Patent Application
20250027543
This application claims priority to German Application No. 102023118912.3, filed on Jul. 18, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
The disclosure relates to an electromechanically operated floating-calliper brake for motor vehicles, in particular passenger cars. The disclosure also relates to an electromechanically driven motor vehicle having such a floating-calliper brake.
Electromechanically operated floating-calliper brakes include both floating-calliper brakes that are exclusively operated electromechanically and floating-calliper brakes that are operated hydraulically and additionally electromechanically. The second case is known in a brake that is actuated hydraulically during driving operation and is actuated electromechanically to secure the position of the vehicle in question. In the case of a floating-calliper brake operated exclusively electromechanically, the actuator piston is actuated by an electric motor and in most cases in combination with a gearing assembly. In the case of the combined solution, the actuator piston can be moved both hydrostatically and by the electric motor and the gearing assembly.
Floating-calliper brakes are commonly designed as fist-type floating-calliper brakes in which the floating calliper is fist-shaped. The fist-type calliper mounted in an axially floating manner has a piston region and a finger region. The brake disc and the brake pads are arranged inside the “fist”, between the finger region and the piston region. An inner region of the fist together with the brake carrier forms a chamber in this region, in which the brake disc is positioned when installed in a motor vehicle. The floating calliper is mounted in an axially displaceable manner relative to the brake carrier.
Electromechanical drives take up more installation space than hydraulic drives. They generally also have a higher weight than hydraulic drives. However, the installation space available in the region of the wheel rim and the wheel mount or wheel suspension is limited. There is also a trend towards having to accommodate further components such as brake covers or brake dust collectors in the region of the floating-calliper brakes. If a powerful floating-calliper brake is required, as is generally the case for front wheel brakes or relatively large passenger cars, the problems of high bearing forces between the brake carrier and the floating calliper also arise (for example with electromechanical units that protrude a lot). In connection with the development of purely electromechanically driven passenger cars, there is an increasing requirement for the wheel brakes also to be operated purely electromechanically. The range of use of hydraulic actuation is thus also declining in brakes that must achieve high braking power.
Therefore, what is needed is to be able to provide a powerful electromechanically operated floating-calliper brake that is suitable e.g. for front wheel brakes and/or for large passenger cars, e.g. SUVs, and is optimized in terms of installation space to the extent that it can be installed better in the region of the wheel rim and the wheel mount or wheel suspension.
A floating-calliper brake is proposed herein. In addition, an electromechanically driven motor vehicle having a floating-calliper brake is also disclosed herein.
In one exemplary arrangement, the floating-calliper brake comprises at least one actuator piston for displacing at least one brake pad unit, at least one electromechanical drive for actuating the actuator piston, a brake carrier, and a floating calliper. The floating calliper has a piston region and a finger region. The floating-calliper brake extends in an axial direction such that the piston region is on a first side of a brake disc that can be accommodated in a chamber formed by the brake carrier and the floating calliper, and that the finger region is on a second side, opposite the first side, of the brake disc that can be accommodated in the chamber. The expression “in the axial direction” relates to the orientation of the rotational axis of an associated brake disc that rotates about the rotational axis when installed in the floating-calliper brake and during driving operation of an associated motor vehicle. I.e., “in the axial direction” means parallel to the rotational axis or running along the rotational axis.
A first guide assembly is arranged on a third side at a distance from a centre plane running congruently with the rotational axis of the brake disc that can be accommodated in the chamber. The first guide assembly extends along a first guide axis running in the axial direction and parallel to the rotational axis.
A second guide assembly is arranged on a fourth side, opposite the third side in relation to the centre plane, at a distance from the centre plane and extends along a second guide axis running in the axial direction and parallel to the rotational axis. The first guide assembly has a first guide duct enclosed by the brake carrier, a first guide element that is guided displaceably in the axial direction in the first guide duct and has a first guide shaft and a first fastening end, and only one first connecting portion that is connected, for example, integrally, to the floating calliper. The first guide element is fixedly connected to the first connecting portion by its first fastening end. This connection may be a screw connection. The first connecting portion is at the level of the finger region in the axial direction. The connecting portion can also be situated at least partially on the second side. It is also possible for the two aforementioned positions of the first connecting portion to be present at the same time. The design according to the disclosure that the first guide assembly only has one connecting portion connected to the floating calliper, i.e., the first connecting portion, at the position mentioned, results in a design of the floating-calliper brake that is optimized in terms of installation space.
