Wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement and wheel carrier and brake caliper module

Abstract

The invention relates to a wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement (7) for a vehicle (1), comprising a wheel carrier (8) and a brake caliper (9), the wheel carrier (8) and the brake caliper (9) together forming the wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement (7) as an integral cast part; the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device (7) enclose a cavity (54, 55) through which cooling air (L) can be conducted in order to cool the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device (7); a wall (64) of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7) separating the cavity (54, 55) of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7) from the surrounding region (4) comprises an inner side (66) facing the cavity (54, 55) and an outer side (65) facing the surrounding region (4); and the surface roughness of the inner side (66) is greater than the surface roughness of the outer side (65).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement for a vehicle, and a wheel carrier and brake caliper module comprising such a wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The wheel suspension of a motor vehicle may comprise a wheel carrier and a brake caliper which is manufactured separately from the wheel carrier. The wheel carrier and the brake caliper are detachably connected to one another, for example by means of screws, for mounting. A design comprising two separate components in the form of wheel carrier and brake caliper, for example, results in design-related restrictions in terms of stiffness, manufacturing tolerances can accumulate, and the weight is high. External brake fluid lines are also required. The assembly of wheel carrier and brake caliper requires a separate assembly step and therefore requires additional connecting components. This is in need of improvement.

[0003] DE 603 ​​04 537 T2 describes a wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly comprising a wheel carrier and a brake caliper which is manufactured separately from the wheel carrier and is bolted to the wheel carrier. Summary of the invention

[0004] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement.

[0005] Therefore, a wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement for a vehicle is proposed. The wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement comprises a wheel carrier and a brake caliper, wherein the wheel carrier and the brake caliper together constitute the wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement as an integral cast component, wherein the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement enclose a cavity through which cooling air can be conveyed for cooling the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement, wherein a wall of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement separating the cavity from the surroundings of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement comprises an inner side facing the cavity and an outer side facing the surroundings, and wherein the surface roughness of the inner side is greater than the surface roughness of the outer side.

[0006] Since the wheel carrier and the brake caliper are integrally cast components, there is no need to assemble the wheel carrier and the brake caliper. The cavity in the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement advantageously enables cooling of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement, in particular the brake caliper. The cooling of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement can be optimized by different surface roughnesses.

[0007] The wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement is preferably part of the chassis of the vehicle, in particular the wheel suspension. Preferably, the vehicle comprises a plurality of wheel carriers and brake caliper arrangements. Such a wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement can be assigned to each wheel of the vehicle. If the vehicle comprises four wheels, it accordingly comprises four such wheel carriers and brake caliper arrangements.

[0008] The vehicle is a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car. As mentioned above, the vehicle comprises a plurality of wheels. For example, the vehicle may comprise four wheels. For example, two front wheels of these wheels may be steered, and two rear wheels may not be steered. Alternatively, all wheels may be steered. The wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement may be used for both steered wheels and non-steered wheels.

[0009] In particular, the wheel carrier is configured to rotatably support one of the vehicle wheels by means of a wheel bearing and a wheel hub. For this purpose, the wheel carrier comprises a base section, which is preferably solid. A recess or a through-hole is provided on the base section to accommodate the wheel bearing. The wheel bearing can be bolted or otherwise securely connected to the wheel carrier.

[0010] The brake caliper is used to accommodate a brake piston and a brake pad. In addition, a brake disc can be accommodated in the brake caliper at least in sections. For this purpose, the brake caliper comprises a receiving section that holds the brake piston, the brake pad and, at least in sections, the brake disc. The brake caliper can be part of a brake system of a vehicle.

[0011] In addition to the base section, the wheel carrier preferably comprises a neck section and an arm section extending transversely from the base section. A first connection region for connecting the first fork bar or the lower fork bar can be provided on the base section. A second connection region can be provided on the arm section, which second connection region is used, for example, to connect the track bar to the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement. The neck section can comprise a third connection region to which the second fork bar or the upper fork bar can be attached.

[0012] The wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement are integral components, in particular one-piece material components. In this case, "integral" or "one-piece" means that the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement do not consist of separate subcomponents, but that the wheel carrier and the brake caliper together form a common component, namely the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement. In particular, this means that the wheel carrier and the brake caliper cannot be separated from each other in a non-destructive manner.

