Abstract: The invention relates to a parking brake system for motor vehicles. The system has an adjusting unit (9) comprising a motor-driven drive mechanism (10) in order to tighten or loosen an actuating pull (18, 19) of a brake device (7), whereby the drive mechanism (10) is drive connected to a component (5) which is mounted in a non-displaceable manner with regard to the longitudinal axis (6) such that it can rotate around said longitudinal axis (6). The component (5) is rotationally fixed to a telescopic device (4) arranged such that it can be displaced in the direction of the longitudinal axis (6). The axial length of the telescopic device (4) is increased or decreased according to the direction of rotation of the component (5), and each axial end (2, 3) of the telescopic device (4) is respectively connected to an actuating pull (18, 19) for a brake of the brake device (7) in an indirect or direct manner.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an electromechanically operable disc brake for automotive vehicles which comprises a floating caliper as well as an actuating unit arranged on the caliper. The actuating unit includes an electric motor which, by the intermediary of a reduction gear, readjusts an actuating element which is used to move one of two friction linings that are slidable in the brake caliper into engagement with a brake disc. To permit an individual adjustment of the desired brake force, especially for use of the disc brake in an automotive vehicle, according to the present invention, a force-measuring device (23) is interposed in the flux of force between the caliper (1) and the actuating unit (2), and the output signals of device (23) are adapted to be sent to a control circuit (26) that influences the current supplied to the electric motor (6), and/or the voltage.

Abstract: An electromechanical wheel brake device with a screw link actuator that is supported in a floating caliper, and driven by an electric motor. The screw link actuator can press a frictional brake lining against one side of a brake disk. The floating caliper can press a second frictional brake lining against the other side of the brake disk by means of a reaction force. In order to release the wheel brake device in the event of a malfunction, the screw link actuator as self locking-free, supports both a spindle nut and a threaded spindle so that the spindle nut and threaded spindle they can rotate, and securing the threaded spindle against rotation by means of a releasable rotation prevention device. In the event of a malfunction, the rotation prevention device is released and the frictional brake lining that is pressed with force against the brake disk pushes the threaded spindle away from the brake disk, wherein the threaded spindle is set into rotation and moves away from the brake disk.

Abstract: An electrically powered parking brake and a system and method for controlling and operating the parking brake, both during parking and during vehicle operation. The parking brake includes an electronic control module determining the amount of tension in the cable as a function of current drawn by an electric motor and a feature that allows determination of the distance traveled by the brake tensioning cable upon release of the brake. The brake is operable during vehicle motion using a modulated mode. Other features include use of a screw mechanism for cable tensioning, automatic adjustment of the brake in response to brake wear, and sensing of vehicle transmission position and vehicle speed for use in conjunction with modes of operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for actuating a parking brake which is electromechanically operable by an actuator by way of a force-transmitting element, the actuator being composed of an electric motor and a self-locking gear which is interposed between the electric motor and the force-transmitting element, and it also relates to a system for actuating an electromechanically operable parking brake. To permit an adjustment of necessary actuating force nominal values, according to the present invention, the current to be supplied to the actuator and the actuator position are evaluated to determine a voltage that is to be applied to the actuator corresponding to the desired actuating force and the actuating force gradient.

Abstract: An eddy current reduction braking system in which with high speed rotation of a brake drum, magnetic flux produced by magnets is concentrated to increase magnetic flux density and thereby enhance braking force. According to the invention, there is provided a guide tube formed of a non-magnetic material and having a hollow portion in the shape of a rectangle in section disposed interiorly of a brake drum. A number of ferromagnetic pole pieces are disposed at annularly equal intervals on an outer surface of the guide tube and at least one magnet support tube is movably mounted in the hollow portion of the guide tube. Magnets are mounted on the magnet support tube such that their polarities with respect to the ferromagnetic pole pieces are alternately different.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a vehicle braking system having a plurality of two-state actuators disposed at each vehicle wheel and method braking same. The vehicle braking system further includes a brake rotor or brake drum secured to each vehicle wheel for rotation therewith. The brake rotors or drums each include a plurality of friction surfaces. A plurality of brake pads are disposed adjacent the friction surfaces such that a different brake pad corresponds to each friction surface. A different two-state actuator corresponding to each brake pad is disposed adjacent the corresponding brake pad. Each two-state actuator is either unactuated or actuated to provide a maximum translational force against the corresponding brake pad to achieve the desired braking force requirements at each vehicle wheel.

