Abstract: A braking system 12 for use with an electric vehicle 10 including an electric motor/generator assembly 14, and a conventional electrical energy storage device 16. Motor/generator 14 selectively drives wheels 20 of vehicle 12. The braking system 12 includes a motor control module 26 which is communicatively coupled to motor/generator 14 and which selectively causes motor/generator 14 to provide a regenerative braking function at wheels 20 of vehicle 10. Braking system 10 further includes an antiskid braking system which selectively provides friction braking at wheels 20 and 24 of vehicle 10. The braking system 12 is effective to detect antiskid braking events at each of the wheels 20, 24, to selectively provide an antiskid braking function at each of wheels 20, 24 where the antiskid braking events are detected, and to selectively disable the regenerative braking function only when an antiskid braking event is detected at either of wheels 20.

Abstract: An instrument panel for a vehicle has an anti-lock braking system and a regenerative braking system. A method is used to control the brake system indicators on the instrument panel. If it is determined that an anomalous condition exists in either the anti-lock braking system or the regenerative braking system, a first indicator is illuminated in an amber color to alert the vehicle operator of this condition. If the anti-lock braking system is active, and there is no anomalous condition detected in the anti-lock braking system, a second indicator is illuminated in green to alert the vehicle operator that the anti-lock braking system is active. Control of the first and second indicators is provided in accordance with a hierarchal structure that gives priority to an anomalous condition in the anti-lock braking system.

Abstract: An instrument panel for a vehicle has an anti-lock braking system and a regenerative braking system. A method is used to control the brake system indicators on the instrument panel. If it is determined that an anomalous condition exists in either the anti-lock braking system or the regenerative braking system, a first indicator is illuminated in an amber color to alert the vehicle operator of this condition. If the anti-lock braking system is active, and there is no anomalous condition detected in the anti-lock braking system, a second indicator is illuminated in green to alert the vehicle operator that the anti-lock braking system is active. Control of the first and second indicators is provided in accordance with a hierarchal structure that gives priority to an anomalous condition in the anti-lock braking system.

Abstract: The invention is a coastdown braking strategy for an electrically propelled vehicle without using an ability to absorb regenerative braking energy. The strategy simulates engine braking force such as when no braking or accelerator force is applied. The strategy can be activated in response to operator release of both the accelerator and brake and deactivated at a predetermined motor speed or when the accelerator or brake are applied. Deactivation in one embodiment can be gradually diminished to zero braking torque based on predetermined threshold values of driver expectation. The braking force for the strategy is provided by an ABS system and can be applied to all wheels or just the rear wheels.

Abstract: The valve of the present invention includes a housing and a valve body. The valve body includes a key piece selected so that the valve may function as a normally-on valve or a normally-off valve depending upon the key piece selected. The valve of the present invention additionally includes a first ring and a second ring wherein each ring ensures proper supply of pressurized high flow rate media through the valve.

Abstract: A retainer clip includes a retainer portion having an axially extending tubular wall which is radially expandable for snap-fitted radial engagement with a reduced diameter portion of a rod such that the retainer clip is radially and axially trapped on the reduced diameter portion of the rod and can only be removed by simultaneous application of dual directional forces. The retainer clip includes the retainer portion, a washer portion, and a hinge portion integrally connecting the retainer portion and the washer portion so that the retainer clip is handled as a single part during assembly onto the rod.

Abstract: A pressure regulator continuously actuates the relative axial position and the tangential position of an armature relative to a valve body into the desired position so as to deliver a fluid at a constant pressure. The tangential position of the armature is determined in response to an electrical excitation of a coil resulting in a change in the magnetic forces applied to the armature. The axial position of the armature is adjusted in response to changes in the control pressure. The armature has a plurality of ports which enable fluid to enter and leave therefrom. The valve body has a plurality of ports in fluid communication with the armature ports. The armature has two elongated prongs. A compression spring is generally centrally disposed within the electromagnetic compartment of the armature. One end of the spring is secured to the armature and the other end of the spring is secured to the regulator housing.

Abstract: A control valve assembly 10 having a pair of axially opposed seats 54, 56 is disclosed. A poppet 66 is disposed in a control chamber 58 between the seats. The poppet is movable between the seats to establish an average pressure in the control chamber. The poppet is a portion of an armature 28. In one embodiment, the armature is urged in a first direction by a solenoid and in the opposite direction by a spring 76 which extends between the armature and a housing of the valve. In another embodiment, means 310, such as diaphragms 312 or 314 or the slidable engagement 318, 320 between the housing 224 and the first end 251 of the armature are provided for radially positioning the armature as the armature is moved between the seats. In still another embodiment, the armature 228 is formed of a first section 416 and a second section 418 which are jointed by a shaft 434 which is slidable with respect to the first section.

Abstract: A control valve assembly 10 having a pair of axially opposed seats 54, 56 is disclosed. A poppet 66 is disposed in a control chamber 58 between the seats. The poppet is movable between the seats to establish an average pressure in the control chamber. The poppet is an integral portion of an armature 28. In one embodiment, the armature is urged in a first direction by a solenoid and in the opposite direction by a conical spring 76 which extends between the armature and a housing of the valve. In another embodiment, the armature has a spherical zone 94 on a convex surface 92 and a spring guide 84 engages the spring and has a concave surface which engages the spherical zone. In still another embodiment, means 310, such as diaphragms 312 or 314 or the slidable engagement 318, 320 between the housing 224 and the first end 251 of the armature are provided for radially positioning the armature as the armature is moved between the seats.

Abstract: A control valve assembly 10 having a pair of axially opposed seats 54, 56 is disclosed. A poppet 66 is disposed in a control chamber 58 between the seats. The poppet is movable between the seats to establish an average pressure in the control chamber. The poppet is an integral portion of an armature 28. In one embodiment, the armature is urged in a first direction by a solenoid and in the opposite direction by a conical spring 76 which extends between the armature and a housing of the valve. In another embodiment, the armature has a spherical zone 94 on a convex surface 92 and a spring guide 84 engages the spring and has a concave surface which engages the spherical zone.