Method for operating a hydraulic brake system

#This application claims the benefit of German Application No. 102013204716.9, filed on Mar. 18, 2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

#The present disclosure relates to a hydraulic brake system having a mechatronic brake booster and a method for controlling operation of a mechatronic brake booster of a hydraulic brake system of a motor vehicle.

#Mechatronic brake boosters for hydraulic brake systems are known. Mechatronic brake boosters may, for example, increase hydraulic pressure generated by brake pedal actuation. Mechatronic brake boosters may include an electric motor which is operated to provide auxiliary braking force, for example in the form of increased hydraulic pressure.

#At least some features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments consistent therewith, which description should be considered with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein:

#FIG. 1 depicts a schematic process for operating a hydraulic brake system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

#FIG. 2A is a graph of brake pedal force vs. time in accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure.

#Although the following detailed description makes reference to illustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modifications, and variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended that the claimed subject matter be viewed broadly.

#Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing. However, these various exemplary embodiments are not intended to limit the disclosure. To the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. In the drawings and the description, similar elements are provided with similar reference numerals. It is to be noted that the features explained individually in the description can be mutually combined in any technically expedient manner and disclose additional embodiments of the present disclosure.

#In accordance with the present teachings, a method of operating a hydraulic brake system of a motor vehicle having a mechatronic brake booster to boost a hydraulic pressure generated in a brake master cylinder of the brake system by a brake pedal of the motor vehicle is provided. An exemplary hydraulic brake system having a mechatronic brake booster that may be operated in accordance with the present teachings is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,634,724, entitled “Electrically Driven Brake Booster,” the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. In this example, a mechatronic brake booster in the form of a pedal-driven actuating pin applies a force to a piston of a brake master cylinder. The pin is surrounded by a cylinder that applies a force to the brake master cylinder and is displaceable by an electric motor back and forth in the direction of the piston. If a brake pedal travel sensor registers a braking request, the electric motor is set in motion in a manner corresponding to the braking request to generate an auxiliary braking force.