In one exemplary arrangement, a first installation space is available adjacent to the first guide assembly on the first side in the alignment of the first guide axis. The first installation space can also be available at the level of the piston region in the axial direction. It is also possible for the two aforementioned positions of the first installation space to be present at the same time. This installation space results from interaction with the arrangement of the single first connecting portion.
In one exemplary arrangement, an electric motor is arranged at least partially in the first installation space. The electric motor is used to actuate the actuator piston. A gearbox can also be arranged at least partially in the first installation space. A housing of an electromechanical drive can also be arranged at least partially in the first installation space. In one exemplary arrangement, the electric motor and gearbox cooperate as an electromechanical drive with which the actuator piston can be actuated. The gearbox may be connected between the electric motor and the actuator piston. An electronic control unit can also be positioned at least partially in the first installation space. Such an electronic control unit can be designed to control the electric motor that actuates the actuator piston. Such an electronic control unit can comprise a PCB, electronic components, and a CPU. An electrical interface can also be arranged in the first installation space. Such an electrical interface can be designed to couple data lines or control lines or to couple power supply lines. It can also be designed to couple data lines, control lines and power supply lines. The interface can be in the form of a plug or socket.
Parts or part-regions of a brake cover can also be arranged in the first installation space. Parts or part-regions of a brake dust collection device can also be arranged in the first installation space. It is also possible for several of the aforementioned components or assemblies to be arranged at least partially in the first installation space. The advantage of this is the full utilization of the first installation space. The components for powerful brakes can thus also be positioned close to the floating calliper. This has a favourable effect on the bearing forces (lever length is shortened). Overall, this also allows the necessary parts to be accommodated in the region of the wheel rim and the wheel mount or wheel suspension.
In one exemplary arrangement, the floating-calliper brake comprises a brake cover, which is fastened to the floating calliper by the first fastening end. The brake cover can also be fastened to the first fastening end or to the first connecting portion. The brake cover can also be fastened both to the first fastening end and to the first connecting portion. In one exemplary arrangement, the brake cover has a first retaining portion, which is clamped between the first connecting portion and the first fastening end. The first fastening end can comprise a screw with which the first retaining portion is fixed against the first connecting portion. The first retaining portion may have a passage through which a screw runs for this purpose. By the aforementioned possibilities of fastening the brake cover, a design of the floating-calliper brake is achieved that is optimized in terms of installation space. In this case, the fastening components for coupling the brake calliper and the brake carrier are also used at the same time for fastening the brake cover. This saves installation space and is an economical solution. It also allows an aesthetically appealing design of the brake cover. Such a brake cover can be a protective cover, a logo plate or part of a brake dust collection device. It can also be a stabilization plate. Several or all of the aforementioned functions can be implemented in the brake cover.
In one exemplary arrangement, the first guide duct has a first and a second end and extends between these ends along the first guide axis, wherein the first end is arranged closer to the piston region than to the finger region in the axial direction, and wherein the second end is arranged closer to the finger region than to the piston region in the axial direction, wherein the first end is closed and the second end is open, and wherein the first guide element protrudes with its guide shaft, i.e., with the first guide shaft, through the opening of the second end into the first guide duct.
In one exemplary arrangement of the floating-calliper brake according to the disclosure, the second guide assembly has a second guide duct enclosed by the brake carrier, a second guide element that is guided displaceably in the axial direction in the second guide duct and has a second guide shaft and a second fastening end, and only one second connecting portion that is connected, for example, integrally, to the floating calliper. In this exemplary arrangement of the floating-calliper brake, the second guide element is fixedly connected, for example, screw-fastened, to the second connecting portion by its fastening end. The second connecting portion is situated at the level of the piston region in the axial direction or at least partially on the first side. It is also possible for the two aforementioned positions of the second connecting portion to be present at the same time. This exemplary arrangement of the floating-calliper brake results in a suitable transmission of force between the brake carrier and the floating calliper. I.e., the greater weight of the electromechanical drive is thus supported in a suitable manner and dissipated via the first and second guide assemblies such that comparatively low stresses resulting from effective forces occur in the relevant components.
In one exemplary arrangement, the second guide duct has a third and a fourth end and extends between these ends along the second guide axis, wherein the third end is arranged closer to the piston region than to the finger region in the axial direction, and wherein the second end is arranged closer to the finger region than to the piston region in the axial direction, wherein the third end is open and the fourth end is closed, and wherein the second guide element protrudes with its guide shaft, i.e., with the second guide shaft, through the opening of the third end into the second guide duct.
