Control device and method for operating at least one electric brake pressure increasing device of a valved brake system of a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a control device and a method for operating at least one electric brake pressure increasing device of a valved brake system of a vehicle. The control device is provided with an electronic device (10a) which is designed and / or programmed to control the electronic device (10a). The control device (10) is designed such that, taking into account at least one provided sensor signal (30) of at least one sensor (32a, 32b) of the brake system and / or of the vehicle and using a valve switching model (34) stored on a memory (10b) of the control device (10) for at least one valve (16a-16d) of the brake system, said valve being actuated by an additional actuation device (22), the valve switching model (34) is controlled by the additional actuation device (22). According to the invention, valve switching information can be determined by means of the electronic device (10a), which valve switching information comprises at least one predicted possible switching state of the respective valve (16a-16d) during a predetermined future prediction time period, at least one motor control signal (26) can be output to a motor (12a) of the electric brake pressure increasing device (12) by means of the electronic device (10a) taking into account the valve switching information. The invention also relates to a method for operating at least one electric brake pressure increasing device (12) of a valved brake system of a vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a control device for an electric brake pressure boosting device for a brake system of a vehicle equipped with a valve. The invention also relates to a control system for a brake system of a vehicle equipped with a valve and a brake system for a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating at least one electric brake pressure boosting device of a brake system of a vehicle equipped with a valve. Background Art

[0002] A control device for an electric brake pressure booster for operating a brake system equipped with a valve of a vehicle is known from the prior art, for example DE 10 2016 226 325 A1. Such an electric brake pressure booster can be, in particular, an electromechanical brake booster which is located / can be located upstream of a master brake cylinder of the brake system equipped with a valve which is equipped with the electric brake pressure booster. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present invention provides a control device for an electric brake pressure boosting device of a brake system equipped with a valve of a vehicle, a control system for a brake system equipped with a valve of a vehicle, a brake system for a vehicle, and a method for operating at least one electric brake pressure boosting device of a brake system equipped with a valve of a vehicle.

[0004] The present invention provides an advantageous possibility for optimizing the operation of an electric brake pressure boosting device in a brake system of a vehicle equipped with a valve, at least one valve of which is actuated by an actuation device, and the electric brake pressure boosting device is actuated by a control device which is constructed separately from the actuation device. By means of the optimization of the operation of the electric brake pressure boosting device achieved by using the present invention, in particular during the closing of at least one valve actuated by the actuation device, the hydraulic and mechanical loads of the electric brake pressure boosting device can be reduced. The present invention therefore takes into account that if during the operation of the electric brake pressure boosting device, in particular during the brake pressure increase achieved by the electric brake pressure boosting device, at least one valve of the brake system is closed by the actuation device so that the hydraulic stiffness in at least one partial volume of the hydraulic device of the brake system increases significantly, this represents a special load situation of the electric brake pressure boosting device. By using the present invention, the occurrence of pressure and / or force peaks in the hydraulic device and / or mechanical device of the electric brake pressure boosting device can be prevented if necessary by optimizing the operation of the electric brake pressure boosting device. The present invention thus contributes significantly to extending the service life of the electric brake pressure boosting device.

[0005] A significant advantage of the present invention is that embodiments of the present invention do not rely on a network connection through which the control device communicates with the operating device. Instead, in the use of the present invention, the network connection through which the control device and the operating device communicate with each other is optional. Therefore, in embodiments of the present invention, it is not necessary to accept the time delays that conventionally occur in the communication between the control device and the operating device.

[0006] The electric brake pressure booster for implementing the present invention can be, for example, an electromechanical brake booster (for example, in particular an intelligent booster) or an electric piston cylinder device, for example, in particular a DPB device (decoupling power breaker) or a BWA (wire-controlled actuator) device, located upstream of the master brake cylinder of the corresponding brake system. In an embodiment of the present invention, all types of electric brake pressure boosters listed here can be arranged in hydraulic series with a modulation unit (ESP), wherein the brake pressure increase in the wheel brake cylinder is achieved by the electric brake pressure booster, while the modulation unit (in particular as an ABS function) prevents / eliminates the locking of the wheels of the corresponding vehicle. For this purpose, the modulation unit has at least one valve of the brake system and may also have at least one pump. As will become clear from the following description, the present invention can be used for a plurality of different types of brake systems. However, it should be noted here that the above-mentioned embodiments of the electric brake pressure booster should not be interpreted as decisive.

