Including Booster Patents (Class 303/113.3)
  • Patent number: 11787380
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical brake booster for a vehicle brake system, comprising an actuating unit that can be coupled to a brake cylinder. The actuating unit comprises at least one actuating element that can be coupled to an electric motor by means of a transmission. The actuating unit also comprises an actuating member that can be coupled to a force input member. The brake booster comprises at least one housing in which at least sections of the actuating unit are received. At least one damping element is arranged between the at least one housing and at least the at least one actuating element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: ZF ACTIVE SAFETY GMBH
    Inventors: José Manuel Calvo Martinez, Martin Struschka, Abdallah Ibrahim, Fabian Kern
  • Patent number: 11110802
    Abstract: A method for operating a regenerative braking system of a vehicle by activating at least one motor employable in generator mode taking into consideration a first information with regard to a requested setpoint total braking torque and a second information with regard to an available generator braking torque which is maximally executable by the at least one motor employable in generator mode, if the setpoint total braking torque exceeds a threshold value and/or a piece of warning information regarding a transition to a backup level that is potentially imminent or has occurred of the regenerative braking system, even if the setpoint total braking torque is less than or equal to the maximally executable available generator braking torque, sufficient brake fluid is transferred via at least one hydraulic actuator to a wheel brake cylinder of the regenerative braking system that an air gap of the particular wheel brake cylinder is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bertram Foitzik, Matthias Kistner, Otmar Bussmann, Rolf Ellwein, Urs Bauer, Robert Kaster
  • Patent number: 11066057
    Abstract: A method for operating a hydraulic brake system of a motor vehicle having a brake booster and a hydraulic brake boost wherein a brake pressure is detected and an underpressure, prevailing in an underpressure chamber of the brake booster is estimated on the basis of the detected brake pressure. The hydraulic brake boost controlled based on the estimated underpressure, with the estimated underpressure taking into account an actuation of the hydraulic brake boost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Moore, Christian Schmaler, Matthias Baumann, Thomas Svensson
  • Patent number: 10618518
    Abstract: A method and system for determining the pressure in a brake booster used to actuate a brake system having at least one main brake cylinder. The brake booster connected in a fluid-conducting manner by a non-return valve to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine. A reduced pressure loss in the brake booster resulting from actuation of the main brake cylinder is balanced with the reduced pressure gain in the brake booster as a result of a pressure difference between the brake booster pressure and the intake manifold pressure. The reduced pressure gain in the brake booster is determined based on time, the air mass flow between the brake booster, and the intake manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ian Moore, Matthias Baumann, Christian Schmaler, Martin Knuettel
  • Patent number: 10549738
    Abstract: A system includes a computer including a processor and a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the processor to actuate a vehicle brake according to a specified brake torque, receive user input to exceed the specified brake torque, and actuate a brake fluid valve to attain a brake fluid pressure to maintain the specified brake torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Brandon Beauvais, Daniel A. Gabor
  • Patent number: 10259439
    Abstract: A method for controlling an electric parking brake for a motor vehicle including a brake actuator having an electric motor disposed directly on the brake caliper. When the parking brake is utilized as an additional service brake, depending on a brake pedal brake command, the electric motor is initially energized on detection of an imminent or commencing brake-pedal actuation however the electric motor generates no braking force until a predetermined or specific brake command is received. As a result, an overload of the vehicle voltage source is avoided if simultaneous utilization of multiple parking-brake actuators occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Marc Suermann, Jill Trappe, Rudolf Daniels, Thomas Svensson
  • Patent number: 9758139
    Abstract: A method for operating a brake system, which brake system includes a master brake cylinder, which is actuated by the driver with the aid of a brake force booster, a driver-independent pressure source, and at least one wheel brake to which a wheel speed sensor is assigned. During a braking operation initiated by the driver, which is identified in particular by a brake lamp switch, the present vehicle deceleration is determined and compared with a predefined threshold value, and the at least one driver-independent pressure source is activated if the determined vehicle deceleration reaches or falls below the predefined threshold value. A brake system for a motor vehicle, which brake system has a control unit in which the method is carried out is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventors: Thorsten Ullrich, Thomas Peichl, Robert Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9409559
    Abstract: A braking system for a vehicle is operative to apply a friction brake force to at least one wheel of the vehicle. The braking system includes a master cylinder is in fluid communication with a reservoir of brake fluid and in fluid communication with the hydraulic brake device. According to one aspect, the braking system includes an electric brake force generator which moves the brake fluid within the master cylinder to deliver brake fluid to the friction brake device in response to a first predetermined displacement of a brake pedal. The electric brake force generator includes a housing defining a boost chamber filled with brake fluid and in fluid communication with the reservoir of brake fluid and further includes a drive arrangement for creating pressure in the boost chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: AUTOLIV ASP, INC.
