Having A Valve System Responsive To A Wheel Lock Signal Patents (Class 303/113.1)
  • Patent number: 8029072
    Abstract: In order to achieve a good brake feeling, a brake control system includes a master cylinder which discharges pressurized operating fluid according to an operating amount of a brake operating member by a driver, a stroke simulator which is connected to the master cylinder and creates a reaction force with respect to that operation according to the operating amount of the brake operating member, and a control portion which calculates a target deceleration using hydraulic pressure in the stroke simulator. The brake control system is also provided with a master cylinder pressure sensor that measures the hydraulic pressure in the master cylinder. The control portion may also calculate the target deceleration using an estimated value of the hydraulic pressure in the stroke simulator calculated based on the measured value from the master cylinder pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Miyazaki, Yoshiaki Irie, Rio Suda
  • Patent number: 8010269
    Abstract: Brake apparatus includes a transmission unit for operatively connecting a brake pedal to a master cylinder, and the transmission unit is a mechanism capable of varying a ratio between an output amount of a push rod connected to a master cylinder and an operation amount of the brake pedal. Further, the transmission unit is constructed in such a manner that, in an initial operation region of the brake pedal, a ratio of the operation amount of the brake pedal to the output amount of the push rod is set to be greater than in another operation region immediately following the initial operation region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomoya Toyohira, Arata Inoue, Kazuyoshi Akutsu, Kunimichi Hatano
  • Publication number: 20110204709
    Abstract: For improving the braking performance of a vehicle, the method is designed for brake systems that, for the wheel brakes of the front and real axle, each have a separate brake circuit each having a return pump, a plurality of the return pumps being driven by a common motor. In order to reduce the wheel standstill time of at least one wheel during an ABS control, it is provided at least partially to open a valve situated between the master brake cylinder and the inlet side of the return pump of the rear-axle brake circuit, so that the differential pressure present at the return pump of the rear-axle brake circuit becomes reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Rainer BRUEGGEMANN, Philipp Frueh
  • Publication number: 20110109152
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brake system for a vehicle, with a main brake cylinder, a fluid control unit, and at least one wheel brake. The fluid control unit has, for brake pressure modulation in at least one brake circuit a switchover valve, an intake valve and a recirculating pump for each brake circuit. According to the invention, the fluid control unit has, for each brake circuit, a sliding valve which is connected into a suction line between the recirculating pump and the main brake cylinder. The sliding valve restricts the effective pressure on a suction side of the recirculating pump to a predeterminable maximum pressure value. In this case, the sliding valve can be arranged in series with or parallel to the intake valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Rene Schepp, Norbert Alaze
  • Patent number: 7922265
    Abstract: A method for controlling hydraulic and regenerative braking includes commanding variable regenerative braking upon depression of a brake actuator until the regenerative braking reaches a threshold level, and commanding variable hydraulic braking in a wheel circuit. Commanding variable hydraulic braking includes: preventing transfer of fluid pressure from a master cylinder circuit through the ABS valve to the wheel circuit when the fluid in the master cylinder circuit is between a first pressure and a second pressure; partially limiting transfer of fluid pressure from the master cylinder circuit through the ABS valve to the wheel circuit when the fluid in the master cylinder circuit is between the second pressure and a third pressure; and allowing full transfer of fluid pressure from the master cylinder circuit through the ABS valve to the wheel circuit when the fluid in the master cylinder circuit is greater than the third pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Daniel D. Cottrell, V
  • Publication number: 20110006593
    Abstract: In a brake control apparatus (20) that controls braking forces which are applied to wheels based on the pressure of a brake fluid, when a hydraulic pressure actuator (40) controls the hydraulic pressure that is transferred to wheel cylinders (23) using the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid in a power hydraulic pressure source (30), a brake ECU (70) closes a simulator cut valve (68) if the pressure of the brake fluid in the power hydraulic pressure source (30) falls below a predetermined value (Pssc) or if it is determined that the number of times the brake operation member (24) is operated within a predetermined value. In addition, the ECU (70) may change the timing for closing the simulator cut valve (68) based on the road surface condition estimated at the time of antilock control start. Thus, a driver is less likely to feel unusual brake feel when a braking control mode is changed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akira Sakai, Shiro Monzaki, Mitsuo Fukuda, Eiji Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20100252378
