Electric Control Circuit Detail Patents (Class 303/199)
  • Patent number: 11027711
    Abstract: The anti-lock brake control device includes: a wheel motion estimator to estimate one or more of an angle, an angular velocity, and an angular acceleration of a wheel; a slip estimator to estimate a slip state of the wheel, using an estimation result of the wheel motion estimator; and an anti-lock controller to give a command for causing a brake device to reduce a braking force, in accordance with the estimated slip state of the wheel. The slip estimator includes delay compensators, such as one or a plurality of filters, which perform delay compensation for the estimation result of the wheel motion estimator. The anti-lock controller gives the command for reducing the braking force, on the basis of a result of predetermined determination including comparison of the plurality of estimation results outputted from the slip estimator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yui Masuda
  • Patent number: 9541216
    Abstract: The externally fitted control device includes an electronic control module (1), a hydraulic control module (2) and a common control enclosure (3). The hydraulic control module (2) has electromagnetic actuators (10) and control pistons (14) which are positioned on top of one another to result in a compact design which is safe to operate and can be manufactured economically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Kathrin Forster, Michael Riedhammer, Jochen Schneider, Oliver Bayer
  • Patent number: 9515346
    Abstract: An exemplary power plant assembly includes a plurality of cell stack assemblies each having a plurality of fuel cells and a manifold. A fuse includes an indicator that provides an output when the fuse interrupts an electrically conductive connection between the manifold of a first one of the cell stack assemblies and a second one of the cell stack assemblies. The electrically conductive connection includes at least a portion of the voltage of the second one of the cell stack assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventor: Wesley E. Sedlacek, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9039102
    Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein may be useful emergency braking systems for use in, for example, an aircraft. A system is disclosed that allows emergency braking without the need for a manually operated emergency brake. For example, a system is provided comprising a potentiometer in mechanical communication with a brake pedal, a first electronic switch in electrical communication with the potentiometer, a second electronic switch indicating a displacement of the brake pedal, wherein a brake control valve opens in response to the first electronic switch, and wherein a shutoff valve opens in response to the second electronic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: GOODRICH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eric D. Cahill, Paul R. Burte
  • Patent number: 8733847
    Abstract: An asymmetrical electric braking architecture for aircraft, having plural electro-mechanical brake actuators (EBAs) for selectively applying a braking force on friction elements of braked wheels. The architecture comprises (1) a brake control unit (BCU) for acting in normal mode to generate braking setpoint values in response to a braking order, (2) electro-mechanical actuator controllers (EMACs), each including at least one inverter for supplying power to the EBAs in response to the braking setpoint values, (3) at least one emergency brake power and control unit (EBPCU) including at least one inverter for supplying power to some of the EBAs in response to a braking order; and (4) protection means for channeling power supplied by the EMACs or the EBPCU towards the actuators while preventing power from being diverted towards the architecture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
    Inventors: Julien Thibault, Emmanuel Colin
  • Patent number: 8727453
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure control apparatus has an electromagnetic valve having a valve body forced to one side by an elastic member and a coil driving the valve body to the other side; a hydraulic pressure control section for calculating a command current value to drive the electromagnetic valve and controlling a hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic circuit by opening/closing the electromagnetic valve; a current detection section detecting a value of the current passing through the coil; and a command current value correction section. The command current value correction section detects a change of an inductance of the coil when the valve body moves from the one side to the other side or from the other side to the one side through the current detection section, and corrects the command current value using the detected inductance change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Norihiro Saita, Taichi Shibata, Masamichi Imamura, Shinichiro Nishida, Satoshi Doi, Tadaharu Yokota
  • Patent number: 8646853
    Abstract: To provide a train braking device including a controller that controls a brake cylinder pressure acting on a brake cylinder based on a service brake command or an emergency brake command, the train braking device includes a supply valve for supplying compressed air to the brake cylinder and an exhaust valve for adjusting a pressure of the supplied compressed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuharu Itano, Hiroshi Yamada, Etsuji Matsuyama, Hiroshi Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 8626415