    Inventors: Suat Ozsoylu, Ron Posa, Michael Yang, Karen Boswell
  • Patent number: 9399987
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling/regulating the boosting of a brake force of a brake system (1), in particular of a power-assisted brake system (1) of a motor vehicle, wherein the brake system (1) comprises a brake force booster (100) having an actuator (130) by means of which a variable additional force (F100) can be imparted to a master brake cylinder (200) of the brake system (1), wherein if a relatively high additional force (F100) is demanded, a partial volume of a brake fluid is discharged from a brake circuit (300) of the brake system (1) in such a way that the actuator (130) of the brake force booster (100) can be placed relatively quickly into a position in which it can impart a greater additional force (F100) to the master brake cylinder (200).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Martin-Peter Bolz
  • Patent number: 8985714
    Abstract: Disclosed is a brake actuating unit for actuating a motor vehicle brake system of the ‘brake-by-wire’ type. The system includes a brake booster which is operable in response to the driver's wish both by a brake pedal and by an electronic control unit. A device is provided to decouple a force-transmitting connection between the brake pedal and the brake booster in the ‘brake-by-wire’ operating mode. A master brake cylinder connected downstream of the brake booster, a device to detect a deceleration request of the driver, and a pedal travel simulator which interacts with the brake pedal and due to which a resetting force acting on the brake pedal can be simulated in the ‘brake-by-wire’ operating mode independently of an actuation of the brake booster, and which can be enabled in the ‘brake-by-wire’ operating mode when the force-transmitting connection between the brake pedal and the brake booster is decoupled and can be disabled outside the ‘brake-by-wire’ operating mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. OHG
    Inventors: Holger von Hayn, Jürgen Schonlau, Manfred Rüffer, Wolfgang Ritter, Holger Kranlich, Jose Gonzalez, Thomas Sellinger, Milan Klimes, Torsten Queiβer, Michael Haber
  • Patent number: 8870300
    Abstract: A method for actuating a hydraulic vehicle brake system, includes a master brake cylinder with a preferably electromechanical brake booster and a wheel slip control device. The master brake cylinder is actuated simultaneously with the brake booster, and hydraulic pumps of the wheel slip control device are driven by an electric motor. Pressure builds more quickly in the wheel brakes of the vehicle brake system for safety and assistance functions that require high pressure build-up dynamic. The method also increases the wheel brake pressure using the pressure that can be generated by actuating the master brake cylinder with the brake booster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Vollert, Remy Garnier, Reinhard Weiberle, Timo Jahnz, Volker Mehl, Frank Kneip, Dirk Mahnkopf, Jens Kolarsky, Stephan Hoenle
  • Patent number: 8783792
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical brake booster with an electric motor and a helical gearing. The brake booster is used for coupling an auxiliary force via a driver into a piston rod. The invention proposes connecting a spindle of the helical gearing elastically via a spring element to the piston rod such that, in the event of rapid actuation of the brake, the helical gearing and a rotor of the electric motor do not have to be accelerated entirely muscle power. The muscle power required for actuating a brake is reduced as a result in the event of a rapid actuation of the brake.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Vollert, Jochen Mayer
  • Patent number: 8768595
    Abstract: A vehicle braking force control device which, at a normal time, performs antilock brake control when the slip ratio of a wheel has become equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The control device acquires from the engine control unit an accelerator pedal position signal corresponding to an accelerator pedal position, a clutch connection signal corresponding to a state of connection of a clutch, and a power transmission signal corresponding to a state of power transmission of a transmission. When engine braking is large on the basis of the accelerator pedal position signal, the clutch connection signal, and the power transmission signal, the vehicle braking force control device changes the predetermined threshold value to an offset threshold value that makes it harder to perform the antilock brake control than at the normal time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Bosch Corporation
    Inventors: Takahiro Ogawa, Kazuhiro Yamada
  • Patent number: 8733512
    Abstract: Disclosed is an electric disc brake capable of reducing noise and vibration while expanding the life span of the product. The electric disc brake includes a caliper housing to press friction pads provided at both sides of a disc against the disc, a cylinder installed in the caliper housing, a piston moving back and forth in the cylinder to press the friction pads, a driving device generating driving force with respect to the piston, and a volume compensation part communicated with the cylinder to compensate for an increment of a volume of the cylinder according to movement of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Mando Corporation
