JP5894432B2 - Brake device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a brake device that applies a braking force to a vehicle such as an automobile.

  As a brake device provided in a vehicle such as an automobile, a brake device using a caliper with an electric parking brake function that operates based on driving of an electric motor is known. Specifically, a hydraulic brake with an electric parking brake (see, for example, Patent Document 1) is known.

JP 2010-169248 A

  The brake device with an electric parking brake function according to the prior art presses the friction pad with as much pressing force as possible in consideration of the gradient of the parking place of the vehicle, the load of the vehicle, the thermal contraction of the friction pad (brake pad), etc. Like to do. However, if a large pressing force is repeatedly applied to the wheel cylinder, there is a risk that the material durability of the wheel cylinder will be reduced, and the wheel cylinder must be enlarged in order to ensure the durability of the wheel cylinder. There is a problem of not getting.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a brake device capable of downsizing a wheel cylinder.

In order to solve the above-described problems, a brake device according to the present invention includes a wheel cylinder having a pressing member that is provided for each vehicle wheel and presses a friction member that can contact a braking member that rotates together with the wheel against the braking member. When the propulsion member capable propel the pressing member of the wheel cylinder by the rotational force of the electric motor, a holding mechanism for the friction member to the braking member to hold the position of the propulsion member in a state abutting the Control means for controlling the drive of the electric motor to bring the vehicle to a stop state, and each wheel cylinder has detection means for detecting vibration in a state where the friction member is in contact with the braking member. The control means supplies the electric motor with an initial current value for applying a minimum pressing force with which the vehicle can stop based on a vehicle stop state instruction signal. After holding the position of the propulsion member by serial holding mechanism, upon detection of a predetermined vibration by said detection means, constitutes the supplies only larger current value than the initial current value.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the size of the wheel cylinder constituting the brake device.

1 is a conceptual diagram of a vehicle equipped with a brake device according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is the front view which looked at the disk brake with an electric parking brake in FIG. 1 from the outer side. It is the rear view which looked at the disk brake with an electric parking brake shown in FIG. 2 from the inner side. It is a flowchart which shows the control content by the controller for parking brakes in FIG. It is a characteristic diagram which shows the relationship between the gradient of the road surface where a vehicle stops, and the initial electric current value of an electric motor. It is a characteristic diagram which shows the relationship between the elapsed time of a timer, and the increase electric current value added to an initial stage electric current value.

  Hereinafter, a case where the brake device according to the embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a four-wheeled vehicle will be described as an example and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In FIG. 1, four wheels, for example, left and right front wheels 2 and left and right rear wheels 3 are provided on the lower side of a vehicle body 1 constituting a vehicle body. Each front wheel 2 and each rear wheel 3 is provided with a disc rotor 4 that rotates integrally therewith. That is, each front wheel 2 sandwiches each disc rotor 4 using a disc brake 5 which is not a parking brake with a hydraulic wheel cylinder, and each rear wheel 3 has an electric parking brake with a hydraulic wheel cylinder which will be described later. By sandwiching each disk rotor 4 using the disk brake 21, a braking force is applied to each wheel (each front wheel 2 and each rear wheel 3).

  Reference numeral 6 denotes a brake pedal provided on the front board side of the vehicle body 1, and the brake pedal 6 is operated by a driver when the brake is operated. The depression operation of the brake pedal 6 is transmitted to the master cylinder 8 via the booster 7 that assists the depression force, and a hydraulic pressure is generated in the master cylinder 8.

  The hydraulic pressure generated in the master cylinder 8 is distributed and supplied to the disc brakes 5 and 21 via the cylinder-side hydraulic pipe 9, the hydraulic pressure supply device 10, and the brake-side hydraulic pipe 11, thereby giving a braking force. Is done. The hydraulic pressure supply device 10 is configured to include a hydraulic pump, a control valve, and the like (all not shown).

  The hydraulic pressure supply device 10 controls the hydraulic pressure supplied from the hydraulic pressure pump or the like to each of the disc brakes 5 and 21 by the hydraulic pressure supply device controller 12, for example, boost control, braking distribution control, brake assist control, Brake control such as anti-lock control, traction control, vehicle stabilization control, and slope start assist control is executed. Note that the hydraulic pumps of the master cylinder 8 and the hydraulic pressure supply device 10 are connected to a reservoir 13 in which brake fluid is accommodated.

