Abstract: An anti-lock braking system includes a moveable member to be braked and a friction brake for applying a braking force. A controller actuates the friction brake in accordance with braking force demands. Braking force demands are determined by the controller by electrical input signals received from a signal generator that is mechanically linked to the brake pedal, as well as by signals from a slip sensor. The slip sensor records values from wheel speed sensor and computes values that may indicate a slippage condition. Based on the recorded and computed values, the slip sensor and sends electric signals to the controller. The friction brake includes a prestressed piezoelectric element that is lightweight, less cumbersome, and highly controllable as compared with prior anti-lock braking devices, and is actuated via electrical signals rather than a mechanical system.

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: A braking system has a shaft which rotates with a wheel on a vehicle. A rotor rotates with the shaft within a housing. The housing also contains an electromagnetic coil and two armatures. The rearward armature is in contact with the coil while the forward armature is adjacent to the rotor. The rearward armature does not touch the rotor and is more strongly attracted to the coil than the forward armature. Each armature has springs which independently urge it toward the rotor. An electric circuit causes the current supplied to the coil to gradually decay rather than abruptly stop. When the vehicle is parked and subjected to static braking, the coil is de-energized so that the armatures are forced toward the rotor by their springs. In this state, the rearward armature applies force to the forward armature to increase the pressure against the rotor. When the system is disengaged, the coil is energized to attract the armatures and allow the rotor to freely rotate.

Abstract: An electric brake apparatus generates an appropriate brake force without unnecessarily consuming electric power. The electric brake apparatus has a brake actuator generating a brake force. The brake actuator uses a brake motor system including a brake motor as a power source. A motor current provided to the brake motor is generated under a normal control so as to generate a brake force required for a vehicle. The motor current generated under the normal control is reduced when the brake motor is overheated or when the vehicle is stopped for a long time.

Abstract: A method for adjusting or altering the play between brake linings and friction surfaces of motor vehicle brakes by means of controllable and adjustable lifting and return movements of the brake linings is disclosed. In this case, the play is altered as a function of the actuation of the gas pedal, such that the play is reduced if the pressure exerted on the gas pedal is reduced and/or if the gas pedal is released. The device for adjusting or altering the play between brake linings and friction surfaces of motor vehicle brakes contains a brake control/brake regulator (4) for acquiring and processing electronic signals delivered by a brake pedal sensor (2) and, if so required, other sensors, and for actuating electromechanical brake actuators (5).

Abstract: An electric brake apparatus can positively prevent a brake motor from being excessively rotated in a reverse direction in which a braking force is cancelled. A determination is made as to whether or not the brake motor is excessively driven in the reverse direction. An operation of the brake motor is stopped when the brake motor is determined to be excessively driven in the reverse direction. Accordingly, a member of the electric brake apparatus moved by the brake motor is prevented from being excessively moved beyond a predetermined position. Thus, a part of the electric brake apparatus is prevented from being damaged due to an excessive movement of the member moved by the brake motor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process and a control system for generating defined actuating forces in a brake which is electrically operable by way of an actuator, wherein there is a first static relation between the brake's actuating travel and the actuating force. The process and the control system permit determining the actuating forces which develop during operation without additional sensors. To achieve this object, according to the present invention, a second relation which corresponds to the operation of the brake is determined from the first relation and an information which represents the variations of the first relation.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system including a magnetically permeable rotatably mounted brake drum; an annularly distributed magnetic source generates a magnetic field within the brake drum; a control for selectively applying the magnetic field to the brake drum; a drive shaft rotatable during movement of the vehicle; and a rotational speed enhancing coupling between the brake drum and the drive shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brake apparatus with an electric service motor, which serves to actuate the brake via an actuating device. To enable setting an air clearance, the apparatus includes a readjuster for setting the air clearance, the brake is actuated with the readjuster and then reversed by a defined length. To realize a parking braking function, the apparatus includes a parking brake that can be repositioned from a released position to a braking position and that acts on the actuating device.

Abstract: A method of diagnosing an electrically operated brake for abnormality thereof in an automotive vehicle wherein a wheel is braked by a friction force generated by an electric motor of the brake upon an operation of a brake operating member, the method comprising the steps of: applying an abnormality checking drive signal to the electric motor to operate the electric motor while the brake operating member is placed in a non-operated position; detecting a quantity relating to an output of the electric motor while the drive signal is applied to the electric motor; and determining that the electrically operated brake is abnormal, if the detected quantity does not normally correspond to a magnitude of the abnormality checking drive signal.