    Inventor: Jin Seok Kim
  • Patent number: 8706358
    Abstract: A braking control system includes sensors for detecting pressure applied to a brake pedal. The system can also include a pressure sensor capable of detecting the hydraulic pressure of the braking system. The system can also include a position sensor for detecting a position of the brake pedal. The pressure applied to the brake pedal is compared to either the hydraulic pressure or the pedal position. If the resulting measurements are not correlated properly, braking countermeasures are applied. Braking countermeasures can include engine braking, regenerative braking, hydraulic assist, and brake pad assist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: David S. DeWitt
  • Patent number: 8548705
    Abstract: A method for controlling an automated clutch, which comprises a hydraulic clutch actuating system having a hydrostatic actuator, the pressure of which is detected. The method includes using the pressure of the hydrostatic actuator to adapt the characteristic curve of the clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Juergen Eich, Markus Baehr
  • Patent number: 8538653
    Abstract: Disclosed is a brake control apparatus which includes a brake booster for augmenting deceleration, and which addresses the problem in conventional brake control apparatuses that deceleration and pedal reaction force depend on driver brake pedal input, and thus the pedal response and the ride comfort from the feeling of deceleration are affected by the manner in which the brake pedal is actuated by the driver. The brake control apparatus comprises a pedal reaction force generation unit for generating a pedal reaction force on the brake pedal, and a brake control unit for controlling the brake force in such a way as to suppress driver brake input fluctuations, wherein the pedal reaction force generation unit suppresses pedal reaction force fluctuations in accordance with specific deceleration and pedal reaction force characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Ayumu Miyajima, Masatsugu Arai, Toshiyuki Innami, Kimio Nishino, Norikazu Matsuzaki, Masayuki Kikawa, Makoto Yamakado
  • Patent number: 8500213
    Abstract: An electrically actuated booster performs displacement control such that the relative displacement relationship between an input member and an assist member is variable according to the absolute displacement of the input member. A target displacement that makes variable the relative displacement relationship between an input piston and a booster piston is set according to a detection signal from a potentiometer (86), and displacement control is performed so that the relative displacement between the two pistons becomes equal to the target displacement on the basis of a signal from a relative displacement sensor (100) that detects the relative displacement between the two pistons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Ohtani, Junichi Ikeda, Kazuhiro Nagai
  • Patent number: 8457851
    Abstract: In a method and a device for controlling the braking system of a vehicle having a vacuum brake booster and a vacuum source, it is provided that a variable triggering threshold value, at the exceeding of which an automatic braking procedure is triggered, is a function of the vacuum level or of the vacuum gradient of the vacuum brake booster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Stefan Epple, Jochen Wagner
  • Patent number: 8376474
    Abstract: A vehicle braking apparatus includes: a control piston configured to operate so that a reaction force based on the fluid pressure of the boosted fluid pressure application chamber is balanced with a braking operation input from the brake operation member; an elastic member including: a first face adapted to contact with a simulator piston connected to the brake operation member and slidably accommodated in the control piston; and a second face; a sliding member adapted to contact with the second face, the sliding member being accommodated in the control piston; a spring disposed between the sliding member and the control piston; and an odd-shaped portion disposed on at least one of the first and second faces of the elastic member, the odd-shaped portion configured to increase a contacting area of the elastic member and at least one of the simulator piston and the sliding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Nissin Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Risa Hirano, Kouji Sakai, Hiromitsu Takizawa, Hideki Hidume
  • Patent number: 8380412
    Abstract: A control device (10) for a brake-power-assisted brake system of a vehicle having a first input device (26) for a supplied first information item (28) relating to a supplied assistance force (Fu) of a brake booster (14) of the brake-power-assisted brake system, a second input device (30) for a supplied second information item (32) relating to a total force (Fg) comprising the assistance force (Fu) and a driver braking force (FI) supplied by activation of an activation element (12) of the brake-power-assisted brake system, an evaluation device (36) which is configured to define a third information item relating to a proportional relationship between the total force (Fg) and the assistance force (Fu) taking into account the first information item (28) and the second information item (32), and an output device (44, 50) which is configured to supply at least one control signal (46, 52) to at least one component (14, 54) of the brake-power-assisted brake system taking into account the defined third information ite