[0013] In this case, "one-piece material" means that the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement are all made of the same material. However, this does not exclude the possibility that the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement may, for example, include insert components made of different materials. These insert components may, for example, be inserted into a mold for casting the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement.

[0014] The fact that the wheel carrier and the brake caliper together form a one-piece or integral "cast component" means in particular that the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement are produced using a casting process, for example a low-pressure casting process or a gravity casting process. In principle, however, any casting process can be used. Preferably, the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement are made of an aluminum alloy. However, magnesium alloys or steel alloys can also be used.

[0015] The cavity is arranged in the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement. This means in particular that the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement enclose a cavity or enclose a cavity in themselves. The cavity can be arranged in the wheel carrier and / or in the brake caliper. This means that the cavity can be arranged only in the wheel carrier, only in the brake caliper or both in the wheel carrier and in the brake caliper. It is also possible to provide a plurality of cavities. In particular, this means that separate cavities can be assigned to both the wheel carrier and the brake caliper.

[0016] In this case, a "cavity" is to be understood as a region enclosed by the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement, which region is separated from the surroundings of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement by a wall of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement, for example by the wall mentioned at the beginning. The cavity is thus surrounded by the wall at least in sections. The wall encloses the cavity.

[0017] In contrast, a "hole" or "through-hole" is to be understood as an opening which passes through a wall or the like over its entire cross-sectional area. This means, in particular, that such a hole or through-hole is not to be understood as a "cavity" as defined above. The cavity extends in the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement from the preferably solid base section to the neck section. The neck section has a smaller cross-sectional area than the base section.

[0018] The wheel carrier and the brake caliper device are assigned a coordinate system having an x-direction or length direction, a y-direction or height direction and a z-direction or depth direction. These directions are oriented perpendicularly to one another. In particular, the cavity extends in the height direction of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device. The height direction is oriented from the first connection area or the second connection area in the direction of the third connection area. The cavity preferably has its greatest geometric extension in the height direction. This means that the geometric extension of the cavity in the height direction is greater than the geometric extension in the length direction and in the depth direction.

[0019] Different surface roughnesses can be produced by selecting a molding sand or molding salt with a specific grain size and / or grain geometry for the sand or salt core used to form the cavity. For example, a center roughness value Ra of 15 µm is desired for the inner side. Therefore, the center roughness value Ra of the outer side can be less than 15 µm.

[0020] The fact that the inner side is rougher than the outer side increases the heat transfer surface on the inner side. This improves the heat dissipation from the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement by means of cooling air. The wall can be part of the wheel carrier, in particular the neck section. However, the wall can also be part of the brake caliper. In this case, the "wall" refers to the area of ​​the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement that separates the corresponding cavity from the surrounding environment.

[0021] According to a further development, a wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement for a vehicle is proposed. The wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement comprises a wheel carrier and a brake caliper, wherein the wheel carrier and the brake caliper together form the wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement as an integral cast component, wherein the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement enclose a cavity through which cooling air for cooling the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement can be conveyed, and wherein the cavity extends from a base section of the wheel carrier to a neck section of the wheel carrier and tapers in the process.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the cavity extends from a base section of the wheel carrier to a neck section of the wheel carrier and tapers in the process.

[0023] The fact that the cavity "tapers" from the base section in the direction of the neck section is to be understood to mean that the cross section or cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity becomes smaller or decreases from the base section in the direction of the neck section. In particular, this means that the cross-sectional area of ​​the cavity in the region of the base section is greater than the cross-sectional area in the region of the neck section. As a result of the taper or narrowing of the cavity, the neck section can thus act as a chimney. This can produce a chimney effect in the neck section, which, when the vehicle is stationary, allows hot cooling air to flow from the brake caliper into the neck section, rise upwards in the neck section and leave the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement through suitable openings or through-holes, in particular air outlets. This ensures that the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement are cooled even when the vehicle is stationary.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the neck section is curved, in particular arcuately curved.

[0025] Seen in the height direction, the neck section extends from the upper side of the base section. Seen in the length direction, the neck section preferably extends in the direction of the brake caliper and can protrude beyond the brake caliper at least in a partial section.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, a hydraulic channel is integrated in the brake caliper, which hydraulic channel fluidically connects a first double brake cylinder of the brake caliper with a second double brake cylinder of the brake caliper.

