Patent ID: 7922265

Claim:
A method for controlling hydraulic braking and regenerative braking in a hybrid brake system having a master cylinder circuit and a wheel circuit which are filled with a fluid and are separated by an anti-lock brake system (ABS) valve, and having a brake actuator in direct communication with the master cylinder circuit, the method comprising: allowing depression of the brake actuator in response to a braking request, wherein depression of the brake actuator creates fluid pressure, beginning at a first pressure, in the master cylinder circuit; commanding variable regenerative braking upon depression of the brake actuator until the regenerative braking reaches a threshold level; and commanding variable hydraulic braking upon depression of the brake actuator, such that the wheel circuit reaches a commanded wheel circuit pressure, including: preventing transfer of fluid pressure from the master cylinder circuit through the ABS valve to the wheel circuit when the fluid pressure in the master cylinder circuit is between the first pressure and a second pressure; partially limiting transfer of fluid pressure from the master cylinder circuit through the ABS valve to the wheel circuit when the fluid pressure in the master cylinder circuit is between the second pressure and a third pressure; and allowing full transfer of fluid pressure from the master cylinder circuit through the ABS valve to the wheel circuit when the fluid pressure in the master cylinder circuit is greater than the third pressure.