Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses an electric brake device for obtaining a braking force by using motor as a power source to apply a brake shoe to a disc rotating integrally with a wheel The electric brake device brakes a railway vehicle.

<CIT> relates to an electric activation of a parking brake. D1 aims to detect an abnormality of an electric motor before the brake becomes inoperable. The electric actuator transforms the motion of a drive motor into a linear motion of a shaft member. The moving speed of the shaft member is compared to a predefined speed. Abnormality of the motor is determined when the number of speed errors exceeds a preset number.

German Patent Application Publication <CIT> relates to an electric parking brake system and a control thereof. The wear amount of the brake pads can be determined when moving the nut member from the parking operation position to the complete parking release position. By comparing a movement distance of the nut member with a pre-set distance the wear amount can be estimated.

German Patent Application Publication <CIT> relates to a diagnostic method for leak tightness of a seal or valve in hydraulic driving systems, in particular a brake system. A piston is slowly moved such that a pressure change occurs in case of a leak.

Japanese Patent Application Publication <CIT> relates to an electric brake device for a vehicle. A piston is moved by an electric motor for pressing a braking member wherein a return spring is provided for moving the piston backward. An abnormality of the piston return spring is detected based on the electric power required to move the piston to a predetermined position when it is smaller than a preset value.

In such an electric brake device as in the first application, abnormal operation of the brake device is grasped if the railway vehicle is not decelerated in spite of a brake instruction being issued. Therefore, it is demanded to grasp abnormal operation of the electric brake device based on information acquired from the electric brake device. This issue arises not only in electric brake devices of railway vehicles but also in other electric brake devices.

A brake device that solves the above issue is a brake device for applying brake to a vehicle having a target member by using an electric actuator to drive a friction member so that the friction member is pressed against the target member, the brake device comprising: an acquiring unit for acquiring drive information of the electric actuator; a calculation unit for calculating a first value based on the acquired drive information, the first value being at least one of a moving distance traveled by the friction member or a required time taken until the friction member reaches a predetermined position; and a determination unit for determining whether abnormal operation has occurred by comparing the first value to a standard value.

The abnormal operation determination method that solves the above issue is an abnormal operation determination method for a brake device, the brake device being configured to apply brake to a vehicle having a target member by using an electric actuator to drive a friction member so that the friction member is pressed against the target member, the method comprising: an acquisition step of acquiring drive information of the electric actuator; a calculation step of calculating a first value based on the acquired drive information, the first value being at least one of a moving distance traveled by the friction member or a required time taken until the friction member reaches a predetermined position; and a determination step of determining whether abnormal operation has occurred by comparing the first value to a standard value.

An abnormal operation determination program that solves the above issue is an abnormal operation determination program for a brake device, the brake device being configured to apply brake to a vehicle having a target member by using an electric actuator to drive a friction member so that the friction member is pressed against the target member, the program causing a computer to perform: an acquisition step of acquiring drive information of the electric actuator; a calculation step of calculating a first value based on the acquired drive information, the first value being at least one of a moving distance traveled by the friction member or a required time taken until the friction member reaches a predetermined position; and a determination step of determining whether abnormal operation has occurred by comparing the first value to a standard value.

The present invention makes it possible to grasp abnormal operation of a brake device based on information acquired from the brake device.

With reference to <FIG>, the following describes a brake device according to a first embodiment. The brake device is provided in railway vehicles.

As shown in <FIG>, the brake device <NUM> is a tread brake for pressing a brake shoe <NUM> against the tread surface 2a of a wheel <NUM> of a railway vehicle, so that a braking force is generated. The brake device <NUM> includes a rotating motor <NUM> and is driven by the motor <NUM>. The brake device <NUM> includes a transmission unit <NUM> and a brake shoe retainer <NUM>. The transmission unit <NUM> is configured to transmit the driving force of the motor <NUM> to the brake shoe <NUM>. The transmission unit <NUM> uses the driving force from the motor <NUM> to move the brake shoe retainer <NUM> in the radial direction of the wheel <NUM>. The transmission unit <NUM> is provided with a retaining mechanism 12A. The retaining mechanism 12A retains the pressing force of the brake shoe retainer <NUM> even after the driving of the motor <NUM> is stopped. The retaining mechanism 12A may be a one-way clutch that mechanically retains the position of the brake shoe retainer <NUM>. The retaining mechanism 12A releases the retention when rotated in the direction for releasing the brake. In the brake device <NUM> including the retaining mechanism 12A, the driving of the motor <NUM> can be stopped and the electric current flowing in the motor <NUM> can be zero while the braking state is maintained. The brake shoe <NUM> is mounted to the brake shoe retainer <NUM>. The brake shoe <NUM> is moved along with the brake shoe retainer <NUM>, so that the brake shoe <NUM> is pressed against the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM>. The transmission unit <NUM> is provided with a pressing force sensor <NUM>. The pressing force sensor <NUM> senses the pressing force of the brake shoe <NUM> from the reaction force acting on the transmission unit <NUM> and outputs information indicating the sensed pressing force to a control device <NUM>. Here, the motor <NUM> is equivalent to an electric actuator. The wheel <NUM> is equivalent to a target member, and the brake shoe <NUM> is equivalent to a friction member.

The brake device <NUM> is controlled by a control device <NUM>. The control device <NUM> may be formed of one or more processors that perform various processes in accordance with computer programs (software). The processes to be performed by the control device <NUM>, or the processors, include an abnormal operation determination method. The abnormal operation determination method includes a state monitoring process (described later). Alternatively, the control device <NUM> may be formed of one or more dedicated hardware circuits such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) that perform at least a part of the various processes, or it may be formed of circuitry including a combination of such circuits. The processor includes a CPU and a memory such as a RAM or a ROM. The memory stores program codes or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processes. The memory, or a computer-readable medium, encompasses any kind of available medium accessible to a general-purpose or dedicated computer. The programs stored in the computer-readable storage medium include an abnormal operation determination program. The abnormal operation determination program causes the computer to perform an acquisition step, a calculation step, and a determination step.

The control device <NUM> controls the braking force based on control instructions from a vehicle control panel <NUM>. The control device <NUM> includes a control unit <NUM> for controlling the brake device <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> drives and controls the motor <NUM> according to a required braking force. The control unit <NUM> receives a brake instruction and a release instruction from the vehicle control panel <NUM>. The brake instruction is an instruction for braking the vehicle having the wheel <NUM> by pressing the brake shoe <NUM> against the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM>. The release instruction is an instruction for releasing the pressing of the brake shoe <NUM> against the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM>. In accordance with the driver's operation, the vehicle control panel <NUM> outputs to the brake device <NUM> eight signals, for example, brake signals of one to seven notches and a release signal. These eight signals are represented by combinations of three signal lines each indicating <NUM> or <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> causes the motor <NUM> to rotate in the braking direction to move the brake shoe <NUM> toward the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM>. Conversely, the control unit <NUM> causes the motor <NUM> to rotate in the releasing direction opposite to the braking direction to move the brake shoe <NUM> away from the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM>. In releasing the brake, the control unit <NUM> performs control such that the brake shoe <NUM> moves from a position where it contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> to a position at a predetermined distance from the tread surface 2A. Such control regulates the distance to be traveled and the time to be taken until braking is started by bringing the brake shoe <NUM> into contact with the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM>.

