Disc brake with centering device for commercial vehicles

Abstract

This invention relates to a disc brake (1) for commercial vehicles, the disc brake having a pneumatic brake cylinder (4), a brake disc, a brake caliper (3), a brake application device (7), and brake pads (8). The brake caliper (3) is engaged with the brake disc, and the brake application device (7), actuated by the brake cylinder (4), is arranged in the brake caliper (3). During braking, the brake pads (8) are pressed against the brake disc from both sides by the brake application device. An extendable and retractable piston rod (6) of the brake cylinder (4) engages with the brake application device (7), and the brake caliper (3) is secured by a fixing device (2). The device (2) is detachably fixed to the brake cylinder (4). It includes a screw (11a, 11b) with a screw head (12a, 12b), a screw shank (13a, 13b), and an external thread formed on the screw shank (13a, 13b). The device also includes at least one internally threaded hole (14a, 14b) formed in or on the brake cylinder (4). The screw shank (13a, 13b) is externally threaded into the at least one hole, and the screw head (12a, 12b) is locked onto the corresponding surface (15a, 15b) of the brake caliper (3). According to the invention, the centering device is designed and configured to center the pneumatic brake cylinder (4) and the brake caliper (3) relative to each other independently of the threaded connection between the at least one screw (13a, 13b) and the at least one hole (14a, 14b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a disc brake for a commercial vehicle, a commercial vehicle having at least one such disc brake, a method for attaching or securing a pneumatic brake cylinder to a brake caliper of the disc brake for the commercial vehicle, and a method for releasing or removing the brake cylinder from the brake caliper of the disc brake. Background Technology

[0002] A disc brake is known from DE102012016712A1. Here, the fixing device has bolts with external threads that are fixed in the brake cylinder, protruding away from the brake cylinder and extending into the screw holes of the brake caliper, where the bolts are locked by nuts. A disadvantage of this type of fixing device is that when removing the brake cylinder from the brake caliper (e.g., for maintenance purposes), the brake cylinder must be pulled away from the brake caliper along the direction of the bolts, at least for the length of the bolts, in order to pull the bolts of the brake cylinder out of the screw holes of the brake caliper. However, this requires a certain amount of space within the wheel well of a commercial vehicle where the disc brake is located, which is often not available. Furthermore, removing the brake cylinder from the brake caliper takes a relatively long time.

[0003] Therefore, European Patent Application No. 21176309.9, which has not yet been published, discloses a disc brake for commercial vehicles. This disc brake includes a pneumatic brake cylinder, a brake disc, a brake caliper, a brake application device, and brake pads. The brake caliper engages with the brake disc, and the brake application device is arranged within the brake caliper. The brake application device is actuated by the brake cylinder and, during braking, presses the brake pads against the brake disc from both sides via the brake application device. An extendable and retractable piston rod of the brake cylinder engages with the application device, and the brake caliper is detachably fixed to the brake cylinder by a fixing device comprising at least one screw having a screw head, a screw shank, and external threads formed on the screw shank. The fixing device also includes at least one hole with internal threads formed in or on the brake cylinder. The screw shank is screwed into the at least one hole with external threads, and the screw head is locked onto a corresponding surface of the brake caliper. This corresponding surface may be formed, for example, by a screw eye on the brake caliper.

[0004] Therefore, the head of the at least one screw points toward the brake caliper and is locked there in the brake caliper through hole, particularly in the screw eye, while the screw shank points toward the brake cylinder and is tightened there in the hole or threaded into the hole.

[0005] Therefore, a threaded connection is provided between the brake caliper and the brake cylinder. Thus, unlike the DE102012016712A1 mentioned at the beginning, the brake caliper does not have at least one protruding bolt, but instead has at least one hole into which a screw is screwed. The screw head abuts, for example, at the screw eye of the brake caliper or at the edge of the through-hole of the brake caliper. This means that, apart from needing to disengage the piston rod of the brake cylinder from the brake caliper's brake application mechanism, it is not necessary to further remove the brake cylinder from the brake caliper. This advantageously reduces the space required for removal within the wheel arches of commercial vehicles.

[0006] However, due to the relatively heavy weight of brake calipers (8-9 kg), aligning the brake cylinder with the corresponding hole in or on the brake cylinder when installing disc brakes is sometimes difficult, as it involves aligning the screw holes on the brake calipers with the corresponding holes in or on the brake cylinder. This allows the screws to be inserted through the screw holes and screwed into the holes. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a disc brake for commercial vehicles that is easier to install and remove. Furthermore, it is also intended to provide a commercial vehicle having such a disc brake, a method for attaching a pneumatic brake cylinder to a brake caliper of the disc brake for commercial vehicles, and a method for removing the brake cylinder from the brake caliper of the disc brake.

[0008] According to the present invention, this objective is achieved by a disc brake for a commercial vehicle, a commercial vehicle, a method for securing a pneumatic brake cylinder to a disc brake for a commercial vehicle by means of at least one centering pin, a method for releasing a pneumatic brake cylinder from a brake caliper for a disc brake for a commercial vehicle by means of at least one centering pin, and a method for attaching a brake cylinder to a disc brake by means of a centering device.

[0009] Disclosure of this invention

[0010] This invention is based on a disc brake for commercial vehicles, the disc brake having a brake cylinder, a brake disc, a brake caliper, a brake application device, and brake pads, wherein the brake caliper is engaged with the brake disc, and a brake application device actuated by the brake cylinder is arranged in the brake caliper, which can press the brake pads against the brake disc on both sides during braking, the brake cylinder having an extendable and retractable piston rod engaged with the brake application device, and the brake caliper being detachably fixed to the brake cylinder by a fixing device.

[0011] The retractable piston rod of the brake cylinder is engaged with the brake application device in such a way that, for example, the brake application device has a socket for one end of the piston rod, which engages in the socket.