Abstract: An arrangement for operating a brake of a vehicle has at least one controllable electric motor and at least one conversion device for converting the rotational movement of the electric motor into a translational movement of one or several brake element(s) operatively connected with the conversion device. The conversion device has two sloped disks which are arranged coaxially with respect to the electric motor, and whose first sloped disk can be caused to carry out a rotating movement by way of a step-down gear driven by the electric motor and whose second sloped disk, by way of roller bodies arranged between the two sloped disks, is axially displaceable by a rotating movement of the first sloped disk.

Abstract: Electrically operated parking brake apparatus for a vehicle, including a parking brake device provided for each of at least one vehicle wheel, an electrically operated driving unit for activating the parking brake device, an operating force holding mechanism for mechanically maintaining an operating force of the parking brake device while the driving unit is off, and a parking brake control device for supplying electric power to the driving unit to activate the parking brake device and then cutting a supply of the electric power to the driving unit, for thereby applying a parking brake to the vehicle, wherein the parking brake control device includes an actual operating force changing device operable while a manually operated drive power source switch provided for turning on and off a vehicle drive power source is placed in the non-operated position, for supplying electric power to the driving unit so as to change an actual value of the operating force of the parking brake device, and then cutting a supply of

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: A pin slide mechanism 3 comprises a pair of support portions 23, 24 on a carrier 1 secured to a non-rotating portion of a vehicle. A support portion 24 provided on a tip end of an arm 28 extends from the carrier 1 inwardly of the vehicle. By slidably fitting a cylindrical portion 27 provided on a caliper body 2 via a sleeve 26 onto a pin portion 25a of a pin/bolt 25, the caliper body 2 is secured to the support portions 23, 24. The caliper has an increased weight by containing an electrically-driven device therein, and is supported by the support portions 23, 24 in a straddle-mounted fashion to prevent inclination of the caliper during braking.

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: An electrically operated disc brake assembly for vehicles of the kind in which a friction member (9) is adapted to be applied to a rotatable brake disc (2) by a brake applying mechanism which includes an electric motor (3) and a transmission which is adapted to apply an axially directed brake applying force to the friction member (9) in response to operation of the motor (3) so that the transmission acts on the friction member (9) at circumferentially spaced locations. This produces a substantially even loading across the friction member/disc interface, reducing the magnitude of the reaction torque. In one embodiment, the transmission comprises a pair of axially spaced screw devices (4,5) which are rotatable by the motor (3) acting through a common gear train (6), and the motor may further be provided at the center of mass of the brake.

Abstract: Electrical, continuously acting wheel brake actuators are individually controlled. The following calculation and control procedures are carried out in a control unit: the wheel slip and the wheel acceleration are calculated for each wheel; if the wheel slip or the wheel acceleration exceed a predefined first threshold value, then the respective actual value of the brake pressure is stored; the quotient of the stored actual value and a pressure value which is characteristic of the vehicle is formed for the respective wheel, and the coefficient of friction .mu. is thus estimated; and an ABS brake-pressure closed-loop control operation is carried out at the individual wheels using the value.

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 brake controller for use in a tow vehicle to control the application of towed vehicle brakes. The brake controller is responsive to movement of the tow vehicle brake pedal to send electronic brake control signals to the towed vehicle brakes, actuating the brakes in proportion to the movement of the brake pedal. An optical coupler senses movement of the brake pedal by a graduated increase in transmitted light, or by counting marks associated with a spring-tensioned cable or chain secured between the tow vehicle firewall and the brake pedal arm. A microcontroller is incorporated into the brake controller to adjust the proportionality of the brake actuation in response to operator gain settings, and to allow for manual actuation of the towed vehicle brakes.

Abstract: Magnets (20) are separated by ferromagnetic plates (21) from an inner surface of a brake drum (13) made of steel and secured to a rotational shaft (4). When the rotating brake drum (13) crosses magnetic flux generated by the magnets (20), a braking force caused by eddy currents is produced in the brake drum (13). An annular body (41) formed of a good conductor such as copper is fastened adjacent to at least one side surface of the brake drum (13) in a position axially spaced from the plates (21).

Abstract: An electric brake device includes a disc rotor which is rotatable together with a wheel of an automotive vehicle. An output rod is provided to press a friction pad onto the disc rotor so as to exert a braking force on the wheel. A brake motor is provided to generate a rotating force in response to an electric signal. A gear mechanism is provided to axially move the output rod relative to the disc rotor in accordance with the rotating force, such that the output rod is moved toward the disc rotor when the brake motor rotates in a forward direction, and the output rod is separated from the disc rotor when the brake motor rotates in a reverse direction. A load detection unit detects a load acting on an end of the output rod opposite to a position where the output rod presses the friction pad onto the disc rotor. A motor deceleration unit decreases the rate of rotation of the brake motor when the load detected by the load detection unit is above a reference level.

