Cooperative Regenerative Brake Function
SYSTEM
COOPERATIVE REGENERATIVE BRAKE FUNCTION : System Description
- A regenerative brake drives the traction motor to act as an alternator, and converts the kinetic energy produced by rotation of the tires into electrical energy. The converted electrical energy charges the Li-ion battery. In the same way as engine braking, this can also reduce the load on the ordinary brakes.
- When the brakes are operated (during driving), the electrically-driven intelligent brake unit calculates the required braking force based on the input value from the stroke sensor (indicating the amount of brake pedal operation), and it sends the result to the traction motor inverter. At the same time, it calculates the hydraulic braking force needed to produce the required braking force.
- The traction motor inverter calculates the regenerative braking force needed to produce the required braking force, and it sends the result to the electrically-driven intelligent brake unit. At the same time, the traction motor inverter uses the traction motor to perform regenerative braking.
- The electrically-driven intelligent brake unit calculates the hydraulic braking force again based on the regenerative braking force result from the tracking motor inverter and the calculated result for hydraulic braking force.
- Based on the calculated result for hydraulic braking force, the electrically-driven intelligent brake unit uses the motor inside the electrically-driven intelligent brake unit to move the master cylinder piston, adjusting the fluid pressure inside the master cylinder to the master fluid pressure. It also performs adjustment so that the fluid pressure that is actually applied matches the target fluid pressure.
NOTE:
The fluid pressure applied to the master cylinder is detected by master cylinder pressure sensor1.
- The fluid pressure generated by the master cylinder is sent to each brake caliper via the ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit).
- When the cooperative regenerative brake is operating, the motor inside the electrically-driven intelligent brake unit moves the master cylinder piston according to the amount of regeneration.
- Moving the master cylinder piston increases the fluid pressure applied to the ABS actuator and electric unit (control unit). (The brake pedal stroke does not change.)
- When brake control is stopped (immediately before vehicle stop or while vehicle is stopped), cooperative regenerative brake control is not performed.
SYSTEM DIAGRAM
INPUT SIGNAL AND OUTPUT SIGNAL
Major signal transmission between each unit via communication lines is shown in the following table.
OPERATION
During Normal Braking
The stroke sensor detects the brake pedal stroke, and the motor inside the electrically-driven intelligent brake unit presses the master cylinder piston, generating boost operation (brake pedal assist force) and increasing the fluid pressure.
When Cooperative Regenerative Brake Control Is Operating
When the amount of regenerative braking increases, the motor inside the electrically-driven intelligent brake unit returns the master cylinder piston, lowering the fluid pressure. While the vehicle is stopped, because the amount of regenerative braking decreases, the motor inside the electrically-driven intelligent brake unit presses the master cylinder piston, increasing the fluid pressure.
When Control Is Stopped
The input rod crosses the cooperative regenerative brake control gap and contacts the master cylinder piston, generating fluid pressure. There is no boost force (assist force), and the braking force is determined by the force pressing on the brake pedal.