Data processing: vehicles – navigation – and relative location – Vehicle control – guidance – operation – or indication – Indication or control of braking – acceleration – or deceleration
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-09
2001-10-16
Camby, Richard M. (Department: 3661)
Data processing: vehicles, navigation, and relative location
Vehicle control, guidance, operation, or indication
Indication or control of braking, acceleration, or deceleration
C701S093000, C701S096000, C180S169000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06304808
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to electronically-controlled vehicular braking and suspension systems. In particular, this invention is concerned with vehicular control systems that integrate braking and ACC functions.
Electronically-controlled vehicular braking systems can include anti-lock braking (ABS), traction control (TC), and vehicle stability control (VSC) functions. In such braking systems, sensors deliver input signals to an electronic control unit (ECU). The ECU sends output signals to electrically activated devices to apply, hold, and dump (relieve) pressure at wheel brakes of a vehicle. Oftentimes, electrically activated valves and pumps are used to control fluid pressure at the wheel brakes. Such valves and pumps can be mounted in a hydraulic control unit (HCU). The valves can include two-state (on/off or off/on) solenoid valves and proportional valves.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to electronically-controlled vehicular systems that integrate braking and ACC functions. Braking functions can include anti-lock braking, traction control, and vehicle stability control. An integrated control system according to this invention receives input signals, calculates a desired response with braking and ACC algorithms, and directs devices to perform the desired functions.
In a preferred embodiment, a control system for controlling braking and ACC functions of a vehicle includes a braking algorithm. A first signal processor receives input signals from at least one sensor and transmits transfer signals to the braking algorithm. The control system also includes an ACC algorithm. A second signal processor receives input signals from at least one sensor and transmits transfer signals to the ACC algorithm. Transfer signals are generated by the braking algorithm and transmitted to the ACC algorithm. Transfer signals are generated by the ACC algorithm and transmitted to the braking algorithm. Output signals are generated by the braking algorithm and transmitted to a hydraulic control unit to control vehicular braking. Output signals are generated by the ACC algorithm and transmitted to an ACC actuator.
In other embodiments of an integrated control system, only the braking algorithm transfers signals to the ACC algorithm. In yet other embodiments, only the ACC algorithm transfers signals to the braking algorithm.
The following defines the three primary points of the invention that are considered to be new:
ACC system provides vehicle ground speed information to VSC system for enhanced active braking control.
Communication between the ACC and VSC systems provides a means for modifying the ACC system settings due to potential adverse road conditions. ACC actuation may activate either ABS or TCS requiring either an increase in headway distance or less aggressive acceleration or deactivation. If YSC activates during ACC operation, then the ACC system settings should also be modified to take into account the potential for unsafe operating conditions.
Vehicle side slip estimation for YSC can be enhanced by using the ACC vehicle speed measurement and vehicle yaw rate sensor information.
These three main points improve over the existing products because currently the two systems, ACC and VSC, operate independently even though the potential exists for the ACC system to activate either ABS or TCS. With the two systems communicating with one another, information about vehicle stability or operating condition can be shared in order to provide a safer system.
Various objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, when read in light of the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4987357 (1991-01-01), Masaki
patent: 5173859 (1992-12-01), Deering
patent: 6009368 (1999-12-01), Labahn et al.
patent: 6208106 (2001-03-01), Sielagoski et al.
patent: 6223117 (2001-04-01), Labahn et al.
patent: 6226588 (2001-05-01), Teramara et al.
Camby Richard M.
Kelsey-Hayes Company
MacMillan Sobanski & Todd LLC
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