Abstract: A vehicle braking system including a brake drum connected to a rotational shaft; an annular member formed of a ferromagnetic material; a guide frame for supporting the annular member in a position within said spaced from an inner surface of the brake drum; and a cylindrical body defining an uninterrupted wall between the inner surface of the brake drum and the annular member; at least portions of the cylindrical body disposed directly between the inner surface of the brake drum and outer surfaces of the permanent magnets being formed from a magnetically permeable material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a braking apparatus having an electric service motor, which serves to actuate a brake via an actuating device. To enable adjusting an air clearance, the invention sets forth a helical gear and a load moment block, which blocks the helical gear against adjusting itself independently and allows adjustment by means of a readjusting motor. To adjust or establish the air clearance, the brake is actuated with the readjusting motor, until a brake lining contacts a brake body, such as a brake disk, and then moves backward by a defined distance. If the service motor and/or the actuating device fails, the braking apparatus can be released with the readjusting motor. In order to achieve a parking brake function, the invention sets forth a second load moment block for the actuating device.

Abstract: A control or adjustment system for a disc brake is operated by an electric motor causing the friction linings of the disc brake in application to the brake disc. To transmit an application force as sensitively as possible to cause deceleration of the vehicle as desired by the driver, on the one hand, and to adjust a precise clearance after a braking operation, on the other hand, two different control modes are applied. The electric motor, therefore, is driven by an electronic servo booster that is actuated either by a deceleration controller or by a position controller, depending on the objective to be achieved.

Abstract: An electromechanical actuator maintains an external device to which the actuator is connected at an operating position when power is applied to the actuator, and allows the external device to return to a default position when the power is removed. Included in the actuator is a housing and an output coupling rotatably mounted thereon. The output coupling is configured to be connected to the external device and displaces the external device between the operating position and the default position. A driving device is mounted in the housing for providing a torque to the output coupling to displace the external device between the default position and the operating position when the driving device is energized. Also provided is a torque transmitting device for transmitting and changing the torque from the driving device to the output coupling. The torque transmitting device is cooperatively engaged to and is located between the driving device and the output coupling.

Abstract: In a brake assembly in which an electric motor operates to apply the brake through a screw device, the screw device comprises a recirculating roller screw assembly which is adapted to be driven from the electric motor through a gear train, and the roller screw assembly comprises a fine pitch recirculating roller screw.

Abstract: The electric brake including a pad clearance adjusting mechanism comprises: ignition switch detecting member for detecting that an ignition key has been switched from its off position to its on position; brake instruction detecting member; a parking brake detecting member; a brake control device; a piston position sensor; and, an electric actuator.

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: An improved structure for an electrical actuation mechanism adapted for use in a disc brake assembly includes an electrical actuation mechanism adapted to be secured to an inboard leg of the caliper of the disc brake assembly. The electrical actuation mechanism includes a housing, an electrical motor disposed in the housing, and a spindle disposed in the housing and operatively coupled to the motor by a conversion gear assembly which is effective to convert rotary motion generated by the motor into axial movement of the piston. The spindle includes a shaft and a piston which can be coupled to the shaft by a dampening structure. The shaft is operatively connected to the motor for axial motion thereof, and the piston is operatively connected to a friction pad for engaging a rotor attached to a wheel of a vehicle in which the disc brake assembly is installed. The dampening structure can be comprised of elastomeric material or a fluid filled chamber defined between the piston and the shaft.

Abstract: The brake system for a motor vehicle has an electromechanical wheel brake actuator mounted on each brake caliper of each wheel. The actuator is controlled by the brake pedal through electric lines and it has a brake piston disposed in a cylindrical bore formed therein. A spindle drive moves the brake piston axially and presses to piston against the brake lining, which effects the braking action on the respective wheel. A piston sealing ring limits the axial movement of the brake piston within the cylindrical bore. A transformer part connects to the brake piston via a non-self-locking pair of threads. A main spring in the brake actuator compensates for brake lining wear. The main spring, upon a return stroke of the spindle drive into a position of repose, moves the transformer part axially out of the brake piston while the brake piston is firmly held by the piston sealing ring.

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: An electromagnetic hysteresis brake is provided with a two-part pole ring with an inner and an outer pole ring part (5, 6) and a field coil (10) and further provided with a rotating ring (3) made of a permanent-magnetic material, the ring (3) projects into an annular air gap (11) of the pole ring which is formed between the inner and the outer pole ring parts (5, 6), at least one of the air gaps (12) of the brake is adjustable.

