초록 ▼

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

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.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A brake controller for a vehicle having a brake cable and brake, wherein the brake cable is connected to the brake such that tensioning of the brake cable effects application of the brake, comprising, in combination:an electric motor drawing a current which varies as lo

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A brake controller for a vehicle having a brake cable and brake, wherein the brake cable is connected to the brake such that tensioning of the brake cable effects application of the brake, comprising, in combination:an electric motor drawing a current which varies as load is applied to the electric motor and having an output shaft;a control module coupled to the electric motor for controlling the electric motor;a gear train assembly connected to the electric motor output shaft, the gear train assembly including a threaded line screw;a drive tube having a first end and a second end, the first end of the drive tube having a threaded fitting for receiving the threaded line screw of the gear train assembly and the second end having an attachment point for attaching the brake cable to the drive tube;a cable motion sensor for sensing an amount of change of position of the cable and coupled to the control module;a current sensor for sensing the current of the electric motor and coupled to the control module;wherein the control module controls the electric motor such that the output shaft of the electric motor causes motion of the gear train assembly, thereby causing rotation of the treaded line screw, wherein the rotation of the threaded line screw causes linear motion of the drive tube via the threaded fitting, and the drive tube motion causes tensioning of the brake cable; and wherein the control module stops the electric motor upon the current of the electric motor reaching a predetermined current when tension in the cable is increased and the control module stops the electric motor upon the cable moving a predetermined amount of change of position when tension in the cable is decreased.