is equal to or greater than the second threshold value (S440), the n thermoelectric modules are driven to cool the entire thermoelectric modules, and the remaining thermoelectric modules are used for charging the battery (S450). Here, the second threshold value means a temperature value or resistance value lower than the first threshold value. If the detected temperature is less than the second threshold value (S440), the brake system repeatedly performs the operation of comparing with the next threshold value. Accordingly, if it is less than the lowermost threshold value (S460), the entire thermoelectric module is turned off and the battery is charged using the electric signals generated from the thermoelectric modules (S480). In the range of the lowest threshold value or below the upper threshold value, the n-m thermoelectric modules are driven to perform cooling, and the remaining thermoelectric modules are used to charge the battery (S470). In this manner, the brake system can find the range corresponding to the detected temperature by dividing the uppermost and lowermost threshold values into at least one threshold value range. It is possible to set the number of thermoelectric modules to be turned on for each range in advance and perform cooling using only a suitable number of thermoelectric modules. The temperature range and the number of thermoelectric modules can be suitably matched through repeated experiments. For example, if the total number of thermoelectric modules is 10 and the threshold value is set to four, the number of the thermoelectric modules is eight in a section longer than the first threshold, more than five in the section in which the temperature is less than the second threshold, In the section above the threshold, only three are turned on and all the remaining thermoelectric modules can be used for battery charging.

In FIG. 4, when all thermoelectric modules are less than the lowest threshold value, all the thermoelectric modules are turned off, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, when the moving means (for example, Charan) equipped with the brake system is started and a predetermined time has elapsed, the control unit 130 sets a predetermined number (for example, one or two) of the plurality of thermoelectric modules, The thermoelectric module of the present invention may be turned on at all times or at predetermined time intervals.

5 is a flowchart for explaining a brake oil management method according to this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, when the vehicle on which the brake system is mounted is started (S510), the brake system turns on the minimum number of thermoelectric modules (S520). For example, one or two thermoelectric modules can be turned on.

Thereafter, the brake system senses the temperature (S530) and determines whether it is equal to or higher than the threshold value (S540). If it is determined to be equal to or greater than the threshold value, the number of thermoelectric modules turned on is increased (S550). In this case, the increase range can be arbitrarily set. For example, it may be set to turn on two by two. Therefore, if only one thermocouple module is initially turned on, three thermoelectric modules are turned on when the threshold value is exceeded. If a predetermined time has elapsed and the temperature is again sensed (S530), if the temperature is still above the threshold value (S540), the brake system turns on the five thermoelectric modules. Thus, the thermoelectric module can be controlled step by step in consideration of the temperature.

On the other hand, when the temperature is maintained below the threshold (S540), the brake system turns off the thermoelectric modules (S570). The time unit may be set arbitrarily. For example, if it is set to 10 minutes, if 10 minutes have elapsed while the first thermoelectric module is turned on, the brake system also turns off the thermoelectric module that was turned on. Or if five thermoelectric modules are turned on and the temperature drops below the threshold, and ten minutes have elapsed, three thermoelectric modules are left and two are turned off. The unit of the number of thermoelectric modules when turned on and the number of thermoelectric modules when turned off may be set differently. For example, if you turn on two at a time, you can turn them off one at a time.

The brake system can repeatedly perform the above-described steps while monitoring the temperature from time to time or periodically until the start of the vehicle is stopped (S580).

On the other hand, as described above, the arrangement position, the number, the shape, and the like of the thermoelectric module and the temperature sensor can be variously modified. Hereinafter, the configuration of the thermoelectric module according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

Figure 6 shows an embodiment in which the fins extending from a plurality of thermoelectric modules are arranged to intersect one another. 6, the first thermoelectric module 120-1 is formed on the first sidewall 100-1 of the brake oil case 100, and the first thermoelectric module 120-1 is formed on the first sidewall 100-1, And the second thermoelectric module 120-2 is formed on the two side walls 100-2.

The outflow passage 600 connected to the pipe 610 for discharging the brake oil to an external configuration such as a booster is formed on the bottom surface 100-3 of the brake oil case 100. [ The first and second thermoelectric modules 120-1 and 120-2 are disposed in the peripheral portion of the outflow passage.