[0012] The brake caliper is detachably attached to the brake cylinder by a retaining device, meaning that the brake caliper and brake cylinder can be separated from each other without damaging them by loosening the retaining device.

[0013] Furthermore, the fixing device includes at least one screw having a screw head, a screw shank, and external threads formed on the screw shank, and the fixing device includes at least one hole with internal threads formed in or on the brake cylinder, the screw shank being screwed into the at least one hole with external threads, and the screw head locking onto a corresponding surface of the brake caliper. This corresponding surface may be formed, for example, by a screw eye on the brake caliper.

[0014] Therefore, the head of the at least one screw points toward the brake caliper and is locked there in the through hole, particularly in the screw eye, while the screw shank points toward the brake cylinder and is tightened there in the hole.

[0015] The hole may be formed in the wall of the brake cylinder, or in a separate body that is detachably or non-detachably connected to the wall of the brake cylinder.

[0016] According to the invention, an alignment device is provided, which is designed and intended to align the pneumatic brake cylinder and the brake caliper relative to each other independently of the threaded connection of the at least one screw and the at least one hole.

[0017] Centering refers to preventing at least one degree of freedom of possible relative movement between the brake cylinder and the brake caliper by means of a centering device. The at least one degree of freedom can be a translational or rotational degree of freedom.

[0018] The alignment device being independent of the threaded connection between the at least one screw and the at least one hole means that the alignment performed by the alignment device exists or has already occurred, especially before the threaded connection between the at least one screw and the at least one hole. Therefore, the at least one screw or the at least one threaded connection is not, in particular, part of the alignment device.

[0019] The advantage of the centering device is that it can center the relatively heavy brake cylinder on the brake caliper before screwing the at least one screw into the hole, which simplifies the assembly of the brake cylinder on the brake caliper.

[0020] Preferably, the pneumatic brake cylinder can be a combination of a service brake cylinder and a spring brake cylinder, or a separate service brake cylinder.

[0021] The at least one hole may also be formed in or on the brake cylinder wall.

[0022] According to another improvement, the brake caliper may have at least one caliper through hole in the caliper wall, through which a screw shaft protrudes, and the corresponding surface is formed on the caliper through hole.

[0023] At least one through hole of the brake caliper may be designed as a screw hole for the brake caliper.

[0024] The fixing device may also include at least:

[0025] a) Two screws (first screw and second screw), each screw having a screw head, a screw shank, and external threads formed on the screw shank, and

[0026] b) Two holes (first hole and second hole) are formed in or on the brake cylinder, each hole having an internal thread, and

[0027] c) Two caliper through holes (a first caliper through hole with a first corresponding surface and a second caliper through hole with a second corresponding surface), wherein

[0028] d) The first screw is screwed into the first hole and locked on the first corresponding surface, and the second screw is screwed into the second hole and locked on the second corresponding surface.

[0029] Furthermore, the at least one hole may be formed in a separate body, which is detachably or non-detachably connected to the brake cylinder wall of the brake cylinder.

[0030] In particular, the independent body may be located inside the brake cylinder, and the screw rod may extend through the brake cylinder through-hole in the brake cylinder wall and be screwed into the hole of the independent body.

[0031] In particular, the independent body can be welded to the brake cylinder wall.

[0032] Particularly preferably, the centering device may include:

[0033] a) At least one sleeve and brake caliper through-hole attached to the brake cylinder and projecting outwards away from the brake cylinder, wherein the sleeve is inserted into the brake caliper through-hole, or

[0034] b) At least one sleeve and brake cylinder through-hole attached to the brake caliper and projecting outward from the brake caliper, the sleeve being inserted into the brake cylinder through-hole.

[0035] There may be a fit, especially a clearance fit, between the sleeve and the brake caliper through hole, thereby enabling the brake cylinder to be aligned on the brake caliper through this easy-to-connect and disassemble fit.

[0036] If the sleeve is designed such that the screw rod can extend through the sleeve and be screwed into the hole, then the sleeve has an advantageous dual function in such a way that it forms part of the centering device on the one hand and part of the fixing device on the other.

[0037] Furthermore, the sleeve can be connected to the aforementioned independent body and extend through the brake cylinder through-hole, and the sleeve and the independent body are also integral.

[0038] An annular washer may also be arranged between the screw head of at least one screw and the corresponding surface, which allows for the provision of a threaded connection.

[0039] According to another improvement, the brake caliper may have a recess in the region of the screw head, such that, viewed in a direction perpendicular to the screw's axis, a screw-driving tool can be applied to the screw head, and the screw can then be tightened by the screw-driving tool. The screw head may have any attachment surface for the screw-driving tool, such as an outer polygonal profile (especially an outer hexagonal profile for an open-end wrench), or an inner polygonal profile (e.g., for an Allen internal hex wrench).

[0040] Preferably, the at least one screw and the piston rod of the brake cylinder are also arranged parallel to each other.

[0041] According to another improvement, the pneumatic brake cylinder can be part of a combined pneumatic service brake cylinder and a spring brake cylinder, or a separate pneumatic service brake cylinder. In both cases, the piston rod can be the service brake piston rod of the service brake cylinder.

[0042] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a commercial vehicle having at least one of the aforementioned disc brakes.

[0043] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for attaching a brake cylinder to a brake caliper of a disc brake using the aforementioned centering device, the method comprising at least the following steps:

[0044] a) Insert the sleeve, which is attached to the brake cylinder and protrudes away from the brake cylinder, into the brake caliper through hole, or

[0045] b) Insert the sleeve, which is attached to the caliper and protrudes away from the caliper, into the brake cylinder through-hole, and

[0046] c) Screw the at least one screw into the at least one hole.