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic braking system (50) for motor vehicles (60), having at least one wheel brake (7, 8, 9, 10) actuated by an electromechanical actuator (11, 12), wherein the electromechanical actuator (11, 12) is associated with an electronic control and/or regulating unit (WCU) (18, 19, 20) in which a data processing program for controlling and/or regulating the electromechanical actuator (11, 12) is executed. The system further having a data bus, in particular a CAN data bus, associated with the electronic control and/or regulating unit (ECU) (18, 19, 20). In the braking system a temporal coordination is achieved between an electronic control and regulating unit (18, 19, 20) associated with an electromechanical actuator (11, 12) and an additional control and regulating unit of the braking system. This end, the loop time of the data processing program for controlling and/or regulating the electromechanical actuator (11, 12) may be altered via the data bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Bernd Geyer, Kai Schade
  • Patent number: 8585158
    Abstract: A control circuit selectively energizes a load, such as an elevator or escalator brake (12). The circuit includes a transformer (28) with a primary-winding connected to a series with a semiconductor switch (40) that is driven by a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller. Power to the PWM controller is supplied through safety relay contacts (52A, 52B). When the load is to be energized, the safety relay contacts are closed and the PWM controller drives the semiconductor switch to supply energy through the transformer to the secondary circuit. A command signal to secondary circuitry (64) causes power in the secondary to be applied to the load (12). If the safety relay contacts open, the PWM controller turns off and power is no longer delivered to the secondary circuit and the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Juergen Gewinner, Marvin Dehmlow
  • Publication number: 20130033098
    Abstract: In an electronic control unit having a metallic control block in which a plurality of control equipments are installed, a metallic cover member fitted onto the metallic control block, and an electronic control mechanism retained between the control block and the cover member to drive the control equipments, the electronic control mechanism includes: a bus bar constituent made of a resin material and having a power electronic circuit to drive the control equipments; and a print board to control the drive of the control equipments via the bus bar constituent, the print board on which a plurality of electronic parts are mounted being fixed onto the bus bar constituent by means of a metallic fixture section and an electrically conducting section being disposed to electrically conduct the control block to the cover member to provide the same electric potential for both of the cover member and the control block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuaki Nagashima, Ryota Takagi, Susumu Kaneko
  • Patent number: 8348355
    Abstract: A circuit arrangement for switching two backup valves in a rear axle module of an electronic brake system of a utility vehicle is provided, in which the circuit arrangement includes a switch at which pulse width modulation for controlling magnetic fields of inductors of the two backup valves is applied, and a diode for a slow discharge of the two backup valves in correlation with a predetermined operating state of the two backup valves, in which the diode is connected in parallel with two branches, each containing an inductor of the two backup valves, of the circuit arrangement, and in which the diode switches the two backup valves simultaneously in correlation with the predetermined operating state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Thomas Feucht
  • Patent number: 8152247
    Abstract: A wheel brake for an aircraft, the brake comprising a support (2) that receives at least one electromechanical actuator (1) fitted with a pusher (8) facing friction elements (3) and movable under drive from an electric motor (6) to apply a braking force selectively against the friction elements. The actuator is non-reversible such that a reaction force applied on the pusher cannot cause the electric motor to turn, and the actuator is associated with elements (30, 31, 32, 33, 34) for selectively switching off an electric power supply to the electric motor, which elements allow power to be delivered to the actuator in normal circumstances, and switch off the power if (a) the measured speed of rotation (wmes) of the electric motor drops below a first predetermined threshold (S1); and (b) the commanded speed of rotation ( ?) of the electric motor drops below a second predetermined threshold (S2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti-Dowty
    Inventor: Emmanuel Colin
  • Patent number: 8113596
    Abstract: A solenoid valve for a brake system, which has a simple constitution and can be easily manufactured with reduced manufacturing costs, is disclosed. A valve core is formed in a cylindrical shape, and has a through-hole formed in a longitudinal direction of the valve core and a fluid passage formed in a radial direction of the valve core so as to communicate with the through-hole. A sleeve is coupled to an outer surface of the valve core. The sleeve has a dome-shaped shielding portion at one end, and a flange portion to be fixed to a modulator block at the other end. An armature is slidably mounted in the sleeve. An exciting coil is provided to move the armature. A valve seat is fixed in the valve core, and has a first orifice. A plunger is mounted in the valve core. The plunger moves by movement of the armature to open or close the first orifice. A restoring spring is provided to press the plunger toward the armature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventors: Sang Cheol Lee, Chung Jae Lee, Dong Il Seo
  • Patent number: 7992947