The control device <NUM> includes the drive information acquiring unit <NUM>, a calculation unit <NUM>, a determination unit <NUM>, and a storage unit <NUM>. The drive information acquiring unit <NUM> acquires drive information of the motor <NUM>. The drive information includes the electric current value of the motor <NUM> and the number of rotations of the motor <NUM>. The electric current value of the motor <NUM> indicates the magnitude of the electric current flowing in the motor <NUM> (an electric actuator). The calculation unit <NUM> calculates a calculation value C (a first value) based on the acquired drive information of the motor <NUM>. The calculation value C is at least one of the moving distance D traveled by the brake shoe <NUM> or the required time T taken until the brake shoe <NUM> reaches a predetermined position. The determination unit <NUM> compares the calculation value C to a standard value S to determine whether abnormal operation has occurred. The abnormal operation refers to the state in which the operation of the transmission unit <NUM>, the brake shoe retainer <NUM>, and the brake shoe <NUM> is not normal. This occurs due to a foreign object being caught between the brake shoe <NUM> and the wheel <NUM> and due to sticking. The calculation value C is larger or smaller than the standard value S when abnormal operation has occurred. The standard value S is at least one of the moving distance D or the required time T in the normal state.

The magnitude of the electric current value of the motor <NUM> differs between idling period, in which the brake shoe <NUM> is not in contact with the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM>, and the pressing period, in which the brake shoe <NUM> is pressed against the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM>. There are two ways of control. One is to control the electric current value such that the electric current value in the idling period is smaller than that in the pressing period, while the other is to control the electric current value such that the electric current value in the idling period is larger than that in the pressing period.

The brake device <NUM> includes an informing unit <NUM>. The informing unit <NUM> informs a driver or an operator of the occurrence of abnormal operation when it is determined by the determination unit <NUM>. The informing unit <NUM> may be a speaker that emits sound, an alert lamp that lights, a display, and the like. It is preferable that the informing unit <NUM> is provided on the vehicle control panel <NUM> to allow a driver to easily notice the informing unit <NUM>. Alternatively, it is preferable that the informing unit <NUM> is installed near the brake device <NUM> to allow an operator to notice it at the time of start-up inspection, preoperational inspection, or the like.

The brake control performed by the control device <NUM> is divided into two types. The first type is shown in <FIG>, in which the inclination of the deceleration, or the variation of the deceleration relative to time, is constant irrespective of the target deceleration, and the second type is shown in <FIG>, in which the time taken until the target deceleration is reached is constant. In the first type of control, the pressing time tT differs in accordance with the target deceleration. Therefore, the determination unit <NUM> compares the calculation value C to a standard value S for the same conditions. In the second type of control, the number of rotations of the motor <NUM> differs in accordance with the target deceleration. Therefore, the determination unit <NUM> compares the calculation value C to a standard value S for the same conditions. The same conditions refer to the same type of control and the same target deceleration.

Next, reference is made to <FIG> to describe the variation of the electric current value of the motor <NUM> in application of brake. The control unit <NUM> performs control such that the electric current value in the idling period is smaller than that in the pressing period. <FIG> shows the electric current value of the motor <NUM> at the time when the control unit <NUM> receives a brake instruction and applies brake. Specifically, this electric current value represents one of the U, V, and W phases of a three-phase brushless DC motor. Although <FIG> shows the brake instruction only, the control unit <NUM> receives a release instruction while it does not receive the brake instruction.

As shown in <FIG>, when the control unit <NUM> receives a brake instruction, an electric current flows in the motor <NUM> with a delay of start-up time t0A. The start-up time t0A is a small amount of time. When the electric current flows in the motor <NUM>, the transmission unit <NUM> moves the brake shoe <NUM> toward the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM>. When the brake shoe <NUM> contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or a foreign object, the movement of the brake shoe <NUM> is restrained, and thus the electric current value exceeds the contact threshold L0. The calculation unit <NUM> determines that the brake shoe <NUM> has contacted the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object when the electric current value reaches the contact threshold L0. The time elapsing after the brake instruction is received and until the electric current value reaches the contact threshold L0 is the idling time t0. The time elapsing after the electric current flows in the motor <NUM> and until the electric current value reaches the contact threshold L0 is the actual idling time t0B. Therefore, the idling time t0 is the sum of the start-up time t0A and the actual idling time t0B (t0 = t0A + t0B). When the brake shoe <NUM> presses the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object, the electric current value becomes larger than it was in the idling period. The electric current value thus reaches a brake threshold L1 corresponding to a predetermined braking force and further reaches a target threshold LT corresponding to a target braking force. After the target threshold LT is reached, the electric current value is no longer increased. The time elapsing after the brake shoe <NUM> contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object and until a first point of time at which the electric current value reaches the brake threshold L1 is a first time t1. The time elapsing after the first point of time and until a second point of time at which the electric current value reaches the target threshold LT is a second time t2. The sum of the first time t1 and the second time t2 is the pressing time tT (tT = t1 + t2). The pressing force sensed by the pressing force sensor <NUM> is increased when the brake shoe <NUM> presses the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object and is no longer increased after the electric current value reaches the target threshold LT. The pressing force of the brake shoe retainer <NUM> is thereafter retained by the retaining mechanism 12A, and thus the motor <NUM> is de-energized.

Next, reference is made to <FIG> to describe the variation of the electric current value of the motor <NUM> in release of brake. Even if the control unit <NUM> performs control in application of brake such that the electric current value in the idling period is smaller than that in the pressing period, the control unit <NUM> performs control in release of brake such that the electric current value in the idling period is larger than that in the pressing period. <FIG> shows the electric current value of the motor <NUM> at the time when the control unit <NUM> receives a release instruction and no longer receives the brake instruction and thus it releases brake. Although <FIG> shows the brake instruction only, the control unit <NUM> receives a release instruction while it does not receive the brake instruction.

As shown in <FIG>, the motor <NUM> is de-energized while the brake instruction is received. When the control unit <NUM> receives a release instruction, an electric current flows in the motor <NUM> with a delay of start-up time t0A'. The start-up time t0A' is a small amount of time. When the electric current flows in the motor <NUM>, the retaining mechanism 12A first releases the retaining force, and thus the pressing force becomes zero. The time elapsing after the electric current flows in the motor <NUM> and until the pressing force reaches zero is the retaining force releasing time tB. When the retaining mechanism 12A releases the retaining force, the transmission unit <NUM> moves the brake shoe <NUM> away from the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM>. The electric current value becomes larger than it was in the retaining force releasing time tB in which the retaining mechanism 12A is releasing the retaining force. The control unit <NUM> stops the motor <NUM> after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the point of time at which the electric current started to flow in the motor <NUM>. This amount of time is a withdrawing time tC. The withdrawing time tC is the time for releasing the braking force and moving the brake shoe <NUM> to its original position. It is also possible that, after receiving the release instruction, the control unit <NUM> moves the brake shoe <NUM> based on the product of a moving speed obtained by converting a predetermined number of rotations of the motor <NUM> into a stroke of the brake shoe <NUM> and a predetermined amount of time. Such configuration eliminates the need of sensing the pressing force. It is also possible that the control unit <NUM> stops the motor <NUM> after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the point of time at which the electric current value became larger. Such configuration eliminates the need of sensing the pressing force. It is also possible that the control unit <NUM> stops the motor <NUM> after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the point of time at which the pressing force became zero.

The calculation unit <NUM> calculates at least one of a first to fifth calculation values C1 to C5 described as follows. The first calculation value C1 is at least one of a first moving distance D1 that has been traveled when the electric current value reaches the contact threshold L0 or a first required time T1 that has been taken when the electric current value reaches the contact threshold L0. The contact threshold L0 corresponds to the electric current value at the time when the brake shoe <NUM> contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object. The first required time T1 is the idling time t0, and the first moving distance D1 is the product of a moving speed obtained by converting the number of rotations of the motor <NUM> into a stroke of the brake shoe <NUM> and the idling time t0. When the brake shoe <NUM> contacts the foreign object or the sticking occurs in the transmission unit <NUM>, the idling time t0 is shorter than in the normal state. The first standard value S1 is the first moving distance D1 and/or the first required time T1 in the normal state.