  The hydraulic pressure supply device controller 12 is configured by a microcomputer or the like, and power from the battery 14 is supplied through the power supply line 15. As shown in FIG. 1, the hydraulic pressure supply controller 12 has an input side connected to the vehicle data bus 16 and the like, and an output side connected to the hydraulic pressure supply device 10 via the power line 15 and the vehicle data bus 16. ing.

  The vehicle data bus 16 is composed of a CAN mounted on the vehicle body 1, and is connected to a large number of electronic devices mounted on the vehicle, a hydraulic pressure supply controller 12, a parking brake controller 38 described later, and the like. It performs multiplex communication. In this case, the vehicle driving information sent to the vehicle data bus 16 includes, for example, information such as a steering angle sensor, an accelerator sensor, a brake sensor, a hydraulic pressure sensor, a detection signal from a wheel speed sensor (all not shown), and the like. These include detection signals (information) from an inclination sensor 17 that detects the inclination state of the vehicle, a strain sensor 37 that will be described later, and the like.

  A parking switch 18 is provided in the vicinity of a driver's seat (not shown), and when the driver operates the parking switch 18, a control signal (described later, an electric motor) output from a parking brake controller 38 is provided. As a result, the disc brake 21 on the rear wheel 3 side operates as a parking brake. That is, when the driver operates the parking switch 18, a vehicle stop state instruction signal that is an instruction signal for operating the parking brake is output from the parking switch 18 to the parking brake controller 38. The parking brake controller 38 is configured to be able to press the brake pads 24 and 25 with an appropriate pressing force in accordance with the stopping place, as will be described later, based on the vehicle stop state instruction signal from the parking switch 18. Yes.

  Next, the structure of the disc brake 21 with an electric parking brake as the brake body of the present invention provided on the rear wheel 3 side will be described with reference to FIGS.

  That is, the disc brake 21 which is a wheel cylinder used in the brake device of the present embodiment is configured as a hydraulic disc brake to which an electric parking brake mechanism 31 is attached. A parking brake mechanism 31.

  Reference numeral 22 denotes a brake body as a wheel cylinder provided on each vehicle wheel, specifically, the left rear wheel 3 and the right rear wheel 3 respectively. The brake body 22 includes a mounting member 23 and a caliper 26. And is roughly composed.

  An attachment member (carrier) 23 attached to a non-rotating portion of the vehicle constitutes the brake body 22 together with a caliper 26 described later. A pair of mounting members 23 extend in the axial direction of the disk rotor 4 (hereinafter referred to as the disk axial direction) so as to be spaced apart from each other in the rotational direction of the disk rotor 4 (hereinafter referred to as the disk circumferential direction) and straddle the outer periphery of the disk rotor 4. The arm portions 23A and the base end sides of the arm portions 23A are connected so as to be integrated, and are fixed to the non-rotating portion of the vehicle at the position on the inner side of the disk rotor 4. The unit 23B and the like are included.

  The attachment member 23 is integrally formed with a reinforcing beam 23C that connects the distal ends of the arm portions 23A to each other at a position on the outer side of the disk rotor 4. Thus, the arm portions 23A of the mounting member 23 are integrally connected by the support portion 23B on the inner side of the disk rotor 4 and are integrally connected by the reinforcing beam 23C on the outer side.

  A mounting hole 23D for inserting a bolt (not shown) for fixing the mounting member 23 to a non-rotating portion of the vehicle is provided in the support portion 23B of the mounting member 23. Further, a strain sensor 37 described later is installed on the upper surface of the support portion 23B in the vicinity of the mounting hole 23D.

  Each arm portion 23A of the mounting member 23 supports an inner brake pad 24 and an outer brake pad 25 arranged on both sides in the axial direction of the disc rotor 4 so as to be movable in the disc axial direction. The brake pads 24 and 25 as friction members can contact the disk rotor 4 as a braking member that rotates together with the rear wheel 3, and are pressed toward both surfaces of the disk rotor 4 by a caliper 26 described later. The rotation of the disc rotor 4 is braked.

  Here, the brake pads 24 and 25 are configured to include back plates 24A and 25A and a lining (not shown) made of a friction material fixedly provided on the surface side of the back plates 24A and 25A. . The back plates 24 </ b> A and 25 </ b> A are formed in a shape extending in a fan shape in the circumferential direction of the disk rotor 4, using a rigid plate material such as a metal plate or a synthetic resin plate.