[0007] In an advantageous embodiment of the control device, the electronics are additionally designed and / or programmed such that the electronics, taking into account the corresponding predicted possible switching states of at least one valve during the future prediction period and using the stored valve switching model, can additionally determine a predicted hydraulic stiffness in at least one partial volume of the hydraulic device of the brake system during the future prediction period as part of the valve switching information. The embodiments of the control device / its electronics described here can adapt the operation of the electric brake pressure boosting device during the future prediction period taking into account the predicted hydraulic stiffness in at least one partial volume of the hydraulic device in order to avoid / prevent the occurrence of pressure and / or force peaks.

[0008] Preferably, the following information is stored by means of a valve switching model in a memory of the control device: at which corresponding value of the at least one sensor signal the actuation device maintains or switches at least one valve of the brake system to a specific switching state and / or how a specific switching state of the at least one valve affects the hydraulic stiffness in at least one partial volume of the hydraulic device. If necessary, the control device can predict / determine the hydraulic stiffness in at least one partial volume of the hydraulic device during a predicted future time period at least in the predicted possible switching states of the corresponding valve during a predicted future time period and / or also by means of a relatively inexpensive electronic device that requires relatively little installation space.

[0009] Preferably, the electronic device is designed and / or programmed such that, taking into account a desired target braking effect of the electric brake pressure booster and additionally taking into account a predefined corresponding target value range of at least one variable reflecting the current operation and / or actual braking effect of the electric brake pressure booster, at least one motor control signal can be outputted by the electronic device to the electric machine such that the at least one variable is respectively within its assigned target value range, and wherein the corresponding target value range of the at least one variable can be determined by means of the electronic device taking into account the valve switching information. In this way, the hydraulic and / or mechanical loading of the electric brake pressure booster can be optimized during the future forecast period so that pressure and / or force peaks do not / hardly occur.

[0010] For example, at least one variable relating to the current operation and / or actual braking effect of the electric brake pressure boosting device may be a rotational speed of the electric motor, a time gradient of the rotational speed of the electric motor, a motor torque of the electric motor, a time gradient of the motor torque of the electric motor, a pressure achievable in at least one partial hydraulic volume of the brake system by means of the electric brake pressure boosting device, a time gradient of the pressure achievable in at least one partial hydraulic volume, a braking torque achievable by means of the electric brake pressure boosting device, a time gradient of the achievable braking torque, a force exercisable by means of the electric brake pressure boosting device, a time gradient of the exercisable force, a control path of a component of the electric brake pressure boosting device adjustable by means of the electric motor, a control speed of the adjustable component and / or a control acceleration of the adjustable component. Thus, the previously described determination of the corresponding target value ranges taking into account the valve switching information can be used for a plurality of operating and / or braking efficiency variables.

[0011] As a further advantageous embodiment of the control device, the electronic device can be designed and / or programmed in such a way that it can be determined by means of the electronic device, taking into account the valve switching information, whether at least one predefined operating limitation measure is to be maintained during a predefined or determined first protection period during operation of the electric brake pressure boosting device, and if necessary, at least one motor control signal can be output to the electric motor by means of the electronic device, taking into account the at least one predefined operating limitation measure. For example, the kinetic energy stored in the drive train of the electric brake pressure boosting device can be limited as at least one operating limitation measure. This prevents the triggering of pressure and / or force peaks by the kinetic energy and thus prevents a sudden increase in the load on the electric brake pressure boosting device.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic device can also be designed and / or programmed such that, taking into account the valve switching information, the electronic device can determine whether at least one first operating function of the electric brake pressure boosting device is to be ignored during a preset or determined second protection period, and if necessary, the electronic device can output at least one motor control signal to the motor so that the execution of the at least one first operating function by the electric brake pressure boosting device ends at the beginning of the second protection period and / or is blocked during the second protection period. Likewise, the electronic device can be designed and / or programmed such that, taking into account the valve switching information, the electronic device can determine whether at least one second operating function of the electric brake pressure boosting device is to be replaced during a preset or determined third protection period, and if necessary, the electronic device can output at least one motor control signal to the motor so that, instead of executing the at least one second operating function, the corresponding replacement function preset for the electronic device can be executed by the electric brake pressure boosting device during the third protection period. Both measures described here advantageously contribute to an increase in the service life of the electric brake pressure boosting device.

