Patent ID: 6325466
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: B60T

Abstract:
An electric brake actuator for controlling the electric current supplied to at least one controlled electric wheel brake comprising:a brake control signal generator which is adapted to be connected to a vehicle stop light switch, said brake control signal generator operable to generate a brake control signal;an output signal generator which is connected to said brake control signal generator, said output signal generator being responsive to said brake control signal to supply an electric current to the controlled wheel brake which is a function of said brake control signal;a delay circuit connected to said output signal generator which is operative to delay operation of said output signal generator until a first predetermined time period elapses following a closure of the vehicle stop light switch, said delay circuit including a resistor and a delay capacitor adapted to be connected between said stop light switch and ground, said output signal generator being coupled to said delay capacitor with said first predetermined time period being a function of a delay time constant defined by said resistor and said delay capacitor, said first predetermined time period being greater than the on-time of a vehicle hazard flasher; anda device for discharging said delay capacitor when said stop light switch is opened, said device for discharging said delay capacitor including a discharge transistor connected between said capacitor and ground, said discharge transistor being adapted to be coupled to said stop light switch, said discharge transistor being in a non-conducting state when said stop light switch is closed and in a conducting state when said stop light switch is in a non-conducting state and said brake control signal generator supplying a ramped brake control signal to said output signal generator after a second predetermined time elapses following closure of said brake light switch, where said second predetermined time period is greater than said first predetermined time period.