Adjusting device for moving brake component of wheel brake

Abstract

The invention relates generally to an adjusting device for moving a brake component of a wheel brake, for example for moving a brake piston of an electromechanically actuatable wheel brake of a motor vehicle, and to a method for operating such an adjusting device.

Description

[0001] The invention generally relates to an adjusting device for moving a brake element of a wheel brake, for example for moving a brake piston of an electromechanically actuatable wheel brake of a motor vehicle, and to a method for operating such an adjusting device.

[0002] In modern motor vehicles, electromechanical wheel brakes ("EMB") are increasingly used as parking brakes, but also increasingly as service brakes. These wheel brakes have several advantages over conventional, hydraulically actuated wheel brakes. Thus, complex hydraulic systems are no longer necessary, and electromechanical wheel brakes are also significantly more space-saving.

[0003] Such electromechanical wheel brakes typically have an electrical or electronic drive unit that interacts with a mechanical mechanism or transmission. A brake unit can then be arranged on the output side, which can include a friction partner or a brake component with a friction lining that can be pressed onto a brake disk or brake drum by means of a translational movement. This allows braking to be achieved during operation of the motor vehicle.

[0004] For this purpose, the electronic drive unit typically comprises at least one electric motor. By means of the at least one transmission mechanism, a mechanical connection with the friction brake can be established. In addition to factors such as efficiency and rigidity, the mechanical structure, the required installation space and the transmission characteristic curve also determine the suitability of the transmission mechanism.

[0005] In order to convert the rotational movement of an electric motor into the required translational movement or linear movement, corresponding mechanisms are known. Known mechanisms are, for example, rotation / translation converters comprising so-called ball ramp mechanisms or ramp units. Such mechanisms are known, for example, from the applicant's document DE 199 22 333 A1.

[0006] Such a mechanism used in conjunction with electromechanical wheel brakes offers various advantages, such as the application of greater axial forces.

[0007] However, similar to the case of hydraulically actuated friction brakes, wear may also occur when actuating such electromechanical wheel brakes. As a result, the play between the friction partners may increase, which may lead to longer adjustment times during subsequent further actuation.

[0008] Therefore, corresponding wear compensation must be provided.

[0009] Therefore, there is a desire for wheel brakes which can be actuated electromechanically and which at least reduce or, ideally, do not have the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0010] The present inventors have solved this technical problem.

[0011] Surprisingly, this object is achieved according to one of the independent claims by an adjusting device, preferably an adjusting device for moving a brake component of a wheel brake of a motor vehicle, a wheel brake, and a method for moving a brake component of a wheel brake of a motor vehicle, in particular a method for moving a piston of an electromechanically actuable wheel brake. Preferred embodiments and developments of the invention are derived from the corresponding dependent claims.

[0012] Therefore, in a first aspect, the invention also relates to a method for moving a brake component of a wheel brake of a motor vehicle, in particular for moving a piston of an electromechanically actuable wheel brake, the wheel brake comprising an adjusting device having:

[0013] - regulating unit,

[0014] - drive shaft,

[0015] - Recalibrate the unit,

[0016] The drive shaft is arranged to be movable in the axial direction, in particular relative to the adjustment unit and / or the readjustment unit,

[0017] In the first axial position of the drive shaft, the drive shaft can be coupled to the adjustment unit and drive the adjustment unit in the drive rotational direction when a drive torque is applied thereto,

[0018] In the first axial position of the drive shaft, the drive shaft can be disengaged from the adjustment unit and transferred from the first axial position to the second axial position when a drive torque is applied in the adjustment rotational direction.

[0019] In the second axial position, the drive shaft can drive the readjustment unit.

[0020] In another aspect, the invention relates to an adjusting device, preferably an adjusting device for moving a brake element of a wheel brake of a motor vehicle, in particular an adjusting device for moving a piston of an electromechanically actuatable wheel brake, comprising:

[0021] - regulating unit,

[0022] - drive shaft,

[0023] - Recalibrate the unit,

[0024] the adjustment unit is preferably designed rotationally symmetrically and has a central through-hole through which the drive shaft passes,

[0025] the readjusting unit is preferably designed to be rotationally symmetrical and has a central through-hole through which the drive shaft passes,

[0026] the drive shaft is arranged to be movable in the axial direction, in particular relative to the adjustment unit and / or the readjustment unit,

[0027] the drive shaft comprises a setting section, wherein the setting section is a section which at least partially passes through the adjustment unit,

[0028] the drive shaft further comprises an adjustment section, wherein the adjustment section is a section which at least partially passes through the readjustment unit,

[0029] the adjusting unit and / or the setting section comprise means which are operatively connected to one another when the drive shaft is in the first axial position, and / or

[0030] The readjustment unit and / or the adjustment section comprise means which are operatively connected to one another when the drive shaft is in the second axial position or in the third axial position.

[0031] The adjusting device according to the invention can be used particularly advantageously in or with a rotation-translation converter, in particular a ball ramp mechanism. To this end, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the adjusting unit can be designed as a rotating disk or a ramp disk of a ball ramp mechanism, in particular as a ramp disk on the drive side. To this end, the ball ramp mechanism can be designed to convert the rotational movement of the adjusting unit into a translational movement of the pressure plate by means of balls and ramp grooves. For this purpose, a ball cage can be provided, which can maintain the relative position of the balls.