[0027] The fact that the hydraulic channel is "integrated" into the brake caliper means that the hydraulic channel extends inside the brake caliper and through the brake caliper. For example, the hydraulic channel can be formed using a suitable sand core or salt core, which is inserted into a mold for manufacturing the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device. Since the hydraulic channel is integrated into the brake caliper, no external hydraulic lines or brake fluid lines are required. Each double brake cylinder may include a first hole and a second hole. These holes can accommodate the above-mentioned brake pistons, which can be used to actuate the brake pads. For example, the first holes or the second holes of two double brake cylinders are fluidly connected via the hydraulic channel. In addition, such a hydraulic channel can also be provided between the first hole and the second hole of each double brake cylinder so that the first hole and the second hole are fluidically connected to each other. The brake fluid is input through the hydraulic channel. A plurality of hydraulic channels can be provided.

[0028] According to a further embodiment, the wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement comprises a first cavity assigned to the wheel carrier and a second cavity assigned to the brake caliper.

[0029] The first cavity is located inside the wheel carrier, in particular inside the neck section. Correspondingly, the second cavity is located in the brake caliper. Alternatively, instead of the first cavity and the second cavity, a common cavity can also be provided, which is provided both in the wheel carrier and in the brake caliper.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the first cavity is separated from the second cavity by a partition wall, wherein the partition wall comprises a through-hole through which the first cavity and the second cavity are in fluid communication.

[0031] Thus, the partition wall is assembled between the first cavity and the second cavity. The partition wall may comprise any number of through-holes through which cooling air can flow from the first cavity into the second cavity or vice versa. The fact that the first cavity and the second cavity are "fluidically connected" means in particular that cooling air can flow from the first cavity into the second cavity and vice versa.

[0032] According to a further embodiment, the second cavity comprises a bottom through which cooling air can flow.

[0033] The bottom is preferably arranged perpendicularly to the partition wall arranged between the first cavity and the second cavity. In this case, "perpendicularly" refers to an angle of 90°±10°, preferably 90°±5°, more preferably 90°±3°, more preferably 90°±1°, more preferably exactly 90°. In particular, cooling air can flow through the bottom because the bottom comprises an air outlet which leads out of the second cavity and into the receiving section of the brake caliper. Cooling air can flow from the second cavity to the receiving section of the brake caliper via the air outlet arranged in the bottom of the second cavity. For this purpose, the air outlet leads into the receiving section. The air outlet is fluidically connected to the second cavity and is fluidically connected to the first cavity via a through-hole arranged in the partition wall between the cavities.

[0034] According to another embodiment, the wheel carrier comprises an air inlet for introducing cooling air into the cavity.

[0035] Any number of air inlets can be provided. Preferably, the air inlets are arranged on the neck section. The air inlets can comprise a rectangular geometry with rounded corners or a circular geometry. A plurality of air inlets of different geometries can be provided. When the vehicle is moving, cooling air flows in through the air inlets. A plurality of air outlets can be provided, through which the cooling air can flow out of the cavity again. These air outlets can be provided on the neck section. Due to the plurality of air inlets and the plurality of air outlets, the neck section has in particular a skeleton or truss structure. This means in particular that the air inlets and / or the air outlets are separated from one another only by thin webs or material webs.

[0036] According to a further embodiment, a cooling air guide element is arranged at the air inlet, which cooling air guide element is funnel-shaped at least in sections.

[0037] If a plurality of air inlets are provided, a cooling air guide element may be provided at one of the air inlets. The cooling air guide element may be a chamfer or a bevel provided on the air inlet. Alternatively, the cooling air guide element may be a component which is independent of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper assembly and is mounted on the wheel carrier and the brake caliper assembly. The cooling air guide element may comprise a funnel section for the inlet of cooling air, a channel section for the supply of cooling air and an outlet section for the outflow of cooling air. The funnel section is preferably arranged outside the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement. In particular, this means that the funnel section may protrude from the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement. For example, the cooling air guide element may be inserted into the air inlet. For example, by means of the channel section, cooling air may be introduced directly into the second cavity via the first cavity. Thus, the channel section may pass through the first cavity. The outlet section preferably comprises an inclined front surface or front face. The front surface or front face may be configured as a through-hole which guides the cooling air directly to the bottom of the second cavity. The cooling air guide element may also form an integral component, in particular a single-piece material component, together with the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement. This means that the cooling air guide element can be manufactured using the same casting process as used for manufacturing the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement. The cooling air guide element can also be brazed or welded to the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement.