The first thermoelectric module 120-1 includes a plurality of fins 170-1 extended in the inward direction of the brake oil case 100 and the second thermoelectric module 120-2 also includes a plurality of pins 170-1 -2). The fins 170-1 and 170-2 extending from the thermoelectric modules 120-1 and 120-2 are arranged in the brake oil case 100 in a constant Intersect at an angle. For example, if the first and second sidewalls 100-1 and 100-2 are perpendicularly connected to each other, the plurality of fins 170-1 and 170-2 also cross each other at right angles. As shown in FIG. 6, when the first and second thermoelectric modules 120-1 and 120-2 are disposed at the peripheral portion of the outflow passage, the fins 170-1 extending from the thermoelectric modules 120-1 and 120-2 , 170-2 intersect with each other to function as a kind of filter. Therefore, the fins 170-1 and 170-2 serve to cool the brake oil or to transfer the heat of the brake oil to the thermoelectric module, and the foreign matter introduced into the brake oil case 100 flows through the outflow passage It is possible to prevent it from being introduced into a booster or the like.

7 is a view for explaining an embodiment in which a plurality of thermoelectric modules distributed in the brake oil case 100 are used. The thermoelectric modules 120-B1, 120-B2, 120-B3, 120-B4, 120-S1, 120-S2, 120- Right and left side walls, and bottom surface. Also, a plurality of temperature sensors 110 may be provided and may be dispersedly arranged. In FIG. 7, five temperature sensors 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 110-4, and 110-5 are disposed.

The temperature sensor and the at least one thermoelectric module may be arranged in pairs. 7, one thermoelectric module 120-S1, 120-S2, 120-S3 and 120-S4 and temperature sensors 110-2, 110-3, 110-4 and 110-5 are provided on the front, Paired < / RTI > On the other hand, on the bottom surface, four thermoelectric modules 120-B1, 120-B2, 120-B3, and 120-B4 and one temperature sensor 110-1 are matched.

The control unit 130 can individually control the operation of the thermoelectric module matched to each temperature sensor according to the magnitude of the temperature sensed by each temperature sensor. For example, if the temperature detected by the bottom surface temperature sensor 110-1 is high, the thermoelectric modules 120-B1, 120-B2, 120-B3, and 120-B4 on the bottom surface are turned on to perform cooling . On the other hand, if the temperature sensed by the third temperature sensor 110-3 is high, cooling may be performed by turning on only the thermoelectric module 120-S2 matched with the third temperature sensor 110-3. Alternatively, at least one of the thermoelectric modules 120-B1, 120-B2, 120-B3, and 120-B4 on the bottom surface may be periodically turned on to control the temperature of the brake oil to be maintained below the threshold, At least one of the thermoelectric modules 120-S1, 120-S2, 120-S3, and 120-S4 of the side walls may be turned on when the temperature abnormally increases.

In the embodiment of FIG. 7, the controller 130 controls the temperature of the plurality of thermoelectric modules 120-B1, 120-B2, 120-B3, 120-B4, 120-S1, 120-S2, 120- The driving pattern can be varied in various ways. For example, during the T1 time, the thermoelectric modules 120-S4 and 120-S2 provided on the front and rear side walls and the two thermoelectric modules 120-B2 and 120-B4 on the bottom surface are simultaneously turned on. The thermoelectric modules 120-S1 and 120-S3 provided on the left and right side walls and the remaining two thermoelectric modules 120-B1 and 120-B3 on the bottom surface can be simultaneously turned on. The control unit 130 can alternately repeat this operation. Alternatively, it is alternatively possible to alternately turn on only the thermoelectric modules of the bottom surface and turn on all the thermoelectric modules of the side wall after a certain period of time. The turn on pattern, cycle, and time of the thermoelectric modules can be determined through repeated experiments. For example, the pattern, cycle, and time values that can lower the temperature in the shortest time period can be determined by repeating the experiment of monitoring the temperature change of the brake oil while varying the parameters such as turn-on pattern, cycle, and time.

On the other hand, since the brake oil is a liquid, it is filled from the lower side of the brake oil case. Therefore, the water level may vary depending on the amount of the brake oil. According to another embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to detect the level of the brake fluid and perform cooling using an appropriate number of thermoelectric modules.