    Abstract: A method for activating a two-stage switching valve including a first stage which has a small flow cross-section and a second stage which has a larger flow cross section, the switching valve being situated between a main brake cylinder and a hydraulic pump in a hydraulic brake system. The pressure equalization knock on opening the switching valve is substantially reduced by activating the switching valve in a first control phase via a control signal having a low amplitude, due to which only the first stage of the valve is first opened, and by activating the valve in a second phase via a control signal having a higher amplitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Kaestner, Thomas Bruex, Andreas Grimm, Otmar Bussmann
  • Patent number: 7887144
    Abstract: In order to improve an electronic system for a motor vehicle which comprises an electronic controller which is coupled via an electronic communication system to electronic controllers of other electronic systems of the vehicle in order to co-operate through data exchanges with the other electronic systems of the vehicle, wherein electronic sensor devices for controlling and/or regulating operating states of the vehicle detect quantities which are related to the operating states of the vehicle, so as to obtain cost and functional advantages, it is proposed that at least one of the electronic sensor devices be accommodated in one of the electronic controllers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Volker Braschel
  • Patent number: 7857400
    Abstract: An electrical, decentralized braking system includes at least four sensors for sensing the actuation of a brake actuating device; one braking module for each vehicle wheel, for acquiring sensor data and for controlling braking of the wheel; at least one first communication device with which all braking modules are connected to one another for the exchange of data; an electrical connecting device by which each sensor is connected to at least one braking module; and at least one further communication device for receiving and/or exchanging data between at least two braking modules of different sides of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Reinhard Weiberle, Udo Koegel
  • Patent number: 7580784
    Abstract: A method and device for determining a longitudinal inclination variable representing the longitudinal inclination of a roadway, using a sensor “means” present in a motor vehicle, in which a first unbraked driving state of the vehicle and a second driving state of the motor vehicle in which at least one brake is actuated are considered; and as a function thereof the variable representing the longitudinal inclination of the roadway is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Mario Schmidt, Joerg Grieser
  • Publication number: 20090189441
    Abstract: A brake system including a communication bus, a sensor including an integral star coupler, the star coupler being in communication with the communication bus, wherein the sensor generates a sensor signal, a first electronic control unit directly connected to the sensor to directly receive the sensor signal, the first electronic control unit being in communication with the communication bus, and a second electronic control unit in communication with the communication bus, wherein the second electronic control unit receives the sensor signal over the communication bus by way of the star coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Paul Degoul, Robert J. Disser
  • Patent number: 7524000
    Abstract: A system and procedures for controlling a brake status indicator for an aircraft having an electric brake system are disclosed. Electric activation and deactivation of the brake status indicator mimics that of legacy hydraulic brake systems. The control methodology obtains brake force data that indicates actual clamping force of the electric brake actuators, parking brake lever status data that indicates whether the parking brake lever is raised or lowered, and parking brake activation data that indicates whether the parking brake mechanisms are active or inactive. The individual indicator elements of the brake status indicator are independently and concurrently controlled using multiple processing modules/channels of the electric brake system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: David T. Yamamoto, Neil T. Rapues, Tanong Nalamliang
  • Patent number: 7380891
    Abstract: A power supply apparatus for a vehicle. An electronic controller outputs information for controlling braking of a vehicle. A battery supplies electric power to a brake via the electronic controller. A power supply backup unit as an auxiliary power supply includes a capacitor unit formed of a plurality of capacitors and a detection unit for detecting an abnormality in the capacitor unit, and supplies electric power to the brake when the battery is in an abnormal state. In charging or discharging the capacitor unit, the detection unit measures an internal resistance value of the capacitor unit, and measures an internal capacitance value from the rate of change of voltage per unit time. The detection unit judges whether or not the capacitor unit is in a normal state based on the internal resistance value and the internal capacitance value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Ohashi, Yousuke Mitani
  • Publication number: 20080093921
    Abstract: A device for actuating shoe brakes, particularly for rail or tram vehicles, comprising elements for actuating at least one brake shoe of a rail or tram vehicle, powered by battery voltage and powered by a bank of supercapacitors arranged in parallel to the actuation elements, the bank of supercapacitors being controlled and charged by a dedicated circuit, which is connected to the battery, insulation elements being provided in order to insulate the actuation elements from the battery when the actuation elements are powered by the discharge of the bank of supercapacitors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Roland Alfred Di Centa
  • 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: 7344207