  The caliper 26 disposed so as to straddle the outer peripheral side of the disk rotor 4 constitutes the brake body 22 together with the mounting member 23. The caliper 26 has a piston 29 to be described later, and is supported so as to be movable along the axial direction of the disc rotor 4 with respect to the arm portion 23 </ b> A of the mounting member 23.

  The caliper 26 extends from the inner leg portion 26A to the outer side of the disc rotor 4 so as to straddle the outer peripheral side of the disc rotor 4 between the inner leg portion 26A provided on the inner side of the disc rotor 4 and each arm portion 23A of the mounting member 23. A bridge portion 26B extending to the side, and an outer leg portion 26C extending inward in the radial direction of the disk rotor 4 from the outer side, which is the distal end side of the bridge portion 26B, and having a bifurcated claw portion on the distal end side It is comprised by.

  The inner leg portion 26A of the caliper 26 is provided with a cylinder 26D to which brake hydraulic pressure is supplied through the hydraulic pressure supply device 10 during brake operation, and a piston 29 described later is slidably inserted into the cylinder 26D. ing. Further, the inner leg portion 26A is integrally provided with a pair of pin mounting portions 26E that protrude in the circumferential direction of the disc rotor 4. Each of these pin attachment portions 26E supports the entire caliper 26 via the slide pins 27 so as to be slidable in the disk axial direction with respect to each arm portion 23A of the attachment member 23.

  The outer leg portion 26 </ b> C of the caliper 26 is arranged to face the brake pad 25 on the outer side across the shim plate 28. A piston 29 as a pressing member is provided on the inner leg portion 26 </ b> A of the caliper 26. The piston 29 is formed as a bottomed cylindrical body, and is slidably inserted into the cylinder 26D of the inner leg portion 26A. When the brake fluid pressure is supplied through the fluid pressure supply device 10 into the cylinder 26D of the inner leg portion 26A, the piston 29 is slidably displaced in the disk axial direction toward the disk rotor 4 by the fluid pressure at this time. The inner brake pad 24 is pressed (pressed) against the side surface of the disk rotor 4 via the shim plate 30.

  On the inner side of the caliper 26, a parking brake mechanism 31 that operates based on driving of the electric motor 32 (presses the piston 29) is provided. The parking brake mechanism 31 includes an electric motor 32, a propelling member 35, a holding mechanism 36, a strain sensor 37, a parking brake controller 38, and the like.

  The electric motor 32 rotates based on a command (control signal, power supply) from the parking brake controller 38 and is provided in a case 33 fixed to the inner side of the caliper 26. The electric motor 32 incorporates a stator, a rotor, and the like (all not shown), and the rotation of the rotor is a rotating shaft 32A that rotates integrally with the rotor, a speed reduction mechanism 34, a rotation / linear motion conversion mechanism (not shown), and the like. Is transmitted to the propelling member 35 as a linear motion. Thus, the piston 29 is driven (pressed) toward the disk rotor 4.

  Here, the speed reduction mechanism 34 is provided between the electric motor 32 and the rotation / linear motion conversion mechanism, and decelerates the rotation of the electric motor 32 by a predetermined reduction ratio to increase the motor torque to become the rotation / linear motion conversion mechanism. To communicate. The rotation / linear motion conversion mechanism converts the rotation of the electric motor 32 transmitted through the speed reduction mechanism 34 into linear motion, that is, displacement in the sliding direction (axial direction) of the piston 29. The rotation / linear motion conversion mechanism can be constituted by, for example, a ball ramp mechanism, a ball screw mechanism, a roller ramp mechanism, a precision roller screw mechanism, a trapezoidal screw mechanism, or the like.

  The propulsion member 35 is composed of a rotation / linear motion conversion mechanism that can be propelled in the same direction as the piston 29 by the rotational force of the electric motor 32. The propulsion member 35 includes a screw mechanism or a ball screw mechanism that propels a push rod or the like that presses the piston 29, for example. can do. The propelling member 35 is held in a braking state by the holding mechanism 36 when the parking brake is operated.

  The holding mechanism 36 holds the position of the propelling member 35 in a state where the brake pads 24 and 25 are in contact with the disc rotor 4. The holding mechanism 36 may employ a configuration that holds the position of the propelling member 35 based on engagement of, for example, a ratchet mechanism or an irreversible screw configuration that holds the position of the propelling member 35 by friction such as a trapezoidal screw. . The holding mechanism 36 can hold the position of the propelling member 35 when power supply to the electric motor 32 is stopped, for example.

