Abstract: Service braking of a vehicle can be carried out by way of a service brake actuator having an electric motor for applying its service brake. Energy from a loaded spring in a spring brake actuator connected to the service brake actuator can be released at will for supplying supplementary service brake energy to the service brake actuator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and control scheme to operate a motor-driven actuator. This includes determining actuator force on an external device, determining a command force, and monitoring actuator position. A determination is made whether to operate in a force-control mode or a position-control mode. Both the force-control mode and the position-control mode employ a common feedback control method (e.g. PI or PID). The system operates the actuator in the force-control mode, using actuator force as feedback to the control scheme when the controller determines that the force sensor is operating in its linear range. When the force sensor is operating outside or near the limits of its linear range, the control scheme determines a pseudo-force, comprising estimated force based upon measured position. The pseudo-force is input to the common feedback control method to control the actuator.

Abstract: An auxiliary system for an automobile parked on a slope that automatically releases the parking brake at an appropriate time when the automobile is restarted, thereby preventing the automobile from rolling backward or stalling, and enabling the driver to proceed smoothly and stably.

Abstract: A park brake system for vehicles is provided that has an actuator with an electric drive motor (36, 38) and an electronic control unit. A reduction gear has an input connected to the output of the electric motor and a pull force output member (56) for connection to mechanical brakes of the vehicle. The reduction gear has an input connected to the output of the electric motor. A command unit is connected to the electronic control unit. The reduction gear comprises a first reduction train and a second reduction train. The first reduction train includes a worm gear (42, 44) and the second reduction train includes a threaded spindle (46) and a screw nut (50) engaged with the spindle (46). The worm gear connects the spindle (46) to the output of the electric motor (36, 38). The pull force output member (56) is connected to the screw nut (50). The two-step reduction gear ensures the required high rate of reduction to generate high pull forces with a relatively compact electric motor.

Abstract: An actuator including a housing accommodating a screw mechanism and a drive including a motor. The screw mechanism includes a nut and a screw, one of which is rotatably supported with respect to the housing. Upon relative rotation of the nut and the screw, linear movement of one of the nut and the screw is obtained. At least a rotatable component of the drive, for example, the rotor of the motor, is rotatably supported on the screw which is rotatably supported with respect to the housing.

Abstract: An electric brake actuator (14), including a rotatable member (21) and electric drive means (34) for driving the rotatable member (21) to rotate. The rotatable member (21) is arranged for engagement with a continuous cable (18) that in use extends between and in connection with a pair of brake assemblies (12) that are operable when actuated to apply a braking load to brake a wheel associated with each respective brake assembly. The rotatable member (21) is arranged such that it is operable to pull the cable (18) on each side of the rotatable member (21) upon rotation of the rotatable member (21) in a first direction, for actuation of the brake assemblies (12), and to extend the cable (18) on each side of the rotatable member (21) upon rotation of the rotatable member (21) in a second and reverse direction.

Abstract: A linear actuator comprises a piston and a rotary electric motor together with means which are interposed between the electric motor and the piston to define a mechanical system for transforming rotary movement of the motor into linear displacement of said piston, the actuator is characterized in that the electric motor is a vibration type motor comprising at least a stator and a rotor together with excitation means for deforming said stator and/or said rotor in modes of vibration combining tangential vibration and normal vibration for driving said rotor in rotation, and in that the means interposed between the electric motor and the piston include means for mechanically decoupling said piston from said electric motor in the event of the electrical power supply to the elector motor being interrupted.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly has a hub that is rotatable about an axis and at least a pair of discs supported on the hub for relative axial movement along the axis of the hub with the discs having opposite sides presenting braking surfaces. A non-rotatable support structure supports a plurality of friction elements for relative axial movement into and out of frictional braking engagement with the braking surfaces of the discs. An electric actuator is mounted on the support structure adjacent at least one of the friction elements and is operative when actuated to move the friction elements into frictional braking engagement with the braking surfaces of the discs.