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Herbert Vollert, Remy Garnier, Reinhard Weiberle, Timo Jahnz, Volker Mehl, Frank Kneip, Dirk Mahnkopf, Jens Kolarsky, Stephan Hoenle
  • Patent number: 8375843
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a brake booster device for a vehicle brake system comprising a force input element, a control valve arrangement actuable via the force input element, a chamber arrangement disposed in a housing and comprising a vacuum chamber and a working chamber, which is separated from the vacuum chamber by a movable wall and connectable selectively to a vacuum source or the atmosphere, and a force output element, wherein the movable wall is biased into a normal position by a resetting spring accommodated at least partially in the housing and wherein the housing is penetrated by at least one fastening bolt. In this case, it is provided that at least one damping element acts for the purpose of vibration damping on the resetting spring, wherein the at least one damping element is mounted on the at least one fastening bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventors: José Manuel Calvo, Hans-Jürgen Griebel, Lothar Zeuner
  • Patent number: 8342615
    Abstract: A braking system having a master cylinder to which wheel brake circuits (I, II) can be connected, a first piston coupled to a brake pedal, a second piston by means of which the master cylinder is actuated, a third piston actuated by the first piston and connected in a force transmitting fashion to the second piston, a simulation device which gives the driver of the vehicle a pedal sensation, an intermediate space between the second piston and third piston, a pressure generating device which controls the pressure in the intermediate space, a pressure medium reservoir vessel which is under atmospheric pressure and which can be connected hydraulically to the intermediate space, and means for electrically controlling the pressure in the intermediate space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co. oHG
    Inventor: Stefan Drumm
  • Patent number: 8172338
    Abstract: At vehicle startup and vehicle shutdown, the driver modulates the brake pressure directly by depressing the brake pedal and the driver feels pedal resistance. During normal conditions of vehicle operation after vehicle startup, pressure boosted actuation of the vehicle brakes is provided by the modulation of boosted pressure from an accumulator via a boost valve operable in response to brake pedal depression, while an isolation valve isolates the pedal from direct influence by the brake pressure and the driver feels pedal resistance provided by a pedal simulator. Upon shutdown of boosted actuation, the boost valve reduces the brake pressure gradually over a calibrated period of time until the brake pressure substantially equals the pedal resistance then felt by the driver. Then the isolation valve reestablishes driver's feel of the brake pressure without an abrupt change in pedal resistance upon the reversion from boosted actuation to hydraulic unboosted actuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Timothy M. Karnjate, William K. Manosh
  • Patent number: 8038228
    Abstract: In a method for controlling the pressure buildup in an electronically controllable brake system, preferably for use in motor vehicles, including a master brake cylinder, in particular a tandem master brake cylinder (TMC), a vacuum brake booster (booster), at least one additional pressure source for brake force assistance, preferably a hydraulic pump which is drivable by a controlling unit and the pressure of which can be applied to wheel brakes of the vehicle, an approach of a point where the auxiliary-force to actuating-force ratio (operating point) of the vacuum brake booster (booster) falls below a predetermined ratio is detected, that a pressure gradient in the master brake cylinder (TMC pressure gradient) is detected, and that in the event of a detected approach of the operating point of the booster and when a pressure gradient limit value of the detected TMC pressure gradient is exceeded, the additional pressure source is activated for brake force assistance, for the purpose of building up additional br
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Teves AG & Co., OHG
    Inventors: Ralph Gronau, Tobias Scheller, Ralf Revoil, Andreas Neu
  • Patent number: 8033618
    Abstract: In an optimized hydraulic brake system, a pedal travel sensor is used to improve pedal feel. In order to improve pedal feel, a low pressure is detected in the brake booster and the brake hydraulic system is used to increase wheel pressure. This prevents the operator from having to exert an increasing large force on the brake pedal during a deceleration situation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Teves, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Conrad Tuhro, Graham Scott Russell, Juergen Karner, Paul Anthony Jozefowicz, Yongle Lou
  • Patent number: 8029073
