ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED BRAKE SYSTEM > SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

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1. This vehicle is equipped with VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management). It is a concept of vehicle motion control that integrates brake control, drive force control and steering control.
   

2. Conventional vehicles use a combination of independent functions such as ABS, TR(A)C, VSC, EPS and VGRS. However VDIM integrates these systems to improve "drive, turn and stop," the motion performance of the vehicle in other words.
   





3. In conventional vehicles, control starts at the limit of the vehicle. However VDIM exercises control before the limit is reached, creating a smooth vehicle response. This expands the limits of the vehicle, and increases driving pleasure.
   

   
   
   
   

4. The VDIM manages all functions, such as the ABS with EBD, the brake assist, the TR(A)C, and the VSC. It is operated by the ECB system, which regulates a brake fluid pressure. The steering cooperative control function is also available. Thus the VDIM is able to perform the comprehensive management.
   

5. Conventional brake control systems begin to control either the braking or motive force in order to stabilize the vehicle motion when it becomes unstable due to loss of tire traction. In contrast, in order to maintain stable vehicle control, the VDIM commences controlling the brake and steering systems in accordance with changes in balance before the vehicle becomes unstable. As a result, smooth vehicle control is achieved.
   

6. Conventional brake control systems manage all related functions, such as the ABS with EBD, the brake assist, the TR(A)C and the VSC independently, according to the vehicle dynamics. In contrast, the VDIM provides smooth control by seamlessly integrating all those functions.
   

1. The system detects the degree of brake pedal operation with a brake pedal stroke sensor and two master cylinder pressure sensors, and calculates the optimum hydraulic brake force. The hydraulic pressure source is adjusted based on this so that the optimum hydraulic control is independently performed on all four wheels.
   

2. Meanwhile, the ECB2 system performs control of the normal brakes, ABS, TR(A)C, VSC and brake assist in accordance with the operations of the driver.
   





3. There is a hydraulic backup mechanism that applies master cylinder pressure generated by human power to the wheel cylinder when the brake control stops. In addition, as a failsafe mechanism, when the brake control is malfunctioning, the system excludes the malfunctioning sections and continues to perform brake control on the normal sections. A power backup unit (brake control power supply) is also used to ensure a stable supply of power to the system.
   

   
   
   
   

HINT:

The yaw rate sensor and acceleration sensor are combined in a single unit. This unit communicates with the skid control ECU via CAN communication.

1. ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)
   The ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking when the brakes are applied suddenly and firmly or applied on a slippery surface.
   

   
   
   
   
   

   1. Operation description
      The skid control ECU detects wheel lock condition by receiving vehicle speed signals from each speed sensor, and sends control signals to the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve avoid wheel lock by controlling the oil pressure of each wheel cylinder.
      The ABS warning light comes on when the ABS system is malfunctioning.
      





2. EBD (Electronic Brake force Distribution)
   The EBD control utilizes ABS, performing proper brake force distribution between the front and rear wheels in accordance with driving conditions.
   When braking while cornering, it also controls the brake forces of the right and left wheels, helping to maintain vehicle behavior.
   

   
   
   
   
   

   1. Operation description
      The skid control ECU receives the speed signal from each speed sensor to detect the slip condition of the wheels and sends the control signal to the solenoid.
      The solenoid valve controls the oil pressure of each wheel cylinder and splits the control power properly between the front and rear wheels and the right and left wheels.
      Both of the ABS and BRAKE warning lights come on to indicate a malfunction in the EBD system.
      





3. BA (Brake Assist)
   The primary purpose of the brake assist system is to provide auxiliary brake force to assist the driver who cannot generate a brake force large enough during emergency braking, thus helping to maximize the vehicle's brake performance.
   

   
   
   
   
   

   1. Operation description
      The skid control ECU receives the brake pedal stroke sensor signal and the oil pressure signal from the master cylinder pressure sensor to determine whether brake assist is necessary or not. If brake assist is deemed necessary, the skid control ECU will send control signals to the solenoid. The solenoid valve then control the pressure applied to each wheel cylinder.
      The ABS warning light comes on to indicate a malfunction in the BA system.
      