[0038] According to a further embodiment, the brake caliper comprises an air outlet opening into a receiving section of the brake caliper, wherein the air outlet opening is in fluid communication with the cavity.

[0039] In particular, the air outlet is in fluid communication with the second cavity, which in turn is in fluid communication with the first cavity.The air outlet may be used to supply cooling air to the brake disc and brake pad, which removes heat from the brake caliper, brake disc and / or brake pad.

[0040] According to a further embodiment, the receiving section comprises a perforation, by means of which cooling air can be conveyed away from the receiving section.

[0041] The receiving section may include any desired number of apertures through which heated cooling air can be conveyed from the brake caliper to the surroundings of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the wheel carrier comprises an air outlet for discharging cooling air from the cavity.

[0043] Any number of air outlets may be provided. Air flowing into the cavity through the air inlet may again leave the cavity through the air outlet. Preferably, the air outlet is associated with the wheel carrier. In particular, the air outlet may be provided on the neck section. The aforementioned skeleton or truss structure of the neck section is formed by the one or more air outlets and the one or more air inlets.

[0044] According to a further embodiment, a breakthrough is provided between the wheel carrier and the brake caliper, wherein the wheel carrier is connected to the brake caliper via a web extending around the breakthrough at least in sections.

[0045] By means of the through-holes, material can be saved. This reduces both weight and costs. Furthermore, the web strengthens the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement by connecting the wheel carrier to the brake caliper.

[0046] Furthermore, a wheel carrier and brake caliper module for a vehicle is proposed. The wheel carrier and brake caliper module comprises such a wheel carrier and brake caliper device, a wheel bearing for rotatably mounting a wheel of the vehicle on the wheel carrier and brake caliper device, a wheel hub to which the wheel can be coupled, a brake disc connected to the wheel hub, a first brake pad and a second brake pad, wherein the brake disc is arranged between the first brake pad and the second brake pad.

[0047] The brake disc is preferably an internally ventilated brake disc. For example, the brake disc can be connected to the wheel hub with rivets or bolts. The wheel carrier and brake caliper module preferably also includes a brake piston, which is accommodated in the bore of the double brake cylinder as described above.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the first brake pad and / or the second brake pad comprises a recess which allows tilting of the brake disc during assembly and disassembly thereof.

[0049] Since the brake caliper is permanently connected to the wheel carrier, the brake caliper cannot be removed. Therefore, the brake disc must be tilted in order to install and remove it. In order to prevent the brake disc from colliding with one of the brake pads, at least one of the brake pads comprises a recess of this type. The recess can be designed as an annular groove extending around the respective brake disc. Both brake pads can also each comprise such a recess.

[0050] The embodiments and features described for the proposed wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement are applicable by analogy to the proposed wheel carrier and brake caliper module and vice versa.

[0051] Further possible embodiments of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device and / or the wheel carrier and brake caliper module also include the features described above or below with respect to the embodiments or combinations of the embodiments not explicitly mentioned. A person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or supplements to the corresponding basic forms of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device and / or the wheel carrier and brake caliper module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement and / or the wheel carrier and brake caliper module are the subject matter of the dependent claims and embodiments of the wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement and / or the wheel carrier and brake caliper module described below. In the following, the wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement and / or the wheel carrier and brake caliper module are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] Figure 1 A schematic side view of one embodiment of a vehicle is shown;

[0054] Figure 2 Shown for use according to Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a wheel carrier and a brake caliper device of a vehicle;

[0055] Figure 3 Show according to Figure 2 Another schematic perspective view of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device;

[0056] Figure 4 Show according to Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a wheel carrier and a brake caliper device;

[0057] Figure 5 Show according to Figure 2 Another schematic perspective view of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device;

[0058] Figure 6 Show according to Figure 2 Another schematic perspective view of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device;

[0059] Figure 7 Show according to Figure 2 Another schematic perspective view of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device;

[0060] Figure 8 Show according to Figure 2 Another schematic cross-sectional view of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device; and

[0061] Fig. 9 Shown for use according to Figure 1A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wheel carrier and a brake caliper module of a vehicle.