Abstract: A control circuit performs regenerative co-operative control during regenerative braking so that a total braking force does not vary before and after regenerative braking. If antilock brake control is started on one of the wheels, the control circuit stops regenerative co-operative control, and gradually increases fluid pressure to the wheel cylinders of the wheels for which antilock brake control is not carried out.

Abstract: In a braking energy control apparatus and method for a vehicle equipped with an electric motor, a predetermined amount of braking energy can be achieved, regardless of the charged condition of a battery, when a brake pedal is off. Drive wheels are driven by a drive force from an engine and the motor. A braking energy control device performs ensemble control of a regenerative braking energy control device that controls the motor and a friction braking energy control device that controls liquid pressure supplied to wheel cylinders, and thereby controls the braking energy when the brake pedal is on or off. The coordinate control of regenerative braking energy and friction braking energy is performed not only when the brake pedal is on but also when the brake pedal is off.

Abstract: A pedal simulator for a vehicle braking system. The pedal simulator is coupled to a brake pedal, and includes an electrical actuator operatively coupled to the brake pedal to selectively exert a force on the brake pedal. A position sensor is provided for generating a position signal indicative of the position of the brake pedal. A force sensor is provided for generating a force signal indicative of the force exerted upon the brake pedal by a driver. An electronic control unit is provided which has programmed therein a desired relationship between the position signal and the force signal. The electronic control unit determines an actual relationship between the position signal and the force signal and compares the actual relationship thus determined with the desired relationship. The electronic control unit controls the electrical actuator to selectively exert a force on the brake pedal to conform the actual relationship to the desired relationship.

Abstract: A brake device includes a main piston slidably mounted within a caliper body of the brake device, a cylinder body provided inside an inner periphery of the piston, a sealed fluid chamber which is formed by the cylinder body and an inner peripheral surface of the main piston, and is filled with a fluid, a shaft rotatably mounted on the cylinder body, pressure control pistons which are driven by the shaft to move into and out of the fluid chamber, a linear movement conversion mechanism provided between the shaft and each of the pressure control pistons so as to convert a rotation of the shaft into a linear movement of the pressure control piston, a motor for rotating the shaft, a speed changer provided between the shaft and the motor so as to transmit the number of revolutions of the motor to the shaft in a manner to reduce the number of revolutions, and an electronic control unit (ECU) for controlling the motor.

Abstract: A braking system for a vehicle is provided. The system includes a hydraulic braking unit that generates a hydraulic braking force and a regenerative braking unit that generates a regenerative braking force regenerating braking energy as regenerative electric power. The system detects a target-braking force required by a driver and controls the hydraulic braking force to the target-braking force. The system controls the regenerative braking force to a first predetermined value while the vehicle is traveling straight. On the other hand, the system controls the regenerative braking force to a second predetermined value, which is smaller than the first predetermined value, while the vehicle is turning.

Abstract: In an electrically operated vehicle in which a regenerative braking operation is performed to apply a regenerative braking torque to a wheel, if the regenerative braking torque reaches its maximum value and is insufficient to brake the wheel, a static hydraulic pressure outputted from a master cylinder is supplied to the wheel brake cylinder mounted on the wheel until the brake pedal reaches a retained position. Thereafter, a dynamic hydraulic pressure is supplied to the wheel brake cylinder. While the brake pedal is in movement from the rest position to the retained position, the wheel brake cylinder is supplied with only the static hydraulic pressure and while the brake pedal is being retained at the retained position the wheel brake cylinder is supplied with the static hydraulic pressure and the dynamic hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: To form the drive for an electrically-actuatable vehicle brake whose frictional elements can be pressed against a brake disk (38) with the aid of an electric motor (4), the electric motor (4) is connected, by way of a spindle gear that acts, with axial guidance and protection against relative rotation, in the direction of displacement of the frictional elements, to a brake piston (24), which is seated to be axially displaceable and acts on the frictional elements. A pitch-true, planetary-roller threaded (SPWG) spindle (12) known per se is used as the spindle gear, the spindle comprising a spindle shaft (16), a spindle nut (14) encompassing this shaft, and a plurality of barrel or roller bodies (28) disposed between the two, the bodies being provided with grooved profiles (29) that fit the spindle shaft (16). The barrel or roller bodies (28) are seated by a plurality of guide rings (30) or a guide body (30') and bearings (18, 20) disposed between them.