In a further exemplary arrangement of the floating-calliper brake according to the disclosure, the second guide assembly has a second guide duct enclosed by the brake carrier, a second guide element that is guided displaceably in the axial direction in the second guide duct and has a second guide shaft and a second fastening end, and only one second connecting portion that is connected, for example, integrally, to the floating calliper. In this exemplary arrangement of the floating-calliper brake, the second guide element is fixedly connected, such as screw-fastened, to the second connecting portion by its fastening end, i.e., the second fastening end. The second connecting portion is situated at the level of the finger region in the axial direction or at least partially on the second side. It is also possible for the two aforementioned positions of the second connecting portion to be present at the same time. This exemplary arrangement that the first guide assembly has only one connecting portion connected to the floating calliper, i.e., the first connecting portion, at the aforementioned position, and that the second guide assembly has only one connecting portion connected to the floating calliper, i.e., the second connecting portion, at the aforementioned position, results in an extended design of the floating-calliper brake that is optimized in terms of installation space.
A second installation space may be available adjacent to the second guide assembly on the first side in the alignment of the second guide axis. The second installation space can also be available at the level of the piston region in the alignment of the second guide axis in the axial direction. It is also possible for the two aforementioned positions of the second installation space to be present at the same time. This installation space results from interaction with the arrangement of the single second connecting portion.
An electric motor may be arranged at least partially in the second installation space. The electric motor is used to actuate the actuator piston. A gearbox can also be arranged at least partially in the second installation space. A housing of an electromechanical drive can also be arranged at least partially in the second installation space. The electric motor and gearbox may be configured to cooperate as an electromechanical drive with which the actuator piston can be actuated. In one exemplary arrangement, the gearbox is connected between the electric motor and the actuator piston. An electronic control unit can also be positioned at least partially in the first installation space. Such an electronic control unit can be designed to control the electric motor that actuates the actuator piston. Such an electronic control unit can comprise a PCB, electronic components, and a CPU. An electrical interface can also be arranged in the first installation space. Such an electrical interface can be designed to couple data lines or control lines or to couple power supply lines. It can also be designed to couple data lines, control lines and power supply lines. The interface can be in the form of a plug or socket. Parts or part-regions of a brake cover can also be arranged in the second installation space. Parts or part-regions of a brake dust collection device can also be arranged in the second installation space. It is also possible for several of the aforementioned components or assemblies to be arranged at least partially in the second installation space. The advantage of this is the full utilization of the second installation space. The components for powerful brakes can thus also be positioned close to the floating calliper. This has a favourable effect on the bearing forces (lever length is shortened). Overall, this also allows the necessary parts to be accommodated in the region of the wheel rim and the wheel mount or wheel suspension.
The aforementioned brake cover or a further brake cover may be fastened to the floating calliper by the second fastening end. The brake cover can also be fastened to the second fastening end or to the second connecting portion. The brake cover can also be fastened both to the second fastening end and to the second connecting portion. In one exemplary arrangement, the brake cover has a second retaining portion, which is clamped between the second connecting portion and the second fastening end. The second fastening end can comprise a screw with which the second retaining portion is fixed against the second connecting portion. The second retaining portion may have a passage through which a screw runs for this purpose. The effects of these fastening possibilities are the same as those that have already been mentioned above in relation to the fastening of the brake cover to or with the first fastening end and the first connecting portion.
The electromechanically driven motor vehicle according to the disclosure comprises a floating-calliper brake as described above. The design of the floating-calliper brake can have individual described aspects of the disclosure or else a combination of the above-described aspects of the disclosure. Such an electromechanically driven vehicle having the floating-calliper brake according to the disclosure results in a design optimized in terms of installation space. In connection with large wheel rim diameters, the advantage of a compact arrangement of the components in the axial direction is achieved, among other things, which also has an advantageous effect in terms of force on the first and second guide assemblies.
Further features, advantages and application possibilities of the present disclosure can be found in the following description of the exemplary arrangements and the schematic drawings. For the sake of clarity, not all the elements shown in a drawing are also provided with a reference sign. However, corresponding elements or regions are then labelled in at least one other drawing, and the meaning can be found there. In addition, the same reference signs can stand for the same or similar objects in the drawings.
In a first exemplary arrangement of the floating-calliper brake 1 according to the disclosure, it is shown in
In the present case, the side of an installed brake disc in the mounted state that is oriented towards the finger region 42 or situated in the vicinity thereof is defined as a second side 6. In the present case, the side of an installed brake disc in the mounted state that is oriented towards the piston region 41 or situated in the vicinity thereof is defined as a first side 5. The rotational axis 7 defines an axial direction A, which runs along or parallel to the rotational axis 7. The plane running congruently with the rotational axis 7 is defined as the centre plane 15 in the present case. The centre plane 15 separates a third side 10 from a fourth side 12.