[0047] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for attaching a pneumatic brake cylinder to a brake caliper (especially the above-mentioned) for a disc brake used in commercial vehicles via at least one centering pin, the disc brake including a brake cylinder, a brake disc, a brake caliper, a brake application device, and brake pads, wherein the brake caliper engages on the brake disc, and a brake application device actuated by the brake cylinder is arranged in the brake caliper, which presses the brake pads against the brake disc on both sides during braking, an extendable and retractable piston rod of the brake cylinder engages with the brake application device, and the brake caliper is detachably fixed to the brake cylinder by a fixing device comprising: at least two screws (a first screw and a second screw), each screw having a screw head, a screw shank, and an external thread formed on the screw shank; and at least two holes (a first hole and a second hole) formed in or on the brake cylinder, each hole having an internal thread; and at least two caliper through holes, namely a first caliper through hole with a first corresponding surface and a second caliper through hole with a second corresponding surface, the method comprising at least the following steps, particularly, performed sequentially in time:

[0048] a1) Insert the centering pin into the first caliper through hole and the first hole, thereby aligning the caliper and the brake cylinder relative to each other.

[0049] a2) Insert the second screw into the second caliper through hole and screw the second screw into the second hole until the second screw head is locked onto the second corresponding surface, and

[0050] a3) Remove the centering pin from the first hole and the first caliper through hole, and

[0051] a4) Insert the first screw into the first caliper through hole and screw the first screw into the first hole until the first screw head is locked onto the first corresponding surface.

[0052] As an alternative to steps a1) to a4), the following steps may be performed, in particular, these steps are performed sequentially in time:

[0053] b1) Insert the centering pin into the second caliper through hole and the second hole, thereby aligning the caliper and the brake cylinder relative to each other.

[0054] b2) Insert the first screw into the first caliper through hole, and screw the first screw into the first hole until the first screw head is locked onto the first corresponding surface, and

[0055] b3) Remove the centering pin from the second hole and the second caliper through hole, and

[0056] b4) Insert the second screw into the second caliper through hole and screw the second screw into the second hole until the second screw head is locked onto the second corresponding surface.

[0057] According to step a2) or step b2), pressing the screw head against the first or second corresponding surface preferably means tightening the screw with a torque that initially generates only a small normal force between the screw head and the corresponding surface. This still allows the brake cylinder to rotate (slightly) relative to the brake caliper about the screw axis of the screw already screwed into the hole. This rotation, relative to the brake caliper, allows alignment to be established between the corresponding other hole and the corresponding other brake caliper through hole after removing the centering pin according to step a3) or step b3), enabling the execution of step a4) or step b4). Before or after performing step a4) or step b4), the relevant screw is then preferably retightened with a higher torque subsequently applied to the threaded connection.

[0058] According to step a4) or step b4), pressing the screw head against the first corresponding surface or the second corresponding surface preferably means immediately tightening the screw involved with a torque set for the threaded connection.

[0059] A method for releasing a pneumatic brake cylinder from a brake caliper of a disc brake for commercial vehicles via at least one centering pin, the disc brake including a brake cylinder, a brake disc, a brake caliper, a brake application device, and brake pads, wherein the brake caliper is engaged on the brake disc, and a brake application device actuated by the brake cylinder is arranged in the brake caliper, pressing the brake pads against the brake disc on both sides via the brake application device during braking, an extendable and retractable piston rod of the brake cylinder engaging with the brake application device, and the brake caliper being releasably secured to the brake cylinder by a fixing device, the fixing device including... The method includes: at least two screws (a first screw and a second screw), each screw having a screw head, a screw shank, and an external thread formed on the screw shank; and at least two holes (a first hole and a second hole) formed in or on the brake cylinder, each hole having an internal thread; and at least two caliper through holes, namely a first caliper through hole having a first corresponding surface and a second caliper through hole having a second corresponding surface, wherein the first screw protrudes through the first caliper through hole and is screwed into the first hole, and the second screw protrudes through the second caliper through hole and is screwed into the second hole, the method comprising at least the following steps, particularly, performed sequentially in time:

[0060] a1) Remove the first screw from the first hole and the first caliper through hole, and

[0061] a2) Insert the centering pin into the first brake caliper through hole and the first hole, thereby aligning the brake caliper and brake cylinder relative to each other.

[0062] a3) Remove the second screw from the second hole and the second caliper through hole, and

[0063] a4) The pneumatic brake cylinder is moved out of the brake caliper by moving the pneumatic brake cylinder in a direction parallel to the axis of the centering pin, and

[0064] a5) Remove the centering pin from the first brake caliper through hole and the first hole.

[0065] As an alternative to steps a1) to a5), the following steps may be performed, in particular, these steps are performed sequentially in time:

[0066] b1) Remove the second screw from the second hole and the second caliper through hole, and

[0067] b2) Insert the centering pin into the second brake caliper through hole and the second hole, thereby aligning the brake caliper and the brake cylinder relative to each other.

[0068] b3) Remove the first screw from the first hole and the first caliper through hole, and

[0069] b4) The pneumatic brake cylinder is moved out of the brake caliper by moving the pneumatic brake cylinder in a direction parallel to the axis of the centering pin, and

[0070] b5) Remove the centering pin from the second brake caliper through hole and the second hole.

[0071] Another method for releasing the brake cylinder from a disc brake caliper includes at least the following steps:

[0072] a) Apply a screw drive tool to the at least one screw head.

[0073] b) Unscrew the at least one screw from the hole.

[0074] c) Remove at least one screw.

[0075] d) Disengage the piston rod of the brake cylinder from the brake application device in the brake caliper.

[0076] e) Remove the disc brake caliper from the brake cylinder.