The second calculation value C2 is at least one of a second moving distance D2 that has been traveled when the electric current value reaches the brake threshold L1 or a second required time T2 that has been taken when the electric current value reaches the brake threshold L1. The brake threshold L1 is an electric current value corresponding to a predetermined braking force. The second required time T2 is the first time t1 or the sum of the idling time t0 and the first time t1. The second moving distance D2 is the product of a moving speed of the brake shoe <NUM> obtained by converting the number of rotations of the motor <NUM> and the first time t1, or the product of the above moving speed and the sum of the idling time t0 and the first time t1. The second standard value S2 is the second required time T2 and/or the second moving distance D2 in the normal state.

The third calculation value C3 is at least one of a third moving distance D3 that has been traveled when the electric current value reaches the target threshold LT or a third required time T3 that has been taken when the electric current value reaches the target threshold LT. The target threshold LT is an electric current value corresponding to a target braking force. The third required time T3 is the second time t2 or the sum of the idling time t0, the first time t1, and the second time t2. The third moving distance D3 is the product of a moving speed of the brake shoe <NUM> obtained by converting the number of rotations of the motor <NUM> and the second time t2, or the product of the above moving speed and the sum of the idling time t0, the first time t1, and the second time t2. The third standard value S3 is the third required time T3 and/or the third moving distance D3 in the normal state.

The fourth calculation value C4 is a fourth required time T4 elapsing after the electric current value reaches the contact threshold L0 and until the electric current value reaches the brake threshold L1. As described above, the contact threshold L0 corresponds to the electric current value at the time when the brake shoe <NUM> contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object, and the brake threshold L1 is the electric current value corresponding to a predetermined braking force. The fourth required time T4 is the first time t1. The fourth standard value S4 is the first time t1 in the normal state.

The fifth calculation value C5 is a fifth required time T5 elapsing after the brake instruction is received and until the electric current flows in the motor <NUM> for start-up. The fifth required time T5 is the start-up time t0A for applying the brake or the start-up time t0A' for releasing the brake. When the electric circuit of the motor <NUM> is deteriorated, its responsiveness may be reduced, resulting in longer start-up times t0A, t0A'. The fifth standard value S5 is the start-up times t0A, t0A' in the normal state.

The calculation unit <NUM> may calculate at least one of a sixth calculation value C6 or a seventh calculation value C7 described as follows, in addition to the first to fifth calculation values C1 to C5. The sixth calculation value C6 is the retaining force releasing time tB elapsing after the electric current flows in the motor <NUM> and until the pressing force reaches zero. When the sticking occurs in the retaining mechanism 12A, the retaining force releasing time tB may be longer. The sixth standard value S6 is the retaining force releasing time tB in the normal state.

The seventh calculation value C7 is the withdrawing time tC, or a predetermined amount of time elapsing from the point of time at which the electric current started to flow in the motor <NUM>. When the sticking occurs in the transmission unit <NUM>, the withdrawing time tC may be shorter. The seventh standard value S7 is the withdrawing time tC in the normal state.

The calculation unit <NUM> calculates the first to fifth calculation values C1 to C5 with a starting point set at the point of time at which the brake instruction was received. For example, the required time is calculated as an elapsed time from the point of time at which the brake instruction was received, and the moving distance is calculated as a moving distance from the position taken at the point of time at which the brake instruction was received. The calculation unit <NUM> may calculate the first to fifth calculation values C1 to C5 with a starting point set at the point of time at which the motor <NUM> was started. For example, the starting point of the moving distance is the position of the brake shoe <NUM> at the point of time at which the motor <NUM> was started, and the starting point of the required time is the point of time at which the motor <NUM> was started. The calculation unit <NUM> stores the calculated calculation values C on the storage unit <NUM>. The determination unit <NUM> uses the calculation values C stored on the storage unit <NUM> as the standard values S. For example, the calculation values C calculated when the brake device <NUM> is installed on a railway vehicle or when a preoperational inspection is performed are used as the standard values S.

The determination unit <NUM> determines that abnormal operation has occurred when a determination condition is satisfied. The determination condition is that the difference between a calculation value C and a standard value S is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. If using a plurality of calculation values C among the first to seventh calculation values C1 to C7, the determination unit <NUM> may determine that abnormal operation has occurred when there are a preset number or more calculation values C having a difference from the respective standard value S equal to or larger than a predetermined value. The maximum value of the preset number is the number of the calculation values C.

With reference to <FIG>, the following now describes the steps of the state monitoring process performed by the control device <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a process for monitoring abnormal operation of the brake device <NUM> while the brake device <NUM> is in operation.

The control device <NUM> first acquires the drive information (step S1). Specifically, the drive information acquiring unit <NUM> acquires the electric current value of the motor <NUM> and acquires the number of rotations of the motor <NUM> for calculation of the moving distance D. Step S1 corresponds to the acquisition step.

Subsequently, the control device <NUM> calculates the calculation value C (step S2). Specifically, the calculation unit <NUM> calculates the calculation value C based on the acquired drive information of the motor <NUM>. The calculation value C is at least one of the moving distance D traveled by the brake shoe <NUM> or the required time T taken until the brake shoe <NUM> reaches a predetermined position. The step S2 corresponds to the calculation step.

Subsequently, the control device <NUM> stores the calculation value C (step S3). Specifically, the calculation unit <NUM> stores the calculated calculation value C on the storage unit <NUM>. When the calculated calculation value C is to be used as a standard value S, the control unit <NUM> stores the calculated calculation value C as the standard value S on the storage unit <NUM>.

Subsequently, the control device <NUM> determines whether the determination condition for abnormal operation has been satisfied (step S4). Specifically, the determination unit <NUM> compares the calculation value C to the standard value S to determine whether the difference between the calculation value C and the standard value S is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. When the determination unit <NUM> determines that the determination condition for abnormal operation is not satisfied (No in step S4), the process is ended. Step S4 corresponds to the determination step.

On the other hand, when the determination unit <NUM> determines that the determination condition for abnormal operation is satisfied (Yes in step S4), it outputs "abnormal operation" (step S5). Specifically, the control unit <NUM> causes the informing unit <NUM> to inform the driver or the operator of the "abnormal operation. " Therefore, it is possible to grasp abnormal operation of the brake device <NUM> based on information acquired from the brake device <NUM>.

Next, reference is made to <FIG> to describe the variation of the electric current value of the motor <NUM> in application of brake. The control unit <NUM> performs control such that the electric current value in the idling period is larger than that in the pressing period. <FIG> shows the electric current value of the motor <NUM> at the time when the control unit <NUM> receives a brake instruction and applies brake. Specifically, this electric current value represents one of the U, V, and W phases of a three-phase brushless DC motor.