  37 is a strain sensor as a detecting means provided on the mounting member 23 constituting the brake body 22, and the strain sensor 37 is formed on the upper surface of the support portion 23B of the mounting member 23 as shown in FIG. It is installed in the vicinity. The strain sensor 37 is for detecting vibration when the brake pads 24 and 25 are in contact with the disc rotor 4.

  Specifically, when the parking brake is operated, if the vehicle attempts to slide down against the contact between the disk rotor 4 and the brake pads 24 and 25 (when the disk rotor 4 attempts to rotate), the disk rotor 4 Along with the stick-slip phenomenon between the brake pads 24 and 25, an abnormal sound called goo sound is generated. At this time, the brake body 22 vibrates at, for example, 50 to 300 Hz. Therefore, the strain sensor 37 is configured to measure the strain of the mounting member 23 constituting the brake body 22 and detect a predetermined vibration (vibration of 50 to 300 Hz corresponding to goo sound) from the change in the strain. Yes.

  Here, the strain sensor 37 as detection means according to the present embodiment will be described in detail. As the strain sensor 37 shown in the present embodiment, a recently developed semiconductor strain gauge is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a conventionally known strain gauge may be used.

  First, a conventionally known strain gauge has a structure in which a metal thin film wiring pattern of a Cu-Ni alloy or Ni-Cr alloy is covered with a flexible polyimide or epoxy resin film. Is used by adhering to the object to be measured with an adhesive, and the amount of strain is calculated from the change in resistance when the metal thin film is deformed due to strain. Moreover, since the resistance change is small in the metal thin film strain gauge, it is necessary to amplify the obtained electric signal, and therefore an amplifier is required outside.

  On the other hand, the semiconductor strain gauge as the strain sensor 37 shown in the present embodiment uses a semiconductor piezoresistor formed by doping a semiconductor such as silicon with an impurity instead of a metal thin film. A semiconductor strain gauge has a resistance change rate with respect to strain as large as several tens of times that of a conventional strain gauge using a metal thin film, and can measure a minute strain, for example, a strain of about 1 με. In addition, because the semiconductor strain gauge has a large resistance change, it is possible to use the obtained electrical signal without using an external amplifier. Furthermore, an amplifier circuit or temperature sensor is mounted on a chip of several millimeters square of the semiconductor strain gauge. It is also possible to build a temperature compensation circuit, an offset removal circuit, and the like. Furthermore, a wireless circuit or the like can be provided to take out data without contact.

  This semiconductor strain gauge can be fixed to an object to be measured by an adhesive or metal joint, and the semiconductor strain gauge can be fixed to a metal plate by spot welding.

  In this embodiment, since a semiconductor strain gauge is used, it is preferable because the measurement accuracy of the strain amount is high and the installation space is small. However, a conventionally known strain gauge may be used as long as measurement accuracy and mounting space are allowed.

  In any case, in the present embodiment, the strain sensor 37 as described above is attached to the support portion 23 </ b> B of the attachment member 23 constituting the brake body 22. The strain sensor 37 detects the strain of the support portion 23B that is deformed or vibrated according to the contact state between the disc rotor 4 and the brake pads 24 and 25, and the detection signal is parked as described later via the sensor line 37A. It is configured to output to the brake controller 38.

  The parking brake controller 38 that controls the electric motor 32 is configured by a microcomputer or the like, and power from the battery 14 is supplied through the power line 15. The parking brake controller 38 controls the drive of the electric motor 32 (for example, controls the power supply to the electric motor 32) and puts the vehicle into a stopped state. As shown in FIG. 1, the parking brake controller 38 is connected to the parking switch 18, the strain sensor 37, etc. on the input side, and to the electric motor 32, etc. on the output side. Further, the power line 15 and the vehicle data bus 16 are connected to the parking brake controller 38.

  The parking brake controller 38 drives the electric motor 32 based on a vehicle stop state instruction signal (for example, an ON / OFF signal) output from the parking switch 18 when the driver of the vehicle operates the parking switch 18. The disc brake 21 is operated as a parking brake. Further, the parking brake controller 38 detects the vibration (goo sound) of the disc brake 21 from the change in the distortion detected from the strain sensor 37 when the vehicle is stopped, and the clamping force (brake) of the disc brake 21 according to the vibration. It has a function of adjusting the force of pressing the pads 24 and 25 against the disk rotor 4.