[0077] Therefore, in order to remove the brake cylinder from the brake caliper, after loosening and removing the at least one screw, it is only necessary to move the brake cylinder out of the brake caliper (especially in the direction along the longitudinal axis of the at least one screw) until the piston rod of the brake cylinder disengages from the brake application device in the brake caliper. Attached Figure Description

[0078] Embodiments of the invention are now shown in the accompanying drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. In the drawings:

[0079] Figure 1A partial perspective sectional view of a disc brake according to a preferred embodiment is shown, wherein the pneumatic brake cylinder is attached to the brake caliper by a detachable fixing device.

[0080] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A magnified perspective section showing the fixing device and an alignment device;

[0081] Figure 3 Show Figure 1 An internal perspective view of the brake cylinder of a disc brake;

[0082] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 An enlarged section of the internal view;

[0083] Figure 5 Show Figure 1 A side view of a disc brake in its assembled state;

[0084] Figure 6 An enlarged perspective section showing another embodiment of a disc brake;

[0085] Figure 7 This illustrates one step of a method for attaching or removing a pneumatic brake cylinder from a disc brake via a center pin. Figure 6 A perspective view of a disc brake caliper;

[0086] Figure 8 A perspective view of the brake caliper and pneumatic brake cylinder according to another step of the method is shown;

[0087] Figure 9 A perspective view of the brake caliper and pneumatic brake cylinder according to another step of the method is shown;

[0088] Figure 10 A perspective view of the brake caliper and pneumatic brake cylinder according to another step of the method is shown;

[0089] Figure 11 A perspective view of the brake caliper and pneumatic brake cylinder according to another step of the method is shown;

[0090] Figure 12 A perspective view of the brake caliper and pneumatic brake cylinder according to another step of the method is shown;

[0091] Figure 13 Show Figure 1 A side view of a disc brake when the brake cylinder is removed from the brake caliper. Detailed Implementation

[0092] Figure 1A partial perspective sectional view of a disc brake 1 of a commercial vehicle according to a preferred embodiment is shown, wherein a pneumatic brake cylinder 4 is detachably fixed to a brake caliper 3 by a detachable fixing device 2. The pneumatic brake cylinder 4 here is, for example, a pneumatic service brake cylinder, which forms a structural unit with a spring brake cylinder 5, the structural unit representing a so-called combined cylinder of the pneumatic service brake cylinder 4 and the pneumatic spring brake cylinder 5.

[0093] The disc brake 1 includes a pneumatic service brake cylinder 4, a brake disc (not shown here), a brake caliper 3 engaged with the brake disc, an application device 7 (not shown in detail here), and brake pads 8. The application device is arranged in the brake caliper 3 and can be actuated by the piston rod 6 of the service brake cylinder 4.

[0094] More precisely, piston rod 6 is connected to brake piston 9 of service brake cylinder 4, which is actuated by venting and degassing brake chamber 10 of service brake cylinder 4. For example, piston rod 6 moves out of service brake cylinder 4 during venting and moves into service brake cylinder 4 during degassing. One end of piston rod 6 engages with the socket of brake application device 7, such that the retraction or extension movement of piston rod 6 is transmitted to the mechanism of brake application device 7. This mechanism, when applying brakes (venting brake chamber 10), presses brake pads 8 against the brake disc on both sides, and when releasing the brakes (degassing brake chamber 10), releases the brake pads from the brake disc.

[0095] The fixing device 2 (through which the brake caliper 3 and the service brake cylinder 4 can be released from each other) includes several threaded connections, for example, two threaded connections. The first threaded connection includes a first screw 11a (with a first screw head 12a, a first screw shank 13a, and external threads formed on the first screw shank 13a) and at least one first hole 14a, which is formed, for example, internally threaded in the service brake cylinder 4. The first screw shank 13a is screwed into the at least one first hole with external threads, as is particularly true in… Figure 2 As can be seen in the partial sectional view.

[0096] The second threaded connection, parallel to the first threaded connection, is designed similarly to that based on... Figure 2 The first threaded connection portion includes a second screw 11b (with a second screw head 12b, a second screw shank 13b and an external thread formed on the second screw shank 13b) and at least one second hole 14b with an internal thread formed in the service brake cylinder 4, wherein the second screw shank 13b is screwed into the at least one second hole with an external thread.

[0097] A first screw shank 13a extends through a first brake caliper through-hole 26a, wherein a first screw head 12a is locked onto a first corresponding surface 15a of the brake caliper 3, the first corresponding surface 15a being formed by the edge of the first brake caliper through-hole 26a, which is here implemented, for example, as a first screw eye of the brake caliper 3. Similarly, a second screw shank 13b extends through a second caliper through-hole 26b, wherein a second screw head 12b is locked onto a second corresponding surface 15b of the caliper 3, the second corresponding surface being formed by the edge of the second caliper through-hole 26b, which is here configured, for example, as a second screw eye of the caliper 3. Preferably, the screws 11a and 11b of the threaded connection and the piston rod 6 of the service brake cylinder 4 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0098] The first hole 14a and the second hole 14b are here formed, for example, as blind holes or through holes (the blind holes or through holes are here, for example, in separate first bodies and second bodies 16a and 16b, respectively), which are arranged inside the service brake cylinder 4, as... Figure 3 As shown, and here welded, for example, to the brake cylinder wall 17 of the service brake cylinder 4 via a peripheral weld 18, as Figure 4 As shown.

