초록 ▼

A booster and a pressure amplifying device are provided as devices performing a brake assist. Further a pressure sensor which detects master-cylinder pressure is provided. While the braking is applied to the vehicle, the malfunction of the booster can be detected based on master-cylinder pressure de

A booster and a pressure amplifying device are provided as devices performing a brake assist. Further a pressure sensor which detects master-cylinder pressure is provided. While the braking is applied to the vehicle, the malfunction of the booster can be detected based on master-cylinder pressure detected by the pressure sensor. If the malfunction of the booster is detected, a pump in the pressure amplifying device is driven as an substitute for the booster. As a result, a required brake assist can be performed to ensure high braking force. Accordingly, the brake control apparatus can enhance safety during vehicle operation.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A brake control apparatus for a vehicle, said brake control apparatus comprising:a master cylinder which generates master-cylinder pressure to a wheel cylinder in accordance with a brake pedal operation applied by a driver of said vehicle, said brake pedal operation causi

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A brake control apparatus for a vehicle, said brake control apparatus comprising:a master cylinder which generates master-cylinder pressure to a wheel cylinder in accordance with a brake pedal operation applied by a driver of said vehicle, said brake pedal operation causing a depressing force to be applied to said brake pedal, said depressing force being translated to a force applied to a pressure-creating member causing an increase in said master-cylinder pressure;a booster which boosts said force applied to said pressure-creating member;a wheel cylinder which generates a wheel braking force in response to said master-cylinder pressure;a conduit disposed between and coupled to said master cylinder and said wheel cylinder;an assist mechanism disposed between and coupled to said master cylinder and said wheel cylinder via said conduit, said assist mechanism being actuated to apply to said wheel cylinder a brake fluid pressure higher than said master-cylinder pressure by moving brake fluid from said master cylinder into a portion of said conduit coupling said wheel cylinder to said assist mechanism;detecting means for detecting a malfunction of said booster; andcontrol means for actuating said assist mechanism to increase said brake fluid pressure applied to said wheel cylinder when said detecting means detects said malfunction of said booster.