Abstract: A brake actuator comprises an electric motor, a conversion device for converting the rotational movement of the electric motor into a linear movement and a hydraulic transmission for transmitting the linear movement of the conversion device to an adjusting piston of a brake. The hydraulic transmission comprises at least two hydraulic pistons which independently of one another can be axially displaced in a hydraulic chamber, whose first hydraulic piston by way of a first driving element of the conversion device can be operated directly by the electric motor and whose second hydraulic piston can be operated by way of second driving element of the conversion device which can be taken along by a controllable clutch element by the first driving element.

Abstract: A system that utilizes the frictional force between an electromagnet an a rotating disk to apply a force to a push rod which in turn applies a force on a hydraulic brake cylinder. The system provides controlled variations in the hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic brake system when receiving controlled variations in electrical current.

Abstract: A motor vehicle parking brake system which is operated by non-muscular energy, includes both by a hydraulic pressure generator and by an electromechanical control unit. A control unit ensures that the switch between hydraulic and electromechanical operation is made as a function of the operating state of the vehicle.

Abstract: A guide tube formed from non-magnetic material defines a cavity of rectangular section arranged within a brake drum, and a plurality of ferromagnetic plates are retained at equal circumferential intervals by an outer portion of the guide tube. Magnet support tubes formed out of magnetic material and axially spaced and rotatably supported in the cavity of the guide tube and magnets twice in number of the ferromagnetic plates are mounted to outer surfaces of the magnet support tubes with pairs of the magnets having common and alternating polarities. The magnet support tubes are reciprocatively rotated by actuators to produce non-braking, braking and partial braking conditions.

Abstract: A brake for a hoist gear is provided with a pair of brake shoes for braking a disk to be braked arranged on a winding drum side by pressing both sides of the disk. Floating pin fitting piece portions protrude integrally from a body of a bearing supporting the winding drum. A caliper is attached to the fitting piece portions through floating pins. Axis points of the floating pins are arranged in point symmetry of approximately 180.degree. in respect of an axis point of a push rod inserted into the caliper in order to uniformly contact the disk face.

Abstract: A drum brake (10) having first (14) and second (16) brake shoes retained on a backing plate (20) and moved into engagement with a drum (18) to effect a brake application corresponding to a desired braking input supplied to a actuator member (28) is disclosed. The actuator member (28) has a housing (50) with a first bore (54) therein connected to a cross-bore (56). A pinion (58) located in the first bore (54) has a shaft with first end (60) and a second end (62). The shaft has teeth (58) thereon adjacent the first end (60) and a gear (64) connected to the second end (62). First (74) and second (76) racks which are located in the cross-bore (56) have teeth (67,67') thereon which mesh with the teeth (68) on the pinion (58). A first linkage member (28) connects the first rack (74) with the first brake shoe (14) while a second linkage member (28') connects the second rack (76) with the second brake shoe (16).

Abstract: A brake apparatus for an electric vehicle which maintains the regenerative energy generated in a traction motor of each of wheels to be at a maximum. A hydraulic pressure brake and a regenerative brake are provided in the same brake apparatus. The hydraulic pressure brake generates a brake torque by providing a hydraulic pressure to a wheel cylinder of each wheel of the vehicle. The regenerative brake generates a brake torque by regeneration in a traction motor for each wheel. The brake torque to be provided is calculated for each wheel. A maximum regenerative energy is calculated for each wheel. A hydraulic pressure calculating unit calculates a hydraulic pressure to be provided to the wheel cylinder of each wheel based on the brake torque and the maximum regenerative energy so that the regenerative energy generated by the traction motor of each wheel becomes a maximum.