[0013] The above advantages are also ensured in a control system for a brake system of a vehicle equipped with a valve, which control system has a corresponding control device and an actuation device, by means of which at least at least one valve of the brake system can be actuated.

[0014] The advantages listed above are also achieved in a vehicle braking system, provided that the braking system is equipped with such a control system, an electric brake pressure boosting device and a valve that can be controlled by a control device of the control system, wherein the electric brake pressure boosting device has an electric motor that can be controlled by at least one motor control signal of the electronic equipment of the control device of the control system.

[0015] Furthermore, a corresponding embodiment of the method for operating at least one electric brake pressure boosting device of a brake system of a vehicle equipped with a valve also produces the above-mentioned advantages. It is explicitly pointed out that the method can be improved according to the above-explained embodiment of the control device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Further features and advantages of the present invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a control device for an electric brake pressure boosting device or a brake system of a vehicle equipped with an electric brake pressure boosting device and equipped with a valve; and

[0018] Figure 2 A flow chart is shown for explaining an embodiment of a method for operating at least one electric brake pressure boosting device of a brake system of a vehicle equipped with a valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram shows an embodiment of a control device for an electric brake pressure boosting device or a brake system of a vehicle equipped with an electric brake pressure boosting device and provided with a valve.

[0020] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the control device 10 is designed, for example, to control a piston cylinder device, in particular a BWA device (wire-controlled actuator), which is located upstream of a master brake cylinder 14 of a brake system equipped with a valve as an electric brake pressure boosting device 12. However, the electric brake pressure boosting device 12 Figure 1 The illustrated configuration is not to be interpreted as decisive. For example, the electric brake pressure booster 12 can also be an electromechanical brake booster located upstream of the master brake cylinder 14, such as, in particular, an intelligent booster (iBooster) or an electric piston cylinder device integrated into a hydraulic device of a brake system equipped with a valve, such as, in particular, a DPB device (decoupling power breaker). However, the electric brake pressure booster 12 is to be understood as a device 12 that is configured with its own electric motor 12a. However, it is not necessary to configure the electric brake pressure booster 12 with a transmission 12b and / or a speed sensor 12d, via which the (optional) adjustable piston 12c of the electric brake pressure booster 12 is connected to the electric motor 12a.

[0021] All types of electric brake pressure boosting devices listed here can advantageously interact with at least one valve 16a to 16d of a brake system equipped with valves when they are actuated by means of the control device 10 described below. At least one valve 16a to 16d connected to at least one brake circuit 18a and 18b of the master brake cylinder 14 as an element of a modulation unit 20, in particular an ESP system 20. Figure 1 The configuration shown should be interpreted as exemplary only. Figure 1 As an alternative to the specific embodiment of FIG. 1 , a brake actuating element, such as, in particular, a brake pedal, can also be mechanically connected to master brake cylinder 14 .

[0022] As will become clear from the following description, the operation of the electric brake pressure boosting device 12 by means of the control device 10 can advantageously be optimized with respect to the current switching state of the at least one valve 16a to 16d, despite the presence of actuation / switching of the at least one valve 16a to 16d of the valve-equipped brake system by means of the additional actuation device 22. The design of the control device 10 as a unit spatially separated from the actuation device 22 does not conflict with this advantage. Likewise, the subsequently mentioned advantages of the control device 10 do not require the controllability / switching of the at least one valve 16a to 16d of the valve-equipped brake system by means of the control device 10. Alternatively, the at least one valve 16a to 16d of the valve-equipped brake system can be controlled / switched only by means of the at least one valve control signal 24 output from the actuation device 22 and not by means of a signal output from the control device 20.