[0062] In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference signs unless stated otherwise. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Figure 1 A schematic side view of an embodiment of a vehicle 1 is shown. The vehicle 1 is a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car. The vehicle 1 can also be a multi-purpose vehicle, such as a truck, a harvester or a construction machine. Furthermore, the vehicle 1 can also be a military vehicle. However, it is assumed in the following that the vehicle 1 is a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger car.

[0064] The vehicle 1 comprises a body 2 which encloses a passenger compartment or vehicle interior 3 of the vehicle 1. The vehicle interior 3 can accommodate a driver and passengers. The body 2 separates the vehicle interior 3 from the surroundings 4 of the vehicle 1. The vehicle interior 3 is accessible from the surroundings 4 via a vehicle door.

[0065] The vehicle 1 comprises a chassis with a plurality of wheels 5, 6. The number of wheels 5, 6 is essentially arbitrary. Preferably, the vehicle 1 comprises four wheels 5, 6. However, the vehicle 1 can also comprise six wheels 5, 6, for example. The wheels 5, 6 are part of the chassis of the vehicle 1. Only two wheels 5, 6 can be driven. However, it is also possible to drive all wheels 5, 6. In this case, the vehicle 1 is a four-wheel drive vehicle. The vehicle 1 can move in or against the direction of travel F.

[0066] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement 7 for a vehicle 1 is shown. Figure 3 Another schematic perspective view of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 .

[0067] The coordinate system assigned to the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 comprises an x-direction or length direction x, a y-direction or height direction y and a z-direction or depth direction z. The x, y and z directions are oriented perpendicularly to one another.

[0068] The wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 is part of the chassis of the vehicle 1, in particular part of the wheel suspension of one of the wheels 5, 6. The vehicle 1 can include a plurality of such wheel carrier and brake caliper devices 7. Each wheel 5, 6 can be assigned such a wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7. This means that the vehicle 1 can include four such wheel carrier and brake caliper devices 7.

[0069] The wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 combines the wheel carrier 8 with the brake caliper 9. The wheel carrier 8 and the brake caliper 9 are part of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7. The wheel carrier 8 and the brake caliper 9 form an integral component, in particular a one-piece material component, namely the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7. The wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 can be made of an aluminum alloy. However, other materials can also be used. The cooling performance can be improved by selecting a suitable material.

[0070] Here, "integral" or "one-piece" means that the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 are not composed of separate sub-components, but that the wheel carrier 8 and the brake caliper 9 are integrated with each other and cannot be separated from each other. "One-piece material" means that the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 are all made of the same material. Therefore, the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 are a single-piece component. For example, the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 are low-pressure casting components or gravity casting components.

[0071] The wheel carrier 8 comprises a base section 10, to which the brake caliper 9 is connected. A stepped aperture 11 is provided on the base section 10, which is configured to accommodate a wheel bearing, for example in the form of a roller bearing, of the respective wheel 5, 6. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the orientation shown, a first connection region 12 , to which a lower fork-shaped rod can be connected, extends from the bottom of the base section 10 .

[0072] The arm section 13 also extends from the base section 10. A second connection region 14 is provided on the arm section 13. The track bar can be connected to the second connection region 14. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the orientation shown, the curved, in particular arc-shaped, neck section 15 comprising the third connecting region 16 adjoins the upper side of the base section 10. To the third connecting region 16 an upper fork-shaped rod can be connected.

[0073] The front side 17 of the wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement 7 extends from the arm section 13 via the base section 10 to the neck section 15. A plurality of air inlets 18 to 21 are provided on the front side 17, through which cooling air can flow into the wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement 7 and out of it again. The wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement 7 is thus hollow. For example, the air inlet 18 is rectangular with rounded corners. The air inlets 19 to 21 can be circular. In principle, however, the air inlets 18 to 21 can comprise any geometrical shape.

[0074] The wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement 7 comprises a rear side 22 remote from the front side 17. Furthermore, the wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement 7 comprises a first side wall 23 having a plurality of air outlets 24, 25. For example, the air outlets 24, 25 are rectangular with rounded corners. However, the air outlets 24, 25 may comprise any geometric shape. The air outlets 24, 25 may be in fluid communication with the air inlets 18 to 21.