Abstract: In an electrically actuatable disc brake, rotation of a rotor of an electric motor is reduced by means of a differential reduction mechanism. A ball ramp mechanism is operated to press brake pads against a disc rotor to generate a braking force. In the differential reduction mechanism, when an eccentric shaft of the rotor is subjected to eccentric rotation, an external gear member having external input teeth meshing with a fixed ring gear performs an orbital motion while rotating on a center axis of the gear member, whereby a set of external output teeth of the gear member performs an orbital motion while rotating on the center axis to operate a ring gear integrally formed with a rotary disc of the ball ramp mechanism. A high reduction ratio can be easily obtained. The differential reduction mechanism can be easily formed and imparted with sufficient strength.

Abstract: An actuating device for a brake unit of a vehicle EBS includes a tappet positioned in a housing of the brake unit for actuating a piston to operate a brake valve. A displacement sensor slide measures axial movement of the tappet. So that moving parts of the actuating device are guided with minimal friction and that torque acting on the tappet is compensated for, the tappet includes a cylindrical attachment having a bottom with holes and a shell, a groove on the outer surface of the shell having openings, a spacer ring in the cylindrical attachment between the tappet and the piston having projections which extend into the holes, a guide ring in the groove having raised portions on its inner surface which extend into the openings and a window on its outer surface protruding through an opening into a slit on the housing to receive the displacement sensor slide.

Abstract: A disk drive is disclosed comprising a disk, a head actuated radially over the disk, and a spindle motor for rotating the disk. The spindle motor comprises a stator having at least one stator coil wrapped around a stator tooth. The spindle motor further comprises a hub rotated by the stator when current is applied to the stator coil, and a locking spring arm having a fixed base. The locking spring arm engages the hub when no current is applied to the stator coil, and the locking spring arm disengages from the hub when current applied to the stator coil generates a magnetic flux which pulls the locking spring arm away from the hub.

Abstract: A vehicle brake control system includes an improved ACC system for controlling the operation of a brake actuator and a throttle actuator, based on a signal from a preceding vehicle detector such as a radar device, so that a subject vehicle tracks a preceding vehicle. After a regular brake device is actuated to stop the subject vehicle, an EPB ECU disengages the regular braking device and, instead, actuates an electrically initiated and mechanically maintained parking brake device, so as to temporarily maintain the subject vehicle in a stationary state. Once the electric parking brake device is initiated, its braking state is mechanically maintained even if the flow of current is cut off. Therefore, neither the regular brake device nor the electric parking device consume power while the vehicle is in a stationary state, thereby saving power and minimizing electrical heat generation.

Abstract: An electric parking brake for a vehicle, comprising a winch having a rotation axis, an electrical motor for turning the winch, and two braking cables fixed to the circumference of the winch on opposite sides, so that under a rotation of the winch segments of essentially equal length of the braking cables are wrapped onto the winch. The winch is disposed in a housing having oppositely disposed exit openings through which the cables pass, respectively, and tapered side walls for guiding the cables from the circumference of the winch to the exit openings.

Abstract: An electrically operated disc brake includes a ball/ramp mechanism operable to convert rotary motion of an electric motor to linear motion and transmit the linear motion to a piston so that the piston is advanced to urge a pair of friction pads against opposite sides of a disc rotor to produce a barking force. The disc brake also includes a pad wear adjusting mechanism operable to threadably move the piston relative to an axially movable member of the ball/ramp mechanism in response to the amount of pad wear. The axially movable member has a female thread along its full length. The piston includes a piston head and a piston rod joined to the piston head. The piston rod has a male thread or threaded section. The threaded section has a length such that the piston can safely be moved together and relative to the axially movable member. The piston also has a smooth section extending from the threaded section toward the disc rotor.