[0023] Control device 10 has an electronic device 10a which is designed and / or programmed in such a way that at least one motor control signal 26 is / can be outputted via electronic device 10a to electric motor 12a of electric brake pressure boosting device 12. At least one motor control signal 26 is outputted via electronic device 10a to electric motor 12a at least taking into account at least one preset variable 28 regarding a desired target braking effect of electric brake pressure boosting device 12. The target braking effect of electric brake pressure boosting device 12 can be requested, for example, by the driver of the vehicle, in particular by means of an actuation of a brake actuating element (not shown) of the vehicle, by an automatic speed control of the vehicle, for example, in particular a driver assistance system, and / or by an additional actuation device 22 by means of outputting at least one preset variable 28.

[0024] The electronic device 10a is additionally designed and / or programmed such that, in addition to the at least one preset variable 28, at least one sensor signal 30 provided by at least one sensor 32a and 32b of the brake system and / or the vehicle can also be evaluated / evaluated by the electronic device 10a. Furthermore, the control device 10 has a memory 10b on which a so-called valve switching model 34 for at least one valve 16a to 16d of the brake system, which is actuated by means of the actuation device 22, is stored / stored. By means of the valve switching model 34, the control device 10 / its electronic device 10a has the “knowledge” of how the actuation device 22 will actuate / switch at least one valve 16a to 16d of the brake system with a high probability in the future at the at least one sensor signal 30 or at least one corresponding sensor signal corresponding value.

[0025] Taking into account at least one sensor signal 30 and using a valve switching model 34 stored in the memory 10b, the electronic device 10a determines / can determine so-called valve switching information / valve switching state information, which includes at least one predicted possible switching state of the corresponding valve 16a to 16d during a predetermined future prediction period. This can also be expressed as the electronic device 10a being able to "predict" how the actuation device 22, which is spatially separated from the control device 10, will actuate / switch at least one valve 16a to 16d of the brake system during a future prediction period in response to the at least one sensor signal 30 or at least one corresponding sensor signal. In addition, at least one motor control signal 26 is / can be output to the electric motor 12a of the electric brake pressure boosting device 12 by means of the electronic device 10a, taking into account the (determined / predicted) valve switching information.

[0026] In this way, control device 10 / its electronic device 10a ensures that, despite the “individual actuation” of at least one valve 16a to 16d of the brake system by actuation device 22, the current operation of electric brake pressure boosting device 12 is (substantially) always adapted to the “actual” switching state of the respective valve 16a to 16d. In particular, electronic device 10a can also “predict” a sudden necessary closing of at least one valve 16a to 16d and subsequently optimize the current operation of electric brake pressure boosting device 12 accordingly. It is therefore (almost) always “known” to control device 10 / its electronic device 10a when the switching state of at least one valve 16a to 16d of the brake system leads to a change in the stiffness of the hydraulic device of the brake system. For this purpose, control device 10 / its electronic device 10a can, if necessary, initiate preventive measures during the operation of electric brake pressure boosting device 12 in order to react in an advantageous manner to a change in the stiffness of the hydraulic device. As is also clear from the above description, the “knowledge” of the control device 10 / its electronic device 10a about the possible actuation / switching of at least one valve 16a to 16d by means of the actuation device 22 during a future forecast period of time does not require any communication between the control device 10 and the actuation device 22, which is thus separately designed. The control device 10 / its electronic device 10a can therefore react relatively early itself to the impending actuation / switching of at least one valve 16a to 16d by the actuation device 22 or to a future change in the stiffness of the hydraulic device.

[0027] The adaptation / optimization of the current operation of the electric brake pressure boosting device 12 with respect to the actual switching state of at least one valve 16a to 16d achieved by means of the advantageous design / programming of the control device 10 / its electronic device 10a in particular prevents / reduces the occurrence of pressure and / or force peaks in the hydraulic device. Thus, when using the control device described herein, the conventional risk of damage to the electric brake pressure boosting device 12 and / or to at least one further brake system component of the brake system equipped with the electric brake pressure boosting device due to pressure or force peaks or loads triggered thereby is also significantly reduced. Thus, the advantageous design / programming of the control device 10 / its electronic device 10a prolongs the service life of the electric brake pressure boosting device 12 and / or to at least one further brake system component of the brake system.

