Electric Brakes
Akebono is developing electric brake systems to reduce environment impact, to improve safety for the reduction of traffic accidents, and to be more compatible with the shift towards vehicle electrification and progress of electronic vehicle control.
Akebono is developing electric brake systems to reduce environment impact, to improve safety for the reduction of traffic accidents, and to be more compatible with the shift towards vehicle electrification and progress of electronic vehicle control.
What are electric brake systems?
Electric brake systems include systems which has devices that operate with electric power when driver operates brake to stop the car or to work to connect between devices. Foundation brakes equipped with electric actuators are divided into Electric service brakes and electric parking brakes.
Electric service brake
It is a brake system that has a mechanism which presses the disc brake pad against the brake rotor by a direct motor driven instead of hydraulic pressure. The ECU (electronic computer unit) judges the electronic signals from the brake pedal and vehicle dynamic information from vehicle sensors, and operates the electric actuator to control the braking force.
Electric parking brake
This brake system electrically actuates the parking brake while the service brake remains the conventional hydraulic type.
Features of electric brakes
Electric service brake
- Since brake fluid is not necessary, it is possible to reduce the environmental impact and enhance freedom of vehicle design, and improve crash safety.
- Since brake piping and hydraulic equipment in the engine room can be eliminated, it is possible to enhance freedom of vehicle design, and improve crash safety.
- As the controllability of the brake improves, it is expected to improve vehicle dynamic stability, reduce drag, and expand NVH improvement range.
Electric parking brake
- Instead of the conventional parking lever, which requires the driver to operate by hand or foot, the electric parking brake can be engaged or released with a switch. This system realizes hassle-free parking brake operation.
- Automatic braking function prevents forgetting to brake when parking or retuning the brake when start, and it will be also possible to realize automatic parking function in automatic braking system, resulting in improved safety and comfort.
- Conventional parking levers and cables become unnecessary, and design freedom increases around the cockpit and vehicle layout.
Akebono aims at mass-production of electric service brake and electric parking brake, and is working on the development.
One example of opposed piston type electric parking brakes
High performance opposed piston type brakes equipped with electric parking brake system (prototype)