[0099] The first and second holes 14a and 14b are provided with internal threads on their radial inner circumferential surfaces, and the external threads of the first screw shaft and the second screw shafts 13a and 13b are screwed into the internal threads. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first body 16a has a first sleeve 28a (which is integral, for example, in this case) as an extension of the first body 16a. The first sleeve 28a extends through a first through hole 19a in the brake cylinder wall 17 of the brake cylinder 4 and extends a short distance from the first through hole into a first brake caliper through hole 26a. Additionally, the first body 16a is, for example, cubic in shape, with at least one outer surface configured to engage the inner surface of the brake cylinder wall 17 of the service brake cylinder 4. The first screw shank 13a of the first screw 11a extends through the first through hole 19a in the brake cylinder wall 17 of the brake cylinder 4 and through the first sleeve 28a, and is threadedly connected to the first hole 14a of the first body 16a.

[0100] Similarly, the second body 16b has a second sleeve 28b, which in this case is, for example, an integral extension of the second body 16b. The second sleeve 28b extends through a second through-hole 19b in the brake cylinder wall 17 of the brake cylinder 4 and extends a short distance therefrom into a second brake caliper through-hole 26b. Additionally, the second body 16b is also cubic in shape, for example, at least one of its outer surfaces is configured to engage the inner surface of the brake cylinder wall 17 of the service brake cylinder 4. The second screw shank 13b of the second screw 11b extends through the second through-hole 19b in the brake cylinder wall 17 of the brake cylinder 4 and through the second sleeve 28b, threadedly connected to the second hole 14b of the second body 16b.

[0101] In this respect, the first and second sleeves 28a and 28b, together with the first caliper through-hole and the second caliper through-holes 26a and 26b, form an alignment device, which is here, for example, integrated into the service brake cylinder 4 of the disc brake 1. Figure 2 It is easy to imagine that, before the service brake cylinder 4 of the disc brake is secured to the brake caliper via the two threaded connections, the two sleeves 28a and 28b extend slightly through the two through holes 19a and 19b with protruding portions 29a and 29b. This allows the corresponding protruding portions 29a and 29b of the two sleeves 19a and 19b to enter the corresponding first caliper through holes and second caliper through holes 26a and 26b when the service brake cylinder 4 is applied to the brake caliper 3 and 26b, and thus align the service brake cylinder 4 and the brake caliper 3 relative to each other before inserting the first bolt and the second bolt 11a and 11b into the first brake caliper through holes and the second brake caliper through holes 26a and 26b, as well as the first sleeve and the second sleeve 28a and 28b, to form the two bolted connections. In particular, there is a fit between the protruding portions 29a and 29b of the two sleeves 19a and 19b, which are internal parts, and the two brake caliper through holes 26a and 26b, respectively, and in particular, there is a clearance fit.

[0102] According to another embodiment not shown here, the centering device can also be formed as an integral part of the brake caliper 3 in such a way that the first sleeve and the second sleeve extend a short distance outward from, for example, the first brake caliper through-hole and the second brake caliper through-hole 26a, 26b and toward the service brake cylinder 4, so that they can be respectively accommodated there, for example, in the first through-hole and the second through-hole 19a and 19b in a mating manner and / or in the two bodies 16a, 16b.

[0103] Specifically, the first and second bodies 16a and 16b are arranged in a spring chamber 20, which is separated from the brake chamber 10 by the brake piston 9. This spring chamber is in communication with the atmosphere and houses a piston spring 21 that biases the brake piston 9 to the release position. In this respect, the spring chamber 20 need not be pressure-sealed. Furthermore, the first and second annular washers 29a and 29b are respectively arranged between the first and second screw heads 12a and 12b and the first and second corresponding surfaces 15a and 15b.

[0104] like Figure 2 As best shown, the brake caliper 3 may have a first recess 23a or a second recess 23b in the region of the two bolt heads 12a, 12b, or in the region of the two corresponding surfaces 15a, 15b, or in the region of the two bolt holes, such that, viewed along a direction perpendicular to the bolt axes of the two bolts 11a, 11b, a tightening tool can be applied to the bolt heads 12a, 12b, and the bolts 11a, 11b can then be tightened by the tightening tool. For this purpose, the screw heads 12a, 12b may have any attachment surface for a screw-driving tool, in this case, for example, an outer hexagonal profile for an open-end wrench. Thus, the threaded connection can be assembled or disassembled by applying an open-end wrench to the hexagonal profile of the screw heads 12a, 12b. Preferably, the fixing device includes several such threaded connections (here, for example, two threaded connections), which are particularly distributed around the periphery of the service brake cylinder 4.

[0105] Figures 6 to 11 Another embodiment of the disc brake 1 and its corresponding centering device is shown, wherein the centering device is, for example, not an integral part of the disc brake 1. In particular, in this embodiment of the disc brake 1, there is no first sleeve and second sleeves 28a and 28b, but rather two bodies 16a and 16b designed not to have such sleeves 28a and 28b, as in... Figure 6 As shown in the diagram.

[0106] Figure 7 Show Figure 6 The image shows a perspective view of the brake caliper 3 during a step of a method for attaching the service brake cylinder 4 of the disc brake 1 to the brake caliper 3 via a centering pin 30. In this step, the service brake cylinder 4 has not yet been installed to the brake caliper 3 via two threaded connections.

[0107] Here, the centering pin 30 has, for example, a centering pin head 31 and a centering pin shaft 32 with a reduced diameter. The centering pin head 31 is designed such that its outer diameter is larger than the inner diameter of the first brake caliper through hole and the second brake caliper through holes 26a, 26b. Furthermore, the centering pin shaft 32 is configured to have an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the first sleeve and the second sleeve 28a, 28b.

[0108] according to Figure 7 For example, the centering pin 30 is first inserted into the first brake caliper through hole 26a. Figure 8 The following is shown where the centering pin 30 is inserted into the first brake caliper through hole 26a, such that its centering pin head 31 abuts against the first corresponding surface 15a, and its centering pin shaft 32 protrudes a short distance from the first brake caliper through hole 26a in a direction away from the first corresponding surface 15a.