Abstract: A parking brake is disclosed, comprising a brake-actuating electric motor (1), a brake actuating output shaft (2) driven by said electric motor and extending along a second axis (A2), a brake-actuating linkage (4) that is adjustably arranged parallel to a first axis (A1) that substantially extends perpendicularly to the second axis (A2), and a drive connection from the brake-actuating output shaft (2) to the brake-actuating linkage (4). The drive connection is configured in the form of a cam-type cam disk or gate guide (3) that translates the rotation of the brake-actuating output shaft (2) into a translational movement of the brake-actuating linkage (4) through an adjusting element (5) that is guided along a surface (F) of the cam disk or gate guide 93) forming a radial profile. The motor axis (A3) of the brake-actuating electric motor (1) extends substantially perpendicular to the second axis (A2).

Abstract: A braking system for electric vehicles that gives a driver the feel of a conventional hydraulic braking system while maximizing the recuperation of electrical power is described herein. A single brake pedal is used to control both electric and hydraulic braking assemblies. A feedback force generator is provided to give the driver the impression that a completely hydraulic braking system is used. Therefore, the driver is not inclined to further depress the pedal, thereby preventing the premature activation of the hydraulic braking system.

Abstract: A brake system includes a rotor and a brake pad. An actuator is connected to the brake pad. The actuator includes an energy receptive material that expands when excited to move the brake pad into contact with a braking surface on the rotor. A drive unit moves the energy receptive material between a first position and a second position, where the second position is closer to the rotor than the first position. An energy source energizes the energy receptive material to expand, moving the brake pad into contact with the braking surface. A control unit controls the drive unit and the energy source.

Abstract: A parking brake monitor and adjustment control system controls parking brake operation of an electromechanically actuated brake system which applies a parking brake force to a wheel. The system includes a monitor circuit for producing an output signal which intermittently causes the brake system to readjust the parking brake force applied to the wheel.

Abstract: A remote brake release for elevator drive machine brakes includes a release lever attached to a shaft coupled by a clutch to a bellcrank. The clutch is normally engaged and can be a spring clutch or a friction type disc clutch. Movement of the lever to rotate the shaft moves the bellcrank which is coupled to a brake release mechanism. A solenoid is actuated to disengage the clutch preventing release of the brake. The solenoid can be connected to a control circuit responsive to a speed of rotation of the drive machine motor.

Abstract: A vehicular braking control apparatus and method controls frictional braking performed by a frictional braking device, controls regenerative braking performed by a regenerative braking device, and controls shifting between a cooperative braking mode, realized by the frictional braking and the regenerative braking, and a single braking mode, realized by only the frictional braking. A correction coefficient for one of a frictional braking control amount and a regenerative braking control amount is calculated on the basis of an actual degree of vehicle deceleration and a reference degree of vehicle deceleration based on an amount of braking operation performed by a driver during braking in the single braking mode. The control amount is corrected based on the correction coefficient.

Abstract: A method is directed to controlling an electric caliper brake system. The method provides for receiving an ignition voltage signal, receiving a caliper position signal, sending a motor shut down signal, sending a back drive control signal based on the received ignition voltage signal and the caliper position signal, and releasing stored energy from a non-linear device to a caliper brake system motor responsive to the back drive control signal. The non-linear device may be implemented as a capacitor. The step of sending a back drive control signal based on the received ignition voltage and the capacitor position signal includes analyzing the ignition voltage signal for an ignition voltage failure, analyzing the caliper position signal for caliper engagement, and transmitting the back drive control signal responsive to the ignition voltage failure and caliper engagement. Ignition voltage failure occurs when the ignition voltage signal is a low value.

Abstract: A disc brake 10 is described. The disc brake 10 comprises two brake shoes 16, 18, which for generating a clamping force are pressable against both sides of a brake disc 20, a conversion device 42, which is connectable to a motor 30 and which converts a driving motion of the motor 30 into an actuating motion for actuating at least one of the two brake shoes 16, 18, as well as a support device 62 for taking up a reaction force, which upon generation of the clamping force is introduced into the conversion device 42. Between the conversion device 42 and the support device 62 at least one force sensor is disposed for measuring at least a fraction of the reaction force. The at least one force sensor may have a planar form of construction.