Abstract: A guide frame for an eddy current type braking system includes a brake drum connected to a rotary shaft; a stationary pole piece frame formed of a non-magnetic material, disposed within the brake drum and retaining a plurality of ferromagnetic plates opposed to an inner surface of the brake drum; and magnet support rings formed of a magnetic material and retaining permanent magnets opposed to the ferromagnetic plates. An outer surface and an inner peripheral surface of each ferromagnetic plate is displaced in a direction parallel to the axis of the brake drum, and an axial center of the outer peripheral surface of the ferromagnetic plates is substantially radially aligned with an axial center of the brake drum.

Abstract: An electrical brake system for a motor vehicle is provided that may include an integrated electrical auxiliary brake. The wheel brakes of the brake system may be actuated via brake application devices. The internal friction can be selectively increased through an electrical auxiliary brake to create a self-locking of the brake application device with an increased brake application force.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electrically/electronically controllable braking system including: a brake actuating device 6, at least two brake circuits (2, 4) and two processors (8a, 8b; 10a, 10b) for each brake circuit (2, 4) for driving the actuators (12a to 12d) and for the control of further functions such as slip control functions. The processors (8a, 8b) of the rear brake control are joined in a rear brake control apparatus 16 and the processors (10a, 10b) of the front wheel brake control are joined in a front brake control apparatus 18. The allocations of the functions of the electric control apparatus for both brake circuits are optimized especially while considering reliability. The brake actuating device 6 outputs its actuating function via signal lines 7 to all processors (8a, 8b; 10a, 10b).

Abstract: A brake actuator for electrically actuated vehicle brakes includes a spindle assembly without additional gear stages. The forces required for engaging the brake are realized herein by utilizing the spindle assembly. The brake actuator includes a brake pad which is pressed against a brake disc with the aid of an electric motor (4) operating as an electric drive. A planetary-roller spindle assembly operatively connects the electric motor to a brake piston on which the brake pad is mounted. The electric motor (4) is connected via the spindle assembly to the brake piston (32). The spindle assembly (16) is arranged in the displacement direction of the brake pad and the brake piston (32) is journalled so as to be axially displaceable with the brake pad. The spindle assembly (16) includes a spindle rod (18) which is mounted so as to be an extension of the rotor (8) of the electric motor (4).

Abstract: A magnet section is constructed by installing a coil (2) on a yoke (1), and an armature (3) is placed facing the attracting surface of this magnet section. Indentations and projections are formed to confer the characteristics of both an opposing type electromagnet and a plunger type electromagnet on the magnetic path portion that faces yoke (1) and armature (3). By doing this, the attractive force characteristics will be uniform, and the operating speed and the holding position of the armature can be set as desired by adjusting the magnetization. Thus, the force of impact can be lessened by deceleration control of the armature, and the impact noise can be reduced. In a further aspect, a thin, single sheet annular, noise-damping waveform spring (6) is attached to the outer edge of the attracting surface of the magnet's yoke (1) or armature (3).

Abstract: A magnetic adjustable loading device with eddy current comprises a flywheel and a rotor made from metal conductor. A stator comprises with a magnetic plate and permanent magnet. By changing the air gap between the rotor and stator, the magnetic flux density is changed. Characterized in that the axial displacement of the stator is replaced by a stator which performs the radial displacement. The loading or resistance can be adjusted in a stepless manner. The overall dimension of the loading device can be reduced and it can be applied in a more flexible and subtle way.

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 variable electric brake assembly applies braking force to the wheel of a materials handling vehicle through a rotor shaft. A brake rotor rotates on the rotor shaft and is located within the brake assembly. When the vehicle is in a parked position, both an inner coil and an outer coil are de-energized. With the inner coil de-energized, an inner armature is not attracted to the inner coil, and the inner armature is forced against the brake rotor by springs to prevent the rotation of the brake rotor. When the vehicle is moving in a free running position, the outer coil remains de-energized while the inner coil is energized. With the inner coil energized, the inner armature is attracted to the inner coil and overcomes the force of the springs, thereby allowing the brake rotor to freely rotate. When the vehicle undergoes dynamic braking, both the outer coil and the inner coil are energized.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a brake actuator of a vehicle which provides for a hydraulic reset in such a manner that a defined distance is always present between the brake lining 26 and the brake disc in the rest position of the friction brake. The brake actuator includes an electric motor 2, a hydraulic transmission 16 having a hydraulic chamber 22 with a first hydraulic piston 14 and a second hydraulic piston 18 and a second hydraulic cylinder 20. The brake actuator also includes a spindle unit (8, 10) located between an electric motor 2 and the hydraulic transmission 16. A further hydraulic chamber in the form of a readjusting chamber 28 is also provided. This additional chamber is closed off with a compensating piston movable relative to the ambient. The additional chamber 28 is connected to the first hydraulic chamber 22 via an opening 44 located in the second hydraulic piston 18. The opening 44 is provided with a check valve to permit flow to the pressure chamber 22.