[0109] Then the service brake cylinder 4 is fitted to the brake caliper 3, so that the now protruding centering pin 32 passes through the first through hole 19a and is inserted into the first hole 14a of the first body 16a, as in Figure 9 As shown in the diagram. Therefore, the brake caliper 3 and the service brake cylinder 4 are aligned relative to each other at least in a plane perpendicular to the separation plane between the service brake cylinder 4 and the brake caliper, with only one rotational degree of freedom retained in that separation plane. If they are not yet aligned, then by (slightly) rotating the service brake cylinder 4, the second brake caliper through hole 26b and the second through hole 19b or the second hole 14b are aligned relative to the brake caliper 3.

[0110] exist Figure 10 In another step shown, the second screw 11b is then inserted into the second caliper through hole 26b and screwed into the second hole 14b until the second screw head 12b is locked onto the second corresponding surface 15b.

[0111] Reference Figure 11 Then, in another step, the centering pin 30 is removed from the first hole 14a and the first caliper through hole 26a. Then, in Figure 12 In another step shown, the first screw 14a is inserted and screwed into the first caliper through-hole 26a and the first hole 14a until the first screw head 12a is locked onto the first corresponding surface 15a. Thus, by means of the centering pin 30, the service brake cylinder 4 and the brake caliper 3 are aligned relative to each other during assembly. Obviously, instead of inserting the centering pin 30 into the first brake caliper through-hole 26a, the centering pin 30 can also be inserted into the second brake caliper through-hole 26b, and then further process steps are performed in a similar manner.

[0112] From as it is Figure 5 and Figure 12Starting with the assembled state of the service brake cylinder 4 of the two disc brakes 1 shown above on the brake caliper 3, in order to remove the service brake cylinder 4 from the brake caliper 3, for example, an open-end wrench is applied to the hexagonal contours of the bolt heads 12a, 12b, and then the two bolts 11a, 11b are successively unscrewed from the holes 14a, 14b of the bodies 16a, 16b and the service brake cylinder 4, respectively, and then removed. The service brake cylinder 4 is then removed. Furthermore, by along... Figure 13 The first direction, indicated by the first arrow 24, pulls the service brake cylinder 4 a short distance away from the brake caliper 3, causing the end of the piston rod 6 of the service brake cylinder 4 to disengage from the corresponding socket of the brake application device 7 in the brake caliper 3. This first direction is preferably parallel to the piston rod 6. When the end of the piston rod 6 subsequently disengages from the corresponding socket of the brake application device 7, the service brake cylinder 4, which has been released from the brake caliper 3, is pulled along... Figure 13 The second direction indicated by the second arrow 25 (preferably perpendicular to the first direction) is moved out of the brake caliper 3, and can then be pulled out of the wheel cover, for example, laterally.

[0113] According to the use from Figure 12 The method of releasing the pneumatic brake cylinder 4 from the brake caliper 3 includes loosening and removing screws 11a and 11b, and removing the vehicle brake cylinder 4 from the brake caliper 3 (especially when viewed along the longitudinal axis of screws 11a and 11b) until the end of the piston rod 6 of the vehicle brake cylinder 4 disengages from the corresponding socket of the brake application device 7 in the brake caliper 3.

[0114] According to another aspect, the method for obtaining from Figure 12 The method of releasing the pneumatic brake cylinder 4 from the brake caliper 3 via the centering pin or a centering pin 30 at the start of the state (where the first screw 11a protrudes through the first caliper through hole 26a and is screwed into the first hole 14a, and the second screw 11b protrudes through the second caliper through hole 26b and is screwed into the second hole 14b) includes the following steps, performed sequentially in time:

[0115] a1) Remove the first screw 11a from the first hole 14a and the first caliper through hole 26a, and

[0116] a2) The centering pin 30 is inserted into the first brake caliper through hole 26a and the first hole 14a, so that the brake caliper 3 and the brake cylinder 4 are thus aligned relative to each other, and

[0117] a3) According to Figure 10 Remove the second screw 11b from the second hole 14b and the second caliper through hole 26b, and

[0118] a4) According to Figure 8By moving the pneumatic brake cylinder 4 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the centering pin 30, the pneumatic brake cylinder 4 is removed from the brake caliper 3, and

[0119] a5) According to Figure 7 Remove the centering pin 30 from the first brake caliper through hole 26a and the first hole 14a.