    Abstract: An apparatus for preventing untimely braking, which apparatus is specially adapted to an electromechanical brake including at least one actuator having a pusher suitable for being moved by an electric motor controlled by a control module so as to press a stack of disks in controlled manner, The apparatus is provided with a power switch disposed on a power line for powering the electric motor of the actuator, the power switch being controlled by a control logic circuit that places the power switch by default in an open state, and that places the power switch in a closed state only in response to a braking confirmation signal not coming from the control module of the actuator and independent therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Messier-Bugatti
    Inventor: Jérôme Sibre
  • Patent number: 7293842
    Abstract: An electrical control network is laid over one or more vehicle dynamics control and/or ride control systems of a heavy vehicle, which control network controls actuation of components thereof. The invention offers many advantages including reduction of components, simplified design, unified communication for numerous different types of system components, simplified resolution of conflicts between competing control strategies, expandability to additional vehicle systems, and flexibility to upgrade for new, improved vehicle control schemes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Bale, Robert David Prescott, Peter Nilsson, Anders Lindqvist
  • Publication number: 20070222290
    Abstract: A braking device for an electrically driven rotor comprises a drive signal generating circuit for an electrically driven rotor, an output stage, a motor for the electrically driven rotor, driven by the output stage, and a monitor circuit for detecting interruption of an electric power supply for the motor. The output stage has a MOSFET of an upper stage side and a MOSFET of a lower side, and a diode inserted between a gate of the MOSFET of the lower stage side and the electric power supply. An electromagnetic brake is generated and applied on the electrically driven rotor when the MOSFET of the upper stage side is turned OFF and the MOSFET of the lower stage side is turned ON by a control signal from the monitor circuit, and an exciter coil of the motor is shorted when the electric power supply is interrupted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Publication date: September 27, 2007
    Inventor: Shuichi Matsuhashi
  • Patent number: 7213891
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for providing protection against untimely braking, the device being specially adapted to an electromechanical brake including at least one actuator having a pusher suitable for being displaced by means of an electric motor controlled by a control module so as to press in controlled manner against a stack of disks, in which the device comprises a safety member suitable for being placed in a first state in which it prevents the pusher from being displaced by the electric motor, and a second state in which it leaves the pusher free to be displaced by the electric motor, the safety member being controlled by a control logic circuit which by default places the safety member in the first state and places the safety member in the second state only in response to the simultaneous presence of an order coming from the control module and a confirmation signal that does not come from the control module and that is independent thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Assignee: Messier Bugatti
    Inventor: Jérômė Sibre
  • 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: 7137674
    Abstract: A method of generating a reverse driving signal for a vehicle includes the step of activating an actuator, such as a vehicle stop light switch, a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period of time. A braking system for a vehicle includes an actuator, such as a stop light switch that is actuatable to provide a reverse driving signal indicative of brake pedal operation, an ECU that is electrically connected with the actuator for receiving the reverse driving signal, and a vehicle accessory, such as a back-up alarm, that is electrically connected with the ECU, the ECU being controlled as a function of the reverse driving signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC
    Inventor: Hermann J. Goebels
  • Patent number: 7052093
    Abstract: An electric parking brake system includes motors, parking brakes, current a detection portion, a drive circuit, and a controller. The parking brakes are driven by the motors to apply braking force to wheels. The current detection portion detects the amount of current supplied to the motors. The drive circuit supplies a constant predetermined voltage to the motors. The controller controls supply of electricity to the motors. The drive circuit is controlled by the controller. When a detected current value exceeds a predetermined value, the controller stop supplying electricity to the motors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2006
    Assignee: Asmo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hidetoshi Suzuki, Eiji Ina
  • Patent number: 6997520
    Abstract: The system utilizes two bi-directional transmission lines which extend parallel to and spaced form one another along the train; a control unit operating as a main unit installed on the main engine is connected to the transmission lines and to brake control systems or devices for the train; a plurality of slave control units, each of which is installed on a respective carriage or wagon, are connected to both transmission lines, to solenoid valve units associated with pneumatic brake actuators, and to sensor devices associated with the carriage or wagon. The main control unit and the slave control units are arranged to communicate with one another via the transmission lines according to a predetermined serial protocol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignees: SAB WABCO S.p.A., Alstom Transport S.A.