8 is a view for explaining an arrangement of thermoelectric modules according to this embodiment. According to FIG. 8, the brake system may further include a level sensor for sensing the level of the brake oil 800. 8, a plurality of water level sensors 180-1 to 180-3 are sequentially disposed on the side wall of the brake oil case 100 in the depth direction of the brake oil. However, depending on the type of the water level sensor, The number, shape, arrangement position, and the like may be variously modified.

8, the plurality of water level sensors 180-1 to 180-3 and the plurality of thermoelectric modules 120-S1, 120-S2, and 120-S3 are arranged in parallel so as to be symmetrical to each other, The temperature sensor 110 and the thermoelectric module 120-B are disposed on the bottom surface of the housing 100.

The control unit 130 can determine the temperature of the brake oil based on the temperature information sensed by the temperature sensor 110. [ As a result of the determination, if the temperature is abnormally high, the controller 130 turns on the thermoelectric modules disposed below the water level detected by the water level sensors 180-1 to 180-3 to perform cooling. In FIG. 8, the level of the brake oil 800 is overlapped with the second level sensor 180-2. In this state, the controller 130 turns off the first thermoelectric module 120-S1 and turns on the second and third thermoelectric modules 120-S2 and 120-S3 and the fourth thermoelectric module 120- B) can be turned on.

Although only one temperature sensor 110 is shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of temperature sensors may be used in the embodiment of FIG. When a plurality of temperature sensors are used, the controller 130 may comprehensively consider the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors to determine the temperature of the brake oil. For example, the brake oil case may have some localized areas heated by external factors. In this case, if the temperature of the entire brake oil is in the normal range, it is not necessary to perform cooling by turning on some thermoelectric modules. Therefore, the average value of the temperatures sensed by the plurality of temperature sensors can be calculated, and the operation of the thermoelectric module can be controlled based on the calculation result.

9 is a view showing a configuration of a brake system according to another embodiment of the present invention. According to Fig. 9, the brake oil case may be composed of two cylinders separated from each other by a partition wall 101. Fig. At least one hole for matching the oil level of each cylinder may be formed in the partition wall 101. Further, the temperature sensor 101 is formed in the partition wall 101 and can sense the temperature of the brake oil accommodated in both cylinders together.

Thermoelectric modules 120-1 through 120-7 may also be disposed within the outflow passageway and in the outflow tube. In FIG. 9, two outflow pipes 610-1 and 610-2 are formed in a downward direction and connected to a lower booster. Some of the thermoelectric modules 120-4, 120-5, 120-6, and 120-7 are disposed in the outflow tubes 610-1 and 610-2.

The remaining thermoelectric modules 120-1, 120-2, and 120-3 are disposed on the bottom surface of the cylinder. It is needless to say that the number, size, arrangement position, and the like of the thermoelectric modules disposed in each cylinder according to the size and shape of the cylinder can be variously modified. Further, the thermoelectric modules 120-1, 120-2, and 120-3 formed in the cylinder may be formed with fins so that cool air can be properly transferred to the brake oil therein.

On the other hand, a radiating fan 900 is formed on one side of the brake oil case 100. The control unit 130 can drive the heat radiating fan 900 using the power of the battery to be charged while the thermoelectric module is turned off. Accordingly, when the brake oil is cooled, the heat released to the outside by the thermoelectric module can be cooled. Although not shown in FIG. 9, it is described above that a heat dissipating plate can be used together.

As described above, in the brake system according to various embodiments of the present invention, the state of the brake oil can be effectively managed by using the thermoelectric module. Such a brake system can be used in a vehicle, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and can be used in various means required for braking.

Further, in the various embodiments described above, although the thermoelectric module is used to cool the brake oil or to generate electricity using heat transmitted from the brake oil, these embodiments are not necessarily limited to the brake oil. For example, the above-described embodiments may be applied to prevent overheating of the antifreeze in the radiator, and may be used in an engine oil case or other apparatus.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments, but, on the contrary, It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

110: Temperature sensor 120: Thermoelectric module
130: control unit 100: brake oil case

Claims

A brake oil case for accommodating brake oil;
A temperature sensor attached to the brake oil case;
A thermoelectric module attached to the brake oil case; And
If the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is higher than a threshold value, an electric signal is applied to the thermoelectric module to cool the brake oil. If the temperature is below the threshold, the battery is charged using the electric signal induced by the thermoelectric module And a control unit,
The battery includes:
A first battery for providing a driving voltage to the thermoelectric module; And
And a second battery charged by an electrical signal induced by the thermoelectric module,
Wherein,
A first switch for connecting the first battery and the thermoelectric module is turned on and a second switch for connecting the second battery and the thermoelectric module is turned off when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is higher than the threshold,
And when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is less than the threshold value, the first switch is turned off and the second switch is turned on.