Abstract: A simple, economical brake system for small front-wheel-drive vehicles. The brake system has a hydraulic service brake system for the front axle wheels and an electric service brake system for the rear axle wheels. The hydraulic service brake system has a pedal-actuated master cylinder, from which brake lines lead to hydraulic wheel brakes. There is one shutoff valve in each of the brake lines, and each shutoff valve is bypassed by a line to a pump that pumps pressure fluid from the corresponding wheel brake to the master cylinder. The shutoff valves and the pumps, together with an electronic control unit and sensors that monitor the wheel rotation performance form an anti-lock arrangement for the hydraulic service brake system of the front axle of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brake control system for controlling a braking force applied to a wheel of an electrically operated vehicle. A changeover device is disposed in a main passage for selectively placing one of a first operating position where a static hydraulic pressure supplied from a master cylinder to a wheel brake cylinder is controlled to be lower than a master cylinder pressure generated from the master cylinder when an electric motor applies the regenerative braking force to the wheel, and a second operating position where the static hydraulic pressure is controlled to be substantially equal to the master cylinder pressure when the electric motor does not apply the regenerative braking force to the wheel.

Abstract: An electric drum brake comprising: an electric motor including an armature for providing actuation force for the electric drum brake and a backing plate comprising a substantially flat disk portion, a support section located radially outward from a center of the flat disk portion and a substantially cylindrical wall projecting out of the support section as a continuous structure thereof, wherein an armature for the electric motor is located substantially within the substantially cylindrical wall.

Abstract: A braking control system for an electric automobile combines the use of mechanical braking and regenerative braking by a motor. Namely, a braking control system for the electrical automobile, which permits the combined use of regenerative braking and mechanical braking, is provided with target braking force setting unit (9) for setting a target braking force on the basis of a brake pedal stroke, regeneration control system (4A,5A) for setting a target regenerative braking force on the basis of the brake pedal stroke and then controlling regenerative braking by the motor in accordance with the target regenerative braking force, and mechanical braking control unit (24) for controlling operation of a mechanical brake system (B) in accordance with a difference between said target braking force and an actual braking force determined based on a detected deceleration of a vehicle.

Abstract: Latching mono-stable brakes which are held disengaged from braking surfaces by the energization of electromagnets, and are engaged with the braking surfaces by deenergization of the electromagnets and the magnetic forces of permanent magnets. The brakes are particularly applicable to linear braking in such vehicles as elevators, trains, trams, cable cars and the like. They may also be applicable to vehicle brakes which act on rotating braking surfaces. They may be actuated in response to excessive speed, particularly when installed in vehicles such as elevators. They may be unlatched as needed by reenergization of the electromagnets.

Abstract: The invention concerns braking systems for vehicles. The invention provides one, or more, electrically actuated pressure generators, which provide hydraulic pressure for actuating hydraulic brakes. Electric actuation allows control by electronic signals, which are generated by a microprocessor-based controller. The pressure generators can be retro-fitted to existing hydraulic brake cylinders. The controller may be incorporated into, or operate in conjunction with, the on-board engine computer.

Abstract: A park brake apparatus for a vehicle electric brake comprises an electric motor having a rotational output shaft coupled to a brake mechanism. Rotational movement of the electric motor in a first direction causes application of brake force in the brake mechanism and rotational movement of the electric motor in a second direction opposite the first direction causes release of brake force in the brake mechanism. An armature for the electric motor includes a plurality of radially extending armature arms. A solenoid has a plunger movable between extended and retracted positions. In the retracted position, the plunger is free of the radially extending armature arms and the armature spins free of the plunger. In the extended position, the plunger engages the radially extending armature arms, locking the armature in place and maintaining a park brake state.

Abstract: In order to improve an electrically actuatable automotive parking brake with mechanical emergency actuation, the brake pads (52, 54) of the parking brake, which may be either a disk brake or a drum brake, can be applied or released via gear arrangement (100) arranged within or at the brake. The gear arrangement (100) has one power input and one power output, with the power input being coupled with the one end of a flexible shaft, the other end of which being arranged remote from the brake can be coupled with a manual crank, in order to be able to actuate the parking brake mechanically in the case of a failure of the electric actuation.

Abstract: A braking force control system of an electric vehicle includes a regenerative-controllable motor for driving driven wheels, wheel cylinders for braking non-driven wheels, respectively, and a master cylinder connected to a brake pedal for producing a master cylinder pressure in proportion to a depression amount of the brake pedal. A mechanical braking force control unit is further provided in a working fluid passage from the master cylinder and the wheel cylinders. The mechanical braking force control unit includes a proportioning valve and a free-piston cylinder arranged in parallel with each other in the working fluid passage. The proportioning valve is operated to output a wheel cylinder pressure to the wheel cylinders when the depression amount of the brake pedal is no more than a given value. On the other hand, the free-piston cylinder is operated to output a wheel cylinder pressure to the wheel cylinders when the depression amount of the brake pedal is more than the given value.