    Abstract: A control device and a method for a brake system of a utility vehicle are provided. The brake system includes service brake cylinders and spring brake cylinders for braking the utility vehicle, an electronic control device, sensors for detecting the state of motion of the utility vehicle, a foot brake valve for actuating the service brake, a manual control unit, a module encompassing electrically controllable valves for an anti-blocking system, and a module encompassing electrically controllable valves for an electrically controlled parking brake. The electronic control device influences both the anti-lock system and the electrically controlled parking brake.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: KNORR-BREMSE Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH
    Inventor: Eduard HILBERER
  • Patent number: 7805233
    Abstract: A wheel speed transducer including a magnetic device associated with a wheel and a sensor device associated with the axle of the wheel provides data indicative of the velocity of the wheel. A processor located at the axle receives the wheel speed data and processes it to perform antiskid control functions. The velocity data is stored in a data concentrator also associated with the axle. A tire pressure sensor, a brake temperature sensor and a brake torque sensor, each associated with the wheel, send data to the processor at the axle, for storage in the data concentrator. A transmitting antenna associated with the axle and in communication with the data concentrator transmits stored data to a receiving antenna associated with the wheel. A data port at the wheel and in communication with the receiving antenna provides an interface to an external device for receiving the data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Hydro-Aire, Inc., Subsidiary of Crane Co.
    Inventors: John Gowan, Garrett H. DeVlieg
  • Patent number: 7794026
    Abstract: A vehicle braking apparatus is capable of suppressing time lag at the time of activating an ABS, reliably detecting wheel slippage at a wheel even on a low ? road surface, and performing a brake operation to stop the vehicle without causing stroke variations in a brake actuating unit. A vehicle braking apparatus includes a hydraulic modulator for generating hydraulic pressure applied to a brake caliper which is connected to a master cylinder via a main brake path, and a pressure sensor for detecting hydraulic pressure applied to the brake caliper. When the ABS is activated, the hydraulic pressure applied to the brake caliper is reduced to a pressure reduction target value based on the detected pressure. A normally-open electromagnetic valve lies in the main brake path. The brake path pressure on each side of the valve is equalized by means of the hydraulic modulator before opening the electromagnetic valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanobu Nakayama, Kazuya Takenouchi, Kazuhiko Tani
  • Patent number: 7775609
    Abstract: A brake control apparatus for a vehicle includes an actuator and a controller that controls the wheel cylinder pressure to a target hydraulic pressure by driving the actuator in response to a braking request. The controller sets a ceiling value for the rate at which the wheel cylinder pressure is changed in accordance with a temperature, and the wheel cylinder pressure is changed at a rate that is equal to or lower than the ceiling value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Takayuki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7766432
    Abstract: A hydraulic motorcycle brake system includes an accommodating member for the hydraulic connection of two master brake cylinders to the front-wheel brake and rear-wheel brake having several pressure channels for the front-wheel circuit and rear-wheel brake circuit, and allowing manufacture in a simplest possible manner, and a pair of wheel brake connections connectable to the rear-wheel brake and front-wheel brake open into a lateral surface of the accommodating member, the wheel brake connections being arranged between a pair of pressure connections that are connectable to the two master brake cylinders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Axel Hinz, Günther Vogel
  • Patent number: 7758132
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a braking hydraulic circuit for linear pressure reduction of a front/rear wheel braking liquid pressure in a vehicle. On a liquid pressure return line formed between wheel cylinders and a master cylinder, a two-system liquid pressure control circuit separately passes liquid pressures to be discharged from the wheel cylinders and then unifies the liquid pressures. The liquid pressure control circuit has normal open type solenoid valves and normal close type solenoid valves. Therefore, at the time of implementation of ABS (Antilock Brake System) or TCS (Traction Control System), linear control of a front/rear wheel braking liquid pressure can be realized. In addition, a difference in pressure intensification gradient according to a difference in generation time between the front and rear wheels can be eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jong Won Park, Soung Jun Park
  • Patent number: 7756619
    Abstract: An active vibration insulator includes an electromagnetic actuator, a controller, and a bad-roads processor. The electromagnetic actuator generates vibrating forces depending on electric-current supplies. The controller carries out vibrating-forces generation control. In the vibrating-forces generation control, the electric-current supplies are made variable so as to actively inhibit vibrations generated by an on-vehicle vibration generating source of a vehicle from transmitting to a specific part of the vehicle based on cyclic pulsating signals output from the on-vehicle vibration generating source. Thus, the controller lets the electromagnetic actuator generate the vibrating forces. The bad-roads processor stops the vibrating-forces generation control effected by the controller when the vehicle travels on bad roads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Ichikawa, Takayoshi Yasuda, Hideki Oshima, Takehiko Fushimi, Daichi Mizushima, Kenichi Sato