[0120] List of reference numerals

[0121] 1 disc brake

[0122] 2 Fixing device

[0123] 3 brake calipers

[0124] 4 service brake cylinders

[0125] 5-Spring Brake Cylinder

[0126] 6 piston rods

[0127] 7 Braking Application Device

[0128] 8 brake pads

[0129] 9 brake pistons

[0130] 10 Braking Chambers

[0131] 11a First Screw

[0132] 11b Second Screw

[0133] 12a First screw head

[0134] 12b second screw head

[0135] 13a First Screw Rod

[0136] 13b Second Screw Rod

[0137] 14a First Hole

[0138] 14b Second Hole

[0139] 15a First Corresponding Surface

[0140] 15b Second Corresponding Surface

[0141] 16a First Subject

[0142] 16b Second Subject

[0143] 17 Brake cylinder wall

[0144] 18 welds

[0145] 19a First Brake Cylinder Through Hole

[0146] 19b Second Brake Cylinder Through Hole

[0147] 20 spring chambers

[0148] 21 Piston Spring

[0149] 23a first recess

[0150] 23b second recess

[0151] 24 First Arrow

[0152] 25 Second Arrow

[0153] 26a First Brake Caliper Through Hole

[0154] 26b Second Brake Caliper Through Hole

[0155] 27 Brake Caliper Wall

[0156] 28a First Sleeve

[0157] 28b second sleeve

[0158] 29a First annular washer

[0159] 29b Second annular washer

[0160] 30 pairs of Chinese sales

[0161] 31 pairs of sales heads

[0162] 32 pairs of center pins

Claims

1. A disc brake (1) for a commercial vehicle, the disc brake having a pneumatic brake cylinder (4), a brake disc, a brake caliper (3), a brake application device (7), and brake pads (8), the brake caliper (3) being engaged on the brake disc, and the brake application device (7), actuated by the pneumatic brake cylinder (4), being arranged in the brake caliper (3) to press the brake pads (8) against the brake disc on both sides during braking, the brake application device having an extendable and retractable piston rod (6) of the pneumatic brake cylinder (4) engaged with the brake application device (7), and the brake caliper (3) being detachable by a fixing device (2). The device is fixed to the pneumatic brake cylinder (4). The fixing device (2) includes at least one screw (11a, 11b) with a screw head (12a, 12b), a screw shank (13a, 13b), and an external thread formed on the screw shank (13a, 13b). The fixing device includes at least one hole (14a, 14b) formed in or on the pneumatic brake cylinder (4) and having an internal thread. The screw shank (13a, 13b) is screwed into the at least one hole with an external thread. The screw head (12a, 12b) is locked on the corresponding surface (15a, 15b) of the brake caliper (3). An alignment device is provided, which is designed and configured to align the pneumatic brake cylinder (4) and the brake caliper (3) relative to each other independently of the threaded connection between the at least one screw (11a, 11b) and the at least one hole (14a, 14b).

2. The disc brake according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pneumatic brake cylinder (4) a) is a combination of service brake cylinder and spring brake cylinder, or b) is a separate service brake cylinder.

3. The disc brake according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one hole (14a, 14b) is formed in or on the brake cylinder wall (17) of the pneumatic brake cylinder (4).

4. The disc brake according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The brake caliper (3) has at least one caliper through hole (26a, 26b) in the caliper wall (27) of the brake caliper (3), the screw bar (13a, 13b) protrudes through the caliper through hole, and the corresponding surface (15a, 15b) is formed on the caliper through hole.

5. The disc brake according to claim 4, characterized in that, At least one caliper through hole (26a, 26b) is formed in the manner of a screw hole of a brake caliper (3).

6. The disc brake according to claim 4, characterized in that, The fixing device (2) includes at least: e) Two screws, namely a first screw (11a) and a second screw (11b), each screw having a screw head (12a, 12b), a screw shank (13a, 13b), and external threads formed on the screw shank (13a, 13b). f) Two holes are formed in or on the pneumatic brake cylinder (4), namely the first hole (14a) and the second hole (14b), each hole having an internal thread, and g) Two caliper through holes (26a, 26b), namely a first caliper through hole (26a) having a first corresponding surface (15a) and a second caliper through hole (26b) having a second corresponding surface (15b), wherein, h) The first screw (11a) is screwed into the first hole (14a) and locked onto the first corresponding surface (15a), and the second screw (11b) is screwed into the second hole (14b) and locked onto the second corresponding surface (15b).

7. The disc brake according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one hole (14a, 14b) is formed in a separate body (16a, 16b) which is detachably or non-detachably connected to the brake cylinder wall (17) of the pneumatic brake cylinder (4).

8. The disc brake according to claim 7, characterized in that, The independent bodies (16a, 16b) are arranged inside the pneumatic brake cylinder (4), and the screw rods (13a, 13b) extend through the brake cylinder through holes (19a, 19b) in the brake cylinder wall (17) of the pneumatic brake cylinder (4) and are screwed into the holes (14a, 14b) of the bodies (16a, 16b).

9. The disc brake according to claim 7, characterized in that, The independent main bodies (16a, 16b) are welded to the brake cylinder wall (17).

10. The disc brake according to claim 4, characterized in that, The centering device includes: a) Fixed to the pneumatic brake cylinder (4) and away from at least one sleeve (28a, 28b) protruding outward from the pneumatic brake cylinder (4) and the caliper through hole (26a, 26b), the sleeve (28a, 28b) being inserted into the caliper through hole (26a, 26b), or b) At least one sleeve (28a, 28b) and brake cylinder through hole (19a, 19b) that are fixed to the brake caliper (3) and protrude outward from the brake caliper (3), wherein the sleeve (28a, 28b) is inserted into the brake cylinder through hole (19a, 19b).

11. The disc brake according to claim 10, characterized in that, The screw rods (13a, 13b) protrude through the sleeves (28a, 28b) and are screwed into the holes (14a, 14b).

12. The disc brake according to claim 10, characterized in that, At least one hole (14a, 14b) is formed in a separate body (16a, 16b) which is detachably or non-detachably connected to the brake cylinder wall (17) of the pneumatic brake cylinder (4), and the sleeve (28a, 28b) is connected to the separate body (16a, 16b) and protrudes through the brake cylinder through hole (19a, 19b).

13. The disc brake according to claim 12, characterized in that, The sleeves (28a, 28b) are integrally formed with the independent bodies (16a, 16b).

