With Failure Responsive Means Patents (Class 303/122)
  • Patent number: 7734406
    Abstract: A method, computer usable medium including a program, and a system for braking a vehicle during brake failure. The method and computer usable medium include the steps of determining a brake force lost corresponding to a failed brake, and determining a brake force reserve corresponding to at least one non-failed brake. At least one commanded brake force is determined based on the brake force lost and the brake force reserve. Then at least one command brake force is applied to the at least one non-failed brake wherein at least one of an undesired yaw moment and a yaw moment rate of change are limited to predetermined values. The system includes a plurality of brake assemblies wherein a commanded brake force is applied to at least one non-failed brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Michael W. Oppenheimer, David B. Doman, Aleksander B. Hac
  • Publication number: 20090250997
    Abstract: The operating apparatus (500) suitable for operating first brakes of a front axle (501) and second brakes of a rear axle (502) of a vehicle comprises: first circuit means (503) and second circuit means (504) arranged to supply said first brakes and said second brakes with a pressurised fluid; first distributing means (505, 508) located between said first circuit means (503) and said second circuit means (504); supply means (23, 24) for said pressurised fluid; valve means (1) for sending said pressurised fluid to said first circuit means (503) and second circuit means (504), second distributing means (514, 515) being arranged between said first distributing means (505, 508) and said first brakes and second brakes arranged to deactivate said first distributing means (505, 508) in a malfunction condition of either said first circuit means (503) or second circuit means (504) and to connect said supply means (23, 24) with said first brakes or with said second brakes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: October 8, 2009
    Inventors: Enrico Mamei, Eronne Mamei, Omer Mamei
  • Publication number: 20090118956
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for increasing the braking effect in a motor vehicle with a hydraulic brake system. In the method, in case of a reduced effectiveness of the brake system, a brake pressure in at least one wheel brake is increased by switching on an energy supply unit. A check is made whether a brake pressure (pTMC) in a master brake cylinder (3) reaches a predetermined threshold value (pT), and that the energy supply unit (9, 10) is disabled upon expiry of a predetermined length of time (?t), which begins the instant it is detected that the brake pressure (pTMC) has reached the predetermined threshold value (pT). Also disclosed is a device that is appropriate to implement the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2005
    Publication date: May 7, 2009
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO. OHG
    Inventors: Thomas Kuzel, Bernd Ummer, Holger Esslinger
  • Patent number: 7484815
    Abstract: To enable a trouble diagnosis of braking-input-side pressure sensors even in a state where a braking input side and a braking output side are interrupted from each other. In a brake device of a vehicle in which a braking input side which generates a liquid pressure by manipulating a brake manipulation portion and a braking output side which supplies the liquid pressure to a brake caliper are made to be communicated with each other or being interrupted from each other by way of a first electromagnetic open/close valve, and the brake device includes a hydraulic modulator which adjusts the liquid pressure of the braking output side by operating an electrically-operated motor, the brake device includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor for detecting the liquid pressure of the braking input side, and a trouble diagnosis of the pressure sensors is performed in response to detection values of the pressure sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sumitaka Ogawa, Hideo Takahashi
  • Publication number: 20080258547
    Abstract: An electromechanical braking system for an aircraft, including a first power conversion module (PCM) and a second power conversion module (PCM), each configured to receive power from a respective independent power source on the aircraft. The system further includes at least one brake system control unit (BSCU) for converting an input brake command signal into a brake clamp force command signal. At least a first brake control module (BCM) and a second brake control module (BCM) are provided, each configured to receive the brake clamp force command signal from the at least one BSCU and to output a primary brake clamp force command signal and an alternate brake clamp force command signal based on the received brake clamp force command signal. A first electromechanical actuator controller (EMAC) and a second electromechanical actuator controller (EMAC) are provided, each configured to convert a brake clamp force command signal to at least one electromechanical actuator drive control signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2007
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Mihai Ralea, Bill May, Henry Grant
  • Patent number: 7359786