  For this purpose, the parking brake controller 38 has a storage unit 38A composed of ROM, RAM, etc., and this storage unit 38A has a processing program shown in FIG. 4 described later, that is, a processing program used for operating the parking brake. Is stored. Further, in the storage unit 38A, an initial current value Ao of the electric motor 32 necessary for applying a slope θ of the road surface on which the vehicle stops and a minimum pressing force at which the vehicle can stop (stop) shown in FIG. 4 is stored together with the processing program shown in FIG. 4, and a calculation formula or map that associates the relationship between the elapsed time of the timer shown in FIG. 6 and the increased current value Ae. Then, the parking brake controller 38 adjusts the current value to the electric motor 32 according to the vibration (goo noise) of the left and right disc brakes 21 when the parking brake is operated according to the processing program shown in FIG. By increasing the initial current value Ao), the force (pressing force) for pressing the brake pads 24 and 25 is adjusted.

  Specifically, when a vehicle stop state instruction signal, which is a signal for operating the parking brake, is input from the parking switch 18, the parking brake controller 38 stops the vehicle based on the vehicle stop state instruction signal. An initial current value Ao for applying a minimum pressing force to be obtained is supplied to the electric motor 32. That is, the inclination sensor 17 detects the slope θ of the road surface on which the vehicle is stopped, and the relationship between the road surface gradient θ shown in FIG. 5 and the initial current value Ao that provides the minimum pressing force at which the vehicle can stop. Based on this, an initial current value Ao corresponding to the current road surface gradient (vehicle stop gradient) θ is set, and the initial current value Ao is supplied to the electric motor 32.

  Then, the parking brake controller 38 drives the electric motor 32 by supplying the initial current value Ao, holds the position of the propelling member 35 by the holding mechanism 36, and then based on the change in strain from the strain sensor 37. When a predetermined vibration (goo sound) accompanying the sliding is detected, a current value A larger than the initial current value Ao is supplied until the predetermined vibration is eliminated. In other words, a predetermined vibration (goo sound) is detected by the strain sensor 37 before a predetermined time set after the position of the propulsion member 35 is maintained, for example, before the time until the thermal contraction of the brake pads 24 and 25 is completed. ) Is detected, the increased current value Ae is added based on the relationship between the elapsed time of the timer shown in FIG. 6 and the increased current value Ae, and the pressing force of the brake pads 24 and 25 is increased. Then, the parking brake controller 38 ends the detection of the predetermined vibration (goo sound) by the strain sensor 37 when the specified time has elapsed.

  Accordingly, the parking brake can be operated with an appropriate clamping force corresponding to the road surface on which the vehicle is stopped, that is, a clamping force that is not excessive or insufficient (not excessive and not insufficient). The relationship between the road surface gradient θ shown in FIG. 5 and the initial current value Ao that gives the minimum pressing force at which the vehicle can stop, the relationship between the elapsed time of the timer shown in FIG. 6 and the increased current value Ae, the brake pad The specified time until the thermal contraction of 24 and 25 is completed, in order to be able to give an appropriate clamp, experiment and calculation in advance from the relationship between vehicle weight, gradient, current value and clamping force, pad temperature and thermal contraction amount, etc. Set by simulation. For example, in the relationship between the elapsed time of the timer of FIG. 6 and the increased current value Ae, the shorter the elapsed time, the higher the increased current value Ae so as to suppress the vehicle slipping down as soon as possible.

  The disc brake 21 with an electric parking brake and the brake device for a four-wheeled vehicle according to the present embodiment have the above-described configuration. Next, the operation thereof will be described.

  When the driver of the vehicle depresses the brake pedal, the depressing force is transmitted to the master cylinder 8 via the booster 7, and hydraulic pressure is generated in the master cylinder 8. The hydraulic pressure generated in the master cylinder 8 is distributed and supplied to the disc brakes 5 and 21 via the cylinder-side hydraulic pipe 9, the hydraulic pressure supply device 10, and the brake-side hydraulic pipe 11, thereby giving a braking force. Is done.

  In this case, the disc brake 21 on the rear wheel 3 side will be described. Brake fluid pressure is supplied into each cylinder 26D of the caliper 26, and the piston 29 slides and displaces toward the brake pad 24 on the inner side. As a result, the piston 29 presses the brake pad 24 against the disc rotor 4 via the shim plate 30, and the caliper 26 as a whole is slidably displaced toward the inner side with respect to the arm portion 23 </ b> A of the mounting member 23 by the reaction force at this time. To do.