As shown in <FIG>, when the control unit <NUM> receives a brake instruction, an electric current flows in the motor <NUM> with a delay of start-up time t0A. The start-up time t0A is a small amount of time. When the electric current flows in the motor <NUM>, the transmission unit <NUM> moves the brake shoe <NUM> toward the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM>. Since the electric current value in the idling period is larger than that in the pressing period, it cannot be grasped from the electric current value that the brake shoe <NUM> has contacted the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object. Therefore, the pressing force sensor <NUM> senses the pressing force, such that the control unit <NUM> can grasp that the movement of the brake shoe <NUM> has been restrained. The calculation unit <NUM> determines that the brake shoe <NUM> has contacted the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object when the pressing force is sensed. The time elapsing after the brake instruction is received and until the pressing force sensor <NUM> senses the pressing force is the idling time t0. The time elapsing after the electric current flows in the motor <NUM> and until the pressing force sensor <NUM> senses the pressing force is the actual idling time t0B. Therefore, the idling time t0 is the sum of the start-up time t0A and the actual idling time t0B (t0 = t0A + t0B). The electric current value is increased gradually and reaches a brake threshold L1 corresponding to a predetermined braking force and further reaches a target threshold LT corresponding to a target braking force. After the target threshold LT is reached, the electric current value is no longer increased. The time elapsing after the brake shoe <NUM> contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object and until a first point of time at which the electric current value reaches the brake threshold L1 is a first time t1. The time elapsing after the first point of time and until a second point of time at which the electric current value reaches the target threshold LT is a second time t2. The sum of the first time t1 and the second time t2 is the pressing time tT (tT = t1 + t2). The pressing force sensed by the pressing force sensor <NUM> is increased when the brake shoe <NUM> presses the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object and is no longer increased after the electric current value reaches the target threshold LT. The pressing force of the brake shoe retainer <NUM> is thereafter retained by the retaining mechanism 12A, and thus the motor <NUM> is de-energized.

Next, reference is made to <FIG> to describe the variation of the electric current value of the motor <NUM> in release of brake. Because of the presence of the retaining mechanism 12A, the control unit <NUM> performs control in release of brake such that the electric current value in the idling period is smaller than that in the pressing period. <FIG>, which is the same as <FIG>, shows the electric current value of the motor <NUM> at the time when the control unit <NUM> receives a release instruction and no longer receives the brake instruction and thus it releases brake. The explanation of <FIG> is omitted because it is the same as <FIG>.

For the variation of the electric current value as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the control device <NUM> can also perform the state monitoring process to grasp abnormal operation of the brake device <NUM> based on information acquired from the brake device <NUM>.

Advantageous of the first embodiment will be now described. (<NUM>-<NUM>) The calculation unit <NUM> calculates at least one of the moving distance D of the brake shoe <NUM> or the required time T, based on the drive information acquired by the drive information acquiring unit <NUM>. The determination unit <NUM> compares the calculated value to the standard value S to determine whether abnormal operation has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to grasp abnormal operation of the brake device <NUM> based on information acquired from the brake device <NUM>.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) For the control of application of brake in which the electric current value in the idling period is larger than that in the pressing period, the electric current value varies largely when the brake shoe <NUM> contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object and stops moving. Therefore, the first calculation value C1, which is calculated when the brake shoe <NUM> contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object, can be compared to the standard value S to easily grasp abnormal operation of the brake device <NUM>.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) For the control of application of brake in which the electric current value in the idling period is larger than that in the pressing period, the electric current value is increased when the brake shoe <NUM> stops moving after it contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object. Therefore, the second calculation value C2, which is calculated when a predetermined braking force is applied, can be compared to the standard value S to grasp whether the abnormal operation of the brake device <NUM> is caused by occurrence of sticking.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) For the control of application of brake in which the electric current value in the idling period is larger than that in the pressing period, the electric current value is increased when the brake shoe <NUM> stops moving after it contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object. Therefore, the third calculation value C3, which is calculated when a target braking force is applied, can be compared to the standard value S to grasp whether the abnormal operation of the brake device <NUM> is caused by occurrence of sticking.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The required time T elapsing after the brake shoe <NUM> is brought into contact and until a predetermined braking force is applied is the same regardless of the presence of the foreign object being caught. Therefore, when the required time T is shorted than the standard value S, sticking may have occurred. This makes it possible to grasp details of the abnormal operation of the brake device <NUM>.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The required time T elapsing after the brake instruction is received and until the electric current flows in the motor <NUM> for start-up can be compared to the standard value S to grasp deterioration of parts caused by delayed responsiveness of the electronic circuit.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) At least one of the moving distance D or the required time T in the normal operation can be used as the standard value S for comparison to grasp abnormal operation of the brake device <NUM>. (<NUM>-<NUM>) The start-up of the motor <NUM> can be grasped from the electric current flowing in the motor <NUM>, and therefore, even if the brake instruction is not received, it is possible to determine whether abnormal operation of the brake device <NUM> has occurred.

(<NUM>-<NUM>) The brake control is divided into a first type and a second type. In the first type of control, the inclination of the deceleration is controlled to be constant irrespective of the target deceleration, while in the second type of control, the time taken until the target deceleration is reached is controlled to be constant. Therefore, the determination unit <NUM> can compare the calculation value C to a standard value S for the same conditions, so as to accurately determine whether abnormal operation of the brake device <NUM> has occurred.

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the following describes a brake device according to a second embodiment. The brake device according to this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the electric current value of the main power source is used in place of the electric current value of the motor. The following description will be focused on the differences from the first embodiment.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the electric current values of the main power source for supplying electric power to the motor <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> performs control such that the electric current value in the idling period is smaller than that in the pressing period. <FIG> shows the electric current value of the main power source at the time when the control unit <NUM> receives a brake instruction and applies brake. As shown in <FIG>, when the control unit <NUM> receives a brake instruction, an electric current flows from the main power source with a delay of start-up time t0A. The start-up time t0A is a small amount of time. When the electric current flows from the main power source and drives the motor <NUM>, the transmission unit <NUM> moves the brake shoe <NUM> toward the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM>. When the brake shoe <NUM> contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or a foreign object, the electric current value reaches or exceeds the contact threshold P0. The electric current value may reach or exceed the contact threshold P0 immediately after the electric current flows from the main power source, but this should be ignored. The calculation unit <NUM> determines that the brake shoe <NUM> has contacted the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object when the electric current value reaches or exceeds the contact threshold P0. The time elapsing after the brake instruction is received and until the electric current value reaches or exceeds the contact threshold P0 is the idling time t0. The time elapsing after the electric current flows and until the electric current value reaches the contact threshold P0 is the actual idling time t0B. Therefore, the idling time t0 is the sum of the start-up time t0A and the actual idling time t0B (t0 = t0A + t0B). When the brake shoe <NUM> presses the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object, the electric current value reaches and exceeds a brake threshold P1 corresponding to a predetermined braking force and further reaches a target threshold PT corresponding to a target braking force. After the target threshold PT is reached, the electric current value is no longer increased. The time elapsing after the brake shoe <NUM> contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object and until a first point of time at which the electric current value reaches the brake threshold P1 is a first time t1. The time elapsing after the first point of time and until a second point of time at which the electric current value reaches the target threshold PT is a second time t2. The sum of the first time t1 and the second time t2 is the pressing time tT (tT = t1 + t2). The pressing force sensed by the pressing force sensor <NUM> is increased when the brake shoe <NUM> presses the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object and is no longer increased after the electric current value reaches the target threshold PT. The pressing force of the brake shoe retainer <NUM> is thereafter retained by the retaining mechanism 12A, and thus the motor <NUM> is de-energized.