Abstract: In a vehicle with a first set of first and second wheels coupled to an electric drive system capable of providing regenerative braking and a second set of third and fourth wheels, wherein the vehicle dynamically adjusts a brake proportioning between the first and second sets responsive to a determined wheel speed difference between the first and second sets, the improvement comprising a regenerative braking control method according to the steps of: measuring first, second, third and fourth speeds of the first, second, third and fourth wheels; for each wheel of one of the first and second sets, determining a set-off value inversely relational to a commanded brake torque and a wheel deceleration; determining modified wheel speeds for each wheel of said one of the first and second sets responsive to the wheel speeds and the set-off values; and determining the wheel speed difference between the first and second sets responsive to the modified wheels speeds of said one of the first and second sets and the wheel sp

Abstract: A manually backdrivable ball screw assisted braking system includes a ball drive operated by a reversible electric motor to effect linear translation of the piston resulting in selected pressurization of a wheel brake. The ball drive is assisted in operation by a manually backdrivable ball screw assembly operated by actuation of a hydraulic master cylinder by the manual application of force to the brake pedal.

Abstract: A vehicle has an electric propulsion motor, a regenerative brake control and an anti-lock friction brake system which responds to excess wheel slip of a front wheel during braking to modulate friction braking torque to reduce the excess wheel slip. It further has a control responsive to activation of the anti-lock brake system to prevent the application of regenerative braking during such activation. The regenerative braking may be blended with the friction braking when anti-lock braking is not activated so that battery charge is conserved. When the anti-lock braking is activated, however, the regenerative braking is ramped down to preserve smoothness in the braking. The regenerative braking may be applied to create drag during vehicle coastdown. When anti-lock braking is activated, if it is sensed that the wheel is on a low friction (.mu.) surface, the regenerative braking is removed immediately.

Abstract: A mono-stable brake system having a mono-stable magnetic array composed of one or more permanent magnets and one or more electromagnets, the stable brake system condition being the brake applied mode in which the magnetic array is magnetically latched by permanent magnet power, without any electromagnet power, to a rotatable member being braked. To release the brake, the permanent magnet field strength is neutralized or at least decreased by appropriate energization of the one or more electromagnets until the magnetic array is moved by magnetic force away from the rotatable member being braked. The brake is preferably in a vehicle braking system, and particularly a trailer braking system, in which the electromagnets are kept energized at all times when the brake is released for trailer movements. The amount of brake application in the service braking mode is controlled by decreasing the magnetic field strength of the one or more electromagnets in accordance with the braking action demand placed on the system.

Abstract: A brake system for automotive vehicles with electric drive is operable by an actuating pedal and uses hydraulic friction brakes to augment the braking effect generated by the electric drive motors. The coaction of the drive motors with the hydraulic friction brakes is controlled by an electronic controller. In order to largely conform the pedal characteristics of the mentioned brake system to that of a standard passenger car, an actuating pedal (5) is in force-transmitting and travel-transmitting connection with a spring (8) exhibiting a predetermined characteristic curve, and the master brake cylinder (11), uncoupled from the actuating pedal (5), is operable by an electromagnet (9) which is responsive to the controller (70). If the master brake cylinder accommodates two pressure cheers, a single valve is arranged in or on the master cylinder housing, and acts as both a bypass valve and a differential-pressure valve.

Abstract: In an electric vehicle capable of being regeneratively braked, driven wheels connected to and driven by a motor are connected to and capable of being regeneratively braked by a brake control unit. When the regenerative braking of the driven wheels is being conducted by the brake control unit, the gear-shifting of an automatic transmission by a motor/AT control unit is prohibited. Thus, the need for continuance or control of the regenerative braking during gear-shifting is eliminated, thereby preventing a reduction in braking force during the gear-shifting and the generation of a shock.