  As a result, the outer leg portion 26C of the caliper 26 comes to press the brake pad 25 against the disk rotor 4 via the shim plate 28, so that the brake pad 24, 25 applies a pressing force to the disk rotor 4 from both sides. A braking force can be applied to the vehicle. On the other hand, when the brake operation is released, the hydraulic pressure supply to the piston 29 is stopped, so that the inner and outer brake pads 24 and 25 are separated from the disk rotor 4 and return to the non-braking state again.

  When the driver operates the parking switch 18 to operate the parking brake and a vehicle stop state instruction signal is input to the parking brake controller 38, the electric power is supplied from the parking brake controller 38 to the electric motor 32. The rotating shaft 32A of the electric motor 32 rotates. This rotation is transmitted as a linear motion to the propulsion member 35 via the speed reduction mechanism 34 and the rotation / linear motion conversion mechanism, and the piston 29 slides and displaces toward the disc rotor 4 by the propulsion member 35. At this time, the propulsion member 35 is held in a braking state by the holding mechanism 36, and the disc brake 21 on the rear wheel 3 side is operated as a parking brake.

  On the other hand, when the driver operates the parking switch 18 to release the parking brake, power is supplied from the parking brake controller 38 to the electric motor 32, and the rotating shaft 32A of the electric motor 32 is, for example, when the parking brake is activated. Rotate in the opposite direction. At this time, the propulsion member 35 is released from being held by the holding mechanism 36, and is displaced in a direction away from the piston 29 based on the rotation of the electric motor 32, so that the braking of the parking brake (disc brake 21) is released.

  By the way, the brake device with an electric parking brake function according to the prior art is configured to press the brake pads 24 and 25 with as large a pressing force as possible when the parking brake is operated. However, if a large pressing force is repeatedly applied to the disc brake 21, there is a risk that the material durability of the brake body 22 may be lowered. In order to ensure the durability of the brake body 22, the mounting member 23 and caliper are used. There is a concern that the size of 26 may increase.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, after supplying an initial current value Ao for applying a minimum pressing force at which the vehicle can stop to the electric motor 32, a predetermined vibration (goo noise) associated with the vehicle sliding down is detected. Sometimes, the current value A larger than the initial current value Ao is supplied until a predetermined vibration is eliminated. Specifically, the parking brake is operated (applied) by executing the processing shown in FIG. 4 by the parking brake controller 38.

  That is, when the processing operation of FIG. 4 is started upon receiving power supply accompanying the start of vehicle power supply or engine start, in step 1, whether or not the parking switch 18 is ON, that is, the vehicle stop state instruction from the parking switch 18 is performed. It is determined whether or not a signal is output. If it is determined in step 1 that “NO”, that is, the parking switch 18 is OFF (the vehicle stop state instruction signal is not output), the process returns to the start via the return, and the process of step 1 is performed. repeat.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step 1 that “YES”, that is, the parking switch 18 is ON (the vehicle stop state instruction signal is output), the process proceeds to step 2 where the vehicle is stopped by the inclination sensor 17. Read the slope of the road surface (stop slope). That is, the inclination of the road surface on which the vehicle is currently stopped is detected by the inclination sensor 17 that can detect the inclination state of the vehicle such as an acceleration sensor.

Next, the process proceeds to step 3 where an initial value of the apply current A to be supplied to the electric motor 32 in order to operate (apply) the parking brake is set. That is, based on the relationship between the road surface gradient θ and the initial current value Ao shown in FIG. 5, the initial current value Ao corresponding to the current road surface gradient (vehicle stop gradient) θ is set as the apply current A. Then, it is determined whether or not the apply current A is a normal value. That is, it is determined whether the apply current A is equal to or less than the maximum current value Amax that can be supplied to the electric motor 32. This step 4 is performed when the applied current A is increased by detecting a predetermined vibration (goo sound) and the applied current A exceeds the maximum current value Amax that can be supplied to the electric motor 32. It is determined that it is not normal.

  If "NO" in step 4, that is, if it is determined that the apply current A exceeds the maximum current value Amax, the process proceeds to step 5 where it is determined that the parking brake is operating abnormally and the process proceeds to return. Then, the operation of the parking brake by the electric motor 32 is stopped. In this case, even if the apply current A reaches the maximum current value Amax that can be supplied to the electric motor 32, it is considered that a predetermined vibration (goo noise) accompanying the vehicle sliding is detected. In order to notify the fact to that effect, the fact is displayed on the front panel or the monitor or a notification sound is emitted. Further, if necessary, a signal for raising the system of the hydraulic pressure supply device 10 is output from the parking brake controller 38 to the hydraulic pressure supply device controller 12, and a brake is applied from the hydraulic pressure supply device 10 to the cylinder 26D of the caliper 26. Outputs a signal for supplying hydraulic pressure. Thereby, the pressing force of the brake pads 24 and 25 can be further increased by the hydraulic pressure, and the vehicle can be prevented from sliding down.