    Inventors: Dario Barberis, Roberto Tione
  • 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: 6959968
    Abstract: An electrical control network is laid over one or more vehicle dynamics control and/or ride control systems of a heavy vehicle, which control network controls actuation of components thereof. The invention offers many advantages including reduction of components, simplified design, unified communication for numerous different types of system components, simplified resolution of conflicts between competing control strategies, expandability to additional vehicle systems, and flexibility to upgrade for new, improved vehicle control schemes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Haldex Brake Products Ltd.
    Inventors: Paul Bale, Robert David Prescott
  • Patent number: 6923514
    Abstract: An Electronic Brake Control System having four channels and three wheel speed sensors. The wheel speed sensors include a pair or speed sensors for monitoring the speeds of the individual front wheels and a single speed sensors for monitoring the speed of both rear wheels. The system monitors front wheel speeds during wheel acceleration and, upon detecting excessive slippage of one of the front wheels and the rear axle, applies the front and rear wheel brakes on the side of the slipping front wheel to transfer driving torque to the side of vehicle with a higher coefficient of road surface friction. Alternately, with a four wheel drive vehicle, both rear wheel brakes can be applied to transfer driving torque to the front wheels. The system also senses vehicle parameters during turning maneuvers and, upon detecting an understeer situation, the system is operative to apply one of the rear wheel brakes to correct the undeersteer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Arnold H. Spieker, Frank Lubischer
  • Patent number: 6908161
    Abstract: An antilock brake control system for a vehicle including normally-opened solenoid valves, normally-closed solenoid valves, and diodes. Each of the normally-opened solenoid valves is switched over among a turned-on state in which a predetermined first electric current is permitted to flow through the coil, a turned-off state in which the supply of the electric current to the coil is topped, and a middle state in which a second electric current lower than the first electric current is permitted to flow. In addition, the system includes a switch that is maintained in an electrically disconnecting state during shifting of each of the normally-opened solenoid valves from the turned-on state to the middle state, until the shifting is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiromi Inagaki, Masaru Gotoh, Hidetoshi Kobori
  • Patent number: 6871917
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for controlling electromagnetically operable valves of an electrohydraulic brake system for motor vehicles of the ‘brake-by-wire’ type having an electronic control or regulation unit that comprises at least one valve driver stage. In order to ensure maximum possible availability of the electronically controlled system functions, especially with a view to achieving a short stopping distance and a sufficient degree of vehicle stability regardless of the vehicle type or of whether the vehicle is loaded or unloaded, according to the present invention, the control and regulation unit includes two additional valve driver stages associated with which is a first and a second group of valves, the said driver stages being used to disable the first or the second group when malfunction occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Bernhard Giers, Robert Schmidt, Stefan Stölzl, Ralf Junge
  • Patent number: 6817681
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electro-hydraulic brake system for motor vehicles which is controllable in a ‘brake-by-wire’ operating mode by the vehicle operator as well as independently of the vehicle operator, and which can be operated in a back-up operational mode where only operation by the vehicle operator is possible. The brake system includes an emergency pressure generator or master brake cylinder which has at least one pressure chamber and is operable by way of a brake pedal, and a hydraulic auxiliary pressure source whose pressure is used to act upon wheel brakes that are connectable to the master brake cylinder by way of at least one hydraulic connection closable by a separating valve, as well as an electronic control and regulating unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., oHG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Fey, Georg Fachinger, Mario Engelmann, Andreas Klein, Peter Schubert
  • Publication number: 20040150260
    Abstract: An antilock brake control system for a vehicle includes normally-opened solenoid valves and normally-closed solenoid valves, and diodes each capable of exhibiting a function of slowly decreasing an electric current supplied to a coil of each of the normally-opened solenoid valves when the supply of the electric current to the coil has been cut off. Each of the normally-opened solenoid valves is controlled so that it is switched over among a turned-on state in which a predetermined first electric current is permitted to flow through the coil, a turned-off state in which the supply of the electric current to the coil is topped, and a middle state in which a second electric current lower than the first electric current is permitted to flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventors: Hiromi Inagaki, Masaru Gotoh, Hidetoshi Kobori