4. TR(A)C (Traction Control)
   The TR(A)C system helps prevent the drive wheels from slipping when the drive presses down on the accelerator pedal excessively while starting off or accelerating on a slippery surface.
   

   
   
   
   
   

   1. Operation description
      The skid control ECU detects vehicle's slip condition by receiving signals from each speed sensor and ECM via CAN communication. The skid control ECU controls engine torque with the ECM via CAN communication and oil pressure through the solenoid valve.
      The SLIP indicator light blinks when the system is operating. When there is a malfunction in the TR(A)C system, both brake control warning light and SLIP indicator light come on and DTC will appear on the multi information display.
      Traction OFF switch stops traction control operation.
      





5. VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)
   The VSC system helps prevent the vehicle from slipping sideways as a result of strong front or rear wheel skid during cornering.
   

   
   
   
   
   

   1. Operation description
      The skid control ECU determines vehicle condition by receiving signals from the speed sensor, yaw rate and acceleration sensor and steering angle sensor. The skid control ECU controls engine torque with the ECM via CAN communication, and brake fluid pressure with the solenoid valve.
      The SLIP indicator light blinks and the skid control buzzer sounds when the system is operating. When there is a malfunction in the VSC system, both brake control warning light and SLIP indicator light come on and DTC will appear on the multi information display.
      

1. The VDIM system effects coordinated control consisting of VSC, EPS (Electric Power Steering), and VGRS (Variable Gear Ratio Steering). By integrating these preventive safety functions, the VDIM system ensures higher driving stability and maneuverability performance.
   

2. If the vehicle loses stability due to a slippage, this function effects brake control by applying hydraulic pressure to the wheels. At the same time, the EPS provides steering torque assist control or active steering wheel angle control and the VGRS provides variable gear ratio steering control to facilitate the driver's steering maneuver.
   

1. Sometimes the wheels will spin when accelerating in a turn because the vehicle weight moves to the outside of the turn and it is difficult to transmit drive force to the inside.
   

2. The VDIM system detects the turning conditions and the wheel spin, and applies the brakes to the drive wheel on the inside of the turn to restrict wheel spin. This transmits drive force to the wheels on the outside of the turn, so that the driver's intended acceleration is obtained.
   

1. The hill start assist control detects this sliding of the vehicle. It automatically increased the brake hydraulic pressure for the four wheels in order to reduce the reversing speed of the vehicle.
   

2. The vehicle tends to slide backward when the driver moves his foot from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal trying to start on a steep or slippery uphill. This function is effective in this kind of situation in which starting is difficult.
   

1. When a grater deceleration than usual is required while driving in vehicle control mode, braking force is generated by the brake hydraulic pressure control in accordance with the signal from the distance control ECU.
   

1. The pre-collision safety system predicts frontal collisions with other vehicles or obstructions. By winding up the seat belts prior to collision, and performing brake control and brake assist control, it lessens the impact during the collision.
   

2. The extremely high frequency radar recognizes if there is a vehicle or obstruction on the road ahead, and the distance control ECU makes a judgment from the position of the object, the speed and the road surface whether a collision is unavoidable.
   

3. The distance control ECU sends this information via a CAN communication to the seat belt control ECU, suspension control ECU and skid control ECU, to operate each control element of the pre-collision safety system.
   

1. When a failure occurs in the ABS with BA, TR(A)C and VSC systems, the ABS warning light and the brake control warning light come on and ABS with BA, TR(A)C and VSC operations will be prohibited. In addition to this, when there is a failure that disables the EBD operation, the BRAKE warning light also comes on and the EBD operation is prohibited.
   

2. If control is prohibited due to a malfunction during operation, control will be disabled gradually. This is to avoid sudden vehicle instability.
   

1. VSC operation can be disables by operating the intelligent tester.
   

   HINT:

   Refer to the intelligent tester operator's manual for further details.