The method according to claim 1,
A plurality of the temperature sensors and the thermoelectric modules are dispersed in the brake oil case and arranged in pairs,
Wherein the controller individually controls the operation of the thermoelectric module matched to each temperature sensor according to the magnitude of the temperature sensed by each of the plurality of temperature sensors.

The method according to claim 1,
And a water level sensor for sensing the level of the brake oil contained in the brake oil case,
A plurality of the temperature sensors and the thermoelectric modules are dispersedly disposed in the brake oil case,
The control unit may determine the temperature of the brake oil based on the temperature information sensed by the plurality of temperature sensors,
And controls the operation of the thermoelectric modules disposed below the water level detected by the water level sensor among the plurality of temperature sensors based on the determined temperature.

The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the threshold value is divided into a plurality of threshold values,
Wherein the plurality of thermoelectric modules are dispersedly disposed in the brake oil case,
Wherein,
And applying the electric signal to all of the plurality of thermoelectric modules when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is not less than a highest threshold among the plurality of thresholds,
And charging the battery using the plurality of thermoelectric modules as a whole if the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is less than a lowermost threshold value among the plurality of thresholds,
If the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor falls within one of at least one threshold range between the uppermost threshold and the lowest threshold, the electric signal is applied only to the set number of thermoelectric modules corresponding to the corresponding threshold range, And the battery is charged using the battery.

The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the plurality of thermoelectric modules are dispersedly disposed in the brake oil case,
Wherein the controller supplies the electric signals to a different number of thermoelectric modules according to the magnitude of the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The thermoelectric module includes:
First and second pads;
And a plurality of pins extending from the first and second pads toward an inner side of the brake oil case.

The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the thermoelectric module is disposed in a vicinity of the outflow passage of the brake oil in the brake oil case.

delete

A brake oil management method for a brake system,
Sensing a temperature in a temperature sensor built in the brake oil case; And
If the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is equal to or higher than a threshold value, an electric signal is applied to the thermoelectric module built in the brake oil case to cool the brake oil case, and if the temperature is below the threshold, And a control step of charging the battery using the battery,
The battery includes:
A first battery for providing a driving voltage to the thermoelectric module; And
And a second battery charged by an electrical signal induced by the thermoelectric module,
Wherein the control step comprises:
A first switch for connecting the first battery and the thermoelectric module is turned on and a second switch for connecting the second battery and the thermoelectric module is turned off when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is higher than the threshold,
And when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is lower than the threshold value, the first switch is turned off and the second switch is turned on.

10. The method of claim 9,
A plurality of the temperature sensors and the thermoelectric modules are dispersed in the brake oil case and arranged in pairs,
Wherein the control step comprises:
Wherein the operation of the thermoelectric module matched to each temperature sensor is individually controlled according to the magnitude of the temperature sensed by each of the plurality of temperature sensors.

10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the threshold value includes a plurality of threshold values,
Wherein the plurality of thermoelectric modules are dispersedly disposed in the brake oil case,
Wherein the control step comprises:
Applying the electrical signal to a plurality of thermoelectric modules if the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a highest one of the plurality of thresholds;
Charging the battery using the remaining thermoelectric modules when the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is less than the uppermost threshold and is equal to or higher than the upper threshold, and applying the electric signal only to a predetermined number of thermoelectric modules corresponding to the subordinate threshold;
And charging the battery using the plurality of thermoelectric modules as a whole if the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor is less than a lowermost threshold value.

10. The method of claim 9,
Wherein the plurality of thermoelectric modules are dispersedly disposed in the brake oil case,
Wherein the control step supplies the electrical signals to a different number of thermoelectric modules according to the magnitude of the sensed temperature in the temperature sensor.