    Abstract: An electrically controlled braking system includes a first control unit and a second control unit in electrical communication via a communication link and a human machine-interface manipulatable by a vehicle operator. The human-machine interface includes a first sensor and a second sensor, the first sensor providing an input signal to the first control unit, and the second sensor providing an input signal to the second control unit. The first control unit and the second control unit compare the input signal received from the first sensor with the input signal received from the second sensor, and generate control signals at least in part based upon the input signal received from the first sensor, the input signal received from the second sensor, and the comparison of the input signal received from the first sensor with the input signal received from the second sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Products AB
    Inventor: Anders Lindqvist
  • Patent number: 7354116
    Abstract: In a brake hydraulic pressure generating device in which the brake operating force is applied to a pressure adjusting valve through a stroke simulator and the hydraulic pressure supplied from the hydraulic pressure source is adjusted to a value corresponding to the brake operating force, during return of the brakes, the return stroke before the brake hydraulic pressure begins to drop is large, so that the brake feeling is bad. This invention proposes a solution to this problem. Hysteresis is imparted to the stroke simulator so that the output hydraulic pressure of the pressure adjusting valve for the stroke of the simulator piston stroke during increase of the brake operating force will be higher than that during reduction of the brake operating force by setting the sliding resistance of the simulator piston greater than that of the input piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihito Kusano
  • Publication number: 20070267915
    Abstract: In the case of detection of any abnormality in either of a first braking system and a second braking system of a brake actuator, which causes failed pressurization of brake oil, an electronically-controlled hydraulic braking system is controlled to enable pressurization of the brake oil with a pump included in only a normal braking system, that is, only with a pump of a normal first braking system or only with a pump of a normal second braking system. Such pressurization ensures satisfaction of a braking force demand BF* required by the driver by utilizing an operational pressure or master cylinder pressure Pmc and a pressure increase induced by pressurization of the brake oil by the pump in the normal braking system (step S220 or S230 and step S210).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2007
    Publication date: November 22, 2007
    Inventors: Michihito Shimada, Shinya Kodama, Kazuya Maki
  • Patent number: 7285927
    Abstract: A relay switch for selectively connecting a power supply line of an inverter to a ground line is inserted between the inverter and a power source, and a power consumption unit such as a resistor element is inserted between the relay switch and ground line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Kuramochi, Toshio Manaka
  • Patent number: 7219966
    Abstract: A brake pedal feel simulator is provided which eliminates the simulation force during emergency, non-assisted and failure conditions. The brake pedal feel simulator generally comprises a spring, a spring seat and a spring stop. The spring is operatively connected to the brake pedal for providing the simulation force, while the spring seat receives an end of the spring. A spring stop is operable between an extended position and a retracted position to prevent and permit rearward axial translation of the spring seat. By permitting rearward axial translation of the spring seat, a simulation force provided by the spring is removed so that there is essentially no resistance to translation of the brake pedal, thereby improving the operator's ability to brake the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Continental Teves, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent Randolph Young
  • Patent number: 7215090
    Abstract: A relay switch for selectively connecting a power supply line of an inverter to a ground line is inserted between the inverter and a power source, and a power consumption unit such as a resistor element is inserted between the relay switch and ground line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuichi Kuramochi, Toshio Manaka
  • Patent number: 7150506
    Abstract: An electrically controlled braking system includes at least one control unit and first and second brake component responsive to control signals generated by the control unit. A first control network electrically connects the control unit and the first brake component, and a second control network electrically connects the control unit and the second brake component. An auxiliary control link is activatable to electrically connect the first brake component and the second brake component when a failure occurs in one of the first control network or the second control network, the auxiliary control link adapted to transmit the control signals between the first brake component and the second brake component when the failure occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Products AB
    Inventors: Peter Nilsson, Anders Lindqvist
  • Patent number: 7014277