[0032] The drive shaft can be connected to a preferably electric drive unit, which is designed to apply a torque to the drive shaft. The torque can be applied to the drive shaft in a first rotational direction (also referred to as the driving rotational direction) or in an opposite second rotational direction (hereinafter also referred to as the adjustment rotational direction), wherein these names can relate to a predetermined drive function associated with a predetermined axial position of the drive shaft. In order to transmit the torque from the drive unit to the drive shaft, a suitable transmission mechanism can be provided. It is advantageous for the invention that the drive shaft can be driven in two rotational directions at different axial positions to realize the proposed function.

[0033] In the sense of the invention, the drive shaft can be arranged to be movable in the axial direction, in particular relative to the adjustment unit and / or the readjustment unit. According to the invention, a first axial position can be provided, which corresponds to a drive position in which the adjustment device can be operated in normal operation by a corresponding rotation of the drive shaft. It should be understood that in this first axial position, a rotation direction opposite to the drive rotation direction (which can be assigned to a forward movement or clamping of a braking component of the wheel brake) can then be assigned to a release or return movement of the braking component and can therefore also be referred to as a backward or release rotation direction. Thereby, the drive rotation direction and the backward rotation direction correspond to normal operation of the wheel brake.

[0034] In addition to the first axial position, at least a second axial position of the drive shaft and even a third axial position of the drive shaft can also be provided. The designations "first axial position, second axial position or third axial position" relate here to positions in relation to the adjustment unit and / or the readjustment unit. The first axial position can be used for normal operation, while the second axial position or the third axial position is therefore used for a specific function which can be assigned to the wear compensation. Depending on a specific or particular operating method, these functions can be selected for wear compensation at specific points in time, for example. According to the design of the invention, a point in time can be selected at which normal operation of the wheel brakes is not desired, since a certain adjustment of the wheel brakes is performed when wear compensation is performed.

[0035] In a first rotational direction (hereinafter also referred to as the operating or driving rotational direction of the drive shaft), the drive shaft can be coupled to the adjustment unit and thus drive the adjustment unit so that the rotational movement of the drive shaft can be transmitted to the adjustment unit. To this end, the adjustment unit can be designed to be rotationally symmetrical and have a central through hole, through which the drive shaft can pass. When the adjustment unit is designed as a bevel plate, the rotational movement of the adjustment unit can be converted into a corresponding translational movement of the ball ramp mechanism in this way. In this way, the ball ramp mechanism can be driven by the rotation of the coupled adjustment unit in conventional operation or normal operation, so that an axial pressure acts on the pressure plate and thus on the brake component, so that the piston of a wheel brake that can be operated, for example, electromechanically moves. As a result, the brake component can move in the axial direction relative to the housing or relative to the friction partner. As a result, a service brake or a service brake function that can correspond to normal operation can be achieved. In this operating method, the drive shaft can rotate freely relative to the readjustment unit.

[0036] The drive shaft may include a setting section for coupling, wherein the setting section may be a section that at least partially passes through the adjustment unit, in particular in the first axial position of the drive shaft. In addition, the adjustment unit and / or the setting section may include, in particular in the contact area between the adjustment unit and the setting section, means that are operatively connected to each other when the drive shaft is in the first axial position. Thus, for example, means that can achieve form locking, such as protrusions, lugs or teeth that can engage in correspondingly shaped recesses, may be provided. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the setting section of the drive shaft may, for example, include one or two protrusions with a preferred axial orientation, which one or two protrusions can be coupled to corresponding recesses in the adjustment unit.

[0037] In this way, the drive shaft can be coupled to the adjusting unit, which can be rotated or driven parallel to the drive shaft.

[0038] When the drive shaft has previously been in the first axial position and has exceeded a predetermined rotational angle, the drive shaft can be disengaged or disconnected from the adjustment unit in a second, opposite rotational direction of the drive shaft, i.e., the release or adjustment rotational direction. In other words, in the first axial position of the drive shaft, due to the coupling of the drive shaft and the adjustment unit, the wheel brake can be tightened and released by a corresponding rotation of the drive shaft within a predetermined rotational angle. This rotational angle is preferably coordinated with a predetermined translational path of the brake component for tightening and releasing.

[0039] The decoupling of the adjusting unit from the drive shaft can be achieved by a stop which, when the adjusting unit is in a predetermined orientation / position / direction / position, resists a corresponding further rotation of the adjusting unit and drives the drive shaft in the release or adjustment rotation direction when a predetermined rotation angle is exceeded. Thus, the adjusting unit cannot be rotated further in the adjustment rotation direction beyond this point, whereby a decoupling can be achieved.

[0040] In the sense of the invention, an axial movement of the drive shaft can thus be achieved, wherein the drive shaft can be transferred from a first axial position relative to the adjustment unit to a second axial position relative to the adjustment unit. Such an axial movement of the drive shaft can be supported by a corresponding design of the setting section of the drive shaft, in particular a section that at least partially passes through the adjustment unit.

[0041] According to a preferred design of the present invention, the setting section can include at least one recess on the outer surface side for this purpose. The recess can have an end stop, at which a connection can be achieved, and the recess can transition adjacently into a ramp guide to achieve an axial displacement of the drive shaft according to the provided transmission function. The ramp guide is similar to a slideway guide. Therefore, it is also referred to as a slideway guide hereinafter. The slideway guide may include a ramp and a platform for axially displacing the drive shaft during a corresponding rotation, at which the axial displacement cannot be performed when the drive shaft rotates. These ramps and platforms advantageously correspond to the predetermined second axial position and the third axial position of the drive shaft.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the slot guide can be designed in double layers (preferably opposite) on the outer surface of the drive shaft. As a result, a larger torque can be transmitted from the drive shaft to the adjustment unit. For this purpose, it is advantageous that the above-mentioned predetermined rotation angle is less than 180°, for example, between 170° and 179°, for example, 177°, so that sufficient space is reserved on the outer peripheral surface of the drive shaft for devices for realizing a form-locking with the adjustment unit. For this purpose, the adjustment unit can also have corresponding devices, which can engage in the recess, especially the slot guide. These devices can be designed similarly to the follower and include, for example, protrusions or teeth. The follower can extend from the through hole of the adjustment unit in the radial direction and engage in the recess in the area of ​​the setting section in this way. Through the corresponding rotation of the slot guide, the axial displacement of the drive shaft can be caused by the follower of the adjustment unit being blocked from further rotation.