Abstract: An electric caliper having a housing mounted adjacent a rotatable disc. First and second force applying elements support a friction element between the housing and the rotatable disc. An electric actuator is mounted in the housing and is operatively connected to the first and second force applying elements. The electric actuator is operable to move the first and second force applying elements and the friction element toward, and away from, the disc and cause the friction element to frictionally contact the disc. A method is also provided for applying first and second forces against a friction element in response to an operation of an electric motor. The first and second forces are applied with respective magnitudes so as to maintain a substantially constant wear between the edges of the first friction element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and control scheme to operate a motor-driven actuator. This includes determining actuator force on an external device, determining a command force, and monitoring actuator position. A determination is made whether to operate in a force-control mode or a position-control mode. Both the force-control mode and the position-control mode employ a common feedback control method (e.g. PI or PID). The system operates the actuator in the force-control mode, using actuator force as feedback to the control scheme when the controller determines that the force sensor is operating in its linear range. When the force sensor is operating outside or near the limits of its linear range, the control scheme determines a pseudo-force, comprising estimated force based upon measured position. The pseudo-force is input to the common feedback control method to control the actuator.

Abstract: A sensing device for sensing an amount of force transferred between a first element and a second element includes a first attachment structure and a second attachment structure mounted to the first attachment structure to enable relative linear movement between the first and second attachment structures. The first attachment structure is connected to the first element and the second attachment structure is connected to the second element. An actuating member is provided on one of the first and second attachment structures. A biasing structure is positioned between the first and second attachment structures enabling a force to be transferred from the first element and the first attachment structure to the second element and the second attachment structure. A sensor includes a first switch and a second switch each being adapted to be actuated by the actuating member.

Abstract: A control device for an electric vehicle stopping at a slope road which reduces a power consumption of the electric motor when the vehicle is stopping at the slope road with the generation of a drive torque. The device judges the stopping state of the vehicle at the slope road when a condition that a throttle opening degree is not zero, that the drive torque is not zero, and that a vehicle speed is zero continues for a predetermined time, applies a hydraulic pressure P relative to wheel cylinder, and decreases the drive torque outputting to the motor to be zero. The device judges a release of the stopping state at the slope road when a condition that a throttle opening degree becomes greater than a throttle opening degree under the vehicle stopping state at the slope road, recovers the drive torque, and gradually releases an application of the hydraulic pressure to the wheel cylinder.

Abstract: An electromechanical brake assembly 10 having a pair of selectively movable and dissimilar self energization wedge members 24, 26 which are respectively and independently controlled by motors 30, 34, and which have respectively dissimilar angles of inclination 60, 62, thereby providing a controllably varying amount of self energization.

Abstract: A ball ramp mechanism constituting a force transmission converting mechanism is inserted into a cylinder of a caliper body and a relative rotation angle thereof is restricted to a predetermined range. Further, by successively assembling a piston head, a ramp plate and a ball and a screw shaft member constituting the ball ramp mechanism, a coil spring and an end plate in this order and by catching the end plate by a slit of a piston case in a state of flexing the coil spring, respective parts are elastically connected and assembled by the spring.

Abstract: A motor-driven disk brake having a caliper containing a piston for pressing a brake pad, a rotary actuator and a rotary-to-rectilinear motion converting mechanism for transmitting rotation of the rotary actuator to the piston after converting it into a rectilinear motion. The piston is driven in response to rotation of the rotary actuator to press the brake pad against a disk rotor, thereby generating braking force. A brake releasing mechanism for returning the rotary-to-rectilinear motion converting mechanism to its initial position in the event of a failure in the rotary actuator is interposed between a rotating member and a rectilinearly moving member that constitute the rotary-to-rectilinear motion converting mechanism. The brake releasing mechanism has urging means for generating a torque in the direction for returning the piston in response to the rotation of the rotating member in the direction for advancing the piston.