    Abstract: In an electronic control brake system capable of controlling the braking force by adjusting the hydraulic pressure applied to each wheel cylinder through the use of a pressurization source and a hydraulic pressure adjusting portion, the hydraulic pressure applied to a wheel cylinder is increased by a pressurization source while the brake is not operated during a stop of the vehicle. After that, a master cutoff valve is opened so as to release the hydraulic pressure to a master cylinder. Changes in the master pressure are investigated via a master pressure sensor so as to determine whether there is an abnormality in a stroke simulator or a simulator cutoff valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masayuki Soga
  • Patent number: 6984001
    Abstract: A braking system includes at least one power supply, and first and second brake component each at least partially operated by electrical power. First and second power supply networks electrically connect the power supply with the first brake component and the second brake component respectively. An auxiliary power supply link is activatable to electrically connect the first brake component and the second brake component when a failure occurs in one of the first power supply network or the second power supply network, the auxiliary power supply link adapted to transmit the electrical power between the first brake component and the second brake component when the failure occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Products AB
    Inventor: Peter Nilsson
  • Patent number: 6969127
    Abstract: A sensor included in each brake system section detects the operation state of an electric parking brake in another brake system section. Based on the detected operation state, the sensor assumes the drive command that is to be output from a controller of the other brake system section to a controller of its own brake system section. The controller of one brake system receives an input of a drive command that is output from the controller of the other brake system. The controller of one brake system compares the assumed drive command (internal value) with the input drive command (input value). When the internal value and the input value do not match, the controller determines that an abnormality has occurred in the other brake system section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2005
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Suzuki, Eiji Ina
  • Patent number: 6932440
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for braking a vehicle having a vehicle brake system with a brake control device, and an engine whose torque is transmitted via a transmission to driven wheels. When there is a malfunction of the braking system and a demand for a braking operation, the transmission ratio is increased by a transmission control unit, which activates the transmission, to produce increased braking torque at the driven wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG
    Inventors: Rainer Freitag, Wilfried Huber, Armin Mueller, Harry Troester
  • Patent number: 6923510
    Abstract: A method, computer usable medium including a program, and a system for braking a vehicle during brake failure. The method and computer usable medium include the steps of determining a brake force lost corresponding to a failed brake, and determining a brake force reserve corresponding to at least one non-failed brake. At least one command brake force is determined based on the brake force lost and the brake force reserve. The at least one command brake force is applied to the at least one non-failed brake wherein at least one of an undesired yaw moment and a yaw moment rate of change are limited to predetermined values. The system includes a plurality of brake assemblies wherein a command brake force is applied to at least one non-failed brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Aleksander B. Hac
  • Patent number: 6902241
    Abstract: A brake control apparatus for controlling at least three brake devices provided for braking respective at least three wheels of an automotive vehicle which includes two wheels located on respective left and right sides of the vehicle, wherein an emergency brake control portion is provided for controlling at least two normal brake devices when at least one of the at least three brake devices is defective, such that a difference between a total left-side braking force to be generated by at least one normal brake device located on the left side of the vehicle and a total right-side braking force to be generated by the other normal brake device or devices located on the right side is made larger when operations of all of the normal brake devices in a detected running condition of the vehicle are not likely to deteriorate the vehicle running stability, than when the operations of all of the normal brake devices in the detected running condition are likely to deteriorate the vehicle running stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Takayuki Yamamoto, Seiichi Kojima, Hiroaki Aizawa, Naoki Sawada
  • Publication number: 20040254711