<FIG> shows the electric current value of the main power source at the time when the control unit <NUM> receives a release instruction and no longer receives the brake instruction and thus it releases brake. As shown in <FIG>, when the control unit <NUM> receives a release instruction, an electric current flows from the main power source with a delay of start-up time t0A'. The start-up time t0A' is a small amount of time. When the electric current flows from the main power source, the retaining mechanism 12A first releases the retaining force, and thus the pressing force becomes zero. The time elapsing after the electric current flows from the main power source and until the pressing force reaches zero is the retaining force releasing time tB. When the retaining mechanism 12A releases the retaining force, the transmission unit <NUM> moves the brake shoe <NUM> away from the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM>. The electric current value becomes larger than it was in the retaining force releasing time tB in which the retaining mechanism 12A is releasing the retaining force. The control unit <NUM> turns off the main power source after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the point of time at which the electric current started to flow from the main power source. This amount of time is a withdrawing time tC. The withdrawing time tC is the time for releasing the braking force and moving the brake shoe <NUM> to its original position. It is also possible that, after receiving the release instruction, the control unit <NUM> moves the brake shoe <NUM> based on the product of a moving speed obtained by converting a predetermined number of rotations of the motor <NUM> into a stroke of the brake shoe <NUM> and a predetermined amount of time. Such configuration eliminates the need of sensing the pressing force. It is also possible that the control unit <NUM> stops the supply of power from the main power source after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the point of time at which the electric current value became larger. Such configuration eliminates the need of sensing the pressing force. It is also possible that the control unit <NUM> stops the supply of power from the main power source after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the point of time at which the pressing force became zero.

As in the first embodiment, the calculation unit <NUM> calculates at least one of the first to seventh calculation values C1 to C7. The determination unit <NUM> determines that abnormal operation has occurred when a determination condition is satisfied. The determination condition is that the difference between a calculation value C and a standard value S is equal to or larger than a predetermined value. If using a plurality of calculation values C among the first to seventh calculation values C1 to C7, the determination unit <NUM> may determine that abnormal operation has occurred when there are a preset number or more calculation values C having a difference from the respective standard value S equal to or larger than a predetermined value. The maximum value of the preset number is the number of the calculation values C.

As in the first embodiment, the control device <NUM> performs the state monitoring process, in which the electric current value of the main power source is used in place of the electric current value of the motor <NUM>, and any of the first to seventh calculation values C1 to C7 is used as the calculation value C. Therefore, it is possible to grasp abnormal operation of the brake device <NUM> based on information acquired from the brake device <NUM>.

Next, reference is made to <FIG> to describe the variation of the electric current value of the main power source in application of brake. The control unit <NUM> performs control such that the electric current value in the idling period is larger than that in the pressing period. <FIG> shows the electric current value of the main power source at the time when the control unit <NUM> receives a brake instruction and applies brake.

As shown in <FIG>, when the control unit <NUM> receives a brake instruction, an electric current flows in the motor <NUM> with a delay of start-up time t0A. The start-up time t0A is a small amount of time. When the electric current flows in the motor <NUM>, the transmission unit <NUM> moves the brake shoe <NUM> toward the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM>. Since the electric current value in the idling period is larger than that in the pressing period, it cannot be grasped from the electric current value that the brake shoe <NUM> has contacted the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object. Therefore, the pressing force sensor <NUM> senses the pressing force, such that the control unit <NUM> can grasp that the movement of the brake shoe <NUM> has been restrained. The calculation unit <NUM> determines that the brake shoe <NUM> has contacted the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object when the pressing force is sensed. The time elapsing after the brake instruction is received and until the pressing force sensor <NUM> senses the pressing force is the idling time t0. The time elapsing after the electric current flows from the main power source and until the pressing force sensor <NUM> senses the pressing force is the actual idling time t0B. Therefore, the idling time t0 is the sum of the start-up time t0A and the actual idling time t0B (t0 = t0A + t0B). The electric current value is increased gradually and reaches a brake threshold P1 corresponding to a predetermined braking force and further reaches a target threshold PT corresponding to a target braking force. After the target threshold PT is reached, the electric current value is no longer increased. The time elapsing after the brake shoe <NUM> contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object and until a first point of time at which the electric current value reaches the brake threshold P1 is a first time t1. The time elapsing after the first point of time and until a second point of time at which the electric current value reaches the target threshold PT is a second time t2. The sum of the first time t1 and the second time t2 is the pressing time tT (tT = t1 + t2). The pressing force sensed by the pressing force sensor <NUM> is increased when the brake shoe <NUM> presses the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object and is no longer increased after the electric current value reaches the target threshold PT. The pressing force of the brake shoe retainer <NUM> is thereafter retained by the retaining mechanism 12A, and thus the supply of power from the main power source is stopped.

Next, reference is made to <FIG> to describe the variation of the electric current value of the main power source in release of brake. Even if the control unit <NUM> performs control in application of brake such that the electric current value in the idling period is larger than that in the pressing period, the control unit <NUM> performs control in release of brake such that the electric current value in the idling period is smaller than that in the pressing period, because of the presence of the retaining mechanism 12A. <FIG>, which is the same as <FIG>, shows the electric current value of the main power source at the time when the control unit <NUM> receives a release instruction and no longer receives the brake instruction and thus it releases brake. The explanation of <FIG> is omitted because it is the same as <FIG>.

An advantage of the second embodiment will be now described. The following advantage is obtained in addition to the advantages (<NUM>-<NUM>) to (<NUM>-<NUM>) of the first embodiment. (<NUM>-<NUM>) The electric current value of the main power source can be used in place of the electric current value of the motor <NUM> to grasp abnormal operation of the brake device <NUM> based on information acquired from the brake device <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the following describes a brake device according to a third embodiment. The brake device according to this embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it does not include the retaining mechanism 12A. The following description will be focused on the differences from the first embodiment. Since the brake device <NUM> does not include the retaining mechanism 12A, the electric current continues to flow to maintain the braking state while the brake instruction is being received.

Reference is made to <FIG> to describe the variation of the electric current value of the motor <NUM> in application of brake. The control unit <NUM> performs control such that the electric current value in the idling period is smaller than that in the pressing period. <FIG> shows the electric current value of the motor <NUM> at the time when the control unit <NUM> receives a brake instruction and applies brake. Specifically, this electric current value represents one of the U, V, and W phases of a three-phase brushless DC motor.

As shown in <FIG>, when the control unit <NUM> receives a brake instruction, an electric current flows in the motor <NUM> with a delay of start-up time t0A. The start-up time t0A is a small amount of time. When the electric current flows in the motor <NUM>, the transmission unit <NUM> moves the brake shoe <NUM> toward the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM>. When the brake shoe <NUM> contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or a foreign object, the movement of the brake shoe <NUM> is restrained, and thus the electric current value exceeds the contact threshold L0. The calculation unit <NUM> determines that the brake shoe <NUM> has contacted the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object when the electric current value reaches the contact threshold L0. The time elapsing after the brake instruction is received and until the electric current value reaches the contact threshold L0 is the idling time t0. The time elapsing after the electric current flows in the motor <NUM> and until the electric current value reaches the contact threshold L0 is the actual idling time t0B. Therefore, the idling time t0 is the sum of the start-up time t0A and the actual idling time t0B (t0 = t0A + t0B). When the brake shoe <NUM> presses the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object, the electric current value becomes larger than it was in the idling period. The electric current value thus reaches a brake threshold L1 corresponding to a predetermined braking force and further reaches a target threshold LT corresponding to a target braking force. After the target threshold LT is reached, the electric current value is no longer increased. The time elapsing after the brake shoe <NUM> contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object and until a first point of time at which the electric current value reaches the brake threshold L1 is a first time t1. The time elapsing after the first point of time and until a second point of time at which the electric current value reaches the target threshold LT is a second time t2. The sum of the first time t1 and the second time t2 is the pressing time tT (tT = t1 + t2). The control unit <NUM> continues to cause the electric current to flow at the target threshold LT while the control unit <NUM> is receiving the brake instruction.