[0028] The at least one sensor 32a and 32b can be, for example, at least one pressure sensor 32a, an acceleration sensor (not shown) and / or at least one wheel speed sensor 32b, by means of which one / more sensor signals 30 of the at least one sensor are predicted / can be predicted by the electronic device 10a. For example, slip on a single wheel of a vehicle equipped with a brake system can be detected by means of at least one sensor signal 30 of at least one wheel speed sensor 32b. If necessary, it can be predicted by means of the valve switching model 34 how the control device 22 will control / switch at least one valve 16a to 16d of the brake system in response to the slip on the corresponding wheel. In this way, the current operation of the electric brake pressure boosting device 12 can be adapted to the control intervention / brake control intervention implemented in this way as early as possible, in particular before the necessary closing of the corresponding valve 16a to 16d.

[0029] The following information is preferably stored by means of the switching model 34 in the memory 10b of the control device 10: at which corresponding value of the at least one sensor signal 30 the actuation device 22 maintains or switches at least one valve 16a to 16b of the brake system to a specific switching state. In particular, a wheel slip model can be stored as at least part of the valve switching model 34, which is preferably also stored in the memory unit 22a of the actuation device 22, for example. Thus, the control device 10 / its electronic device 10a can be designed / programmed to realize its advantageous prediction of the valve switching information without a great deal of effort.

[0030] As an advantageous development, the electronic device 10a can additionally be designed and / or programmed such that the electronic device 10a can additionally determine / determine the predicted hydraulic stiffness in at least one partial volume of the hydraulic device during the future prediction period as a (further) part of the valve switching information, taking into account the corresponding predicted possible switching states of at least one valve 16a to 16d during the future prediction period and using the stored valve switching model 34. The desired actual braking effect of the electric brake pressure boosting device 12 can thus also be maintained more accurately by the control device 10 / its electronic device 10a. The development of the electronic device 10a described here can be easily implemented in that the valve switching model 34 also stores the following information: how a specific switching state of at least one valve 16a to 16d affects the hydraulic stiffness in at least one partial volume of the hydraulic device.

[0031] At least one valve 16a to 16d serves as a control valve for each high-pressure switching valve 16a of each brake circuit 18a and 18b, each switching valve 16b of each brake circuit 18a and 18b, each wheel inlet valve 16c of each wheel brake cylinder 36, and each wheel outlet valve 16d of each wheel brake cylinder 36. Figure 1 The illustrated configuration is to be interpreted only as an example. Optionally, the control device 22 can also be designed / programmed to output at least one valve control signal 24 not only to at least one valve 16a to 16d, but also to output at least one motor control signal 38 to at least one further motor 40, for example a pump motor 40 of at least one pump 42 of a brake system. However, Figure 1 It is not mandatory that the brake system be equipped with each pump 42 of each brake circuit 18a and 18b, each storage chamber 44 of each brake circuit 18a and 18b, and each check valve 46 of each brake circuit 18a and 18b.

[0032] The control device 10 can be a "self-contained" control of the electric brake pressure booster 12. Alternatively, however, the control device 10 can also be a central vehicle control unit (VCU, vehicle control unit). In addition, the control device 10 and the actuation device 22 can be two spatially separated units of a control system of a brake system equipped with a valve.

[0033] As a further development, control device 10 / its electronic device 10 a may also be designed / programmed to carry out at least one of the method steps described below.

[0034] Figure 2 A flow chart is shown for explaining an embodiment of a method for operating at least one electric brake pressure boosting device of a brake system of a vehicle equipped with a valve.

[0035] The feasibility of the method described below is not limited to a specific type of control device used for this purpose, the electric brake pressure boosting device that is actuated thereby, and the interacting additional actuation device, by which at least one valve of the valve-equipped brake system is actuated or switched. A plurality of different brake system types can be used as a valve-equipped brake system. However, it is expressly pointed out that the control device and the actuation device are to be understood as spatially separate devices / units.

[0036] In method step S1 of the method, at least one sensor signal is evaluated by an electronic device of a control device for actuating an electric brake pressure boosting device in order to determine so-called valve switching information / valve switching state information. At least one possible switching state of at least one valve actuated / switched by the actuation device during a future prediction period is predicted by the electronic device as valve switching information. In method step S1, the valve switching information is determined / predicted by the electronic device taking into account the at least one sensor signal and using a valve switching model for at least one valve of the brake system actuated by the actuation device, which is stored in a memory of the control device.