    Abstract: A method of operating a vehicle anti-lock brake system is disclosed. The method includes determining an ABS failure condition has occurred, configuring a failure condition operating mode of the ABS control and, finally, activating the ABS control based on the failure condition operational mode. A computer readable medium storing a computer program for operating a vehicle ABS control is also described. Computer readable code for determining that an ABS failure condition has occurred, configuring a failure condition operating mode of the ABS control, and then activating the ABS based on the failure condition operational mode is described. A vehicle including an anti-lock brake system configured for operation when a failure condition occurs is described. Operating the anti-lock brake system comprises determining an ABS failure condition has occurred, configuring a failure condition operating mode of the ABS, and activating the ABS based on the failure condition operational mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Jon T. Zumberge, Kenneth R. Buckholtz, Hendrikus T. Smakman
  • Patent number: 6823251
    Abstract: A microprocessor system for safety-critical control operations includes at least three central units which are preferably located jointly on one chip and execute the same program. Further, there is provision of read-only memories and random-access memories with additional memory locations for test data, input and output units and comparators which check the output signals of the central units for correlation. The central units are interconnected by way of bus systems and bypasses which enable the central units to jointly read and process the existing data, including the test data and commands, according to the same program. The central units are extended by redundant periphery units into two complete control signal circuits and are interconnected in such a manner that, upon failure, the faulty central unit is identified by a majority decision and an emergency operation function is maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., OHG
    Inventor: Bernhard Giers
  • Publication number: 20040119332
    Abstract: A combined spring brake modulating relay valve integrates the functions of a relay valve and a modulating valve. The housing includes a valve assembly movable in response to air pressure provided to selected ports in the housing. A relay piston selectively communicates with a control port and a primary brake circuit port. A modulating piston includes surfaces selectively pressurized by the primary brake circuit port and a secondary brake circuit port. This modulates the pressure from the delivery port to thereby selectively apply the associated spring brakes if a failure is detected at the primary brake circuit port. The exhaust member selectively controls communication between the supply and delivery ports as necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew Marsh, John Kemer, Charles Eberling, Dave Knight, Richard T. Ross
  • Publication number: 20040108769
    Abstract: During operation of a vehicle, an operator actuates a primary brake system to slow or stop the vehicle. The present invention detects when the primary brake system is not retarding vehicle motion as desired and responsively applies a secondary brake system. The secondary brake system is provided as a backup to the primary brake system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: Sameer S. Marathe
  • Publication number: 20040100146
    Abstract: In a method for operating an electronically adjustable brake actuation system for motor vehicles comprising a de-pressurized hydraulic fluid reservoir (4), a pressure source (20) that can be controlled by means of an electronic control unit (31) and whose pressure is adapted to be applied to wheel brakes (6, 7; 13, 14) of the vehicle, a device (2, 32, S1) for identifying the deceleration requested by the driver, as well as valve devices (8, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 19, 26, 27) connected upstream of the wheel brakes (6, 7; 13, 14), the wheel brakes (6, 7; 13, 14) are connectable alternatively to the pressure source (20) or to the pressure fluid reservoir (4).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventors: Bernhard Giers, Robert Schmidt, Andreas Klein, Stefan Stolzl, Ralf Junge
  • Patent number: 6701230
    Abstract: A method for monitoring the wheels (R1, R2, R3, R4) of a motor vehicle (10) for fault states, in particular for incorrect tire pressures, comprises the steps of: each wheel (E1, E2, E3, E4) to be monitored is assigned a wheel unit (E1, E2, E3, E4) which transmits data (D1, D2, D3, D4) to a central evaluation device (ECU) of the vehicle (10) at least in response to a trigger signal, the occurrence of a fault state and the wheel position (FL, FR, RL, RR) of the wheel (R1, R2, R3, R4) at which the fault state has occurred being indicated. The detection and the indication of the wheel position (FL, FR, RL, RR) of the wheel (R1, R2, R3, R4) at which the fault state has occurred can be triggered after the fault state has been indicated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Nikolas Bergerhoff, Martin Fischer
  • Patent number: 6682153
    Abstract: By a method for detecting an output-stuck fault of a car body acceleration sensor, an absolute value of a relative difference between the logical car body acceleration operated on the basis of a wheel speed and the physical car body acceleration output from a car body acceleration sensor is obtained, and the obtained absolute value of the relative difference is compared with a first rated value. When the absolute value of the relative difference exceeds the first rated value, a fail counter is made to start to count up at that point of time. When a counted value of the fail counter exceeds one second during the absolute value of the relative difference is exceeding the first rated value, the difference of the maximum value and the minimum value of the physical car body acceleration during the period is compared with a second rated value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Bosch Automotive Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Okai