Reference is made to <FIG> to describe the variation of the electric current value of the motor <NUM> in release of brake. The control unit <NUM> performs control such that the electric current value in the idling period is smaller than that in the pressing period. <FIG> shows the electric current value of the motor <NUM> at the time when the control unit <NUM> receives a release instruction and no longer receives the brake instruction and thus it releases brake.

As shown in <FIG>, the electric current continues to flow at the target threshold LT while the brake instruction is being received. When the control unit <NUM> receives a release instruction, the electric current flowing in the motor <NUM> is reduced with a delay of start-up time t0A'. The start-up time t0A' is a small amount of time. Since the pressing of the brake shoe <NUM> against the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> is released, the electric current value is reduced. The time elapsing after the electric current flowing in the motor <NUM> is reduced and until the pressing force reaches zero is the retaining force releasing time tB. Subsequently, the electric current value becomes smaller than it was in the retaining force releasing time tB. The control unit <NUM> stops the motor <NUM> after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the point of time at which the control unit <NUM> started to reduce the electric current flowing in the motor <NUM>. This amount of time is a withdrawing time tC. The withdrawing time tC is the time for releasing the braking force and moving the brake shoe <NUM> to its original position. It is also possible that, after receiving the release instruction, the control unit <NUM> moves the brake shoe <NUM> based on the product of a moving speed obtained by converting a predetermined number of rotations of the motor <NUM> into a stroke of the brake shoe <NUM> and a predetermined amount of time. Such configuration eliminates the need of sensing the pressing force. It is also possible that the control unit <NUM> stops the motor <NUM> after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the point of time at which the electric current value became smaller. Such configuration eliminates the need of sensing the pressing force. It is also possible that the control unit <NUM> stops the motor <NUM> after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the point of time at which the pressing force became zero.

As in the first embodiment, the control device <NUM> performs the state monitoring process, in which the electric current value of the motor <NUM> is used, and any of the first to seventh calculation values C1 to C7 is used as the calculation value C. Therefore, it is possible to grasp abnormal operation of the brake device <NUM> based on information acquired from the brake device <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, when the control unit <NUM> receives a brake instruction, an electric current flows in the motor <NUM> with a delay of start-up time t0A. The start-up time t0A is a small amount of time. When the electric current flows in the motor <NUM>, the transmission unit <NUM> moves the brake shoe <NUM> toward the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM>. Since the electric current value in the idling period is larger than that in the pressing period, it cannot be grasped from the electric current value that the brake shoe <NUM> has contacted the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object. Therefore, the pressing force sensor <NUM> senses the pressing force, such that the control unit <NUM> can grasp that the movement of the brake shoe <NUM> has been restrained. The calculation unit <NUM> determines that the brake shoe <NUM> has contacted the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object when the pressing force is sensed. The time elapsing after the brake instruction is received and until the pressing force sensor <NUM> senses the pressing force is the idling time t0. The time elapsing after the electric current flows in the motor <NUM> and until the pressing force sensor <NUM> senses the pressing force is the actual idling time t0B. Therefore, the idling time t0 is the sum of the start-up time t0A and the actual idling time t0B (t0 = t0A + t0B). After reaching the contact threshold L0, the electric current value is increased gradually and reaches a brake threshold L1 corresponding to a predetermined braking force and further reaches a target threshold LT corresponding to a target braking force. After the target threshold LT is reached, the electric current value is no longer increased. The time elapsing after the brake shoe <NUM> contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object and until a first point of time at which the electric current value reaches the brake threshold L1 is a first time t1. The time elapsing after the first point of time and until a second point of time at which the electric current value reaches the target threshold LT is a second time t2. The sum of the first time t1 and the second time t2 is the pressing time tT (tT = t1 + t2). The control unit <NUM> continues to cause the electric current to flow at the target threshold LT while the control unit <NUM> is receiving the brake instruction.

Next, reference is made to <FIG> to describe the variation of the electric current value of the motor <NUM> in release of brake. The control unit <NUM> performs control such that the electric current value in the idling period is larger than that in the pressing period. <FIG> shows the electric current value of the motor <NUM> at the time when the control unit <NUM> receives a release instruction and no longer receives the brake instruction and thus it releases brake.

As shown in <FIG>, the electric current continues to flow at the target threshold LT while the brake instruction is being received. When the control unit <NUM> receives a release instruction, the electric current flowing in the motor <NUM> is increased with a delay of start-up time t0A'. The start-up time t0A' is a small amount of time. Since the pressing of the brake shoe <NUM> against the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> is released, the electric current value is decreased. The time elapsing after the electric current flowing in the motor <NUM> is increased and until the pressing force reaches zero is the retaining force releasing time tB. Subsequently, the electric current value becomes smaller than it was in the retaining force releasing time tB. The control unit <NUM> stops the motor <NUM> after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the point of time at which the control unit <NUM> started to increase the electric current flowing in the motor <NUM>. This amount of time is a withdrawing time tC. The withdrawing time tC is the time for releasing the braking force and moving the brake shoe <NUM> to its original position. It is also possible that, after receiving the release instruction, the control unit <NUM> moves the brake shoe <NUM> based on the product of a moving speed obtained by converting a predetermined number of rotations of the motor <NUM> into a stroke of the brake shoe <NUM> and a predetermined amount of time. Such configuration eliminates the need of sensing the pressing force. It is also possible that the control unit <NUM> stops the motor <NUM> after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the point of time at which the electric current value became larger. Such configuration eliminates the need of sensing the pressing force. It is also possible that the control unit <NUM> stops the motor <NUM> after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the point of time at which the pressing force became zero.

An advantage of the third embodiment will be now described. The following advantage is obtained in addition to the advantages (<NUM>-<NUM>) to (<NUM>-<NUM>) of the first embodiment. (<NUM>-<NUM>) For the brake device <NUM> not including the retaining mechanism 12A, it is possible to grasp abnormal operation of the brake device <NUM> based on information acquired from the brake device <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the following describes a brake device according to a fourth embodiment. The brake device according to this embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that it does not include the retaining mechanism 12A. The following description will be focused on the differences from the second embodiment. Since the brake device <NUM> does not include the retaining mechanism 12A, the electric current continues to flow to maintain the braking state while the brake instruction is being received.

Reference is made to <FIG> to describe the variation of the electric current value of the main power source in application of brake. The control unit <NUM> performs control such that the electric current value in the idling period is smaller than that in the pressing period. <FIG> shows the electric current value of the main power source at the time when the control unit <NUM> receives a brake instruction and applies brake.

As shown in <FIG>, when the control unit <NUM> receives a brake instruction, an electric current flows from the main power source with a delay of start-up time t0A. The start-up time t0A is a small amount of time. When the electric current flows from the main power source and drives the motor <NUM>, the transmission unit <NUM> moves the brake shoe <NUM> toward the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM>. When the brake shoe <NUM> contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or a foreign object, the electric current value reaches or exceeds the contact threshold P0. The electric current value may reach or exceed the contact threshold P0 immediately after the electric current flows from the main power source, but this should be ignored. The calculation unit <NUM> determines that the brake shoe <NUM> has contacted the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object when the electric current value reaches or exceeds the contact threshold P0. The time elapsing after the brake instruction is received and until the electric current value reaches or exceeds the contact threshold P0 is the idling time t0. The time elapsing after the electric current flows and until the electric current value reaches the contact threshold P0 is the actual idling time t0B. Therefore, the idling time t0 is the sum of the start-up time t0A and the actual idling time t0B (t0 = t0A + t0B). When the brake shoe <NUM> presses the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object, the electric current value reaches and exceeds a brake threshold P1 corresponding to a predetermined braking force and further reaches a target threshold PT corresponding to a target braking force. After the target threshold PT is reached, the electric current value is no longer increased. The time elapsing after the brake shoe <NUM> contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object and until a first point of time at which the electric current value reaches the brake threshold P1 is a first time t1. The time elapsing after the first point of time and until a second point of time at which the electric current value reaches the target threshold PT is a second time t2. The sum of the first time t1 and the second time t2 is the pressing time tT (tT = t1 + t2). The pressing force sensed by the pressing force sensor <NUM> is increased when the brake shoe <NUM> presses the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object and is no longer increased after the electric current value reaches the target threshold PT. The control unit <NUM> continues to cause the electric current to flow at the target threshold PT while the control unit <NUM> is receiving the brake instruction.