  • Patent number: 7748791
    Abstract: A combination secondary master cylinder and brake pedal compliance device for an automotive braking system includes a cylinder having a signal chamber, a working chamber, and a compliance chamber. Elastic devices mounted within the working chamber and compliance chamber allow the apparent compliance of the friction braking system attached to the combination device to remain at a relatively constant value notwithstanding the presence of varying amounts of powertrain braking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies
    Inventor: John Joyce
  • Publication number: 20090189439
    Abstract: In a brake hydraulic pressure control device for a vehicle, a plurality of electromagnetic valves are mounted on a first surface of a housing, while an electric motor for driving pumps built in the housing are mounted on a second surface of the housing opposite to the first surface. A cover member for covering the electromagnetic valves is attached to the first surface, and a main ECU for controlling the electromagnetic valves and the electric motor is arranged in a space defined by the cover member and the first surface. One or more spaces are formed between the electric motor and the second surface to receive a plurality of pressure sensors for detecting hydraulic pressures at various parts in a hydraulic brake device of the vehicle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Taizo ABE, Moriharu SAKAI, Toshiharu MIZUNO
  • Publication number: 20090132140
    Abstract: A wheel speed transducer including a magnetic device associated with a wheel and a sensor device associated with the axle of the wheel provides data indicative of the velocity of the wheel. A processor located at the axle receives the wheel speed data and processes it to perform antiskid control functions. The velocity data is stored in a data concentrator also associated with the axle. A tire pressure sensor, a brake temperature sensor and a brake torque sensor, each associated with the wheel, send data to the processor at the axle, for storage in the data concentrator. A transmitting antenna associated with the axle and in communication with the data concentrator transmits stored data to a receiving antenna associated with the wheel. A data port at the wheel and in communication with the receiving antenna provides an interface to an external device for receiving the data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Applicant: HYDRO-AIRE, INC. A SUBSIDIARY OF CRANE CO.
    Inventors: John Gowan, Gary DeVlieg
  • Publication number: 20090072615
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling brakes, includes a first brake circuit for supplying brake fluid, pressure-increased by a booster, to a wheel-brake cylinder, a first control valve disposed in the first brake circuit for establishing and blocking fluid communication between a master cylinder and the wheel-brake cylinder, a second brake circuit arranged in parallel with the first brake circuit for supplying brake fluid, pressure-increased by a fluid-pressure source, to the wheel-brake cylinder, and a second control valve disposed in the second brake circuit for establishing and blocking fluid communication between the fluid-pressure source and the wheel-brake cylinder. Also provided is a control unit, which is configured to selectively control the first and second control valves when building-up wheel-cylinder pressure, and further configured to build-up the wheel-cylinder pressure by operating the fluid-pressure source when at least the second control valve is controlled to a valve-open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Toshiya OOSAWA, Katsuya ISWASAKI
  • Publication number: 20090058181
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake apparatus includes a master cylinder pressurizing brake fluid in a pressure chamber and outputting a hydraulic pressure to a wheel cylinder of a first brake circuit, and a pressure control valve controlling a hydraulic pressure of an auxiliary hydraulic pressure source outputting the controlled hydraulic pressure to a wheel cylinder of a second brake circuit, wherein a master cylinder piston includes a first passage which hydraulically connects the pressure chamber and a reservoir, and a switching valve which closes and opens the first passage, and wherein a throttle means and a check valve, which allows the brake fluid to travel only from the reservoir to the pressure chamber, are hydraulically provided in parallel with each other at the first passage at a position between the switching valve and the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Atsushi SUZUKI, Hideki YAMAMOTO, Shigemitsu NOHIRA
  • Publication number: 20090055067
    Abstract: A method for controlling a valve for maintaining brake pressure in a specified region of a brake circuit in a motor vehicle, in which the valve is controlled using a first control method, the specified region of the brake circuit is monitored with respect to the occurrence of a loss of brake pressure, and in response to a detected loss of brake pressure, the valve is controlled using a second control method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Philipp Grell, Ulrich Mahlenbrey, Mark Unbescheiden, Heiner Messner, Raphael Oliveira, Julien Bregeault, Carsten Bodmann, Jens Kolarsky
  • Patent number: 7481500