[0043] Advantageously, in the first axial position, a form-fitting connection as described above can be established between the drive shaft and the adjusting unit, so that the drive torque can be reliably transmitted to the adjusting unit.

[0044] In the first axial position of the drive shaft, the follower can engage in the recess. The adjusting unit cannot be rotated in the adjustment rotational direction beyond the orientation predetermined by the stop, so that the follower can be guided over the slot guide, so that the drive shaft can then be axially displaced from the first axial position to the second axial position.

[0045] In the second axial position and also in the third axial position, the adjustment unit is decoupled from the drive shaft and the drive shaft can rotate freely relative to the adjustment unit.

[0046] The readjustment unit and / or the adjustment section may include means which are operatively connected to one another when the drive shaft is in the second axial position or in the third axial position.

[0047] The readjustment unit can be designed as a bearing in order to support the rotation-translation converter or the adjustment unit in the axial direction on the side facing away from the brake component. For this purpose, for example, an axial bearing can be provided between the readjustment unit and the adjustment unit, which axial bearing can enable a force transmission from the readjustment unit to the adjustment unit in the axial direction. Thus, the adjustment unit and thus the brake component can be supported in the axial direction by the readjustment unit.

[0048] The readjustment unit can advantageously be designed rotationally symmetrically. In this way, the readjustment unit can be designed very simply as a threaded disk with an external thread, which can mesh with an internal thread of a housing surrounding the readjustment unit. When the drive shaft engages with the readjustment unit in the second axial position or in the third axial position and drives the readjustment unit, an axial movement of the readjustment unit can be caused by the rotation of the readjustment unit, by which the rotation-translation converter or the adjustment unit and thus the brake component can be moved in the axial direction relative to the surrounding housing. In this way, a further possibility for the axial movement of the brake component can be provided, which possibility can be used in particular for readjustment or wear readjustment.

[0049] The brake element can thus be moved in two ways in the axial direction, wherein particularly advantageously a single drive motor is sufficient for driving the drive shaft.

[0050] In addition to the end stop that enables the coupling of the adjustment unit and the drive shaft, the slide guide can also include a first ramp adjoining the end stop, which first ramp can extend approximately diagonally over the outer surface and transition into a first platform. The first platform can then correspond to a second axial position of the drive shaft. In other words, viewed in the axial direction, the axial displacement of the drive shaft when the drive shaft is rotated can correspond to the ramp length.

[0051] In the second axial position, the readjusting unit can be coupled to the drive shaft, which means that the readjusting unit can be driven by the drive shaft. In the second axial position, the adjusting unit can advantageously be decoupled from the drive shaft.

[0052] For this purpose, the adjustment section of the drive shaft can include at least a radial, elastic first latching element, which can engage in a corresponding recess of the readjustment unit when the drive shaft is rotated in the driving rotational direction and can drive the readjustment unit in this way. Naturally, a plurality of such latching elements can also be provided. It is understood that, viewed in the axial direction, the corresponding recess of the readjustment unit is arranged so that it is aligned with the latching element when the drive shaft is in the second axial position.

[0053] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a third axial position of the drive shaft can be provided, and the readjustment unit and / or the adjustment section can include further means which can be operatively connected to one another when the drive shaft is in this third axial position. Preferably, means of the adjustment section and / or the readjustment unit which are assigned to the second axial position of the drive shaft are not operatively connected in the third position of the drive shaft.

[0054] To reach the third axial position of the drive shaft, the slotted guide can include at least a second ramp adjoining the first platform, which second ramp can also extend approximately diagonally over the outer surface and transition into the second platform. In the third axial position, the adjustment unit is advantageously decoupled from the drive shaft.

[0055] The adjustment section of the drive shaft may include at least a radial, elastic second latching element which can engage in a counter-recess of the readjustment unit when the drive shaft is rotated in the adjustment direction and can drive the readjustment unit in this way. Naturally, a plurality of such latching elements may also be provided. It is understood that, viewed in the axial direction, the corresponding recess of the readjustment unit is arranged such that it is aligned with the latching element when the drive shaft is in the third axial position.

[0056] In other words, in the second axial position and the third axial position of the drive shaft, the drive shaft can cause the adjustment device to rotate in the adjustment rotation direction or the drive rotation direction, which can cause the adjustment unit to be axially displaced relative to the housing, through which the braking component supported on the adjustment unit can move in the axial direction to achieve wear readjustment.

[0057] The pitch of the external thread of the readjustment unit is advantageously selected to be very small, since wear correction is usually carried out only within very small dimensions, for example within the range of 0.1 mm or less.

[0058] The rotation increment required for wear readjustment can then be chosen to be correspondingly small, so that a highly precise adjustment can still be achieved.

[0059] The second axial position of the drive shaft can cause wear readjustment when a corresponding rotation occurs, while the third axial position of the drive shaft can be used to move the brake element back into the housing again when a corresponding rotation occurs. This can be used, for example, for maintenance purposes.