Reference is made to <FIG> to describe the variation of the electric current value of the main power source in release of brake. The control unit <NUM> performs control such that the electric current value in the idling period is smaller than that in the pressing period. <FIG> shows the electric current value of the main power source at the time when the control unit <NUM> receives a release instruction and no longer receives the brake instruction and thus it releases brake.

As shown in <FIG>, the electric current continues to flow at the target threshold PT while the brake instruction is being received. When the control unit <NUM> receives a release instruction, the electric current flowing from the main power source is reduced with a delay of start-up time t0A'. The start-up time t0A' is a small amount of time. Since the pressing of the brake shoe <NUM> against the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> is released, the electric current value is reduced. The time elapsing after the electric current from the main power source is reduced and until the pressing force reaches zero is the retaining force releasing time tB. The control unit <NUM> stops the supply of power from the main power source after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the point of time at which the electric current from the main power source was reduced. This amount of time is a withdrawing time tC. The withdrawing time tC is the time for releasing the braking force and moving the brake shoe <NUM> to its original position. It is also possible that, after receiving the release instruction, the control unit <NUM> moves the brake shoe <NUM> based on the product of a moving speed obtained by converting a predetermined number of rotations of the motor <NUM> into a stroke of the brake shoe <NUM> and a predetermined amount of time. Such configuration eliminates the need of sensing the pressing force. It is also possible that the control unit <NUM> stops the supply of power from the main power source after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the point of time at which the electric current value became larger. Such configuration eliminates the need of sensing the pressing force. It is also possible that the control unit <NUM> stops the supply of power from the main power source after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the point of time at which the pressing force became zero.

As shown in <FIG>, when the control unit <NUM> receives a brake instruction, an electric current flows in the motor <NUM> with a delay of start-up time t0A. The start-up time t0A is a small amount of time. When the electric current flows in the motor <NUM>, the transmission unit <NUM> moves the brake shoe <NUM> toward the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM>. Since the electric current value in the idling period becomes larger than that in the pressing period, it cannot be grasped from the electric current value that the brake shoe <NUM> has contacted the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object. Therefore, the pressing force sensor <NUM> senses the pressing force, such that the control unit <NUM> can grasp that the movement of the brake shoe <NUM> has been restrained. The calculation unit <NUM> determines that the brake shoe <NUM> has contacted the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object when the pressing force is sensed. The time elapsing after the brake instruction is received and until the pressing force sensor <NUM> senses the pressing force is the idling time t0. The time elapsing after the electric current flows and until the pressing force sensor <NUM> senses the pressing force is the actual idling time t0B. Therefore, the idling time t0 is the sum of the start-up time t0A and the actual idling time t0B (t0 = t0A + t0B). The electric current value is increased gradually and reaches a brake threshold P1 corresponding to a predetermined braking force and further reaches a target threshold PT corresponding to a target braking force. After the target threshold PT is reached, the electric current value is no longer increased. The time elapsing after the brake shoe <NUM> contacts the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object and until a first point of time at which the electric current value reaches the brake threshold P1 is a first time t1. The time elapsing after the first point of time and until a second point of time at which the electric current value reaches the target threshold PT is a second time t2. The sum of the first time t1 and the second time t2 is the pressing time tT (tT = t1 + t2). The pressing force sensed by the pressing force sensor <NUM> is increased when the brake shoe <NUM> presses the tread surface 2A of the wheel <NUM> or the foreign object and is no longer increased after the electric current value reaches the target threshold PT. The control unit <NUM> continues to cause the electric current to flow at the target threshold PT while the control unit <NUM> is receiving the brake instruction.

Next, reference is made to <FIG> to describe the variation of the electric current value of the main power source in release of brake. The control unit <NUM> performs control in release of brake such that the electric current value in the idling period is larger than that in the pressing period. <FIG> shows the electric current value of the main power source at the time when the control unit <NUM> receives a release instruction and no longer receives the brake instruction and thus it releases brake.

As shown in <FIG>, the electric current continues to flow at the target threshold PT while the brake instruction is being received. When the control unit <NUM> receives a release instruction, the electric current flowing from the main power source is increased with a delay of start-up time t0A'. The start-up time t0A' is a small amount of time. The time elapsing after the electric current from the main power source is increased and until the pressing force reaches zero is the retaining force releasing time tB. The control unit <NUM> stops the supply of power from the main power source after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the point of time at which the electric current from the main power source was increased. This amount of time is a withdrawing time tC. The withdrawing time tC is the time for releasing the braking force and moving the brake shoe <NUM> to its original position. It is also possible that, after receiving the release instruction, the control unit <NUM> moves the brake shoe <NUM> based on the product of a moving speed obtained by converting a predetermined number of rotations of the motor <NUM> into a stroke of the brake shoe <NUM> and a predetermined amount of time. Such configuration eliminates the need of sensing the pressing force. It is also possible that the control unit <NUM> stops the supply of power from the main power source after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the point of time at which the electric current value became larger. Such configuration eliminates the need of sensing the pressing force. It is also possible that the control unit <NUM> stops the supply of power from the main power source after a predetermined amount of time has elapsed from the point of time at which the pressing force became zero.

An advantage of the fourth embodiment will be now described. The following advantage is obtained in addition to the advantages (<NUM>-<NUM>) to (<NUM>-<NUM>) of the first embodiment. (<NUM>-<NUM>) For the brake device <NUM> not including the retaining mechanism 12A, it is possible to use the electric current value of the main power source in place of the electric current value of the motor <NUM> to grasp abnormal operation of the brake device <NUM> based on information acquired from the brake device <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, the following describes a brake device according to a fifth embodiment. The fifth embodiment is different from the first to fourth embodiments in that the brake device is a disc brake device. The following description will be focused on the differences from the first to fourth embodiments.

As shown in <FIG>, a brake device <NUM> is a disc brake device for generating a braking force by pressing brake pads 34A and 34B against a disc <NUM> rotating integrally with the wheel <NUM> of the railway vehicle. The brake device <NUM> includes a rotating motor <NUM> and is driven by the motor <NUM>. The brake device <NUM> includes a transmission unit <NUM> for transmitting the driving force of the motor <NUM> to the brake pads 34A and 34B and also includes a left arm 33A and a right arm 33B. The transmission unit <NUM> uses the driving force from the motor <NUM> to move the left and right arms 33A and 33B. The transmission unit <NUM> is provided with a retaining mechanism 32A. The retaining mechanism 32A retains the pressing force of the left and right arms 33A and 33B even after the driving of the motor <NUM> is stopped. The retaining mechanism 32A may be a one-way clutch that mechanically retains the positions of the left and right arms 33A and 33B. The retaining mechanism 32A releases the retention when rotated in the direction for releasing the brake. In the brake device <NUM> including the retaining mechanism 32A, the driving of the motor <NUM> can be stopped and the electric current flowing in the motor <NUM> can be zero while the braking state is maintained. The brake pad 34A is attached to the left arm 33A, and the brake pad 34B is attached to the right arm 33B. The left and right arms 33A and 33B are moved by the transmission unit <NUM> perpendicularly to the side surfaces 3A of the disc <NUM>. The brake pads 34A and 34B are moved with the left and right arms 33A and 33B, so that the brake pads 34A and 34B are pressed against the side surfaces 3A of the disc <NUM>. The transmission unit <NUM> is provided with a pressing force sensor <NUM>. The pressing force sensor <NUM> senses the pressing force of the brake pads 34A and 34B from the reaction force acting on the transmission unit <NUM> and outputs information indicating the sensed pressing force to a control device <NUM>. Here, the motor <NUM> is equivalent to an electric actuator. The disc <NUM> is a rotatable member and equivalent to a target member, and the brake pads 34A and 34B are equivalent to a friction member. It is also possible to use the wheel <NUM> as the target member instead of using the disc <NUM>.

