Abstract: An anti-lock braking system (ABS) for multi-axle vehicles equipped with multiple wheel-speed sensors and modulators for adjustment of braking pressure. The brake cylinder for each wheel may be controlled by an individual modulator, or, alternatively, a single common supply axle modulator may regulate both brake cylinders of an axle. In a preferred embodiment, the ABS is controlled by an ABS electronic control unit (ECU), which has four regulating channels with four corresponding end stages for controlling three modulators, where one of the modulators is commonly regulated by two end stages. The ECU also detects whether it is coupled to a proper ABS. The ABS electronic control unit eliminates the danger of an undetected installation of an ABS electronic control unit into an incompatible anti-lock braking system.

Abstract: A method and device prevents damage to a vehicle approaching an obstacle, such as, for example, a loading ramp, while traveling in reverse. When a vehicle, particularly a vehicle train consisting of a towing vehicle and a trailer or semi-trailer, approaches an obstacle in reverse travel, there exists the possibility that the vehicle may impact the obstacle as a result of an erroneous estimation or inappropriate driving maneuver, potentially resulting in damage to the vehicle and/or to the obstacle. This problem occurs with relative frequency, particularly when approaching a loading ramp. In accordance with the invention, the driver of the vehicle is assisted during reverse travel such that damage due to excessive impact is automatically avoided, independently of the driver's actions. A distance sensor is installed on the vehicle, near the tail, which transmits a signal representative of the distance from an obstacle to an electronic control device.

Abstract: An evaluation method for an inductive displacement sensor first temperature-compensates a measured sensor value, and then calibrates same. The temperature compensation is carried out iteratively, utilizing two temperature dependent functions. The first function is based on the temprature-dependency of the measured sensor value, and the second function is based on the dependency of the temperature coefficient of the sensor model used. For a clutch sensor application, a calibration line is defined by two calibration points, which represent a completely engaged state and a just disengaged state, respectively. Continuous measurement of the displacement of an engaged clutch indicates the wear status of the clutch, so that a warning can be transmitted to the driver when the clutch lining has reached a predetermined thickness.

Abstract: A method of shortening response time during a gear shifting operation process is applicable to a semi-automatic, electronically controlled transmission of motor vehicles, in particular utility vehicles, takes into account a driver's reaction time to reduce delay in clutch re-engagement. To initiate a gear-shifting operation in such a transmission, the driver actuates a shifting command emitter and at the same time disengages a clutch typically by depressing a clutch pedal. In response thereto, a newly selected gear is engaged in the transmission by an electronic system using outside force assistance, for example compressed fluid. The driver is informed via an acknowledgment device when the clutch can be properly engaged once more.

Abstract: A process to prevent a vehicle, such as a tractor-trailer, from overturning while negotiating a curve recognizes the potential for overturning, and automatically activates a preventive braking process. In addition, the automatic braking process is terminated in a timely fashion to avoid overbraking the vehicle. This is accomplished by subjecting at least one wheel on the inside of the curve to a relatively weak braking force during the automatic braking process, and by adjusting the braking parameters in accordance with the vehicle's response characteristics.

Abstract: An electric contact plug receives a tip jack input at a plug-in zone, and completes the electrical connection via a connection zone to an electronic component, such as a printed circuit board. The electric contact plug also includes an intermediate zone, connected between the plug-in zone and the connection zone. The intermediate zone is designed to deform mechanically when the plug-in zone is subjected to vibrational stresses, as typically occur in a motor vehicle. As a result, the tip jack is held securely within the plug-in zone, while the intermediate zone absorbs the effects of the vibrational stresses. Thus, the inventive electric contact plug avoids the problems of friction and corrosion within the plug-in zone. Moreover, this electric contact plug is compatible with thick-wire bonding, and can be manufactured economically.