[0037] Therefore, the execution of method step S1 enables "prediction" of valve switching information, in particular possible switching states of at least one valve during a future prediction time period, even though the corresponding valve is not controlled / switched by the control device during the future prediction time period. Preferably, at least one valve cannot normally be controlled / switched by the control device.

[0038] In method step S0, at least one sensor signal can be provided by at least one sensor of the brake system and / or the vehicle at least to the electronics of the control device. Examples of at least one sensor suitable for outputting at least one sensor signal have already been listed above. Possibilities for forming a valve switching model have also been described above.

[0039] In method step S0, at least one sensor signal can also be output to the control device via a corresponding sensor. Optionally, the control device can determine, if necessary, in (optional) method step S1', at least taking into account at least one sensor signal, whether a situation may exist in the hydraulic device of the brake system during a future forecast period when using at least one valve of the brake system, which requires a certain control intervention / brake control intervention. For this purpose, in method step S1', the control device can usually perform a process similar to that of the electronic device of the control device in method step S1. In order to be able to perform these processes by the control device, the valve switching model can also be stored in a storage unit of the control device. The control intervention / brake control intervention determined to be necessary can be, for example, an ABS intervention (anti-lock braking system intervention), an ESP (electronic stability program) intervention or a transverse dynamic control intervention.

[0040] In a further method step S2 of the method, the electronic device of the control device determines which operating mode of the electric brake pressure boosting device is advantageous in view of the determined valve switching information, in particular in view of the predicted possible switching states of at least one valve during a predicted future time period. When executing method step S2, at least one predefined variable for a target braking effect of the electric brake pressure boosting device requested by the vehicle driver, the vehicle's automatic speed control device and / or the control device is also taken into account.

[0041] At the same time as method step S2, the control device can also carry out an (optional) method step S2', in which the control device can determine how at least one valve of the brake system is to be (actually) switched by means of the control device during the execution of a control intervention / brake control intervention determined to be necessary within a future forecast period. Possibly, in method step S2', the control device can also determine at least one target variable for a target function to be implemented during the future forecast period with the aid of at least one (further) electric brake system component of the brake system. The at least one (further) electric brake system component can be, for example, at least one pump of the brake system. To carry out method step S2', the control device can also use a process that is the same as / similar to the process carried out by the electronic device in method step S2.

[0042] After method step S2, as method step S3, the electronic device outputs at least one motor control signal to the motor of the electric brake pressure boosting device in order to control the motor according to an operating mode that is favorable during a future forecast period in view of the determined valve switching information, in particular in view of the predicted possible switching states of at least one valve. Thus, the at least one motor control signal is output to the motor (performed in method step S3) taking into account at least one preset variable regarding a desired target braking effect of the electric brake pressure boosting device and taking into account the determined / predicted valve switching information.

[0043] Method step S3 can be performed by the control device almost simultaneously with method step S4, in which the control device (actually) controls / switches at least one valve, as previously determined as necessary in method step S2'. In method step S4, at least one (further) electric brake system component can also be controlled as a function of at least one determined target variable.

[0044] As in Figure 2 As indicated by arrow A in the figure, method step S3 may have already begun before a message about the future actuation / switching of at least one valve, which may be output by the actuating device to the control device during the execution of method step S2', reaches the control device. As with any communication between the actuating device and the control device, the output of such a message is also associated with a delay, which usually leads to a postponement of the response of the control device.