    Abstract: The invention relates to a brake booster with a short operating travel, in which the three-way valve comprises a mobile valve seat borne by a sleeve (54). The movement of this sleeve is controlled by the piston. According to the invention, there is an elastic device (70) applying force to the sleeve (54) in the direction of the front of the booster, and tending to move this sleeve forward with respect to the pneumatic piston (12). In addition, there is a device for transmitting the pressure of the master cylinder (120) to the sleeve (54) and that tends to apply a rearward force to the sleeve (54).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Attard
  • Patent number: 7969109
    Abstract: An electric actuator includes a motion conversion mechanism and a position detector. The motion conversion mechanism converts rotation of a rotary shaft of a motor into linear motion of an output shaft. The position detector detects a permanent magnet M, which moves integrally with the output shaft. A motor control portion controls the motor based on commands from a host command unit. A control program for controlling the motor includes, as control modes, six fluid pressure cylinder modes, according to which the motor is controlled. Specifically, each of the control modes corresponds to one of the cases where the fluid pressure cylinder is controlled by three solenoid valves, or a two-position single solenoid valve, a two-position double solenoid valve, and a three-position double solenoid valve. The motor is controlled according to the selected control mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventors: Shuzo Masuo, Tsuyoshi Kanada
  • Publication number: 20100201184
    Abstract: A method for dimensioning the admission pressure at a first, analogized, electromagnetically actuated hydraulic valve for sensitively regulating the pressure in a pressure circuit in which the admission pressure at the first valve can be set by the delivery capacity of an engine pump assembly which is connected to the first valve via a pump-outlet-side pressure line, in particular in a hydraulic motor vehicle brake system, wherein the admission pressure is set by electronically evaluating the tappet reaction of the first valve or of a further hydraulic valve which is also actuated electromagnetically and is connected to the pump-outlet-side pressure line. An electronically controlled motor vehicle brake pressure control device with which the above method can be carried out is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: CONTINENTAL TEVES AG & CO. OHG
    Inventor: Erhard Beck
  • Patent number: 7731304
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electronically regulatable vehicle brake system with traction control, in which a master cylinder is connected indirectly via a hydraulic unit to at least one wheel brake. The hydraulic unit has electromagnet valves and an externally triggerable pressure generator, for modulating the wheel brake pressure, optionally independently of the driver. For preventing wheel slip, the pressure generator is connected by its intake side to an intake conduit, among other things, that is controllable by an intake valve. To enhance the dynamics and improve the regulatability of a vehicle brake system, a self-aspirating pressure fluid storage unit is connected to the intake conduit and makes an aspiration volume available to the pressure generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Groll, Guenther Schnalzger
  • Patent number: 7673948
    Abstract: A hydraulic brake apparatus for use in a vehicle having wheels and a brake operating member manually operable by a driver, the apparatus including a manual pressure source including (a) a hydraulic booster which boosts an operating source applied by the driver to the brake operating member and produces a first hydraulic pressure corresponding to the boosted operating force, and (b) a master cylinder which produces a second hydraulic pressure corresponding to the boosted operating force as an output of the hydraulic booster; a power pressure source which produces, by utilizing a power, a third hydraulic pressure irrespective of whether the brake operating member is operated; hydraulic brakes which are provided in association with the wheels, respectively, and include respective brake cylinders, and each of which, upon supplying of a hydraulic pressure to a corresponding one of the brake cylinders, applies a hydraulic braking force to a corresponding one of the wheels; a hub portion which is connected to each o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Akihiro Otomo
  • Patent number: 7648212
    Abstract: This apparatus is applied to a vehicle brake apparatus provided with a hydraulic booster operated by utilizing an accumulator hydraulic pressure that is adjusted to a predetermined high pressure (not less than a lower limit value) by a drive control of a hydraulic pump. This apparatus executes an automatic pressurization control by controlling plural solenoid valves with the use of the accumulator hydraulic pressure. The increasing slope of the brake hydraulic pressure during the automatic pressurization control is determined on the basis of the vehicle motion state. The increasing slope is restricted to be not more than a predetermined restriction value, in the case where the accumulator hydraulic pressure at the time of starting the automatic pressurization control is less than “a reference hydraulic pressure that is greater than a minimum value of the accumulator hydraulic pressure necessary for assisting the brake operation by the hydraulic booster and smaller than the lower limit value”.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akitaka Nishio, Tatsuya Yano, Seiichi Kojima, Kiyohito Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20090261649