    Abstract: An operation-characteristic obtaining apparatus including an operation-characteristic obtaining portion which obtains, as an operation characteristic of an electromagnetic control valve which includes a coil and which is opened and closed according to at least a relationship between (a) an acting force corresponding to a difference of respective pressures of a working liquid on either side of the electromagnetic control valve and (b) an electromagnetic drive force corresponding to an electric current supplied to the coil, a relationship between (c) a valve switching current as an electric current that is supplied to the coil of the electromagnetic control valve at a time when the electromagnetic control valve is switched between a closed state thereof and an opened state thereof and (d) a difference at the time of the respective pressures on either side of the electromagnetic control valve; and a leakage detecting portion which detects, when the operation-characteristic obtaining portion obtains the operation
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tetsuya Miyazaki, Masaaki Komazawa, Yoshito Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7469974
    Abstract: During normal braking, a brake fluid supply route is used through which brake fluid is supplied from a master reservoir to wheel cylinders to using first to fourth pumps. When an abnormality occurs, a route is used through which a master cylinder pressure, which is generated by depressing a brake pedal, is transmitted through brake conduits to the wheel cylinders for both front wheels. First to fourth linear valves are provided in parallel with the first to fourth pumps, respectively, and during normal braking, the first to fourth linear valves are operated under duty control to adjust the wheel cylinder pressures that are generated in the wheel cylinders to, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazuya Maki, Yasuo Takahara
  • Publication number: 20080265663
    Abstract: Brake pads are retracted with respect to the brake rotor responsive to predetermined conditions of the motor vehicle in which braking is not required. Selective application of negative brake line pressure causes the caliper pistons to retract with respect to their respective caliper cylinders, thereby causing the brake pads to retract from the brake rotor. The predetermined conditions of the motor vehicle when braking is not required include when the motor vehicle is cruising or is parked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Chris A. G. Leach, Terry W. Ostan
  • Publication number: 20080252139
    Abstract: Disclosed is a valve for an anti-lock brake system, in which a sleeve sheet is assembled with a lower portion of a valve housing, so that the external shape and the structure of the valve are simplified. The valve includes a valve core; an armature positioned below the valve core and provided at an end thereof with a ball; a cylindrical sleeve coupled with outer peripheral surfaces of the valve core and the armature to guide an up/down movement of the armature; a first elastic member installed between the valve core and the armature; a valve housing coupled to one end of the cylindrical sleeve and formed therein with a hollow section that extends lengthwise along the valve housing; a valve seat press-fitted into the hollow section and formed with a first orifice which is open/closed by the ball; and a filter seat press-fitted into the valve housing and provided with an inlet and an outlet, which are positioned at a circumferential portion and a lower portion of the filter seat, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Applicant: MANDO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Chung Jae LEE
  • Publication number: 20080179944
    Abstract: In a hydraulic brake system with anti-lock control, noise is reduced during ABS control by controlling the flow rate of high-pressure fluid from the master brake cylinder (2) to the wheel brakes (15, 16). This is accomplished by placing an analog or pulse-width modulated NO valve (40) in the brake line between the connection of the pressure side of the hydraulic pump (35) and the inlet valve (20,27) to the wheel brake. By this means, only one analog or analogized valve is needed per brake circuit as opposed to two if the inlet valves were analog valves. In brake systems with traction control or electronic stability control, a shut-off valve is already present in this location. Thus replacing the existing valve with an analog or quasi-analog valve is easy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Rolf Spaeth
  • Publication number: 20080100129
    Abstract: A method is provided for controlling the braking of a vehicle that has a first set of friction brakes for applying a first apply brake force to a first set of wheels and a second set of friction brakes for applying a second brake apply force to a second set of wheels. A powertrain assembly is coupled to the second set of wheels. The powertrain assembly includes a regenerative braking unit capable of recapturing kinetic energy from the second set of wheels. The vehicle is braked in a first phase of control using regenerative braking to brake the second set of wheels to achieve up to a first value of braking. The vehicle is braked in a second phase of control using the regenerative braking to maintain braking of the second set of wheels at the first value of braking force while selectively applying the first friction brakes to the first set of wheels up to a second value of braking.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Mark D. Lubbers
  • Patent number: 7357465
    Abstract: A brake pedal feel simulator is provided which reduces the simulation force provided to the brake pedal during emergency or failed conditions. The simulator generally comprises a first spring having a first spring rate and a second spring having a second spring rate. The second spring rate is selected to be lower than the first spring rate. When a predetermined force level is achieved at the brake pedal and simulator, the spring rate provided by the simulator shifts to the second spring rate. In this manner, the rate resistance to translation of the brake pedal is reduced, thereby improving the operator's ability to brake the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Continental Teves, Inc.