[0060] The adjusting device according to the invention can also be operated on or in conjunction with other rotational-translational converters, such as, for example, ball screws or wedge drives.

[0061] In yet another aspect, the invention also relates to a wheel brake, in particular a wheel brake for a motor vehicle, comprising an adjustment device as described above. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the wheel brake may comprise at least one piston as part of a disc brake, which part may be driven by the adjustment device according to the invention.

[0062] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the wheel brake can also be designed as a drum brake, wherein the adjusting device according to the invention can act on the expansion unit.

[0063] In yet another aspect, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one wheel brake as described above.

[0064] Further details of the invention emerge from the description of the illustrated embodiments and from the dependent claims.

[0065] In the attached picture:

[0066] Figure 1 shows a sectional view of an electromechanically actuatable wheel brake having an adjusting device according to the invention in a starting position,

[0067] Figure 2 shows a sectional view of an electromechanically actuatable wheel brake having an adjusting device according to the invention in an adjusted position,

[0068] Figure 3 An exploded view showing the main components of the wheel brake,

[0069] Figure 4 An oblique view showing a drive shaft according to the invention,

[0070] Figure 5 A cross-section of the adjustment section of the drive shaft and the readjustment unit is shown, wherein the latching element slides on the teeth,

[0071] Figure 6 Another sectional view of the adjustment section of the drive shaft and the readjustment unit, wherein the readjustment spring is coupled to the readjustment unit in the driving rotational direction by means of a latching element,

[0072] Figure 7 Another cross-sectional view of the adjustment section of the drive shaft and the readjustment unit, wherein the readjustment spring is coupled to the readjustment unit in the adjustment rotation direction by means of a latching element,

[0073] Figure 8 Another section through the adjustment section of the drive shaft and the readjustment unit, wherein the latching element slides on the teeth,

[0074] Fig. 9An isometric oblique view of a detail of the adjustment section and the readjustment unit with the drive shaft, wherein the latching element slides on the teeth,

[0075] Fig.10 An isometric oblique view of a detail of an adjustment section and a readjustment unit with a drive shaft, wherein a readjustment spring is coupled to the readjustment unit in the drive rotational direction by means of a latching element,

[0076] Fig.11 An isometric oblique view of a detail of an adjustment section with a drive shaft and a readjusting unit, wherein a readjusting spring is coupled to the readjusting unit via a latching element,

[0077] Fig.12 An isometric oblique view of a detail of the adjustment section and the readjustment unit with the drive shaft, wherein the latching element slides on the teeth,

[0078] Fig.13 The main elements of the wheel brake are shown in a partial section in an oblique view in the starting position,

[0079] Fig.14 A further oblique view in partial section shows the main elements of the wheel brake in a position of the drive shaft corresponding to a second axial position,

[0080] Fig.15 Another oblique view of a partial section showing the main elements of the wheel brake in a position of the drive shaft corresponding to a third axial position,

[0081] Fig.16 An isometric view showing the stop in the starting position,

[0082] Fig.17 An oblique view of the drive shaft according to the invention according to a further development of the invention is shown,

[0083] Fig.18 A sectional view showing an adjustment section and a readjustment unit of a drive shaft according to a further development of the invention,

[0084] Fig.19 A top view showing a readjustment spring according to a further development of the invention,

[0085] Fig. 20 A top view of a readjusting spring according to a further development of the present invention is shown.

[0086] In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, for the sake of clarity, the same reference numerals represent substantially the same components in or on these embodiments. However, in order to better illustrate the present invention, the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings are not shown to scale.

[0087] For the sake of clarity, only those elements of brake system 100 that are relevant for the embodiment according to the invention are shown here.

[0088] Figure 1 A cross-section through an electromechanically actuated wheel brake 48 with an adjusting device 47 according to the invention is shown in a starting position. In this starting position, the piston 5 is retracted and braking occurs from this position in normal operation.

[0089] Figure 2 A cross-section through an electromechanically actuated wheel brake 48 with an adjusting device 47 according to the invention is shown in an adjusted position. In this position, the piston 5 is extended far relative to the surrounding housing 2 and, in normal operation, braking takes place from the adjusted position. This position can be assumed, for example, as a result of one or more wear adjustments, for example due to wear of the friction brake.

[0090] In both the starting position and the readjusted position, the adjusting device 47 according to the invention enables normal operation of the wheel brake, wherein the driving rotational direction of the drive shaft 27 can be assigned to a forward movement or clamping of the brake components of the wheel brake 48, and the opposite rotational direction can be assigned to a release or return movement of the brake components. In this operating method, the drive shaft 27 can rotate freely relative to the readjustment unit 7.

[0091] The invention therefore relates to an adjusting device 47 for moving a brake component of a wheel brake 48 of a motor vehicle, in particular for moving a piston 5 of an electromechanically actuable wheel brake 48. The adjusting device 47 comprises:

[0092] - a regulating unit 13,

[0093] - drive shaft 27,

[0094] - Recalibration unit 7,

[0095] the adjustment unit 13 is designed rotationally symmetrically and has a central through-hole through which the drive shaft 27 passes,

[0096] the readjustment unit 7 is designed rotationally symmetrically and has a central through-hole through which the drive shaft 27 passes,

[0097] the drive shaft 27 is arranged to be movable in the axial direction, in particular relative to the adjustment unit 13 and / or the readjustment unit 7,

[0098] the drive shaft 27 comprises a setting section 42 , which is a section of the drive shaft 27 which at least partially passes through the adjustment unit 13 when the drive shaft 27 is in the first axial position,

[0099] the drive shaft 27 further comprises an adjustment section 43 , which is a section of the drive shaft 27 which at least partially passes through the readjustment unit 7 when the drive shaft 27 is in the second axial position or in the third axial position,

[0100] the adjustment unit 13 and / or the setting section 42 comprise means which are operatively connected to one another when the drive shaft 27 is in the first axial position, and / or

[0101] The readjustment unit 7 and / or the adjustment section 43 comprise means which are operatively connected to one another when the drive shaft 27 is in the second axial position or in the third axial position.