Abstract: A regenerative and friction brake blend control method for use in a vehicle with at least one positionable hydraulic brake actuator for achieving friction braking and an electric propulsion motor with regenerative braking capability wherein an amount of regenerative braking achieved is indicated by a signal, wherein the method comprises the steps of determining a hydraulic actuator position command indicating a desired vehicle braking, determining responsive the hydraulic actuator position command a regenerative braking command, commanding the electric propulsion motor to regeneratively brake the vehicle responsive to the regenerative braking command, receiving the signal indicative of regenerative braking achieved, converting the signal indicative of regenerative braking achieved to an actuator position reduction signal, subtracting the actuator position reduction signal from the hydraulic actuator position command to determine a difference command, and commanding the hydraulic actuator according to the diff

Abstract: An electromagnetic brake comprises a plurality of electromagnetic coils disposed on a stationary part of a drive force supply unit and producing a magnetic field in response to energizing currents supplied thereto, a rotor made of a conductive material and disposed on a rotary shaft of the drive force supply unit and positioned so as to rotate in the magnetic field and produce an eddy current in the rotor. The eddy current converts the rotational energy imparted to the rotor through the shaft into heat and generates a breaking force. A switching unit connected to the electromagnetic coils selectively controls the flow of energizing current to the coils in accordance with switching data supplied thereto by a control unit, responsive to external control data, for selectively controlling the ON/OFF ratio of energizing current flow to the electromagnetic coils.

Abstract: A braking apparatus for an electric vehicle in which a mechanical anti-lock brake and regenerative braking cooperate with each other to improve a braking performance is realized. On condition that an accelerator is released off, the wheel rotation number is large, and a brake is trod on, a large regeneration mode is selected by a motor controller when a wheel slip is small, and a regeneration mode is selected when the wheel slip is large. When the wheel slip is small, the braking force exerted on each wheel is increased by the brake controller and the regenerative braking force is also increased so that a slip ratio comes quickly closer to 0.2. When the wheel slip is large, the brake controller reduces the braking force so that the slip ratio comes closer to 0.2. In this case, the regenerative braking force is smaller than the above case of the small wheel slip to such an extent that the operation of the brake controller is not disturbed.

Abstract: An antilock braking control apparatus includes a regenerative braking part operatively connected with one or more traction motors of an electric vehicle for braking a plurality of wheels of the vehicle by using regenerative braking torque, a second braking part operatively connected with the wheels of the vehicle for braking the wheels by using brake fluid pressure, an antilock brake system part for performing an antilock brake system control process to control a braking force produced by either the regenerative braking part or the second braking part on the wheels to avoid slipping of the braked wheels, and a braking control part for changing a braking force produced by the other braking part on the wheels to equal zero after the antilock brake system part has started performing an antilock brake system control process relating to the former braking part.

Abstract: A magnetic latching mechanism and method having permanent magnets and electromagnets arranged to alternately magnetically latch one member to either of two other members using the magnetic flux of the permanent magnets. The magnetic flux of the electromagnets is used to modify the permanent magnetic flux to cancel its magnetic latching to one of the other members and attract the one member to the other of the other members so that the one member is moved to disengage from the one member and engage that other member. The electromagnets are then deenergized and only the permanent magnets' magnetic flux magnetically latches the one member to that other member. The process is reversed to move the one member back into latching engagement with the member with which it in disengaged, magnetically released, relation. The mechanism is disclosed as being used to actuate and release parking brakes by acting on a parking brake actuating arm to move, latch and release that arm.

Abstract: Braking system determines a brake actuation rate .DELTA.U/.DELTA.t, where U is a function of pedal position S, and compares the rate to a limiting value G. When G is not exceeded, the auxiliary brake is actuated first and the friction brake is actuated with a small slope. When G is exceeded, the friction brake is actuated sooner and with a greater slope, and the auxiliary brake may not be actuated at all.

Abstract: In an electric vehicle capable of regenerative braking of wheels, a differential pressure regulating valve is interposed between a master cylinder for generating a hydraulic braking pressure by operation of a brake operating element and a brake cylinder for a driven wheel. In a first region in which an input hydraulic pressure into the differential pressure regulating valve is equal to or less than a predetermined value, an output hydraulic pressure from the differential pressure regulating valve is maintained at zero, and in a second region in which the input hydraulic pressure exceeds the predetermined value, the output hydraulic pressure is lower than the input hydraulic pressure by the predetermined value.