    Inventors: Kent Randolph Young, David Leslie Agnew
  • Publication number: 20080048492
    Abstract: An actuator installed in a vehicle controls brake fluid pressures applied respectively to a first wheel cylinder for a front wheel and a second wheel cylinder for a rear wheel. The actuator includes a first pump for the front wheel, a second pump for the rear wheel, and a motor for driving the first pump and the second pump. The first pump sucks brake fluid and discharges the brake fluid to the first wheel cylinder. The second pump sucks brake fluid and discharges the brake fluid to the second wheel cylinder. In addition, a discharge volume of the first pump is larger than a discharge volume of the second pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Applicant: ADVICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Moriharu Sakai
  • Publication number: 20080036295
    Abstract: A brake hydraulic pressure control unit includes motors mounted on one end of a hydraulic block so as to be aligned along a vertical direction. Each motor drives one of two sets of pumps. Solenoid valves and an electronic control unit are provided at the other end of the hydraulic block. Half of the solenoid valves and other component parts, which form a first hydraulic circuit, are provided in a vertically elongated area on the left-hand side of the pump mounting portions, and the other half of the solenoid valves and other component parts, which form a second hydraulic circuit, are provided in a vertically elongated area on the right-hand side of the pump mounting portions, with the component parts of each of the first and second hydraulic circuits overlapping each other in the lateral direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: February 14, 2008
    Inventor: Moriharu Sakai
  • Patent number: 7325884
    Abstract: A brake module provides a first circuit, a second circuit, and a third circuit of pressurized brake fluid. A first set and second set of brake actuators are operated by the application of pressurized brake fluid. A first and second fluid separator unit are integrated between the first and second circuit, and the first and third circuit, respectively, for substantially preventing any intermixing of pressurized brake fluid between the first, second, and third circuits. The first and second fluid separator units include a moveable pressure boundary which enables the second circuit and third circuit of pressurized brake fluid to selectively act upon the first set and second set of brake actuators in response to the first circuit of pressurized brake fluid acting upon the first and second fluid separator units. At least one proportional valve selectively controls the pressurized brake fluid of the first circuit for acting on the first and the second fluid separator units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventor: Blaise Ganzel
  • Patent number: 7322657
    Abstract: A second piston includes a first protruding portion that protrudes toward a first piston and a second protruding portion that protrudes toward a stopper. By changing a height of the first protruding portion and a height of the second protruding portion it is possible to adjust both a stroke S1 and a stroke S2, and an overall stroke. Further, it is possible to independently change the respective heights of the protruding portions using a cutting process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takaaki Matsuhashi
  • Patent number: 7303242
    Abstract: An adaptation to a vehicle antilock braking system modulator to increase the initial displacement of the master cylinder, provide quicker system response and improved pedal feel. A solenoid assembly is added to the non fluid side of each of the low pressure accumulators in the ABS modulator. Upon the operator initiation of a brake apply, the solenoids are energized to immediately push upon the sump pistons and inject fluid from the low pressure accumulators into the brake system. This extra “shot” of fluid decreases the amount of fluid that the master cylinder delivers to the brake system. This improves pedal feel as it reduces the required initial pedal travel for a given brake system displacement. The low pressure accumulator pistons are spring balanced to ensure retention of fluid between brake applies and to allow normal ABS operation. During ABS operation, the low pressure accumulator displacer solenoids are de-energized to allow effective operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: John Edmund Mackiewicz
  • Publication number: 20070252428
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake unit applies braking force to a plurality of wheels of a vehicle according to the operation of a brake pedal. A pressure increase linear control valve supplies hydraulic fluid from an accumulator to wheel cylinders of disc brake units of the respective wheels. Pressure-sustaining valves are placed in passages that extend from a first passage to the rear wheel cylinders. A pressure-increase response-delay reduction section closes the pressure-sustaining valves for a predetermined period of time after starting the hydraulic pressure control to temporarily limit the inflow of hydraulic fluid into the wheel cylinders that communicate with the first passage. Thus, the amount of the hydraulic fluid that is supplied to the second passage is increased, and it is possible to reduce the hydraulic pressure response delay in the second passage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takahiro Okano, Akihiro Otomo, Tsukasa Fukasawa
