Patent ID: 7103464
Filing Date: 2006-09-05
Classification: B60K,B60T,B60W,G08G

Abstract:
1. In a vehicle including a brake system actuatable by a brake actuating device, a distance-control device having a sensor for measuring the distance between the vehicle and an object, the distance-control device being constructed and arranged to brake the vehicle such that the distance between the vehicle and the object does not become shorter than one of a preselected distance and a preselected vehicle speed-dependent value, the distance-control device also including means for generating a warning signal to a driver of the vehicle when the distance between the vehicle and the object becomes shorter than one of the preselected distance and the preselected speed-dependent value, a method for effecting automatic control of the distance between the vehicle and the object comprising the step of changing, using said distance-control device, a characteristic of said brake actuating device affecting a relationship between said brake actuating device and brake pressure applied by said brake system so as to minimize travel of said brake actuating device associated with at least one of increased brake pressure and maximum brake pressure when a danger of collision between said vehicle and said object is sensed by said distance-control device, said characteristic of said brake actuating device residing in said brake device.