A method for monitoring the performance of a mechanical brake for a linear electromagnetic motor, the linear motor having a linearly moveable output shaft, comprising monitoring travel of the output shaft over the duration of actuation of the mechanical brake and comparing said travel with a predetermined travel threshold.

A method for controlling a braking system of an electromagnetic motor, the electromagnetic motor having a moveable output shaft, comprising the steps of: receiving a velocity signal and/or an acceleration signal based on movement of the output shaft, said velocity signal and/or acceleration signal having a respective frequency spectrum; identifying an event from the velocity and/or the acceleration signal using the respective frequency spectrum, wherein said event corresponds to an uncontrolled movement of the output shaft and has a characteristic frequency spectrum.

A mechanical brake for arresting movement of the output shaft of a linear electric motor, comprising a pivotally mounted plate having a space for receiving the output shaft of the motor; an electrically operated holding device contacting a free end of the plate and arranged to hold the plate in a condition to permit movement of the output shaft and to permit the plate to pivot to a jamming position; wherein the electrically operated holding device comprises a solenoid to control the movement of the plate.

A method for preventing motion of an output shaft (401), of an electromagnetic motor comprising a coil assembly, when a mechanical brake (400) is released, comprising the steps of: determining the position of the output shaft (401); correlating the position of the output shaft (401) with a current such that when applied in the coil assembly induces a force on the output shaft (401) to prevent motion of the output shaft (401) when the mechanical brake (400) is released.

A braking system for a vehicle has a disc brake having a brake disc having a disc brake caliper and a pair of pads, an electric actuator operatively connected to a piston acting as a pusher on at least one of the pads, and a processing and control unit operatively connected to the electric actuator and programmed to move the piston and respective pad to a forward position to press the pad into contact with the brake disc during a braking demand, and bring the piston and respective pad to a rest or rearward position. A gap is identified between the pad and the brake disc. The processing and control unit is programmed to implement an algorithm that, in absence of a braking demand, operates the electric actuator by varying the gap according to at least one dynamic parameter of the vehicle defining a prediction of a braking demand.

An automobile is provided with a hub motor having a simplified structure to make an automobile more cost effective, while also increasing a handling stability as well. The hub motor includes a center shaft, a brake disc fixedly connected with the center shaft, a coil support sleeved on the center shaft, and a motor controller. The motor controller advantageously controls a supply of alternating current to the coils to selectively provide forward movement power for the wheel; implement braking or reverse rotation of the wheel; and charging a power supply to implement braking energy recovery.

This electric braking device is provided with: an electric motor MTR that, in accordance with an operation amount Bpa of a braking operation member BP caused by the driver of the vehicle, generates a pressing force Fba, being a force pressing a friction member MSB against a rotary member KTB that rotates integrally with a wheel WHL of the vehicle; a caliper CRP fixed to the electric motor MTR; a circuit board KBN to which a microprocessor MPR and a bridge circuit BRG are mounted, such that the electric motor MTR is driven; and a motor pin PMT that feeds power from the circuit board KBN to the electric motor MTR. The motor pin PMT penetrates a holding member HJB and is pressed into the circuit board KBN, which is fixed to the caliper CRP by the holding member HJB and the motor pin PMT.

A driving device for moving a tailgate of a vehicle, comprising a permanent magnet brake, which comprises a stationary portion, a first braking element, which is rotatable relative to the stationary portion about a rotational axis, and a second braking element, which is arranged in a rotationally fixed manner on the stationary portion, is axially offset from the first braking element along the rotational axis and cooperates with the first braking element in order to generate a braking force. The first braking element and/or the second braking element have a permanent magnet or are formed by a permanent magnet, a magnetic attraction force acts between the first braking element and the second braking element axially along the rotational axis. Axially between the first braking element and the second braking element is arranged a friction element, which is in frictional contact with the first braking element and the second braking element.

An electronic braking arrangement includes a brake stack assembly, a driver circuit, a current limiter circuit, and a voltage limiter circuit. The driver circuit is operably connected to the brake stack assembly. The current limiter circuit and the voltage limiter circuit are connected in series between the driver circuit and the brake stack assembly to drive friction brake loads in the brake stack assembly with a voltage limited constant drive current.

A magnetorheological actuator including a chamber, in particular a chamber at least sections of which are shaped like a hollow cylinder, containing a magnetorheological fluid, and further including a control element disposed in the chamber, wherein the control element suitable for applying the operating force of the actuator, wherein the control element is a threaded spindle or screw or threaded rod driven to rotate about its longitudinal axis, in particular about the screw axis, and including a spindle core and a thread disposed thereon, the thread surrounded by the magnetorheological fluid, is provided. A clutch having such an actuator is also provided.