Abstract: An electric parking brake mechanism characterized in an electric parking brake for pressing a friction member to a braked member via a force transmission converting mechanism for converting a rotational movement of an electric motor to a linear movement, including an input shaft connected to a side of the electric motor, an output shaft connected to a side of a brake mechanism for pressing the friction member to the brake member and a cam mechanism interposed between the input shaft and the output shaft, the cam mechanism is provided with a plurality of cam members and each having a cam face having a radius gradually increasing relative to a rotational center and in driving only a side of the output shaft, rotation of the output shaft is hampered by operating all of the plurality of cam members to constitute sides of large diameters.

Abstract: A brake control apparatus is configured to suppress fluctuations in the deceleration when transferring from cooperative braking to regenerative braking or hydraulic braking. The brake control apparatus calculates a braking torque command value feed forward component for reaching a target deceleration corresponding to the master cylinder pressure according to an ideal reference model. The brake control apparatus also calculates the braking torque command value feedback component to find a base deceleration for feeding back the difference between the base deceleration and the vehicle deceleration. The brake control apparatus then calculates the braking torque command value by adding the components together.

Abstract: A single row rotating-type eddy current braking apparatus for use with a rotor mounted on a powered shaft comprises a support ring, a plurality of magnets, a plurality of ferromagnetic switching plates, and a support body. The switching plates or magnets are capable of rotating with respect to each other to effect braking. The dimensions of the switching plates and angular displacement of the magnets and switching plates are controlled to minimize drag torque when in a non-braking state. The switching plates can be made to rotate and the bearing can be employed in combination with the rotating and stationary components to alleviate problems such as thermal expansion and wear. The apparatus also utilizes a pneumatic cylinder designed to rotate in the direction of the shaft rotation to achieve a braking state, and can employ a single rod double acting cylinder to switch between braking and non-braking states.

Abstract: A motor assembly, such as an electro-mechanical-brake (EMB) motor assembly includes an electric motor, a latch gear, a solenoid, and a spring. The latch gear is non-rotatably attached to the drive shaft of the motor. The spring is operatively connected to the solenoid and has a spring projection which is longitudinally-deflectable by energizing the solenoid. The gear tooth is shaped to longitudinally retain the spring projection when the latch gear rotates the gear tooth into engagement with the longitudinally-deflected spring projection. In one example, the latch gear is a parking-brake latch gear and the motor assembly provides a parking brake function for an EMB electric motor which also is used for applying and releasing a vehicle's driving brakes.

Abstract: A braking device of a DC motor has a position detecting means to detect a position of a motor shaft, a rotational speed detecting means to detect a rotational speed of the motor and a braking means to generate a braking force based on a position signal and a speed signal detected by both of the means, and stops the motor shaft quickly and smoothly without making the motor shaft collide with a stopper.

Abstract: A brake system for use on a mobile platform such as a commercial aircraft. The brake system includes an electromechanical actuator (EMA) subsystem and a piezoelectric actuator subsystem. The EMA subsystem is used to urge a brake piston into contact with a pressure plate, and the pressure plate into contact with a brake rotor. The piezoelectric actuator subsystem is then used as a high frequency means to more effectively modulate the pressure plate into contact with the brake rotor to effect a braking action on the brake rotor. The invention allows smaller, less complex DC motors to be employed, that in turn results in significantly smaller wire bundles being needed on each wheel assembly of an aircraft where the invention is employed. The invention even more effectively modulates the pressure plate to better apply anti-skid braking signals to the brake rotor.

Abstract: To implement a brake system having an electric parking brake function as well as comfort-oriented, brake-specific driver assistance functions (starting-traction control, hill holder, parking assistance, etc.), it is especially required to further process input data relating to the driving condition of the motor vehicle and being used to detect the driver's request within an integrated control device in such a way that an operation of the brake system which is reliable and takes the driving situation into consideration is ensured. To this end, the electronic control device that serves to generate control signals for a subsequent actuator device which is connected to the wheel brakes is designed in a modular manner. The control device contains individual software modules which evaluate and further process the input data recorded by the control device.