  • Patent number: 6659569
    Abstract: A method and apparatus control target deceleration of a vehicle in response to a master cylinder pressure and the like. A controlled braking mode in which the pressure in each wheel cylinder is controlled based on the target deceleration, and a driver braking mode in which the pressure in each wheel cylinder is directly controlled by a master cylinder. When an abnormality in the braking control is detected, the ratio of the wheel braking force to the amount of driver's braking operation is gradually adjusted closer to the ratio set for the driver braking mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tsukasa Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 6659571
    Abstract: A vehicle has at least one electrical traction motor, at least one additional user of electrical energy, a vehicle control system and a source of electrical energy. The traction motor is effectively connected with the vehicle control system so that in the event of a failure of the source of electrical energy, the vehicle is automatically decelerated in regenerative operation and the user is supplied with electrical energy by the traction motor which is operating in the regenerative mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Udo Herrmann
  • Publication number: 20030218377
    Abstract: A pneumatic braking method and system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a brake cylinder, a reservoir, a latching exhaust valve (LEV) movable between an open position and closed position and fluidly connected between the reservoir and the brake cylinder. The LEV includes a first solenoid having a first pilot fluidly connected to the reservoir and a second solenoid having a second pilot fluidly connected to the reservoir wherein the pilots are configured to be controlled electronically and pneumatically, said selectable between electronic and pneumatic control based on the vehicle operating requirements. The solenoids are configured to be piloted with pneumatic pressure from the reservoir and an electronic controller that includes a release on failure circuit. The release on failure circuit is configured to control the LEV during at least one of a loss of power to the braking system and a failure of the electronic controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventors: Robert Lyn Moffitt, John P. Cooke, Kelly Gatson Swartz
  • Patent number: 6650989
    Abstract: A method for controlling an anti-lock braking system, intended for motor vehicles having all-wheel drive, electric signals representative of the rotational behavior of the vehicle wheels are produced and logically combined. When a locking tendency occurs, the braking pressure is controlled, and the instantaneous wheel slip, the wheel acceleration, and the wheel deceleration are evaluated as control criteria, and wherein the individual wheel speed is compared to a vehicle reference speed which is used as a reference quantity for controlling the braking pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Ralph Gronau, Dieter Burkhard
  • Patent number: 6644760
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control device is provided in which a proportional pressure control valve is actuated by operating the brake pedal to adjust the hydraulic pressure supplied from a pressure source to the wheel brakes to a value corresponding to the pedal operating amount. Also, a brake device for a vehicle using it is provided. The proportional pressure control valve is integrated with a hydraulic pressure generator to transmit the input from the brake pedal to a spool valve in the control valve through a first piston, first spring, second piston and second spring of the hydraulic pressure generator. If the pressure source or the wheel brakes in a first line fail, after the second piston has made a full stroke, brake fluid in a fluid chamber is pressurized, so that the hydraulic pressure generated is supplied to wheel brakes in a second line through a copy valve which is open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Sumitomo (SEI) Brake Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Keita Nakano, Masato Yoshino, Makoto Nishikimi
  • Patent number: 6626271
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrically operable brake system and a method for its actuation. The brake system and the method are characterized in that the service brake system can be activated by two brake operating devices which are operable by the driver independently of each other. The main advantage which results is that upon failure of a brake operating device which is e.g. configured as a brake pedal module, braking of the vehicle can be achieved by means of the service brake system by way of the second brake operating device. The additional functions intended for the service brake system, such as ABS, TCS, driving dynamics control, brake assist system, etc., may then be implemented, if so desired. The redundant design of the actuation for the service brake permits achieving a high degree of operational safety because full braking functions can be maintained even in case of emergency braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., oHG