  • Patent number: 7252346
    Abstract: In brake control apparatus and method for an automotive vehicle, a cornering stability control section is configured to start a provision of the braking force for the vehicle when a cornering limit estimating section estimates that a cornering state variable of the vehicle (Vp) is in excess of the braking operation threshold value (kVLp) after the predetermined delay time (?t) is elapsed from a present time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takuya Higuchi
  • Patent number: 7246864
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure regulating device is disposed between a master cylinder and a pair of wheel cylinders included in each of a dual hydraulic circuit. A desired value is provided for a wheel cylinder operatively associated with a wheel to be controlled, on the basis of state variable monitored by a monitor. The desired value for at least one wheel cylinder in a hydraulic circuit including the wheel cylinder for the wheel to be controlled, is modified at least in response to operation of a brake pedal to provide a modified desired value. When the brake pedal is operated, the regulating device is controlled in response to a result of comparison between the modified desired value and the state variable, to regulate the pressure in at least one wheel cylinder included in the hydraulic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihisa Kato, Shingo Nishigaki
  • Patent number: 7244002
    Abstract: A brake-by-wire type vehicle brake system is arranged to return a piston of a master cylinder to a normal position by opening a shutoff valve so as to supply a hydraulic pressure of a pump to the master cylinder when the shutoff valve is closed and a stroke simulator is put in shutoff state and to close the shutoff valve when the stroke simulator is put in communicating state by returning the pistons of the master cylinder to the normal position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Tsunehara
  • Patent number: 7210749
    Abstract: An electrohydraulic brake system where brake pressure is controlled by the combined action of an apply valve and a dump valve by the implementation of a method of controlling the voltage applied to the apply and dump valve. The EHB pressure control system receives a desired wheel pressure command and, with a caliper pressure feedback signal, implements an algorithm to compute one voltage command for the apply valve and another for the dump valve, corresponding to a requested flow from the hydraulics. The voltage command drives current control electronics. The electronics in turn power the solenoids of the proportional apply and dump poppet valves to control flow in or out of the brakes and modulate wheel pressure as required. Use of the algorithm to control the electromagnetic poppet valves achieves the commanded pressure at a vehicle's brakes reliably and with good control in all states of flow through the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Yuhong Zheng, Danny R. Milot
  • Patent number: 7182412
    Abstract: When it is in a forward or backward range, in an idle state, the vehicle is perfectly stationary, brake releasing velocity Bv is larger than Bv_on, brake stroke Bs is smaller than Bs_on and braking force Bf is larger than driving force Fd, a brake ECU executes a program that includes the steps of starting a timer, controlling the braking force Bf such that it becomes approximately equal to the driving force Fd, and controlling the braking force Bf such that it gradually decreases until it attains to Bend after a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ogawa
  • Patent number: 7158372
    Abstract: In an electronic control unit, a chassis is provided with a plate portion, and a circuit board is secured to a board-side attaching surface of the plate portion with a predetermined space secured relative to the plate portion. The chassis is further provided with a side wall protruding from the circumferential portion of the other surface of the plate portion and is mounted on a surface of a housing incorporating a device therein, with an end surface of the side wall being seated on the surface of the housing. A bus bar is fixed at a fixing portion thereof to the board-side attaching surface between the plate portion and the circuit board and is connected to a terminal of the device which is taken out from the housing. The bus bar is provided at plural free ends thereof with branch portions at which lead portions extend to be joined at end portions thereof to the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Sanada, Takao Tsunooka, Matsuhisa Tsuruta
  • Patent number: 7150508