[0075] The second side wall 26, which is remote from the first side wall 23, also includes a plurality of gas outlets 27 to 30. The gas outlets 27 to 30 may include any geometric shape. The gas outlets 27 to 30 are in fluid communication with the gas inlets 18 to 21 and the gas outlets 24, 25.

[0076] A deepening 31 is provided on the second side wall 26. The deepening 31 comprises a bottom 32 which is set back relative to the second side wall 26. The through-hole 11 is provided at the bottom 32. An air outlet 33 opens into the deepening 31. The air outlet 33 can be in fluid communication with the air inlets 18 to 21 and the air outlets 24, 25, 27 to 30. A through-hole 34 is provided between the wheel carrier 8 and the brake caliper 9. In the region of the through-hole 34, the wheel carrier 8 is connected to the brake caliper 9 via a web 35.

[0077] The brake caliper 9 comprises a receiving section 36 which is suitable for at least partially receiving a brake piston, a brake disk and a brake pad. The receiving section 36 comprises a recess 37 which is suitable for receiving a brake pad and a brake disk at least in a section. A plurality of passages 38 to 42 open into the recess 37, through which the recess 37 is fluidically connected to the surroundings 4. Furthermore, an outlet 43 which is fluidically connected to the air inlets 18 to 21 and the air outlets 24, 25, 27 to 30, 33 opens into the recess 37.

[0078] Two dual brake cylinders 44, 45 are arranged on the receiving section 36 and are positioned opposite each other. Each dual brake cylinder 44, 45 can accommodate two brake pistons. For this purpose, each dual brake cylinder 44, 45 can include two cylindrical bores 46, 47, in each of which a brake piston is accommodated. The first dual brake cylinder 44 extends from a side wall 48 of the receiving section 36. The side wall 48 is offset from the first side wall 23. The second dual brake cylinder 45 extends from the second side wall 26.

[0079] The second double brake cylinder 45 comprises a connection 49 for connecting a brake fluid line. The first double brake cylinder 44 may also comprise such a connection 49. However, this is not absolutely necessary. Each double brake cylinder 44, 45 is assigned two guide rails 50, 51 on which the brake pads are guided. On the rear side, i.e. on the rear side 22, the receiving section 36 comprises an opening 52, through which, for example, a brake pad accommodated in the receiving section 36 can be accessed.

[0080] Figure 4 A schematic sectional view of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement 7 is shown at the level of the dual brake cylinders 44 , 45 .

[0081] like Figure 4As shown, a hydraulic channel 53 is provided in the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7, in particular in the receiving section 36 of the brake caliper 9, which fluidically connects the two holes 47 of the dual brake cylinder 44, 45. In addition, such a hydraulic channel 53 can also be provided, which fluidically connects the two holes 46 to each other.

[0082] In addition, the bores 46, 47 of each dual brake cylinder 44, 45 can be in fluid communication with each other. During operation of the vehicle 1, the brake fluid is guided through the hydraulic channel 53. The hydraulic channel 53 is integrated into the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 during casting of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7. Additional brake fluid lines connecting the dual brake cylinders 44 and 45 can be omitted.

[0083] Figure 5 and Figure 6 Another schematic perspective view of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 is shown separately. Figure 5 and Figure 6 .

[0084] Figure 6 A partial cross-section of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement 7 is shown. The wheel carrier 8 encloses a first cavity 54 which extends from the base section 10 to the neck section 15. The first cavity 54 is accessible via the air inlets 18 to 21 and the air outlets 24, 25, 27 to 30, 33.

[0085] The brake caliper 9 comprises a second cavity 55 enclosed by the brake caliper 9. The cavities 54, 55 are separated from one another by a partition wall 56. The partition wall 56 comprises passages 57, 58, through which the cavities 54, 55 are in fluid communication with one another. The air outlet 43 opening into the receiving section 36 of the brake caliper 9 is arranged at the bottom 59 of the second cavity 55.

[0086] In particular, the cavities 54 and 55 extend along the height direction y of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7. The height direction y is oriented from the first connection area 12 or the second connection area 14 in the direction of the third connection area 16. Along the height direction y, the respective cavity 54, 55 has its maximum geometric extension. This means that the geometric extension of the respective cavity 54, 55 along the height direction y is greater than the geometric extension along the length direction x and the depth direction z.

