Electric Parking Brake (EPB)

Two solutions are available for the Electric Parking Brake: stretcher type and conduit type. The systems differ in the positioning of the Bowden cables so that appropriate solutions can be offered for all installation situations. For the stretcher type, the cables are positioned at an angle of 180 degrees. The technology currently used works according to the conduit principle. Parallel to this, we are developing the second generation of the stretcher type that is already in series. It will be ready for mass production starting in 2007and provides the benefit of scalability. As a result, only basic functions can be used for the volume market, and additional requirements can be implemented for the upper segments.

The electric parking brake replaces the manual hand brake and offers a whole range of comfort and safety advantages. This safety concept is approved by the German TÜV. For the car manufacturer the electric parking brake provides more freedom in the vehicle interior and contributes toward an attractive interior design. For the driver it offers effortless brake setting by simply pressing the button. It thus liberates drivers from everyday braking routines. The system automatically detects when the brake must be activated and when it must be released again, e.g., for drive off maneuvers on slopes entirely free from stress. For this purpose, the EPB is connected to other electronic systems in the vehicle, and it analyzes the data from the motor control, transmission control as well as from wheel sensors and the clutch position or accelerator pedal position. Also, the self-adjustment of the EPB system minimizes maintenance efforts.