    Abstract: A brake module provides a first circuit, a second circuit, and a third circuit of pressurized brake fluid. A first set and second set of brake actuators are operated by the application of pressurized brake fluid. A first and second fluid separator unit are integrated between the first and second circuit, and the first and third circuit, respectively, for substantially preventing any intermixing of pressurized brake fluid between the first, second, and third circuits. The first and second fluid separator units include a moveable pressure boundary which enables the second circuit and third circuit of pressurized brake fluid to selectively act upon the first set and second set of brake actuators in response to the first circuit of pressurized brake fluid acting upon the first and second fluid separator units. At least one proportional valve selectively controls the pressurized brake fluid of the first circuit for acting on the first and the second fluid separator units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventor: Blaise Ganzel
  • Patent number: 7140699
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for regulating a predetermined modifiable brake pressure in the wheel brakes of a brake system, wherein input quantities determining the brake pressure in the individual wheel brakes are evaluated and correcting variables of hydraulic valves are defined in a control and/or data processing system. To obviate the need for additional pressure sensors which register the pressure in the wheel brakes, it is arranged for by the invention that a characteristic curve is stored in the control or data processing system, said curve correlating the valve characteristics of the hydraulic valve with a pressure difference of the hydraulic valve, and the correcting variable of the hydraulic valve is defined according to the characteristic curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Ralph Gronau, Tobias Scheller, Ralf Reviol, Andreas Neu
  • Patent number: 7131463
    Abstract: Pressure pulsations are damped in and a hydraulic unit by a device including a housing with an inlet and an outlet having a throttle and a filter preceding the throttle. The filter and the throttle are combined into a one-piece function element, which can be produced without metal-cutting machining and which can be fixed in the interior of the housing. This preceding filter prevents clogging of the throttle by contaminants in the pressure fluid, without requiring additional expense for parts or assembly. The function element can be produced economically in a minimum number of work steps, can be manipulated without problems, and in an advantageous refinement makes it possible to avoid unwanted accumulations of air in the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Michael Schlitzkus, Andreas Weh
  • Patent number: 7104615
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vehicle motion control apparatus, which includes a hydraulic pressure regulating device disposed between a master cylinder and a pair of wheel brake cylinders included in each of a dual hydraulic circuit, and a monitor for monitoring state variable of the vehicle. A desired value is provided for a wheel brake cylinder operatively associated with a wheel to be controlled, on the basis of the state variable. The regulating device is controlled in response to a result of comparison between the desired value and the state variable, to regulate the pressure in at least the wheel brake cylinder operatively associated with said wheel to be controlled. A pressure increasing gradient of the hydraulic braking pressure in the wheel brake cylinder operatively associated with the wheel to be controlled, is set in response to a result of comparison between the desired value and the state variable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshihisa Kato, Shingo Nishigaki
  • Patent number: 7093911
    Abstract: A hydraulic braking system including first and second braking circuits. The first and second braking circuits each include a wheel brake, a pressurized fluid source, and a hydraulic conduit connecting the wheel brake to the fluid source. Each of the hydraulic conduits includes a control valve that operates to selectively prevent fluid flow from the pressurized fluid source to the wheel brake. A connecting conduit connects the first and second braking circuits. A floating piston is disposed within the connecting conduit and is adapted to be displaced by the pressurized fluid provided by the pressurized fluid source in the first braking circuit when the control valve of the first braking circuit is closed. The displacement of the piston generates an additional volume of pressurized fluid in the hydraulic conduit of the second braking circuit that effectively augments the pressurized fluid provided by the second pressurized fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Kelsey-Hayes Company
    Inventors: Patrick H. Hool, Gamil M. Rizk
  • Patent number: 7080890
    Abstract: In a method for improving the operation of a hydraulic vehicle brake system with an active hydraulic brake boost, wherein a pressure fluid volume flow between a master brake cylinder and the wheel brakes of the vehicle is controlled by means of an analog or analogized separating valve, and wherein a hydraulic pressure is determined in the master brake cylinder, an increase of the hydraulic pressure in the master brake cylinder is monitored and/or controlled on the basis of the hydraulic pressure determined in the master brake cylinder in a transition of the separating valve from a closed switch position to an open switch position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2006
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Tobias Scheller, Ralf Reviol, Ralph Gronau, Andreas Neu
  • Patent number: 7077484