    Abstract: The present invention provides a brake booster in which an excellent pedal feeling can be provided even though a brake fluid pressure control unit is disposed between the brake booster and a wheel cylinder. The brake booster according to the present invention performs different methods for controlling a booster based on whether the fluid pressure control unit is in operation, and controls a displacement amount of an assist member so that a change in a master cylinder pressure is within a predetermined range even when the fluid pressure control unit is in operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Inventors: Motohiro Higuma, Kazuya Yamano, Takanobu Saito, Satoru Kuragaki
  • Patent number: 7530649
    Abstract: When a stroke of a manually operated braking member is equal to or smaller than a predetermined stroke, a master pressure chamber of a master cylinder is communicated with an atmospheric pressure reservoir, and an electromagnetic valve and a hydraulic pressure pump are controlled to supply the hydraulic pressure to wheel brake cylinders according to an amount of operation of the manually operated braking member detected by a braking operation detection device. An orifice is provided in a passage between the master pressure chamber and the atmospheric pressure reservoir, and a check valve is disposed in parallel with the electromagnetic valve to allow a flow of the brake fluid from the master cylinder to the wheel brake cylinders, and prohibit its reverse flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akihito Kusano
  • Publication number: 20090072615
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling brakes, includes a first brake circuit for supplying brake fluid, pressure-increased by a booster, to a wheel-brake cylinder, a first control valve disposed in the first brake circuit for establishing and blocking fluid communication between a master cylinder and the wheel-brake cylinder, a second brake circuit arranged in parallel with the first brake circuit for supplying brake fluid, pressure-increased by a fluid-pressure source, to the wheel-brake cylinder, and a second control valve disposed in the second brake circuit for establishing and blocking fluid communication between the fluid-pressure source and the wheel-brake cylinder. Also provided is a control unit, which is configured to selectively control the first and second control valves when building-up wheel-cylinder pressure, and further configured to build-up the wheel-cylinder pressure by operating the fluid-pressure source when at least the second control valve is controlled to a valve-open position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Toshiya OOSAWA, Katsuya ISWASAKI
  • Publication number: 20090045672
    Abstract: A brake control system includes a master cylinder to produce a master cylinder pressure, a brake booster to assist the master cylinder, a first control unit to control the booster, a hydraulic modulator to supply a wheel cylinder pressure to a wheel cylinder, and a second control unit to control the hydraulic modulator. The hydraulic modulator includes a pressure source, such as a pump, to increase the wheel cylinder pressure. The first and second control units are connected together by a communication line. The brake control system may further include a boost condition transmitting section to transmit, through the communicating line, a condition of a boost system formed by the brake booster and the first control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Kimio NISHINO, Toshiyuki Innami, Kenichiro Matsubara, Toshiharu Sugawara
  • Patent number: 7357466
    Abstract: In a brake force generator for a vehicle hydraulic brake system having a force input element, which is connectable or connected to a brake pedal and displaceable in a base housing of the brake force generator, a master cylinder, in which a primary piston is displaceably guided, wherein the primary piston with the master cylinder delimits a primary pressure chamber for generating a hydraulic brake pressure, an electromagnetic actuating force generating device for exerting an actuating force on the primary piston, and at least one operating position detecting device for detecting the present operating position of the brake force generator, it is provided that the actuating force generating device is controllable in accordance with a brake pedal actuation and that the brake force generator is provided with a central connector, in which contact elements for contacting electric lines to the actuating force generating device and to the operating position detecting device are integrally provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Lucas Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Schlüter
  • Publication number: 20080007116