Two mutually opposing brake pad units 3 are arranged in the chamber 4 such that the brake disc can rotate between them and the brake pad units 3 can brake the brake disc when the floating-calliper brake 1 is actuated. An actuator piston 2 is accommodated in the piston region 41 of the floating calliper 40, is displaced in the axial direction A when the floating-calliper brake 1 is actuated, and causes the brake pad units 3 to be pressed against the brake disc. For this purpose, the floating calliper 40 is mounted in an axially displaceable manner relative to the brake carrier 20. The actuator piston 2 is shown schematically with a dashed line. An electromechanical drive 60 is attached to the floating calliper 40 in the piston region 41. The electromechanical drive 60 comprises a housing 63, a gearbox 62 installed in the housing 63, an electric motor 61, and an electrical interface 68 in the form of a plug socket. Depending on the application, the electrical interface 68 of the floating-calliper brake 1 can be in the form of a plug socket or a plug. Only part of the electric motor 61 can be seen. The floating calliper 40 has a first connecting portion 49 on the third side 10 in the finger region 42. The first connecting portion 49 is fixedly connected to the floating calliper 40 since it is the same cast part. The first connecting portion 49 protrudes somewhat from the floating calliper 40, away from the centre plane 15.
The first guide assembly 8 is situated on the third side 10 at a distance from the centre plane 15 and comprises a first guide duct 21, which is made in a part of the brake carrier 20 and extends along a first guide axis 18 in the axial direction A between a first end 23 and a second end 24. The first guide duct 21 is closed at the first end 23 and open at the second end 24. The first end 23 of the first guide duct 21 is situated on the second side 6, i.e., at the level of the finger region 42 as viewed in the axial direction A, and the second end 24 is situated on the first side 5, i.e., at the level of the piston region 41. The first guide assembly 8 also comprises a first guide element 43 with a first guide shaft 44 and a first fastening end 45. The first guide element 43 is fixedly connected to the first connecting portion 49 by its fastening end 45. A screw protrudes through the first connecting portion 49 and is screw-fastened to the first fastening end 45.
The first guide element 43 is accommodated in a displaceably mounted manner with its guide shaft 44 in the first guide duct 21. The open second end 24 of the first guide duct 21 is sealed by a schematically shown rubber sleeve, which is fastened to the second end 24 of the first guide duct 21 and to the first guide element 43. A first installation space 11 is situated in the alignment of the first guide axis 18, following the second end 24 of the first guide duct 21 as seen from the second side towards the first side. Said installation space is defined by the arrangement of the first connecting portion 49 and the described manner in which the first guide element 43 is fastened to the first connecting portion 49 and is introduced into the first guide duct 21.
A part of the electromechanical drive 60 with the housing 63, electric motor 61 and gearbox 62 is arranged in the first installation space 11. An electrical interface 68 is arranged in the first installation space 11 or in the vicinity thereof.
The second guide assembly 9 is situated on the fourth side 12 at a distance from the centre plane 15 and comprises a second guide duct 25, which is made in a further part of the brake carrier 20 and extends along a second guide axis 19 in the axial direction A between a third end 27 and a fourth end 28. The second guide duct 25 is closed at the fourth end 28 and open at the third end 27. The fourth end 28 of the second guide duct 25 is situated on the second side 6, i.e., at the level of the finger region 42 as viewed in the axial direction A, and the third end 27 is situated on the first side 5, i.e., at the level of the piston region 41. The second guide assembly 9 also comprises a second guide element 46 with a second guide shaft 47 and a second fastening end 48. The second guide element 46 is fixedly connected to the second connecting portion 50 by its fastening end 48. This second connecting portion 50 is fixedly connected to the floating calliper 40 on the fourth side 12 in the piston region 41, since it is the same cast part. The second connecting portion 50 protrudes somewhat from the floating calliper 40, away from the centre plane 15 and from the chamber 4. A screw protrudes through the second connecting portion 50 and is screw-fastened to the second fastening end 48. The second guide element 46 is accommodated in a displaceably mounted manner with its guide shaft 47 in the second guide duct 25. The open third end 27 of the second guide duct 25 is sealed by a schematically shown rubber sleeve, which is fastened to the third end 27 of the second guide duct 25 and to the second guide element 46.
In the view shown in
A second exemplary arrangement of the floating-calliper brake 1 according to the disclosure, which is shown in
In the second exemplary arrangement according to
In
In
The features of the disclosure shown in
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102023118912.3 | Jul 2023 | DE | national |