    Abstract: A brake control apparatus for a vehicle includes an actuating section to apply a regenerative braking force to a motor-driven wheel driven by a motor of the vehicle. A control section is arranged to vary the regenerative braking force in a direction to shift a front and rear wheel braking force distribution toward an ideal braking force distribution, in accordance with a wheel locking tendency of the motor-driven wheel when the regenerative braking force exceeding a braking force determined by the ideal braking force distribution is applied to the motor-driven wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Sasaki, Hideo Nakamura, Junji Tsutsumi, Kazuhiko Tazoe, Hidetoshi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7077483
    Abstract: In an anti-lock brake system mounted on a vehicle wherein when the vehicle is braked in an emergency during running, an increase in the road surface friction force or road surface friction coefficient owing to an increase in the brake pressure is detected by a road surface friction force detecting device or road surface friction coefficient detecting device. The optimum control start point associated with an increase in the signal value of the road surface friction force F or road surface friction coefficient ? provided by the road surface friction force detecting device or road surface friction coefficient detecting device is decided by using a decrease in the wheel speed, i.e., by using the wheel speed ? or d?/dt. Thereafter, from the point where the specified value of control based on F or ?, or dF/dt or d ?/dt, the brake pressure is moved from the pressure increasing mode to the pressure retaining or decreasing mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Japan Electronics Industry, Limited
    Inventor: Nagao Miyazaki
  • Patent number: 7021727
    Abstract: There is a case where first and second pressurizing units press different portions of friction members to a brake disc so as to press the friction members to the brake disc with predetermined pressing force, thereby generating braking force. When the brake noise is generated, a distribution ratio of the pressing force is changed by changing at least one of the pressing force generated by the first pressurizing unit and the pressing force generated by the second pressurizing unit. Accordingly, when the friction member contacts the brake disc, it is possible to change pressure distributions between first portions and second portions, whereby the brake noise is reduced or suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiko Kamiya, Hiroshi Kondo, Shin Sasaki, Daizo Oba
  • Patent number: 7016783
    Abstract: A method for collision avoidance using automated braking and steering comprising: determining an actual distance to an obstacle in a path of a vehicle; determining a relative velocity between the obstacle and the vehicle; determining a first distance sufficient to avoid collision by braking only; determining a second distance sufficient to avoid collision by combined braking and steering around the obstacle. The method also includes: applying braking if at least one of, the first distance exceeds the actual distance and the first distance is within a selected threshold of the actual distance. If the actual distance exceeds the second distance and a lane change is permitted, steering control to affect a lane change is applied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Aleksander B. Hac, John E. Dickinson
  • Patent number: 7004551
    Abstract: A vehicular motor-driven brake apparatus includes an open circuit in which reciprocation of a master cylinder generating a brake pressure is caused by an actuator that operates according to a pedal operation amount, and brake fluid discharged from a wheel cylinder during pressure decrease is directly returned to a master reservoir subject to atmospheric pressure. A fluid amount replenishment control is executed during pressure increase of the master cylinder in which a master stroke is returned for only a predetermined time by operation of the actuator, and thus brake fluid is sucked up from the master reservoir to the master cylinder. Accordingly, when an ABS control continues for a long time period, even if the brake pedal is being depressed, reduced pressure brake fluid in the master cylinder is sucked up. Therefore, there is no limit to pressure decrease, and bottoming-out of the master cylinder does not occur.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takahisa Yokoyama, Takayuki Takeshita, Haruo Arakawa
  • Patent number: 7000997
    Abstract: An actuating unit (1) for a wheel brake (2) of a motor vehicle has a hydraulic pump (14) that can be driven at variable speeds by an electric motor (13). In addition, a cylinder-piston unit (3) is provided, with a piston (6) and with cylinder chambers (7, 8) disposed on both sides of the piston. By means of the cylinder-piston unit (3), a brake lining (9) can be pressed against and lifted away from a friction element (10) connected to a vehicle wheel. A 4/3-port directional-control valve (15) is provided between the pump (14) and the cylinder-piston unit (3) and is used to modulate the pressure in the cylinder-piston unit. The actuating unit (1) is associated with a control unit (29), which can process an electric brake request signal and can control the electric motor (13) and the valve (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Guenter Wolff