Abstract: A pneumatic brake system for use with an additional brake including a by-pass valve in parallel to a shut-off valve. The by-pass valve is opened only during an actuating or controlling of the pneumatic brake which exceeds a control range and opens up the passage through the brake pressure line irrespective of the switching condition of the shut-off valve. The connection of the brake cylinder line section of the brake pressure line with the atmosphere by the shut-off valve is at least choked when the by-pass valve is opened up.

Abstract: In a motor vehicle braking system wherein a first brake device has a first mode of operation in which power-assisted braking is provided and a second mode of operation in which manual braking is provided, wherein the second braking system has a second brake device controlled by a control command, a method of controlling the braking system comprising the steps of receiving a signal indicative of an operator brake request, determining the control command in response to the signal and a first gain factor if the first brake device is in the first mode of operation, determining the control command in response to the signal and a second gain factor if the first brake device is in the second mode of operation, wherein the second gain factor is less than the first gain factor, applying the control command to the second brake device.

Abstract: A brake system for automotive vehicles with electric drive is operable by an actuating pedal and uses hydraulic friction brakes to augment the braking effect generated by the electric drive motors. The coaction of the drive motors with the hydraulic friction brakes is controlled by an electronic controller. In order to largely conform the pedal characteristics of the mentioned brake system to that of a standard passenger car, an actuating pedal (5) is in force-transmitting and travel-transmitting connection with a spring (8) exhibiting a predetermined characteristic curve, and the master brake cylinder (11), uncoupled from the actuating pedal (5), is operable by an electromagnet (9) which is responsive to the controller (70). If the master brake cylinder accommodates two pressure chambers, a single valve is arranged in or on the master cylinder housing, and acts as both a bypass valve and a differential-pressure valve.

Abstract: In a brake system in an electric vehicle comprising a follower wheel capable of being hydraulically braked by the operation of a brake operating element, and a driving wheel connected to and driven by a motor using a battery as an energy source and capable of being hydraulically braked and regeneratively braked by the operation of the brake operating element, the regenerative braking force for the driving wheel exceeds a theoretic distribution characteristic of the braking forces for the follower and driving wheels at least during an initial braking. Thus, it is possible to sufficiently perform the recovery of the kinetic energy of the vehicle by the regenerative braking to increase the possible travel distance of the vehicle. In addition, at least during an initial braking, the hydraulic braking of the driving wheel and the hydraulic braking of the follower wheel are inhibited, and substantially only the regenerative braking of the driving wheel is performed.

Abstract: A pre-assembled disc stack having a predetermined cross-section within a preset tolerance which is installable and removable as a unit with respect to a drive, brake or a combination thereof, composed of a plurality of annular discs stacked in a prearranged order, in which a first set of annular discs is structured for engaging a first component of a drive, brake or combination thereof, and in which a second set of annular discs is structured for engaging a second component of the clutch, brake or combination thereof which is rotatably mounted with respect to the first component. The first and second sets of annular discs are mutually connected together as a unit by a plurality of alignment pins which pass through circumferentially disposed alignment holes in the second set of annular discs which effectively trap the first set of annular discs with respect to the second set of annular discs in the aforesaid prearranged order.

Abstract: A vehicle powered by an electric motor which may be operated as a generator to effect regenerative braking of certain vehicle wheels in combination with individual friction brakes associated with other wheels. A commanded vehicle deceleration is apportioned among the wheels by determining the maximum regenerative braking deceleration achievable by drive wheels, and braking the vehicle occurs solely by regenerative braking so long as the commanded deceleration is less than the determined maximum deceleration. When a commanded deceleration exceeds the determined maximum, the regenerative braking is supplemented with friction braking of the other wheels while the maximum regenerative braking is maintained.

Abstract: A method of controlling a brake system comprising the steps of: (i) receiving a brake command from a brake pedal; (ii) responsive to the received command, applying full power to the brake actuator for a first time period after the brake command is received; (iii) after the first time period, applying power to the brake actuator responsive to the brake command and a first gain factor for a second time period; (iv) after the second time period, applying power to the brake actuator responsive to the brake command and a second gain factor, wherein the second gain factor is less than the first gain factor, wherein the brake actuator is initialized responsive to the brake command.