The brake device <NUM> is controlled by the control device <NUM>, as in the first to fourth embodiments. The control device <NUM> controls the braking force based on control instructions from a vehicle control panel <NUM>. The control device <NUM> includes a control unit <NUM> for controlling the brake device <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> controls driving of the motor <NUM> according to a required braking force. The control unit <NUM> receives a brake instruction and a release instruction from the vehicle control panel <NUM>. The brake instruction is an instruction for braking the vehicle having the wheel <NUM> by pressing the brake pads 34A and 34B against the side surfaces 3A of the disc <NUM>. The release instruction is an instruction for releasing the pressing of the brake pads 34A and 34B against the side surfaces 3A of the disc <NUM>. In accordance with the driver's operation, the vehicle control panel <NUM> outputs to the brake device <NUM> eight signals, for example, brake signals of one to seven notches and a release signal. These eight signals are represented by combinations of three signal lines each indicating <NUM> or <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> causes the motor <NUM> to rotate in the braking direction to move the brake pads 34A and 34B toward the side surfaces 3A of the disc <NUM>. Conversely, the control unit <NUM> causes the motor <NUM> to rotate in the releasing direction opposite to the braking direction to move the brake pads 34A and 34B away from the side surfaces 3A of the disc <NUM>. In releasing the brake, the control unit <NUM> performs control such that the brake pads 34A and 34B move from positions where they contact the side surfaces 3A of the disc <NUM> to positions at a predetermined distance from the side surfaces 3A. Such control regulates the distance to be traveled and the time to be taken until braking is started by bringing the brake pads 34A and 34B into contact with the side surfaces 3A of the disc <NUM>.

The control device <NUM> includes the drive information acquiring unit <NUM>, a calculation unit <NUM>, a determination unit <NUM>, and a storage unit <NUM>. The drive information acquiring unit <NUM> acquires drive information of the motor <NUM>. The drive information includes the electric current value of the motor <NUM> and the number of rotations of the motor <NUM>. The calculation unit <NUM> calculates a calculation value C based on the acquired drive information of the motor <NUM>. The calculation value C is at least one of the moving distance D traveled by the brake pads 34A and 34B or the required time T taken until the brake pads 34A and 34B reach predetermined positions. The determination unit <NUM> compares the calculation value C to a standard value S to determine whether abnormal operation has occurred. The abnormal operation refers to the state in which the operation of the transmission unit <NUM>, the left and right arms 33A and 33B, and the brake pads 34A and 34B is not normal. This occurs due to a foreign object being caught between the brake pads 34A and 34B and the side surfaces 3A of the disc <NUM> and due to sticking. The calculation value C is larger or smaller than the standard value S when abnormal operation has occurred. The standard value S is at least one of the moving distance D or the required time T in the normal state.

As in the first to fourth embodiments, the control device <NUM> calculates at least one of the first to seventh calculation values C1 to C7 as the calculation value C from the electric current value of the motor <NUM> and compares the calculation value C to the standard value S to determine whether abnormal operation has occurred in the brake device <NUM>. Therefore, it is possible to grasp abnormal operation of the brake device <NUM> based on information acquired from the brake device <NUM>.

An advantage of the fifth embodiment will be now described. The fifth embodiment produces the following advantage in addition to the advantages (<NUM>-<NUM>) to (<NUM>-<NUM>) of the first embodiment, the advantage (<NUM>-<NUM>) of the second embodiment, the advantage (<NUM>-<NUM>) of the third embodiment, and the advantage (<NUM>-<NUM>) of the fourth embodiment. (<NUM>-<NUM>) For a disc brake device, it is also possible to grasp abnormal operation of the brake device <NUM> based on information acquired from the brake device <NUM>, as in the first to fourth embodiments.

The above embodiments can be modified as described below. The above embodiments and the following modifications can be implemented in combination to the extent where they are technically consistent with each other.

In the first and third embodiments, at least one of the first to seventh calculation values C1 to C7 is calculated as the calculation value C to determine whether abnormal operation has occurred in the brake devices <NUM> and <NUM>. However, it is also possible to calculate only the calculation value C used to determine whether abnormal operation has occurred in the brake devices <NUM> and <NUM>.

In the above embodiments, at least one of the moving distance D or the required time T in the normal state is used as the standard value S. However, it is also possible that at least one of the moving distance D or the required time T calculated previously is used as the standard value S.

In the above embodiments, at least one of the moving distance D or the required time T in the normal state is used as the standard value S. However, it is also possible that at least one of the moving distance D or the required time T for the friction member of another brake device on the same train (for example, a brake device on another car in the same train) is used as the standard value S.

In the above embodiments, it is determined whether abnormal operation has occurred in the brake device based on drive information of the brake device in application of brake. However, it is also possible to determine whether abnormal operation has occurred in the brake device based on drive information of the brake device in release of brake. For example, the start-up time t0A', the retaining force releasing time tB, or the withdrawing time tC may be calculated as the calculation value C, and the start-up time t0A', the retaining force releasing time tB, or the withdrawing time tC calculated previously or in the normal state may be used as the standard value S.

In the above embodiments, the electric current value of the electric actuator is used as the drive information. However, it is also possible to use, as the drive information, the torque or rotation speed of the electric actuator or time-series information indicating the load of the electric actuator.

In the above-described embodiments, the brake devices <NUM> and <NUM> are provided with the informing unit <NUM> for informing the driver or the operator of abnormal operation of the brake devices <NUM> and <NUM>. However, the informing unit <NUM> may be omitted. In the above embodiments, the friction member is moved using the rotating motors <NUM> and <NUM> with a medium of the transmission unit. However, it is also possible that the friction member is moved using a linearly moving actuator or a linear actuator with a medium of the transmission unit.

The foregoing embodiments include a plurality of physically separate constituent parts. They may be combined into a single part, and any one of them may be divided into a plurality of physically separate constituent parts. Irrespective of whether or not the constituent parts are integrated, they are acceptable as long as they are configured to solve the problems.

Claim 1:
A brake device (<NUM>, <NUM>) for applying brake to a vehicle having a target member (<NUM>, <NUM>) by using an electric actuator (<NUM>, <NUM>) to drive a friction member (<NUM>, 34A, 34B) so that the friction member (<NUM>, 34A, 34B) is pressed against the target member (<NUM>, <NUM>), the brake device (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
an acquiring unit (<NUM>) for acquiring drive information of the electric actuator (<NUM>, <NUM>);
characterized by
a calculation unit (<NUM>) for calculating a first value based on the acquired drive information, the first value being at least one of a moving distance traveled by the friction member (<NUM>, 34A, 34B) or a required time taken until the friction member (<NUM>, 34A, 34B) reaches a predetermined position; and
a determination unit (<NUM>) for determining whether abnormal operation has occurred by comparing the first value to a standard value.