[0102] The invention further relates to a method for moving a brake component of a wheel brake 48 of a motor vehicle, in particular a method for moving a piston 5 of an electromechanically actuable wheel brake, which wheel brake comprises an adjusting device 47 having:

[0103] - a regulating unit 13,

[0104] - drive shaft 27,

[0105] - Recalibration unit 7,

[0106] The drive shaft 27 is arranged to be movable in the axial direction, in particular relative to the adjustment unit 13 and / or the readjustment unit 7.

[0107] In the first axial position of the drive shaft 27 , the drive shaft 27 can be coupled to the adjustment unit 13 and drive the adjustment unit 13 in the drive rotational direction while being acted upon by a drive torque in the drive rotational direction.

[0108] In the first axial position of the drive shaft 27, the drive shaft 27 can be disengaged from the adjustment unit 13 and transferred from the first axial position to the second axial position when a drive torque is applied in the second adjustment rotational direction.

[0109] In the second axial position, the drive shaft 27 can drive the readjustment unit 7 .

[0110] Figure 3 An exploded view of the main components of the wheel brake 48 is shown.

[0111] Figure 4 An oblique view of a drive shaft 27 according to the invention is shown.

[0112] Figure 1The embodiment of the present invention shows a ball ramp mechanism 1 which converts the rotational movement of the adjustment unit 13 designed as a ramp disk into a translational movement of the pressure plate 19 via balls 17 and ramp grooves 14. The ball cage 18 holds the relative position of the balls 17. The ball ramp mechanism 1 is supported by a readjustment unit 7 having an axial bearing 12. The readjustment unit 7 has an external thread 8 and is screwed into the internal thread 3 of the housing 2.

[0113] When the readjustment unit 7 rotates, the ball ramp mechanism 1 can be axially displaced, such as Figure 2 Visible.

[0114] The design of the rotation-translation converter as a ball ramp mechanism 1 represents only one possible embodiment of the invention. Other structural forms are also possible as designs of the rotation-translation converter, such as a ball screw, a wedge drive as part of a wedge brake or also an expansion element, such as an expansion element for a drum brake.

[0115] The basic principle of the invention, namely to provide two different, mutually independent adjustment options for a brake element of a wheel brake by means of only one drive motor and only one drive shaft, can therefore be implemented in many ways. The invention is therefore also suitable for many other applications in which two mutually independent axial adjustments are required.

[0116] The drive shaft 27 can be coupled to and drive the adjustment unit 13 in a first rotational direction (also referred to as driving rotational direction or forward rotational direction) so that a rotational movement can be converted into a translational movement. This corresponds to a first axial position of the drive shaft 27 assigned to normal operation.

[0117] When the drive shaft 27 rotates in the opposite direction, that is, the adjustment rotation direction or the backward rotation direction, once a predetermined rotation angle is reached, the drive shaft is disengaged from the adjustment unit 13. When the rotation continues, the adjustment unit 13 reaches the stop 36 (at Figure 1 and Figure 2 The stopper blocks further rotation of the adjusting unit 13, so that the adjusting unit 13 cannot be rotated further backward.

[0118] When the drive shaft 27 is further rotated in the adjustment rotation direction, the drive shaft moves from the first axial position to the second axial position and / or the third axial position. In the second axial position or the third axial position, an operative connection can be established between the readjustment unit 7 and the adjustment section 43 of the drive shaft 27. In these axial positions, the drive shaft 27 can rotate freely relative to the adjustment unit 13.

[0119] For this purpose, the adjustment section 43 of the drive shaft 27 comprises a readjustment spring 31 with two lug profiles or latching elements 33, 34, which are fastened to the drive shaft 27 via a fixing ring 35, such as Figure 4 The latching elements 33, 34 are connected to the drive shaft 27 in a rotationally fixed manner by means of the form-locking portion 32. The latching elements 33, 34 are designed to be opposite, so that when the drive shaft 27 is rotated in the second axial position or the third axial position depending on the rotation direction of the drive shaft 27, one latching element 33, 34 or the other latching element 33, 34 can be operatively connected to the readjustment unit and can in this way transmit the torque of the drive shaft 27 to the readjustment unit 7 in both rotation directions.

[0120] When one of the latching elements 33 , 34 is coupled to the toothing 9 of the adjusting unit 7 , the adjusting unit 7 can be rotated forwards or backwards and can thus be adjusted axially.

[0121] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment of the drive shaft 27 shown in FIG, the two end stops 44 serve as projections or protrusions which can engage in corresponding recesses of the adjustment unit 13 when the drive shaft 27 is in the first axial position, so as to be able to transmit torque to the adjustment unit 13 for clamping and releasing. The end stops 44 are arranged opposite to each other here. The width of the end stops 44 in the circumferential direction should be designed corresponding to the torque to be transmitted.

[0122] Figure 5 The adjusting section 43 of the drive shaft 27 with the readjusting unit 7 is shown in a section, wherein the latching element 33 slides on the toothing 9 .

