Process and apparatus for detecting and compensating for wheel brake irregularities

#This application claims the priority of German patent document 100 26 125.6, filed May 26, 2000, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

#The invention concerns a method and apparatus for detecting wheel brake irregularities and for compensating for wheel brake irregularities.

#In vehicles, particularly motor vehicles, brake systems are used which preferably feature one wheel brake at each individual wheel. Such a wheel brake can show irregularities, due for example to deformation of the disk of a disk brake in manufacturing or as a result of uneven wear. When operating a wheel brake, such irregularities can lead to brake rubbing which, in turn, can cause not only torsional vibration of the steering wheel and vibration of the car body, but also vibration in the seats and pedal pulsation. Thus, driving comfort is impaired.

#FIG. 1 shows a simple model of the lining/piston/line system of a disk brake;

#FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment detecting irregularities of a wheel brake;

#FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a preferred embodiment compensating for irregularities of a wheel brake, and

#The following paragraphs describe a preferred embodiment of the invention using a hydraulic brake system. The invention can, of course, be used with other brake systems, particularly pneumatic and electrical brake systems.

#With a hydraulic brake system, in accordance with the invention, the brake pressure, particularly any changes occurring in the brake pressure, is utilized for detecting irregularities of the wheel brake.

#Modern brake control systems use the brake pressure as a control signal, which is already detected by many motor vehicles with the help of sensors. The invention is explained herein by reference to a simple model for the lining/piston/line system of a disk brake as shown in FIG. 1.