Abstract: An electronically controllable braking system for ground vehicles, comprising a cylinder/piston arrangement (6) which is able to introduce friction forces (F.sub.akt) into a friction element (8) which is coupled with a vehicle wheel by subjecting a hydraulic chamber (4) of the cylinder/piston arrangement (6) with hydraulic fluid, is developed further in that an electrically actuatable displacement element (12) projects into the hydraulic chamber (4) of the cylinder/piston arrangement (6) which is actuatable as a function of control signals from an electronic controller (22) for increasing or decreasing the pressure acting on the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic chamber (4) in order to increase or decrease, respectively, the friction forces (F.sub.akt) which, during a braking operation, are introduced into the friction element (8).

Abstract: An electric braking device for measuring the torque of an engine includes a rotor rotating with a shaft and a stator which is tiltably supported in a housing by a bearing at either of its front ends, each end being provided with a disk-shaped bearing shield with a pivot journal. To prevent the measured results from being influenced by the stator bearings hydrostatic swivel bearings are used, one being axially movable and the other axially immovable. Each hydraulic swivel bearing includes a ring slipped over a pivot journal of the bearing shield the ring being supported by two bearing bodies secured against rotating, the latter being located one on either side of a longitudinal center plane containing the shaft axis and below a transverse plane containing the shaft axis and being normal to the center plane.

Abstract: In order to keep the braking torque of a motor always maximal and to execute suitable ABS regenerative braking, a controller of an electric car has a motor (1) connected to the road wheels, and its central controller confirms that regenerative energy calculated from output signals from an ammeter (51) and from a volt meter (52) after the braking operation begins reaches a maximum value, and stores a braking torque calculation value obtained from a signal from a motor number-of-revolution sensor (63), as a maximum braking torque value. When the difference between the braking torque command value applied to the motor (1) and the braking torque calculation value exists within a predetermined range, the braking torque command value is thereafter increased or decreased in accordance with the difference between the maximum braking torque value described above and a present braking torque calculation value, and when the difference is out of this predetermined range, the braking torque command value is decreased.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle transmission including an eddy current retarder, the stator of which is fastened to the housing of a gearbox by fastener members and the rotor of which is connected to the gearbox outlet shaft. According to the invention, the fastener members include at least two rigid parts, one fastened to the stator and the other to the rotor, each of the two parts including a bearing surface which corresponds to at least part of a surface of revolution centered on the gearbox outlet shaft, the two bearing surfaces being separated by a layer of an elastomeric material which is bonded to the two bearing surfaces and which allows a certain relative angular displacement of the two rigid parts, the two rigid parts being unmovable relative to one another in a direction parallel to the width of the air gap which separates the rotor and the stator.

Abstract: Eddy current brake equipment includes a stator assembly and a rotor assembly adapted to be mounted on a transmission shaft of a vehicle. One of those assemblies includes inductor windings and the other assembly includes an armature facing the inductor windings. The inductor windings are selectively excited from an electricity source of the vehicle in response to a power feed setting. A processor is provided to estimate the braking torque that the equipment can provide as a function of the speed of rotation of the rotor assembly, of the temperature armature, and of the temperature of the inductor windings, and of at least one value for the power feed setting.

Abstract: The equipment comprises control device that establish a power feed setting for selectively exciting the stator windings as a function of the position of a control lever while also taking the temperature of the rotor armature into account. This temperature is evaluated in real time by a processor included in the control device. At each evaluation instant, the computation variables comprise the speed of rotation of the rotor, the power feed setting, the temperature of the armature as obtained for the preceding evaluation instant, and optionally the temperature of the stator. The invention can be used to make better use of the electrical power delivered to the stator while avoiding the need to measure armature temperature directly.

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: A signal generator for generating an electrical signal which varies in accordance with movement of an actuating member includes a plunger slidable mounted within a housing which carries a pair of permanent magnets for generating a magnetic field to be applied to a hall effect generator. As the plunger is moved relative to the hall effect generator, the magnets are also moved relative to the hall effect generator, thereby varying the magnetic field applied thereto. Accordingly, a variable output signal is generated as a function of the position of the input member.