  On the other hand, if “YES” in step 4, that is, if the apply current A is determined to be equal to or less than the maximum current value Amax, the process proceeds to step 6 to apply to the electric motor 32 in order to operate (apply) the parking brake. Supply current A. That is, the apply current A set to the initial current value Ao in step 3 or the new apply current Anew set in step 11 described later is supplied to the electric motor 32 to drive the electric motor 32. As a result, the propulsion member 35 moves forward in the direction in which the piston 29 approaches the disk rotor 4, and the position of the propulsion member 35 is held by the holding mechanism 36.

  If the parking brake is operated in step 6, the process proceeds to step 7 to reset the timer, and in step 8, the timer is added. In the subsequent step 9, it is determined whether or not the value of the timer exceeds the specified time. That is, in step 9, it is determined whether or not a specified time has elapsed since the holding mechanism 36 held the position of the propulsion member 35, specifically, until the thermal contraction of the brake pads 24 and 25 has been completed. judge.

  If it is determined in step 9 that “NO”, that is, the value of the timer does not exceed the specified time, the process proceeds to step 10, and a predetermined vibration (goo sound) accompanying the sliding of the vehicle is detected by the distortion sensor 37. It is determined whether or not it is detected. If “YES” is determined in step 10, that is, if it is determined that the predetermined vibration (goo sound) is detected by the strain sensor 37, the process proceeds to step 11, and the increased current value Ae is added to the apply current A. In this case, based on the relationship between the elapsed time of the timer shown in FIG. 6 and the increased current value Ae, a value obtained by adding the increased current value Ae to the current applied current A0ld (for example, Ao) is set as a new applied current Anew. Set. And it returns to immediately before step 4 and repeats the process after step 4.

  On the other hand, if “NO”, that is, if the predetermined vibration (goo sound) accompanying the sliding of the vehicle is not detected by the strain sensor 37 at step 10, the process returns to immediately before step 8, and the processes after step 8 are repeated.

  If “YES” in step 9, that is, if it is determined that the value of the timer has exceeded the specified time, the specified time has passed without detecting the predetermined vibration (goo sound) associated with the vehicle sliding down. Then, the process proceeds to step 12, it is determined that the operation of the parking brake is completed, the process proceeds to return, and the process of the operation of the parking brake is terminated.

  According to the present embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the caliper 26 that constitutes the disc brake 21.

  That is, when the parking brake controller 38 detects a predetermined vibration (goo sound) by the strain sensor 37 after supplying the electric motor 32 with the initial current value Ao that gives the minimum pressing force with which the vehicle can stop. In addition, an apply current A larger than the initial current value Ao is supplied until a predetermined vibration is eliminated. For this reason, it can suppress that the force added to the caliper 26 becomes excessive when the parking brake is operated. Thereby, the stress history (stress integrated value) applied to the caliper 26 can be reduced, and the durability of the caliper 26 can be improved. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the caliper 26 while ensuring the year-round strength of the caliper 26.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the parking brake controller 38 is configured to end the detection of the predetermined vibration by the strain sensor 37 when a specified time for completing the thermal contraction of the brake pads 24 and 25 has elapsed. . For this reason, even if the clamping force is reduced due to the thermal contraction of the brake pads 24 and 25, when the strain sensor 37 detects a predetermined vibration associated with the vehicle sliding down, an apply current A larger than the initial current value Ao is generated. The electric motor 32 can be supplied. Thereby, even when the brake pads 24 and 25 are thermally contracted, it is possible to apply an appropriate clamping force capable of suppressing the vehicle from sliding down.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the parking brake controller 38 is configured to set the initial current value Ao according to the stop gradient θ of the vehicle, so that the appropriate value according to the stop gradient θ of the vehicle when the vehicle stops. The initial current value Ao can be supplied to the electric motor 32.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the strain sensor 37 detects the vibration (goo noise) accompanying the sliding of the vehicle, so that the rotational speed of the wheel used for applying the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic pressure supply device 10 ( Even without using the wheel speed detected by the wheel speed sensor, it is possible to detect the vehicle slip. For this reason, it is not necessary to start the controller 12 for hydraulic pressure supply devices, and power saving can be achieved.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the disc brake 21 has the electric parking brake mechanism 31 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and, for example, the drum brake may have an electric parking brake mechanism.