Abstract: A measurement method for a mechatronics apparatus, which includes an electromagnetically actuated component, an electronic control circuit, and at least one sensor, is selectively timed to minimize electromagnetic interference between the electromagnetically actuated component and the sensor(s). This is accomplished by restricting a sensor measurement to a time window, during which time the electromagnetically actuated component either has no current flow, or has a current change magnitude that is lower than a predetermined limit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for determining the driving condition of a vehicle, especially in the event of failure or absence of a speed sensor. For this purpose, the spring travels between a vehicle body and vehicle axles are continuously sampled. From the measured spring-travel values, the mean values or the sums are formed for each vehicle axle. From these mean values or sums, the number of local extrema within a predefinable observation period is determined. Thereafter, the frequency of the local extrema and thus the frequency of the vertical relative motion between vehicle body and vehicle axle are determined. The determined frequency of the local extrema is compared with a predefinable frequency threshold value, which defines a stationary condition of the vehicle, a moving condition of the vehicle being indicated if this threshold value is exceeded.

Abstract: A method for controlling a transmission of an engine-driven vehicle having a plurality of gears, the vehicle including a service module actuable by a driver of the vehicle to select a desired gear, the service module being connected to a transmission control system which automatically changes gears in response to actuation of the service module, the vehicle further including an engine braking system connected to the transmission control system which is actuable to brake the vehicle engine during a gear change, the method comprising: monitoring the transmission input rotational speed (NE) and the transmission output rotational speed (NA); calculating a synchronous rotational speed (NE) of the desired gear; actuating the engine braking system to reduce the rotational input speed (NE) and synchronize it with the synchronous rotational speed (NS) so that the desired gear change can be effected; and disabling the engine braking system when a predetermined switch-off threshold is reached at a point in time before a

Abstract: A method and apparatus for data exchange between a towing vehicle and an attached trailer uses radio contact via transmission/receiving modules contained in the towing vehicle and in the trailer. To recognize that the towing vehicle and the trailer are connected, the transmission/receiving module of the towing vehicle transmits an identification signal, and at the same time, changes the electrical status of a connection line between the towing vehicle and the trailer. If the transmission/receiving module located in the trailer recognizes the change in the electrical status of the connection line simultaneously with receiving the transmitted identification signal, the identification signal is stored within the trailer. In subsequent communications between the towing vehicle and the trailer, the identification signal is always transmitted before the message. As such, only the attached trailer, with the appropriate stored identification signal, can communicate with its towing vehicle.

Abstract: A method for communicating a wheel speed sensor fault in an anti-lock braking system (ABS) for a road vehicle, especially for an ABS with voltage supply controlled by the brake light switch, is provided. If, during monitoring of the wheel speed sensors, a sensor fault is detected in at least one of the sensors, a warning light is actuated and a sensor fault bit is set in the ABS fault memory. The already lighted warning light is turned off and the sensor fault bit is deleted only when the wheel speed sensor in question delivers, at a predefined (low) vehicle limit speed, a voltage signal having an amplitude greater than a predefined voltage threshold.

Abstract: A hydraulic braking system for wheel-borne devices permits brake actuation independent of operator-actuation of a normal brake valve. A braking circuit includes a flow line, a return line, and one or more wheel brakes. An electrically actuated valve system is installed parallel to the brake valve, which connects the wheel brakes to the flow line when actuated, and closes off the return line. Motor vehicles represent an important area of application for the invention.

Abstract: A pre-engagement unit for a braking pressure modulator for a pressure regulating circuit of an electronic braking system includes an electrically actuated valve system with three substantially identical 2/2-way solenoid valves. First and second terminals of the 2/2-way solenoid valves are selectively connected to the pneumatic inlets and output terminals of the pre-engagement unit, and to each other so that the first 2/2-way valve serves as an air admission valve for supply pressure, the second 2/2-way solenoid valve serves as an air admission/exhaust valve for redundancy pressure, and the third 2/2-way solenoid valve serves as an exhaust valve. Thereby, the pressure in the pressure regulating circuit can be increased, decreased, or maintained. Desirably, the first, second, and third 2/2-way solenoid valves are connected in parallel to each other.

Abstract: A valve system for the pre-engagement unit of a vehicle braking pressure modulator contains solenoid valves, which are controlled by an electronic braking system. Pneumatic pressure is fed into a brake cylinder on the vehicle wheels via a pressure regulating channel of the pre-engagement unit. The solenoid valves are configured as cartridge solenoid valves, so that assembly is simplified, and utilization of elastic tolerance compensating elements is unnecessary. A preferred embodiment includes three cylinder bodies connected end-to-end with no increase in cylinder diameter. This embodiment enables the use of identical armatures and identical magnet coils for different valve types, such as 3/2-way solenoid valves or 2/2-way solenoid valves. Also, these valves may be configured as normally open or normally closed, with identical outside dimensions. As such, three cartridge solenoid valves can be combined into a compact triple valve cartridge unit that further simplifies the assembly process.