[0087] When the vehicle 1 moves in the driving direction F, the cooling air L is forced into the first cavity 54 through the air inlets 18 to 21. Chamfers may be provided at the air inlets 18 to 21, in particular the air inlet 18, to form a funnel-shaped inlet geometry that promotes the cooling air L to flow into the first cavity 54.

[0088] Then, the cooling air L can flow into the second cavity 55 through the through-holes 57, 58 and from there be guided to the receiving section 36 through the air outlet 43 to cool the brake disc, brake pad and brake caliper 9 at least partially received in the receiving section 36. The cooling air L flows along the brake disc and removes heat from the brake disc. The heated cooling air L can flow out of the brake caliper 9 through the through-holes 38 to 42.

[0089] Optionally, a cooling air guide element 60 may be provided. The cooling air guide element 60 may be a component independent of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7, which is connected to the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 after it has been manufactured. However, this is not absolutely necessary. The cooling air guide element 60 may also be formed integrally with the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7, in particular formed in one piece of material.

[0090] The cooling air guide element 60 is received in the air inlet 18 and extends through the first cavity 54 and the passage 57 to the second cavity 55. The cooling air guide element 60 comprises a funnel section 61, a channel section 62 adjoining the funnel section 61 and an outlet section 63 adjoining the channel section 62.

[0091] The funnel section 61 is funnel-shaped and facilitates the inflow of cooling air L. The cooling air L is input into the second cavity 55 through the first cavity 54 by means of the channel section 62. The outlet section 63 guides the cooling air L directly to the air outlet 43. For this purpose, the end surface of the outlet section 63 is an inclined surface.

[0092] Figure 7 A further schematic perspective view of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement 7 is shown.

[0093] exist Figure 7 , the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 are shown partially cut away. The vehicle 1 is now at rest, so that the cooling air L is no longer guided through the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 for cooling purposes by the driving movement of the vehicle 1, as described above. However, the cooling air L still flows, in particular in the reverse direction, through the cavities 54, 55 and the through-holes 58, which is caused by the chimney effect.

[0094] Figure 8 A further schematic sectional view of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement 7 is shown.

[0095] in particular, Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a wheel carrier and a wall 64 of the brake caliper arrangement 7 is shown. For example, the wall 64 separates the first cavity 54 from the surroundings 4. The wall 64 comprises an outer side 65 facing the surroundings 4 and away from the first cavity 54 and an inner side 66 facing the first cavity 54 and away from the surroundings 4. For example, the outer side 65 can be part of the front side 17, the rear side 22 or one of the side walls 23, 26.

[0096] The inner side 66 has a greater roughness than the outer side 65. For example, the center roughness value Ra of the inner side 66 may be at least 15 μm. In this way, a targeted surface texture or surface structuring is provided on the inner side 66. The inner side 66 may be embossed with molding sand, which may include polyhedral geometries with a non-repeatable structure. The surface structuring of the inner side 66 increases the heat transfer surface, thereby improving heat dissipation.

[0097] Fig. 9 A schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a wheel carrier and brake caliper module 67 is shown.

[0098] The wheel carrier and brake caliper module 67 comprises a wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 as described above, a wheel bearing 68 which is accommodated in the through-hole 11 of the wheel carrier 8 at least in sections, a wheel hub 69 and a brake disc 70 which is firmly connected to the wheel hub 69. The brake disc 70 can be an internally ventilated brake disc. However, this is not absolutely necessary. The brake disc 70 comprises two surfaces 71 and 72 which are remote from each other and which can be coated. A non-wearing surface coating can be provided. In this way, no maintenance work is required, so this is a solution for the entire service life of the vehicle 1, thereby reducing the overall vehicle costs and operating costs and extending the service life.

[0099] Furthermore, the wheel carrier and brake caliper module 67 comprises two brake pads 73 and 74. A first brake pad 73 is assigned to the surface 71. A second brake pad 74 is assigned to the surface 72. To brake the respective wheel 5, 6, the brake pads 73, 74 are driven against the brake disk 70 by means of brake pistons accommodated in the dual brake cylinders 44, 45.

[0100] In order to install and remove the brake disc 70, the brake pads 73, 74 each include recesses 75, 76. The recesses 75 and 76 allow the brake disc 70 to tilt during installation and removal. Therefore, the brake disc 70 does not collide with the brake pads 73, 74, and the jamming of the brake disc 70 is reliably prevented.