[0045] When executing method step S3, taking into account the requested target braking effect of the electric brake pressure boosting device and taking into account additionally a predefined corresponding target value range of at least one variable reflecting the current operation and / or actual braking effect of the electric brake pressure boosting device, for example, at least one motor control signal can be output to the electric motor so that the at least one variable is respectively within its assigned target value range. Preferably, in this case, during method step S2, the corresponding target value range of the at least one variable is determined taking into account the valve switching information. The at least one variable about the current operation and / or actual braking effect of the electric brake pressure boosting device may be, for example, the speed of the electric motor, the time gradient of the speed of the electric motor, the motor torque of the electric motor, the time gradient of the motor torque of the electric motor, the pressure achievable in at least one partial hydraulic volume of the brake system by means of the electric brake pressure boosting device, the time gradient of the pressure achievable in at least one partial hydraulic volume, the braking torque achievable by means of the electric brake pressure boosting device, the time gradient of the achievable braking torque, the force that can be applied by means of the electric brake pressure boosting device, the time gradient of the applyable force, the adjustment path of a component of the electric brake pressure boosting device that is adjustable by means of the electric motor, the adjustment speed of the adjustable component and / or the adjustment acceleration of the adjustable component. Thus, there are a number of possibilities for advantageously adapting the operation of the electric brake pressure boosting device to the actuation / switching of the at least one valve.

[0046] Optionally, in method step S2, it can also be determined, taking into account the valve switching information, whether at least one preset operating restriction measure is to be maintained during the operation of the electric brake pressure boosting device during a preset or determined first protection period. If necessary, as method step S3, at least one motor control signal is output to the motor during the first protection period taking into account the at least one preset operating restriction measure. Alternatively or additionally, in method step S2, it can be determined, taking into account the valve switching information, whether at least one first operating function of the electric brake pressure boosting device is to be ignored during a preset or determined second protection period. In this case, as method step S3, at least one motor control signal is output to the motor so that the execution of the at least one first operating function by the electric brake pressure boosting device ends at the beginning of the second protection period and / or is blocked during the second protection period. In method step S2, it can also be specified, taking into account the valve switching information, whether at least one second operating function of the electric brake pressure boosting device is to be replaced during a preset or determined third protection period. As method step S3 , at least one motor control signal is subsequently output to the motor so that, instead of executing the at least one second operating function, a correspondingly predefined replacement function is executed during the third protection period by means of the electric brake pressure boosting device.

Claims

1. A control device (10) for an electric brake pressure boosting device (12) of a brake system of a vehicle equipped with a valve, the control device comprising: an electronic device (10a) which is designed and / or programmed such that at least one motor control signal (26) can be output to a motor (12a) of the electric brake pressure boosting device (12) by means of the electronic device (10a), at least taking into account at least one preset variable (28) for a target braking effect of the electric brake pressure boosting device (12) required by a driver of the vehicle, an automatic speed control device of the vehicle and / or at least an additional control device (32) of the brake system; It is characterized in that The electronic device (10a) is additionally designed and / or programmed such that, taking into account at least one sensor signal (30) provided by at least one sensor (32a, 32b) of the brake system and / or of the vehicle and using a valve switching model (34) for at least one valve (16a-16d) of the brake system actuated by an additional actuation device (22), which is stored in a memory (10b) of the control device (10), valve switching information can be determined by means of the electronic device (10a), the valve switching information comprising at least one predicted possible switching state of the corresponding valve (16a-16d) during a predefined future prediction time period; The at least one motor control signal (26) can be output to the motor (12a) of the electric brake pressure boosting device (12) by means of the electronic device (10a) while additionally taking into account the valve switching information.

2. The control device (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic device (10a) is additionally designed and / or programmed so that, taking into account the corresponding predicted possible switching states of the at least one valve (16a-16d) during the future prediction time period and using a stored valve switching model (34), the electronic device (10a) is additionally able to determine a predicted hydraulic stiffness in at least one partial volume of the hydraulic device of the brake system during the future prediction time period as part of the valve switching information.

3. The control device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The valve switching model (34) is stored in the memory (10b) of the control device (10) with the following information: at which corresponding value of the at least one sensor signal (30) the actuation device (22) maintains or switches the at least one valve (16a-16b) of the brake system to a specific switching state; and / or how a specific switching state of the at least one valve (16a-16b) affects the hydraulic stiffness in at least one partial volume of the hydraulic device.

4. A control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The electronic device (10a) is designed and / or programmed so that, taking into account the required target braking effect of the electric brake pressure boosting device (12) and taking into additional account a preset corresponding target value range of at least one parameter reflecting the current operation and / or actual braking effect of the electric brake pressure boosting device (12), the electronic device (10a) can output the at least one motor control signal (26) to the motor (12a) so that the at least one parameter is respectively located within its assigned target value range, and wherein the corresponding target value range of the at least one parameter can be determined by means of the electronic device (10a) taking into account the valve switching information.