    Abstract: In a brake control apparatus with wheel-brake cylinders mounted on respective road wheels, a pump is provided to supply a fluid pressure to each of the wheel-brake cylinders by normal rotation of the pump. A control unit is provided to control rotational motion of the pump to bring an actual wheel-cylinder pressure of each of the wheel-brake cylinders closer to a target wheel-cylinder pressure. Also provided is a pump reverse-rotation suppression device that suppresses reverse rotation of the pump, only when the reverse rotation of the pump is detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventors: Koji Takahashi, Yoshitaka Sugiyama, Katsuya Iwasaki, Yuki Nakada, Norihiro Saita
  • Patent number: 7255408
    Abstract: A vacuum booster which moderates a retraction speed of a valve seat member to restrain a contact noise between a key member retracting in a unitary manner with the valve seat member and a flange surface of a plunger. The vacuum booster includes a noise restriction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2007
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiko Miwa, Kaoru Tsubouchi, Nobuyuki Hirota, Tomoyasu Sakai
  • Patent number: 7104612
    Abstract: A brake hydraulic pressure generator is proposed which is simple in structure and can suppress fluctuations in the brake pedal operating amount due to fluctuations in the amount of brake fluid consumed in the brake circuit. The brake hydraulic pressure generator includes an input shaft operated by a brake pedal, a stroke simulator for imparting a stroke and a reaction force corresponding to the brake pedal operating amount to the input shaft, a master cylinder for generating brake hydraulic pressure, and a pressure detector member for applying a reaction force corresponding to the hydraulic pressure in the master cylinder to a valve member of the control valve. The reaction force is transmitted through the pressure detector member to the control member. The input to the brake pedal is transmitted to the control valve through the stroke simulator so as to oppose the reaction force. The control valve operates to balance the reaction force and the input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Terazawa, Yoji Inoue
  • Patent number: 7014276
    Abstract: A vacuum booster which moderates a retraction speed of a valve seat member to restrain a contact noise between a key member retracting in a unitary manner with the valve seat member and a flange surface of a plunger. The vacuum booster includes a noise restriction device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihiko Miwa, Kaoru Tsubouchi, Nobuyuki Hirota, Tomoyasu Sakai
  • Patent number: 6957871
    Abstract: A more reliable hydraulic brake device is proposed which is capable of regenerative cooperative control and eliminates wasteful consumption of electric power. In a hydraulic brake device capable of regenerative cooperative control, a hydraulic pressure adjusting device is provided to adjust the hydraulic pressure in the auxiliary hydraulic chamber to a desired value that is above the output hydraulic pressure value of the pressure adjusting valve. During regenerative cooperative control, the output hydraulic pressure of the pressure adjusting valve is supplied to the auxiliary hydraulic chamber as it is. During non-regenerative cooperative control the output hydraulic pressure of the pressure adjusting valve is increased corresponding to regenerative braking force and supplied to the auxiliary hydraulic chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Advics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuya Maki
  • Patent number: 6863355
    Abstract: A brake control device for a vehicle controls a vehicle wheel by supplying a hydraulic pressure generated by a hydraulic pressure generating device to a wheel brake cylinder of the vehicle wheel when a brake operating member is not being operated. When the brake operating member is operated while the hydraulic pressure has been supplied to the wheel brake cylinder for the vehicle wheel, a hydraulic pressure control valve device for the other vehicle wheel is controlled for supplying the hydraulic pressure to a wheel brake cylinder for the other vehicle wheel. Therefore, the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the wheel brake cylinder for the other vehicle wheel as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akitaka Nishio, Shiro Monzaki
  • Patent number: 6851762
    Abstract: A hydraulic booster is provided between a M/C pressure and a W/C pressure. The hydraulic booster is composed of a pump and an amplifying piston amplifying the brake fluid amount discharged from the pump. The brake fluid discharged from the amplifying piston is supplied to the W/C via a first pipeline. The brake fluid discharged from the pump is supplied directly to the W/C via a second pipeline. First and a second control valves select the first or the second pipeline as a pressurizing path to the wheel cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiko Kamiya, Kazuo Masaki, Tooru Fujita, Kyouji Kawano, Taizo Abe, Kazuya Maki, Hiroaki Niino
  • Patent number: 6755486