  • Patent number: 6719377
    Abstract: A method and device for driving a pump of a brake system, in which a pump motor achieves full drive for a particular time following a braking request from the brake system. During the subsequent clocked driving action, a drive signal is subjected to a pulse width modulation based on a direct comparison between a motor voltage and a voltage threshold value. Due to a subsequent comparison between the motor voltage and a safety threshold, and the resulting full drive for the particular time, an increased load on the pump causes the pump to produce the necessary delivery capacity. In addition, a selectable maximum off-time of the pump motor guarantees a minimum pump on-time per drive cycle. The pump can be made to achieve full drive prematurely as a function of certain conditions which can be subjected to a preventive check, thereby avoiding an excessively high load. It is also possible to coordinate the way in which different control strategies access the pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2004
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Zimmermann, Oliver Lah, Helmut Wandel
  • Patent number: 6698848
    Abstract: The time reset safety timer circuit eliminates approximately half of the external interfaces of the prior art safety timers. The prior art safety timers depend on vehicle axle speeds, brake indications, and/or trainline signals to initiate a safety timer reset. The time reset safety timer circuit in the present invention uses only internal information to initiate a safety timer reset. This simplifies the circuitry of the time reset safety timer circuit, which improves the reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: John H. Corvin, Richard J. Mazur, James A. Wood
  • Publication number: 20030234575
    Abstract: An anti-lock brake system for a tri-axle wheeled vehicle equipped with wheel speed sensors and modulators for adjusting brake pressure. The modulators are actuated by a six-channel electronic control unit. The modulators associated with the front axle of the vehicle are individually actuated. The modulators associated with the two rear axles of the vehicle are side-by-side or axle modulators, each actuated jointly by respective end stages of the six channels. The electronic control unit detects whether the anti-lock brake system in which it is installed is a compatible anti-lock brake system. An error signal indicating improper installation is delivered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: Gerhard Ruhnau, Gerald Stanusch
  • Patent number: 6647334
    Abstract: An arithmetic and control unit includes a monitor unit which counts a cycle time by receiving diagnostic pulses and generates an overflow bit that takes on a prescribed state value when it decides that the cycle time is larger than a prescribed overflow decision time and outputs it after a lapse of a prescribed time, and outputs a pulse-form reset signal as an active level during a prescribed time when the overflow bit is a prescribed state value. Also included is a control unit which generates a diagnostic pulse at every execution of a unit control during control operation and is reactivated upon receipt of active level of a reset signal, and receives and stores the overflow bit at every activation including a reactivation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Elesys Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Katsutoshi Kizaki
  • Patent number: 6516701
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake force booster for automotive vehicles which includes a booster housing whose interior space is subdivided by a movable wall into a working chamber and a vacuum chamber, and a control housing which carries the movable wall and in which a control valve is arranged for controlling a pressure differential that acts upon the movable wall, the said control valve being operable by an operating rod by way of a valve piston and by an electromagnet. According to the present invention, the brake force booster is characterized in that the electromagnet is actuatable in dependence on the relative displacement between the valve piston and the control housing detected by a sensor. This arrangement makes possible a very simple control of a brake assist function because the signal of the sensor can be used both for the activation and the deactivation of the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., OHG
    Inventors: Peter Drott, Michael Vogt, Hans-Jörg Feigel, Jose Gonzales, Horst Krämer, Thorsten Neu
  • Publication number: 20030025390