5. The control device (10) according to claim 4, wherein: The at least one variable relating to the current operation and / or actual braking effect of the electric brake pressure boosting device (12) is: the rotational speed of the electric motor (12a), the time gradient of the rotational speed of the electric motor (12a), the motor torque of the electric motor (12a), the time gradient of the motor torque of the electric motor (12a), the pressure achievable in at least one partial hydraulic volume of the brake system by means of the electric brake pressure boosting device (12), the time gradient of the pressure achievable in at least one partial hydraulic volume, the braking torque achievable by means of the electric brake pressure boosting device (12), the time gradient of the achievable braking torque, the force that can be applied by means of the electric brake pressure boosting device (12), the time gradient of the applyable force, the adjustment path of a component (12c) of the electric brake pressure boosting device (12) that is adjustable by means of the electric motor (10a), the adjustment speed of the adjustable component (12c) and / or the adjustment acceleration of the adjustable component (12c).

6. A control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The electronic device (10a) is designed and / or programmed so that, taking into account the valve switching information, it is possible to determine with the aid of the electronic device (10a) whether at least one preset operating restriction measure is to be maintained during a preset or determined first protection time period during the operation of the electric brake pressure boosting device (12), and, if necessary, to output the at least one motor control signal (26) to the motor (12a) with the aid of the electronic device (10a) taking into account the at least one preset operating restriction measure.

7. A control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The electronic device (10a) is designed and / or programmed so that, taking into account the valve switching information, it is possible to determine with the aid of the electronic device (10a) whether at least one first operating function of the electric brake pressure boosting device (12) is to be ignored during a preset or determined second protection time period, and, if necessary, it is possible to output with the aid of the electronic device (10a) at least one motor control signal (26) to the motor (12a) so that the execution of the at least one first operating function by the electric brake pressure boosting device (12) ends at the beginning of the second protection time period and / or is prevented during the second protection time period.

8. A control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The electronic device (10a) is designed and / or programmed so that, taking into account the valve switching information, it is possible to determine with the aid of the electronic device (10a) whether at least one second operating function of the electric brake pressure boosting device (12) should be replaced during a preset or determined third protection time period, and, if necessary, it is possible to output the at least one motor control signal (26) to the motor (12a) with the aid of the electronic device (10a) so as to replace the execution of the at least one second operating function, during which the replacement function preset accordingly for the electronic device (10a) can be executed by the electric brake pressure boosting device (12).

9. A control system for a brake system equipped with a valve for a vehicle, comprising: A control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, and An actuation device (22) by means of which at least at least one valve (16a-16d) of the brake system can be actuated.

10. A braking system for a vehicle, comprising: The control system according to claim 9; The electric brake pressure boosting device (12) has a motor (12a) that can be controlled by at least one motor control signal (26) of an electronic device (10a) of a control device (10) of the control system; and At least one valve (16a-16d) is controllable by a control device (22) of the control system.

11. A method for operating at least one electric brake pressure boosting device (12) of a brake system of a vehicle equipped with a valve, comprising the following steps: outputting at least one motor control signal (26) to a motor (12a) of the electric brake pressure boosting device (12) via an electronic device (10a) of a control device (10), at least taking into account at least one preset parameter (28) of a target braking effect required of the electric brake pressure boosting device (12) by a driver of the vehicle, an automatic speed control device of the vehicle and / or at least an additional control device (32) of the brake system; It is characterized by the following steps: Valve switching information is determined by means of the electronic device (10a) taking into account at least one sensor signal (30) of at least one sensor (32a, 32b) of the brake system and / or of the vehicle and using a predefined valve switching model (34) for at least one valve (16a-16d) of the brake system which is actuated by an additional actuation device (22), wherein: At least one possible switching state of the corresponding valve (16a-16d) during a preset future prediction time period is predicted (S1) as valve switching information; and The at least one motor control signal (26) is output (S2, S3) to the motor (12a) of the electric brake pressure boosting device (12) by means of the electronic device (10a) while additionally taking into account the valve switching information.

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