    Inventors: Jürgen Böhm, Stefan Stölzl, Joachim Nell, Tomasz Augustyniak, Rainer Oehler
  • Publication number: 20030111898
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic brake system containing four isolation piston assemblies each of which is comprised of a cylinder, a piston, and a pair of hydraulic lines. The cylinder has only two apertures, and the piston is disposed in the cylinder. The first hydraulic line communicates between a wheel brake and a first side of the piston through one of the apertures. The second hydraulic line communicates between an accumulator and a second side of the piston through the other of the apertures. The system components are arranged in a compact, easy to manufacture package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: David F. Reuter, Jerry L. Newton, Robert S. Mattern
  • Publication number: 20030038537
    Abstract: By a method for detecting an output-stuck fault of a car body acceleration sensor, an absolute value of a relative difference between the logical car body acceleration operated on the basis of a wheel speed and the physical car body acceleration output from a car body acceleration sensor is obtained, and the obtained absolute value of the relative difference is compared with a first rated value. When the absolute value of the relative difference exceeds the first rated value, a fail counter is made to start to count up at that point of time. When a counted value of the fail counter exceeds one second during the absolute value of the relative difference is exceeding the first rated value, the difference of the maximum value and the minimum value of the physical car body acceleration during the period is compared with a second rated value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: Takayuki Okai
  • Patent number: 6502028
    Abstract: The vehicular deceleration control apparatus applies deceleration to a vehicle in accordance with the amount of operation of an accelerator. The deceleration control apparatus determines whether there is an abnormality based on a deviation between a set target deceleration and a detected actual deceleration. If an abnormality of a system is detected, the apparatus discontinues the control, and transmits a system abnormality signal to indicate the abnormality to other systems and to an operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kunihito Sato
  • Patent number: 6502014
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a control circuit for controlling the driving stability of a vehicle where the input quantities determining the course of track are input in a vehicle model circuit which determines at least on nominal value for a control quantity subject to parameters memorised in the vehicle reference model on the basis of a vehicle reference model reproducing the characteristics of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., oHG
    Inventors: Torsten Herrmann, Mile Jokic, Ulrich Lüders, Holger Duis, Ralf Endress
  • Publication number: 20020190571
    Abstract: A vehicle brake apparatus comprises brake operation detecting device for detecting an operation of a brake operating member, pressure detecting device for detecting a pressure supplied to a recirculating type hydraulic pressure modulator, and an electric motor control device. The recirculating type hydraulic pressure is disposed in a hydraulic pressure conduit between a master cylinder and a wheel brake cylinder. The electric motor control device drives an electric motor for activating a recirculating pump in response to the brake operation detected by the brake operation detecting device and the pressure detected by the pressure detecting means so that the pressure in the wheel brake cylinder is modulated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Satoshi Ishida, Masaki Oishi
  • Publication number: 20020180264
    Abstract: A pneumatic valve module for a train railcar. The pneumatic valve module operates in an electronically-controlled mode or in a conventional pneumatic controlled mode. In either mode, the valve module is responsive to a pneumatic emergency brake signal for making an emergency brake application. Also, in the electronically-controlled mode an electronic signal (supplied over a conductor or a wireless communications link) commands a controller on each railcar to apply or release the brakes. In the pneumatic-controlled mode, various reservoir pressures are measured to apply and release the brakes in response to the measured pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Moffitt
  • Patent number: 6460941
    Abstract: In a method of controlling the braking pressure variation during EBD control, during a braking operation, the vehicle deceleration is sensed and evaluated as a control criterion, and an increase in the braking pressure in the rear-wheel brakes is only permitted if the vehicle deceleration after commencement has risen above a predetermined minimum value, or if there are criteria which indicate brake fading or a brake malfunction, or if the vehicle deceleration exceeds a defined limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Markus Zenzen, Thomas Knapp, Thomas Bauer