    Abstract: The vehicle motion control system includes an automatic hydraulic pressure generator generating a hydraulic pressure irrespective of a brake pedal operation and a hydraulic pressure control valve adjusting the hydraulic brake pressure by opening or blocking a connection between the automatic hydraulic pressure generator and a wheel brake cylinder. The system includes vacuum pressure detecting means to adjust the hydraulic brake pressure in a appropriate condition. In response to the vacuum pressure detecting means, vehicle motion is controlled in the direction that the vehicle motion control is restricted under the vacuum pressure which drives said vacuum booster is relatively small. Also, the duration of the hydraulic brake pressure increase is controlled in the direction longer under the vacuum pressure which drives said vacuum booster is relatively small.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2004
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akitaka Nishio, Masanobu Fukami
  • Patent number: 6709071
    Abstract: A vehicle motion control device includes a throttle opening amount automatic adjusting device for adjusting automatically the opening amount of the engine throttle valve irrespective of accelerator pedal operation, a control device for performing an automatic pressure increase control to the wheel cylinder at least during a non-operating condition of the brake pedal and for controlling the throttle opening amount automatic adjusting device, an intake vacuum pressure decrease condition detecting device for detecting a decrease condition of the intake vacuum pressure, and a counter for counting the number of times the automatic pressure increase control is performed under the intake vacuum pressure decrease condition. The control device corrects the throttle opening amount at the automatic pressure increase control to decrease based on the number of time the automatic pressure increase control is performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Masanobu Fukami
  • Patent number: 6705682
    Abstract: A vehicle hydraulic brake apparatus includes a hydraulic pressure generator which generates a power pressure irrespective of operation of a brake pedal and a regulation valve which regulates the power pressure to a predetermined pressure corresponding to an operation force of the brake pedal and outputs it to an output chamber. A master cylinder generates a master cylinder pressure in a master cylinder chamber by forward movement of the master cylinder piston and a wheel brake cylinder is operated by the master cylinder pressure to apply braking force to a vehicle wheel. An auxiliary piston is located backward the master cylinder piston to define an auxiliary pressure chamber between the master cylinder piston and the auxiliary piston and to move the master cylinder piston forward by an auxiliary pressure in the auxiliary pressure chamber. A pressure modulating device decreases the predetermined pressure outputted from the output chamber to supply the auxiliary pressure to the auxiliary pressure chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akihito Kusano, Satoshi Ishida
  • Publication number: 20030230931
    Abstract: In a negative pressure boosting device of the present invention, upon depression of a pedal at a normal speed, an input shaft 11 and a valve plunger 10 move forward to close a vacuum valve 15 and open an atmospheric Valve 16 and a power piston 5, a valve body 4, and an output shaft 24 move forward. In the initial stage of operation, hooks 27c and 31a are not engaged with each other so that a cylindrical member 27 does not move forward, thereby shortening the stroke of the input shaft 11 as compared to a conventional one. Upon rapid depression of the pedal, a press face 10a presses a pressed face 27e so as to deform an engaging arm portion 27b, thereby disengaging the hooks 27c and 31a from each other. The cylindrical member 27 is moved backward by a spring 30 to push a vacuum valve portion 12b so that the atmospheric valve portion 12a is spaced apart from the atmospheric valve seat 14 more rapidly than that of the service braking, thereby increasing the jumping amount and thus rapidly intensifying the output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Applicant: BOSCH AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Satoru Watanabe, Hidefumi Inoue
  • Patent number: 6609453
    Abstract: A controller of a vacuum brake power booster which amplifies an input force of a brake pedal and outputs the amplified force to a brake device, is characterized by comprising a control signal generating means generating a plurality of kinds of signals for controlling the vacuum brake power booster, and a means for switching or selecting the plurality of signals on the basis of an input different from one of the brake pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Kuragaki, Tokuji Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 6578932
    Abstract: A vehicle hydraulic brake apparatus includes a controller and a hydraulic pressure detector which detects a master cylinder hydraulic pressure produced by a master cylinder. The controller compares the master cylinder hydraulic pressure detected by the hydraulic pressure detector with a predetermined pressure value, implements operation of the auxiliary hydraulic pressure source when the depressing operation of the brake operating member is judged to be in a stage where the detected master cylinder hydraulic pressure is above the predetermined pressure value, and terminates the operation of the auxiliary hydraulic pressure source when the master cylinder hydraulic pressure detected by the hydraulic pressure detector is stabilized at an approximately fixed pressure value after being increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasunori Sakata