[0123] Figure 6 A further section through the adjustment section 43 of the drive shaft 27 and the adjusting unit 7 is shown, wherein the adjusting spring 31 is coupled via the latching element 33 in the drive rotational direction indicated by the arrow into the adjusting unit 7 .

[0124] Figure 7 The adjusting section 43 of the drive shaft 27 and the adjusting unit 7 are shown in a cross section, wherein the adjusting spring 31 is coupled to the adjusting unit 7 via the latching element 34 in the adjusting rotational direction.

[0125] Figure 8 A further section through the adjustment section 43 of the drive shaft 27 and the readjustment unit 7 is shown, wherein the latching element 34 slides on the toothing 9 .

[0126] Fig. 9 An isometric oblique view is shown of a detail of the adjustment section 43 and the adjustment unit 7 with the drive shaft 27 , wherein the latching element 33 slides on the toothing 9 .

[0127] Fig.10 An isometric oblique view is shown with the adjustment section 43 of the drive shaft 27 and a detail of the adjusting unit 7 , wherein the adjusting spring 31 is coupled to the adjusting unit 7 in the driving rotational direction via the latching element 33 .

[0128] Fig.11 An isometric oblique view is shown with the adjustment section 43 of the drive shaft 27 and a detail of the adjustment unit 7 , wherein the adjustment spring 31 is coupled to the adjustment unit 7 via the latching element 34 in the adjustment rotational direction.

[0129] Fig.12 An isometric oblique view is shown of a detail of the adjustment section 43 and the adjustment unit 7 with the drive shaft 27 , wherein the latching element 34 slides on the toothing 9 .

[0130] Fig.13 The essential elements of the wheel brake are shown in a partial section in an oblique view in the starting position.

[0131] Fig.14 The essential elements of the wheel brake are shown in a partial section in another oblique view in a position of the drive shaft 27 corresponding to the second axial position.

[0132] Fig.15 The essential elements of the wheel brake are shown in a partial section in another oblique view in a position of the drive shaft 27 corresponding to a third axial position.

[0133] Fig.16 An isometric view showing the stop in the starting position.

[0134] Normal operation (under normal operation, a braking component (such as a piston 5) of an electromechanically operable wheel brake is moved axially, for example towards a friction partner, by means of an adjustment device 47 according to the invention, wherein a ball ramp mechanism 1 is used as a rotation-translation converter) is assumed to be known and is not discussed further here.

[0135] The method according to the invention for adjusting the ball ramp mechanism 1 of the adjusting device 47 forwards or backwards to compensate for wear will be explained in more detail below.

[0136] In order to adjust the ball ramp mechanism 1 of the adjustment device 47 forward, for example to compensate for brake lining wear and brake disc wear, the drive shaft 27 can be rotated in the adjustment rotation direction, i.e. backwards, counter to the direction of normal actuation, wherein Fig.13 The initial position or first axial position of the drive shaft 27 is shown. Due to the ramp guide or slot guide 41 on the outer surface of the drive shaft 27 in the setting section 42, the drive shaft 27 moves axially into the second axial position during rotation until it reaches the first platform 29. Fig.14The position is shown in FIG.

[0137] In this second axial position of the drive shaft, the latching element 33 of the readjustment spring 31 can emerge from the central hole 10 of the readjustment unit 7. When rotating in the adjustment rotation direction, the latching element 33 slides on the teeth 9 on the readjustment unit 7, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 and Fig. 9 In the reverse rotation, the locking element 33 is connected to the readjustment unit 7 via the teeth 9, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 and Fig.10 shown.

[0138] like Figure 6 As shown, when the drive shaft 27 rotates forward in the driving rotational direction, the connected readjustment unit 7 rotates together until the locking element 33 can be immersed in the central hole 10. When this process is repeated, the ball ramp mechanism 1 can be gradually adjusted forward.

[0139] According to the same principle, the ball ramp mechanism 1 can be adjusted backwards for example for changing linings in the case of friction brakes by rotating the drive shaft 27 as far as the second platform 30, as shown in FIG. Fig.15 Here, the latching element 34 of the readjustment spring 31 can be exposed from the central hole 10 of the readjustment unit 7. Figure 7 , Fig.11 As shown, when the drive shaft 27 is rotated backward on the second platform 30 , the exposed latching element 34 is coupled to the readjusting unit 7 , so that the readjusting unit 7 is rotated backward in the adjustment rotation direction by the drive shaft 27 .

[0140] When the drive shaft 27 rotates forward in the driving rotation direction, the locking element 34 slides on the teeth 9, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 , Fig.12 shown.

[0141] When the drive shaft 27 is rotated forward and backward on the second platform 30 or in the third axial position, the ball ramp mechanism 1 is adjusted backward step by step until the stop 11 on the readjustment unit 7 contacts the matching stop 38 on the transmission output end 37, as shown in FIG. Fig.16 Here the initial position of the readjustment unit 7 is reached.

[0142] When the transmission output 37 rotates forward, the readjusting unit 7 is rotated forward by the transmission output 37 via the mating stop 38. That is, the readjusting unit 7 is no longer adjusted backward, even if the drive shaft 27 and the transmission output 37 rotate further forward and backward.

[0143] When the number of revolutions of the drive shaft 27 forward and backward reaches a predetermined number, it can be ensured in this way that the initial position can always be reached. Thus, in an advantageous manner, it is not necessary (for example, by means of a sensor) to additionally identify that the initial position has been reached.