Abstract: A screw actuator comprises a nut and a screw each comprising helical grooves, said nut and screw engaging each other by rollers or balls which are in contact with said grooves, a lubricant being provided for the grooves and rollers or balls. Integrated in the actuator is a module, which is connected to at least the helical grooves of the nut and/or screw for replenishing the lubricant for the grooves and rollers or balls of the actuator.

Abstract: An electric brake apparatus includes an electric motor which generates a rotational drive force. A gear train is driven by the electric motor and generates a rotational drive force. A screw feed mechanism is driven by the gear train and converts the rotational drive force from the gear train into a linear drive force. A wedge transmission mechanism is driven by the screw feed mechanism and converts the linear drive force from the screw feed mechanism into a linear drive force transverse to the linear drive force from the screw feed mechanism. A piston is driven by the wedge transmission mechanism in an axial direction of the piston and generates a braking force.

Abstract: A motor-driven feedback mechanism for a braking pedal. A pedal is linked to a shaft and a bi-directional motor capable of operating in a first and a second direction is linked to the shaft. A gearbox is driven by the bi-directional motor and the gearbox is attached to the shaft to effect rotation of the pedal. A motor controller is linked to the motor and a microprocessor capable of controlling the motor controller is linked to the motor controller. At least one sensor for measuring a parameter of the pedal and providing feedback to the microprocessor is provided.

Abstract: A disc brake assembly has a hub that is rotatable about an axis and at least a pair of discs supported on the hub for relative axial movement along the axis of the hub with the discs having opposite sides presenting braking surfaces. A non-rotatable support structure supports a plurality of friction elements for relative axial movement into and out of frictional braking engagement with the braking surfaces of the discs. An electric actuator is mounted on the support structure adjacent at least one of the friction elements and is operative when actuated to move the friction elements into frictional braking engagement with the braking surfaces of the discs.

Abstract: An electric brake actuator for actuating a brake arrangement. The actuator includes an electric drive unit (15, 15′) and a load multiplier (17). the electric drive unit (15, 15′) is in cable connection through a first cable unit (16, 16′) with the load multiplier and the load multiplier (17) is arranged for cable connection through a second cable unit (19) with the brake arrangement. Whereby the electric drive unit (15, 15′) is operable to apply a load to the load multiplier (17) through the first cable unit (16, 16′) and the load multiplier (17) is operable to multiply the load for application to the brake arrangement through the second cable unit (19).

Abstract: A motor-driven parking brake apparatus includes an electric motor and a rotation transmission mechanism. The rotation transmission mechanism brings a parking brake into a braking state through rotation in the regular direction effected by means of torque transmitted from the electric motor, and brings the parking brake into a released state through rotation in the reverse direction effected by means of the torque. The rotation transmission mechanism includes a first speed reduction mechanism, a second speed reduction mechanism, and a reverse-input cutoff clutch placed between the first and second speed reduction mechanisms. The reverse-input cutoff clutch allows its reverse-input cutoff function to be activated or deactivated through push-pull operation.

Abstract: The disclosure presents a control method for an electric braking device which includes a brake switch, a pushing force sensor, a thrust sensor, and an electric motor which moves a pad thrust member in a direction in which the pad thrust member approaches to a rotor rotating with the vehicle wheel associated therewith, thereby performing a braking operation. In the control method, a brake target value as computed by using an output signal of the pushing force sensor is compared with a threshold value as set to a minute braking force when the brake switch is in an on state. When the brake target value is below the threshold value, the electric motor is controlled with a predetermined value as the target value, and after the brake switch is turned off, the electric motor is rotated for a predetermined time to retract the pad thrust member.