  In the embodiment described above, the brake device of the hydraulic brake with the electric parking brake in which the electric parking brake mechanism is attached to the hydraulic brake has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention may be applied to a brake device for a brake with a hydraulic pressure-added electric parking brake to which a parking brake mechanism that applies a clamping force both hydraulically and electrically is attached.

  In the case of a brake device with a hydraulic pressure added electric parking brake, the clamping force can be applied by changing (differentiating) the hydraulic pressure, for example, for each brake of the left and right wheels.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the brakes for the left and right rear wheels are brake devices with an electric parking brake has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the brakes of all four wheels may be a brake device with an electric parking brake.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the strain sensor 37 is attached to the support portion 23B of the attachment member 23 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any portion that can detect a predetermined vibration (goo noise) associated with the vehicle sliding down, such as the reinforcing beam 23C of the mounting member 23, the outer leg portion 26C of the caliper 26, and the brake pads 24, 25, is provided. You may make it provide in backplate 24A, 25A.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where a predetermined vibration (goo sound) accompanying the sliding of the vehicle is detected by the strain sensor 37 has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other type of sensor such as an acceleration sensor or a vibration sensor may be used as the detection means as long as the sensor can detect a predetermined vibration (goo sound) or the like associated with the vehicle sliding down.

  According to the above embodiment, it is possible to reduce the size of the wheel cylinder constituting the brake device.

  That is, the control means supplies an initial current value for applying a minimum pressing force at which the vehicle can be stopped to the electric motor, and then detects a predetermined vibration by the detection means, and the current value is larger than the initial current value. Is supplied (until the predetermined vibration is eliminated). For this reason, it can suppress that the force added to a wheel cylinder becomes large when a parking brake is operated. Thereby, the stress history (stress integrated value) applied to the wheel cylinder can be reduced, and the durability of the wheel cylinder can be improved. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size of the wheel cylinder while ensuring the endurance strength of the wheel cylinder.

  According to the embodiment, the control unit is configured to end the detection of the predetermined vibration by the detection unit when a specified time for completing the thermal contraction of the friction member has elapsed. For this reason, even if the clamping force is reduced due to thermal contraction of the friction member, when the detection means detects a predetermined vibration accompanying the vehicle sliding down, a current value larger than the initial current value is supplied to the electric motor. Can do. As a result, even when the friction member is thermally contracted, an appropriate clamping force capable of suppressing the vehicle sliding down can be applied.

  According to the embodiment, the control means is configured to set the initial current value according to the stop gradient of the vehicle, and therefore supplies an appropriate initial current value according to the stop gradient of the vehicle to the electric motor when the vehicle stops. can do.

3 Rear wheels
4 Disc roller (braking member)
22 Brake body (wheel cylinder)
24, 25 Brake pads (friction members)
29 Piston (Pressing member)
32 electric motor 35 propulsion member 36 holding mechanism 37 strain sensor (detection means)
38 Parking brake controller (control means)

Claims (5)

A wheel cylinder having a pressing member that is provided for each wheel of the vehicle and presses against the braking member a friction member that can contact a braking member that rotates with the wheel;
A propulsion member which promote the pressing member of the wheel cylinder by the rotational force of the electric motor,
A holding mechanism for holding the position of the propulsion member in a state where the friction member is in contact with the braking member;
Control means for controlling the drive of the electric motor to place the vehicle in a stopped state,
Each wheel cylinder is provided with detection means for detecting vibration in a state where the friction member is in contact with the braking member,
The control means supplies an initial current value for applying a minimum pressing force with which the vehicle can stop based on a vehicle stop state instruction signal to the electric motor and holds the position of the propulsion member by the holding mechanism. A brake device that supplies only a current value larger than the initial current value when a predetermined vibration is detected by the detecting means.   2. The brake device according to claim 1, wherein the current value supplied when the predetermined vibration is detected by the detection unit is increased at least until the predetermined vibration is eliminated.   The control means ends detection of a predetermined vibration by the detection means when a specified time has elapsed after the position of the propulsion member is held and heat contraction of the friction member is completed. The brake device according to 1 or 2.   4. The brake device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets the initial current value according to a stop gradient of a vehicle.   The brake device according to claim 1, 2, 3, or 4, wherein the detecting means is a strain sensor.

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