[0144] The following should be assisted by Figure 3 The main components of the regulating device 47 are described in detail.

[0145] In the depicted embodiment, a cup 22 is arranged on the piston 5, and a compression spring 23 is fastened between the cup 22 and the drive shaft 27 by means of a pressure plate 24 and a fixing ring 25, so that the compression spring 23 can ensure the restoring force and preload of the ball ramp mechanism 1, the piston 5 and the drive shaft 27.

[0146] The lug 20 on the pressure plate 19 is inserted into the groove 21 in the piston 5, thereby fastening and fixing the pressure plate 19 in a rotationally fixed manner. The piston 5 is fastened and fixed to the housing 2 in a rotationally fixed manner via the track 6 and the groove 4.

[0147] The holding element 15 clamps the readjustment unit 7 via holding arms 16, wherein the holding arms 16 are inserted into the recess 4. Since the holding arms 16 can only move in the recess 4, the holding element 15 is fixed in a rotationally fixed manner. In the embodiment, three such holding arms 16 are provided similar to a three-point bearing, which provides advantages in terms of stability.

[0148] The clamping of the retaining element 15 ensures the basic friction of the readjusting unit 7, so that the readjusting unit 7 does not rotate when the latching elements 33, 34 of the readjusting spring 31 slide on the teeth 9. The retaining element 15 maintains the relative position between the adjusting unit 13 and the readjusting unit 7, so that when rotating in the adjustment rotation direction, i.e., when rotating backwards, the drive shaft 27 moves axially relative to the readjusting unit 7, rather than the adjusting unit 13 moving axially relative to the readjusting unit 7, but the drive shaft 27 does not move axially.

[0149] After the ball ramp mechanism 1 has been assembled, the piston 5 is closed by a cover 26 to prevent the ingress of moisture, dirt and / or water.

[0150] Fig.17 An oblique view of a drive shaft 27 according to the invention is shown according to a development of the invention. In this embodiment of the drive shaft 27, the slotted guide 41 has only a ramp 28, which extends from the end stop 44 to the platform 30. In this case, the second axial position can also be assigned to the region of the ramp 28, in the Fig.17The position indicated by arrow A in FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 1 . This embodiment allows a more robust design of the form-fitting means on the drive shaft 27 or the adjustment unit 13, so that the drive shaft 27 can transmit particularly high torques. Thus, for example, the lug on the adjustment unit 13 can be designed to be thicker or more stable. The drive shaft 27 can also be designed to be more stable in the region of the recess 40, for example, because the end stop 44 can be designed to be wider when viewed in the circumferential direction, i.e., it can have a wider base.

[0151] Fig.18 The adjustment section 43 of the drive shaft 27 and the readjustment unit 7 according to another embodiment of the invention are shown in a cross-sectional view. In this embodiment of the invention, the readjustment unit 7 has an enlarged central bore 10. This has the advantage that the readjustment spring 31 does not need to be compressed or only needs to be compressed less when it is to be inserted into the central bore 10 again.

[0152] Fig.19 A readjusting spring 31 according to a further development of the invention is shown in a top view. Fig. 20 A top view shows a readjustment spring 31 according to another improvement of the present invention. Fig.19 and Fig. 20 In the case of the readjusting spring 31 shown in FIG. 2 , the geometry is designed differently to the form-fitting element and is geometrically adapted to the contour of the drive shaft 27 .

[0153] According to another embodiment of the invention, the wheel brake can also be designed as a drum brake, in which case the adjusting device 47 according to the invention can act on the expansion unit.

[0154] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising at least one wheel brake having an adjusting device 47 as described above.

[0155] List of Reference Numerals

[0156] 1 Ball ramp mechanism

[0157] 2 Housing

[0158] 3 Internal thread

[0159] 4 Grooves

[0160] 5 Piston

[0161] 6 Tracks

[0162] 7 Recalibration Unit

[0163] 8 External thread

[0164] 9 Tooth profile

[0165] 10 Center hole

[0166] 11 Stop

[0167] 12 Axial bearing

[0168] 13 Adjustment unit

[0169] 14 Ramp Profile

[0170] 15. Holding element

[0171] 16 Holding arm

[0172] 17 Ball

[0173] 18 Ball Cage

[0174] 19 Pressure plate

[0175] 20 Lugs

[0176] 21 Grooves

[0177] 22 Cup-shaped piece

[0178] 23 Compression spring

[0179] 24 Compression piece

[0180] 25 Fixing ring 1

[0181] 26 Piston cover adjustment unit

[0182] 27 Drive shaft

[0183] 28 First Ramp

[0184] 29 First Platform

[0185] 30 Second Platform

[0186] 31 Re-adjust the spring

[0187] 32 Form-locking part

[0188] 33 Locking element (lug 1)

[0189] 34 Locking element (lug 2)

[0190] 35 Fixing ring 2

[0191] 36 Stopper (pin-shaped part)

[0192] 37 Transmission output end

[0193] 38 Matching stop

[0194] 40 recess

[0195] 41. Slide guide

[0196] 42 Set Section

[0197] 43 Adjustment section

[0198] 44 End stop

[0199] 46 Second Ramp

[0200] 47 Adjustment equipment

[0201] 48 wheel brakes

Claims

1. A method for moving a brake component of a wheel brake (48) of a motor vehicle, in particular a method for moving a piston (5) of an electromechanically actuable wheel brake, the wheel brake comprising an adjusting device (47) having: - a regulating unit (13), - a drive shaft (27), - a recalibration unit (7), The drive shaft (27) is arranged to be movable in the axial direction, in particular relative to the adjustment unit (13) and / or the readjustment unit (7), In a first axial position of the drive shaft (27), the drive shaft (27) can be coupled to the adjustment unit (13) and drive the adjustment unit (13) in the drive rotational direction when a drive torque is applied thereto, In a first axial position of the drive shaft (27), the drive shaft (27) can be disengaged from the adjustment unit (13) and transferred from the first axial position to a second axial position when a driving torque is applied in an adjustment rotation direction. In a second axial position, the drive shaft (27) is able to drive the readjustment unit (7).

2. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that In a first axial position of the drive shaft (27), when a drive torque is applied in the adjusting rotational direction, a rotation of the adjusting unit (13) in the adjusting rotational direction is blocked when the adjusting unit (13) is in a predetermined orientation.

3. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that In the second axial position of the drive shaft (27), the drive shaft (27) can be transferred from the second axial position to a third axial position when a driving torque is applied in the adjustment rotation direction.

4. The method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that In the third axial position, the drive shaft (27) is able to drive the readjustment unit (7).

5. An adjusting device (47), preferably for moving a brake component of a wheel brake (48) of a motor vehicle, in particular a piston (5) of an electromechanically actuatable wheel brake, comprising: - a regulating unit (13), - a drive shaft (27), - a recalibration unit (7), the adjustment unit (13) is preferably designed to be rotationally symmetrical and has a central through hole, through which the drive shaft (27) passes, the readjustment unit (7) is preferably designed to be rotationally symmetrical and has a central through-hole, through which the drive shaft (27) passes, the drive shaft (27) is arranged to be movable in the axial direction, in particular relative to the adjustment unit (13) and / or the readjustment unit (7), the drive shaft (27) comprises a setting section (42), which is a section that at least partially passes through the adjustment unit (13), - the drive shaft (27) further comprises an adjustment section (43), the adjustment section (43) being a section which at least partially passes through the readjustment unit (7), - the adjustment unit (13) and / or the setting section (42) comprise means which are operatively connected to each other when the drive shaft is in the first axial position, and / or The readjustment unit (7) and / or the adjustment section (43) comprise means which are operatively connected to one another when the drive shaft is in the second axial position.

6. The regulating device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The readjustment unit (7) and / or the adjustment section (43) comprise further means which are operatively connected to one another when the drive shaft is in a third axial position.

7. The regulating device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The drive shaft (27) is operatively connected to an electric drive unit, which is designed to apply a torque to the drive shaft (27) in a driving rotation direction or an adjustment direction.

8. The regulating device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that In particular, the drive shaft (27) is coupled to the adjustment unit (13) in a first axial position when the drive shaft (27) rotates in a driving rotational direction.

9. The regulating device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The drive shaft (27) is decoupled from the adjustment unit (13) in the second axial position and / or in the third axial position.

10. The regulating device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The adjustment unit (13) is part of the ball ramp mechanism (1), wherein the adjustment unit (13) is preferably designed as a drive-side ramp disk.

11. The regulating device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The readjustment unit (7) is designed as a threaded disk, wherein the readjustment unit (7) preferably comprises an external thread which engages with an internal thread of the surrounding housing (2).

12. The regulating device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that An axial bearing (12) is arranged between the readjustment unit (7) and the adjustment unit (13).

13. The regulating device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The setting section (42) comprises at least one outer surface-side recess (40), wherein the recess (40) preferably comprises an end stop (44) and a slide guide (41).

14. The regulating device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The slotted guide (41) comprises a first ramp (28) adjoining the end stop (44) and transitioning into a first platform (29).

15. The regulating device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The slot guide (41) comprises at least a second ramp (46) adjoining the first platform (29) and transitioning into a second platform (30).

16. The regulating device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The adjusting unit (13) comprises at least one follower which can engage in the recess (40), in particular in the slotted guide.

17. The regulating device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A stop (36) is provided which blocks a rotation of the adjusting unit (13) when the adjusting unit (13) is in a predetermined orientation when the adjusting unit (13) is driven in an adjustment direction.

18. The regulating device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The drive shaft (27) is capable of being transferred from the first axial position to the second axial position, wherein the second axial position is determined by the first platform (29) of the slideway guide (41).

19. The regulating device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that In a second axial position of the drive shaft (27), the readjustment unit (7) can be coupled to the drive shaft (27).

20. The adjusting device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The adjustment section (43) of the drive shaft (27) comprises at least a radial, elastic first locking element (33) which, in the second axial position, can engage in a corresponding recess of the readjustment unit (7) when the drive shaft (27) is rotated in the driving direction.

21. The regulating device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The drive shaft (27) is capable of being transferred from the second axial position to a third axial position, and the third axial position is determined by the second platform (30) of the slideway guide (41).

22. The regulating device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that In a third axial position of the drive shaft (27), the readjustment unit (7) can be coupled to the drive shaft (27).

23. The regulating device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The adjustment section (43) of the drive shaft (27) comprises at least a radial, elastic second latching element which can engage in a corresponding recess of the readjustment unit (7) in a third axial position when the drive shaft is rotated in the adjustment direction.

24. The adjusting device (47) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A preferably annular holding element (15) having holding arms (16) is provided, which is connected to the adjusting unit (13) and the readjustment unit (7).

25. A wheel brake (48), in particular for a motor vehicle, comprising an adjusting device (47) according to one of the preceding claims.

26. A wheel brake (48), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one piston (5) as part of a disc brake.

27. A motor vehicle comprising at least one wheel brake (48) according to the preceding claim.

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