    Abstract: A solenoid drive circuit is provided with an energization controller that controls the energization/de-energization of a coil and is disposed either between a power source and the coil or between the coil and ground. A diode allows electric current to flow toward the power source and is connected between the power source and ground while bypassing the coil. A switch is provided either between the power source and the diode or between the diode and ground. Therefore, it is possible to easily switch between a state in which the electric current flowing through the coil is gradually reduced and a state in which the electric current flowing through the coil is rapidly reduced by switching over between conduction and cutoff of the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Hiromi Inagaki, Hideki Hiratsuka, Hidetoshi Kobori
  • Publication number: 20020158511
    Abstract: An electrical system architecture for a vehicle brake by wire system provides three electrical power sources: an electric generator, an electric power storage device such as a battery, and a third source which may be either an electric generator or storage device. An electric circuit has a common node and (1) connects the first electric generator to the common node through a first diode, (2) connects the first electric power storage device to the common node through a second diode, (3) connects the electric power source to the common node through one of the first and second diodes, and (4) connects the common node to the electric power inputs of control units through circuit breaker devices. A sub-circuit within the electric circuit interconnects the first and second diodes, the common node and the first and second circuit breaker devices and isolates them within a zone protected from short circuits to points outside the zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Ernst Severin Baumgartner, Bryan Peter Riddiford, Brandon S. Vivian
  • Patent number: 6412880
    Abstract: A combined power supply and electronic control circuit uses existing power supply wires to communicate ABS control signals between individual electronic control units, mounted at each wheel of a tractor and a trailer, and a central electronic control module. The central electronic control module communicates with the wheel mounted electronic control modules using low voltage hi-frequency AC carrier signals. Each wheel mounted electronic control unit is assigned a signature voltage and frequency, permitting simultaneous communications by all of the wheel mounted electronic control units with the central electronic control module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Honeywell Commercial Vehicle Systems Co.
    Inventors: David R. Knechtges, James E. Francesangeli
  • Publication number: 20020074857
    Abstract: An anti-lock braking system includes a speed sensor and a central processing unit (“CPU”). The speed sensor includes a motion sensor, an integral processing unit (“IPU”), and a housing which surrounds the motion sensor and the IPU. The motion sensor produces an analog signal as a function of a movement of an object, and the IPU converts the analog signal to a digital signal within the speed sensor. The IPU of the speed sensor transmits the digital signal to the CPU as a function of the analog signal received from the motion sensor. The CPU achieves an anti-lock braking action of the object as a function of the digital signal received from the IPU of the speed sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: John Babico, Pierre Abboud
  • Patent number: 6364436
    Abstract: A brake control device has a master cylinder, wheel cylinder, and a solenoid valve disposed in a conduit between the master cylinder and the wheel cylinder. When a brake pedal happens to be returned at sudden braking, at an idle stop or at vehicle stop on a sloping road, the solenoid valve is controlled at a duty rate based on a difference between a peak value of master cylinder and an actual value of master cylinder reducing so that wheel cylinder pressure is held to a value higher than master cylinder pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Mamoru Sawada
  • Patent number: 6341826
    Abstract: An antiskid brake system for an automotive vehicle is provided which includes a parameter determining circuit and a braking condition determining circuit. The parameter determining circuit determines a parameter reflecting on brake torque applied to a wheel of the vehicle. The braking condition determining circuit compares the phase of a change in speed of the wheel with the phase of a change in the parameter to determine a phase delay of the change in speed of the wheel and determines the braking condition based on the phase delay, thereby allowing a wheel skid used in the antiskid brake control precisely without employing parameters such as vehicle speed and wheel speed as employed in conventional antiskid brake systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuyoshi Onogi
  • Publication number: 20010052727
    Abstract: Braking systems including integrated control circuitry and sensors for measuring the pressure and temperature of the brake system and for determining various status information and performance parameters of the braking system and other related systems, such as tire and suspension systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2001
    Publication date: December 20, 2001
    Inventor: William R. Betts