  • Publication number: 20020113486
    Abstract: A combined spring brake modulating relay valve integrates the functions of a relay valve and a modulating valve. The housing includes a valve assembly movable in response to air pressure provided to selected ports in the housing. A relay piston selectively communicates with a control port and a primary brake circuit port. A modulating piston includes surfaces selectively pressurized by the primary brake circuit port and a secondary brake circuit port. This modulates the pressure from the delivery port to thereby selectively apply the associated spring brakes if a failure is detected at the primary brake circuit port. The exhaust member selectively controls communication between the supply and delivery ports as necessary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP
    Inventors: Andrew Marsh, John Kemer, Charles Eberling, Dave Knight, Richard T. Ross
  • Publication number: 20020113488
    Abstract: A vehicle braking system comprising an electro-hydraulic braking means of the type which operates normally in a brake-by-wire mode wherein hydraulic pressure is applied to braking devices at the vehicle wheels (18a-d) in proportion tot he driver's braking demand as sensed electronically at a brake pedal (10), and which, if the brake-by-wire mode should fail, operates in a push-through mode wherein hydraulic pressure is applied to the braking devices at the vehicle wheels (18) by way of a master cylinder (34) coupled mechanically to the brake pedal (10), and an electric parking braking means for enabling the braking devices to be actuated for parking braking purposes. For supplementing the push-through braking provided by the electro-hydraulic braking means in the event that the brake-by-wire mode has failed, it is arranged that the operation of the foot pedal (10) by the driver also causes operation of the electric parking braking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: Alan Leslie Harris
  • Patent number: 6425644
    Abstract: A braking pressure control apparatus for a hydraulically operated brake, including a first hydraulic system having a first hydraulic pressure source power-operated to pressurize a working fluid and capable of controlling the fluid pressure, for operating the brake, a second hydraulic system having a second hydraulic pressure source operable by an operating force acting on a manually operable brake operating member, to pressurize the working fluid to a pressure higher than a level corresponding to the operating force, for operating the brake, a switching device operable to selectively establish a first state in which the brake is operated with the pressurized fluid delivered from the first hydraulic pressure source, and a second state in which the brake is operated with the pressurized fluid delivered from the second hydraulic pressure source, and a diagnosing device operable to diagnose the second hydraulic system on the basis of the fluid pressure in the second hydraulic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Fumiaki Kawahata, Tetsuya Miyazaki, Hirohiko Morikawa, Akihiro Otomo
  • Patent number: 6416140
    Abstract: A brake control apparatus for controlling at least three brake devices provided for braking respective at least three wheels of an automotive vehicle which includes two wheels located on respective left and right sides of the vehicle, wherein an emergency brake control portion is provided for controlling at least two normal brake devices when at least one of the at least three brake devices is defective, such that a difference between a total left-side braking force to be generated by at least one normal brake device located on the left side of the vehicle and a total right-side braking force to be generated by the other normal brake device or devices located on the right side is made larger when operations of all of the normal brake devices in a detected running condition of the vehicle are not likely to deteriorate the vehicle running stability, than when the operations of all of the normal brake devices in the detected running condition are likely to deteriorate the vehicle running stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Denso Corporation, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takayuki Yamamoto, Seiichi Kojima, Hiroaki Aizawa, Naoki Sawada
  • Patent number: 6412883
    Abstract: A vacuum booster apparatus used for a brake apparatus positively decreases a degree of opening of a throttle valve when it is required while an unnecessary decrease in the degree of opening of the throttle valve is positively prevented. A first pressure chamber of a vacuum booster is connected to an intake pipe of the engine on a downstream side of a throttle valve. A second pressure chamber of the vacuum booster is selectively connectable to one of the first pressure chamber and atmosphere. The vacuum booster boosts an operating force applied to a brake operating member based on a pressure difference between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber. A throttle-opening-degree control device controls a negative pressure in the first pressure chamber by controlling the degree of opening of the throttle valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignees: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha, Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuji Mizutani, Motoshi Suzuki, Hirofumi Nitta