Abstract: The invention provides a brake caliper backdrive apparatus and method of backdriving a brake caliper. The apparatus includes a brake caliper, a motor including a shaft operably attached to the brake caliper and, a biasing member operably attached to the shaft. The biasing member backdrives the motor thereby releasing the brake caliper. The method includes rotating a shaft to clamp the brake caliper, storing energy in a biasing member responsive to the shaft rotation, and reversing the shaft rotation using the stored energy.

Abstract: The brake assembly includes a motor shaft connected to a friction disk assembly. Springs housed in a field cup assembly, frictionally link a clapper plate assembly and friction disk assembly against a mounting plate to activate the brake. To disengage the brake, the field cup assembly magnetically attracts the clapper plate thereto and the friction disk assembly is free to rotate. For manual release, rotation of a lever arm against a reaction plate compresses a wave spring to generate an opposing force which overcomes the springs, thereby forcing the clapper plate assembly away from the friction disk assembly to allow rotation thereof.

Abstract: An actuator comprises a housing, a motor (5), an actuating member (11, 12) and a screw mechanism (2) providing a linear movement of the actuating member (11, 12) with respect to the housing in response to a rotational movement of the motor (5), which screw mechanism (2) comprises a screw (17, 47) and a nut (13, 46) one of which is rotatably supported with respect to the housing by means of an angular contact bearing, and a reduction gear means (4). The actuating member (11, 12) and the reduction gear means (4) are situated at opposite ends of the screw mechanism (2).

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake application device for a motor vehicle brake, in particular to a brake application device for a rail vehicle brake and preferably to a brake application device for a rail vehicle disc brake, comprising a braking force generator for applying and/or releasing the vehicle brake and a braking force converter for converting the energy delivered by the braking force generator into a brake application motion. The brake application device is characterised in that the braking force converter is configured in such a way that the force which is to be exerted by the braking force generator during braking, in order to generate a defined brake application force which is greater than zero and less than the maximum brake force, measures zero.

Abstract: A vehicle brake system (10) is provided which compensates for brake pedal feel variation so as to provide for enhanced braking feel to the vehicle operator. The brake system (10) includes a brake command input (10), an accelerometer (22) for sensing longitudinal acceleration of the vehicle, and friction brakes (26) and regenerative brakes (29) for generating braking force to be applied to brakes on the vehicle. The vehicle brake system (10) further includes a controller (12) for detecting a brake torque variation as a function of the sensed acceleration and the brake demand signal. The controllers (12) further adjusts a torque command signal to adjust the amount of braking torque generated by the brakes (26) so as to compensate for brake torque variation.

Abstract: An electrically operated parking brake apparatus that includes a ball screw mechanism driven by an electric motor so as to move a nut member along a screw-threaded shaft. Two Bowden cables, for example, are connected to left and right ends of an equalizer supported on the nut member via an upper support shaft and a lower support shaft for transmitting brake operation force to wheel brakes. Since an axis of the upper and lower support shafts provided at positions facing each other across the screw-threaded shaft for swingably supporting the equalizer on the nut member passes through the center of the screw-threaded shaft, and a line connecting portion where the pair of Bowden cables are connected to the equalizer passes through the center of the screw-threaded shaft, the application of an unbalanced load to the screw-threaded shaft is prevented.

Abstract: A vehicle brake systems (10) is provided which compensates for brake pedal feel variation to provide enhanced braking feel. The brake system (10) includes a brake pedal (18), a wheel sensor (20), and a database (16) for storing target accelerations and torque to pressure parameters. The brake systems (10) may employ a friction brakes (26) and regenerative brakes (29). The brake system further includes a controllers (12) for controlling the amount of braking, including the friction brake actuator (24). The controller (12) determines brake acceleration caused by braking torque and determines a target acceleration based on the driver commanded input. The controller (12) also determines a brake acceleration error as the difference between the target acceleration and the brake acceleration. The controller adjusts the torque-related parameter to reduce the brake acceleration error by adjusting the braking torque generated by the friction brake actuator to compensate for brake torque variation.