Abstract: A process for the automatic regulation of the distance between a vehicle to be regulated and another vehicle is employed in a vehicle which has a distance regulating device and a braking system which is actuable by the distance regulating device. When the distance regulating device emits a brake actuation signal to the braking system, a brake control device actuates the brakes thereby regulating the distance between the vehicle to be regulated and the other vehicle. Prior to emitting the brake actuation signal, the distance regulating device emits a braking readiness signal to the braking system thereby causing the braking system to assume a braking readiness state. The distance regulating device emits the braking readiness signal when it detects, based on the travel and road conditions surrounding the vehicle to be regulated, that braking will occur shortly.

Abstract: A process for preventing overturning of a utility vehicle equipped with an ABS or EBS braking system comprises: (a) detecting the load on two corresponding wheels on each side of the vehicle; (b) when the vehicle is traveling in a curve to the left or right, determining the lateral acceleration of the vehicle; (c) simultaneously determining the change in load value for the inner of the two corresponding wheels at that lateral acceleration value; (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) for a curve in the other direction; (e) from the lateral acceleration value and the associated changes in load values, determining and storing limit acceleration values for curves to the left and to the right, which limit acceleration values represent the lateral acceleration of the vehicle as it travels in a curve to the left or to the right which result in no load on an inner wheel of the vehicle; (f) continuously monitoring the lateral acceleration the vehicle; and (g) when the lateral acceleration of vehicle as it travels in

Abstract: A method for controlling a transmission in a motor vehicle by operation of a transmission control system which evaluates the actuating wishes of the driver and by an electrical/pneumatic adjusting device, permits rapid shifting of gears in a non-synchronized transmission. In certain cases, for example when traveling uphill, the speed of the vehicle may decrease by the end of the gear changing process to such an extent that an engagement of the gear selected by the driver would lead to a drop below the engine idling speed. Similarly, the corollary applies to the highest acceptable engine speed, for example during down-hill travel. Therefore, the evolution in time of the actual transmission input speed or of the engine speed during a gear changing process is compared with the transmission input speed calculated on the basis of the gear ratio of the selected gear and the speed to be expected in case of synchronization of both speeds is calculated in advance.

Abstract: A brake signal transmitter for an electronic braking system produces an electrical braking requirement signal as well as a mechanically produced pneumatic braking pressure. The electronic braking requirement signal is evaluated, together with other measured magnitudes which define the travel state, in an electronic vehicle control system, and a braking pressure is produced as a function of this evaluation by a braking pressure modulator. Following the principle of addition redundancy, the pressure produced mechanically by the brake signal transmitter is added to the pressure produced electrically by the brake modulator and the total pressure represents the braking pressure acting on the brake cylinders. In the event of failure of the electronic system, the mechanically produced pressure automatically becomes active as the braking pressure, and functions as the redundancy pressure.

Abstract: A method of controlling travel behavior of a vehicle provides assistance to the driver of the vehicle before the occurrence of travel conditions which are difficult to control. A vehicle taking a curve tends not to follow the travel curve indicated by steering, often resulting in understeering as the travel speed increases. At very high speeds in a curve, such behavior can lead to conditions that are difficult for the driver to control. Rather than intervening when an unstable travel state is already present and control of the vehicle rendered difficult, as practiced in conventional systems and processes for the regulation of travel dynamics, the wheel brake of a rear wheel of the vehicle on the inside of the curve is already subjected to a weak braking force when a relatively minor tendency to understeer occurs, so that the understeering tendency is reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: An actuating mechanism for a clutch implements an operator-dependent clutch actuation by sensing and transmitting an operator force signal, in the form of a target-value for the control circuit representative of the operator force, to a closed loop control system of the actuating mechanism. Greater sensitivity of operator-dependent clutch actuation is thereby achieved, as compared with a known automatic actuating mechanism for a clutch, in which the operator force alone controls an operated-initiated clutch actuation. Vehicles with automatic transmissions represent an important area of application for the invention.