  • Publication number: 20020074854
    Abstract: A method and apparatus control target deceleration of a vehicle in response to a master cylinder pressure and the like. A controlled braking mode in which the pressure in each wheel cylinder is controlled based on the target deceleration, and a driver braking mode in which the pressure in each wheel cylinder is directly controlled by a master cylinder. When an abnormality in the braking control is detected, the ratio of the wheel braking force to the amount of driver's braking operation is gradually adjusted closer to the ratio set for the driver braking mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Tsukasa Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 6397135
    Abstract: A rear-wheel steering angle control device which improves the running stability of a vehicle by steering the rear wheels as well as the front. Based on the vehicles speed and angle of the turned front wheels, the option angle to turn the rear wheels can be determined. When the rear wheels are turned and continually monitored, the vehicles' turning radius is improved while eliminating the driver's feeling of wrongness which occurs when the rear wheel is over-turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Tokihiko Akita
  • Patent number: 6390571
    Abstract: A redundant brake control and anti-skid system is described for providing braking to a vehicle. The system includes a primary brake control assembly for performing brake control and anti-skid functions, and a secondary brake control assembly for performing brake control and anti-skid functions. A bus is provided for enabling communications between the primary brake control assembly and the secondary brake control assembly. At least one brake actuator controlled by the primary brake control assembly and at least one other brake actuator controlled by the secondary brake control assembly are included for providing braking force to wheels of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Goodrich Corporation
    Inventor: John T. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6375281
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed for regulating the braking torque generated by the braking system of a vehicle which include a friction lining, a brake surface, an actuator for displacing the friction lining by means of a medium towards he brake surface with a predetermined brake pressure in order to generate the brake torque, the method including restricting the predetermined brake pressure below a maximum brake pressure for the speed of the vehicle only when the actuator is actuated when the vehicle is traveling at a speed below a predetermined speed. Apparatus is also disclosed for carrying out the method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Volvo Lastvagnar AB
    Inventor: Dan Angerfors
  • Publication number: 20010054843
    Abstract: Two brake circuits (1, 2) each comprise at least one wheel brake (VL, VR, HL, HR), a fluid control module (38, 42, 44; 40, 46, 48; 24) for fluid pressure control at the at least one wheel brake, and at least one brake line (50, 52; 54, 56) for connecting the fluid control module to the at least one wheel brake, such that only one brake line is connected to each wheel brake. In order to increase the safety of the vehicle brake system during braking with only one intact brake circuit, according to the invention in the vehicle brake system a sensor arrangement (58) for determining failure of a brake circuit is provided, and the fluid control modules in the event of failure of a brake circuit are capable of controlling the fluid pressure at the at least one wheel brake of the intact brake circuit in such a way that the gradient of a developing yawing moment (G) of a vehicle provided with the vehicle brake system does not exceed a predetermined maximum value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 27, 2001
    Inventors: Frank Schmidt, Steven Keen, Ingo Montermann, Christoph Puderbach
  • Publication number: 20010049577
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting and compensating for wheel brake irregularities includes a unit for detecting a control signal that controls a brake actuator, a unit for detecting changes of the control signal generated by the actuator, and a unit for evaluating control signal changes. The invention provides a cost-effective solution for early identification of brake rubbing, particularly in cases where such rubbing evolves into a problem that impairs driving comfort. Furthermore, the invention has the advantage that an identified irregularity can automatically be used to eliminate the irregularity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Dirk Kesselgruber
  • Patent number: 6318819
    Abstract: Electronic brake systems are functionally split-up safety-critical real-time systems which are subject to high standards with regard to error detection and error handling. This invention describes a method and corresponding device for error handling in such systems which permits only a few defined system conditions, inclusive of a pre-check, with the transition from one system condition to the next condition only being possible if certain defined events take place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., OHG
    Inventors: Jürgen Böhm, Stefan Stölzl, Peter Willimowski, Oliver Hoffmann, Joachim Nell, Rainer Oehler