14. A commercial vehicle having at least one disc brake according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method for securing a pneumatic brake cylinder (4) to a brake caliper (3) of a disc brake (1) for a commercial vehicle via at least one centering pin (30), the disc brake comprising a pneumatic brake cylinder (4), a brake disc, a brake caliper (3), a brake application device (7), and brake pads (8), the brake caliper (3) engaging the brake disc, and the brake application device (7), actuable by the pneumatic brake cylinder (4), being arranged in the brake caliper (3) to press the brake pads (8) against the brake disc on both sides via the brake application device during braking, an extendable and retractable piston rod (6) of the pneumatic brake cylinder (4) engaging the brake application device (7), and the brake caliper (3) being releasably secured to the pneumatic brake cylinder (4) by a fixing device (2), the fixing device (2) comprising: At least two screws, namely a first screw (11a) and a second screw (11b), each screw having a screw head (12a, 12b), a screw shank (13a, 13b) and an external thread formed on the screw shank (13a, 13b); and at least two holes formed in or on a pneumatic brake cylinder (4), namely a first hole (14a) and a second hole (14b), each hole having an internal thread; and at least two caliper through holes (26a, 26b), namely a first caliper through hole (26a) having a first corresponding surface (15a) and a second caliper through hole (26b) having a second corresponding surface (15b), the method comprising at least the following steps: a1) Insert the centering pin (30) into the first caliper through hole (26a) and the first hole (14a), so that the brake caliper (3) and the pneumatic brake cylinder (4) are thus centered relative to each other, and a2) Insert the second screw (11b) into the second caliper through hole (26b) and screw the second screw (11b) into the second hole (14b) until the second screw head (12b) is locked onto the second corresponding surface (15b), and a3) Remove the centering pin from the first hole (14a) and the first caliper through hole (26a), and a4) Insert the first screw (11a) into the first caliper through hole (26a) and screw the first screw (11a) into the first hole (14a) until the first screw head (12a) is locked onto the first corresponding surface (15a), or b1) Insert the centering pin into the second caliper through hole (26b) and the second hole (14b), so that the brake caliper (3) and the pneumatic brake cylinder (4) are thus aligned relative to each other, and b2) Insert the first screw (11a) into the first caliper through hole (26a) and screw the first screw (11a) into the first hole (14a) until the first screw head (12a) is locked onto the first corresponding surface (15a), and b3) Remove the centering pin from the second hole (14b) and the second caliper through hole (26b), and b4) Insert the second screw (11b) into the second caliper through hole (26b) and screw the second screw (11b) into the second hole (14b) until the second screw head (12b) is locked onto the second corresponding surface (15b).

16. A method for releasing a pneumatic brake cylinder (4) from a brake caliper (3) of a disc brake (1) for a commercial vehicle via at least one centering pin (30), the disc brake comprising a pneumatic brake cylinder (4), a brake disc, a brake caliper (3), a brake application device (7), and brake pads (8), the brake caliper (3) engaging the brake disc, and the brake application device (7), actuable by the pneumatic brake cylinder (4), being arranged in the brake caliper (3) to press the brake pads (8) against the brake disc on both sides via the brake application device during braking, an extendable and retractable piston rod (6) of the pneumatic brake cylinder (4) engaging the brake application device (7), and the brake caliper (3) being releasably secured to the pneumatic brake cylinder (4) by a fixing device (2), the fixing device (2) comprising: At least two screws, namely a first screw (11a) and a second screw (11b), each screw having a screw head (12a, 12b), a screw shank (13a, 13b) and an external thread formed on the screw shank (13a, 13b); and at least two holes formed in or on a pneumatic brake cylinder (4), namely a first hole (14a) and a second hole (14b), each hole having an internal thread; and at least two caliper through holes (26a, 26b), namely a first caliper through hole (26a) having a first corresponding surface (15a) and a second caliper through hole (26b) having a second corresponding surface (15b), the first screw (11a) protruding through the first caliper through hole (26a) and screwed into the first hole (14a), and the second screw (11b) protruding through the second caliper through hole (26b) and screwed into the second hole (14b), the method comprising at least the following steps: a1) Remove the first screw (11a) from the first hole (14a) and the first caliper through hole (26a), and a2) Insert the centering pin (30) into the first caliper through hole (26a) and the first hole (14a), so that the brake caliper (3) and the pneumatic brake cylinder (4) are thus centered relative to each other, and a3) Remove the second screw (11b) from the second hole (14b) and the second caliper through hole (26b), and a4) The pneumatic brake cylinder (4) is removed from the brake caliper (3) by moving the pneumatic brake cylinder (4) in a direction parallel to the axis of the centering pin (30), and a5) Remove the centering pin (30) from the first caliper through hole (26a) and the first hole (14a), or b1) Remove the second screw (11b) from the second hole (14b) and the second caliper through hole (26b), and b2) Insert the centering pin (30) into the second caliper through hole (26b) and the second hole (14b), so that the brake caliper (3) and the pneumatic brake cylinder (4) are thus aligned relative to each other, and b3) Remove the first screw (11a) from the first hole (14a) and the first caliper through hole (26a), and b4) The pneumatic brake cylinder (4) is removed from the brake caliper (3) by moving the pneumatic brake cylinder (4) in a direction parallel to the axis of the centering pin (30), and b5) Remove the centering pin (30) from the second caliper through hole (26b) and the second hole (14b).

17. A method for attaching a brake cylinder (4) to a brake caliper (3) of a disc brake by means of a centering device, said disc brake being a disc brake (1) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, said method comprising at least the following steps: a) Insert the sleeves (28a, 28b) attached to the brake cylinder (4) and protruding away from the brake cylinder (4) into the caliper through holes (26a, 26b), or b) Insert the sleeves (28a, 28b) that are fixed to the brake caliper (3) and protrude away from the brake caliper (3) into the brake cylinder through holes (19a, 19b), and c) Screw the at least one screw (11a, 11b) into the at least one hole (14a, 14b).

18. A method for releasing a brake cylinder (4) from a brake caliper (3) of a disc brake (1), said disc brake being a disc brake (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, said method comprising at least the following steps: a) Apply a screw drive tool to the at least one screw head (12a, 12b). b) Unscrew the at least one screw (11a, 11b) from the holes (14a, 14b). c) Remove at least one of the screws (11a, 11b). d) Disengage the piston rod (6) of the brake cylinder (4) from the brake application device (7) in the brake caliper (3). e) Remove the brake cylinder (4) from the disc brake caliper (3).

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