[0101] The wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement 7 can be used to improve handling and reduce noise emissions. No wheel carrier 8 and brake caliper 9 need to be installed, and no screws, cables or the like are required. The cooling of the brake caliper 9, the brake disc 70 and / or the brake pads 73, 74 is improved.

[0102] This results in a more uniform heat distribution and better heat dissipation in critical areas of the wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement 7. Cooling air L can be supplied in a targeted manner. Waste heat from the brake caliper 9, the brake disc 70 and / or the brake pads 73, 74 is dissipated in a targeted manner. The fact that the hydraulic channel 53 is integrated in the brake caliper 9 means that no external brake fluid lines are required. The wheel carrier and brake caliper module 67 is a maintenance-free service life module of the vehicle 1.

[0103] The wheel carrier and the brake caliper assembly 7 are cast and machined as one piece. The increased rigidity reduces the total weight of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper assembly 7. Overall, the wheel carrier and the brake caliper assembly 7 reduces the weight of the vehicle, especially the unsprung mass, and improves the handling. The wheel carrier and the brake caliper assembly 7 directly reduces the energy consumption of the vehicle 1. The increased rigidity also improves the steering of the wheel.

[0104] The wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7 can be used to reduce the overall costs, such as costs in manufacturing, procurement, logistics, assembly, etc. Since the wheel carrier 8 and the brake caliper 9 can be produced in one casting at one location instead of in two factories that are far apart, the CO2 balance is improved. This applies to the casting itself, the necessary heat treatment (only one heat treatment process is required), and the final processing of the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7.

[0105] Only one transport process is required from supplier to customer. Separate brake calipers, connecting bolts, washers and brake fluid lines do not need to be transported. This means that only one logistics route is required at the vehicle plant. Due to the combination of processes, a considerable energy saving and thus a reduction in CO2 emissions can be achieved. The thermal load capacity is increased. The wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 can be made smaller and lighter. The reduction in weight directly leads to a reduction in fuel consumption and energy consumption.

[0106] The maximum cross-sectional area of ​​the connection of the brake caliper 9 to the wheel carrier 8 ensures an optimized heat dissipation from the brake caliper 9 to the wheel carrier 8. This cross-sectional area of ​​the connection ensures a more even distribution of heat in the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement 7. In addition, the heat dissipation of critical areas, such as the brake pads 73, 74 or the brake fluid, is significantly improved.

[0107] To produce the cavities 54 and 55, sand cores or salt cores are inserted into the mold for producing the wheel carrier and the brake caliper assembly 7. These sand cores are then destroyed, leaving the corresponding cavities 54 and 55. If salt cores are provided, they can be washed away, leaving the corresponding cavities 54 and 55.

[0108] On the one hand, the purpose of the cavities 54, 55 is to reduce weight. On the other hand, the cavities 54, 55 are used as cooling channels by appropriate assembly and / or geometry. Alternatively, these cooling channels can also be formed by air ducts made of plastic or other materials inserted into the cavities 54, 55. The orientation, shape and / or positioning are determined by the respective vehicle conditions.

[0109] The cavities 54, 55 in the interior of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 serve to dissipate the brake heat by means of a specific surface texture of the inner side 66 and the air duct. The inner side 66 can be embossed by the used molding sand, which can include sand grains in the form of polyhedrons with a non-repeatable structure. In particular, the used molding sand is deliberately chosen to be very rough in order to produce the surface structuring of the inner side 66. This provides additional degrees of freedom in the design of the shape and dimensions of the wheel carrier 8 and / or the brake caliper 9.

[0110] The second cavity 55 passes horizontally through the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 in the driving direction F when viewed from the front. Here, the cooling air L is supplied through the first cavity 54 by means of the cooling air guide element 60. The cooling air L then leaves the air outlet 43 and enters the receiving section 36 of the brake caliper 9. The second cavity 55 then serves to cool the brake disc 70 and the brake caliper 9 when the vehicle 1 is moving, by the cooling air L flowing against the brake disc 70 and the brake caliper 9 and / or through the brake disc 70 and the brake caliper 9.

[0111] The first cavity 54, which is fluidically connected to the second cavity 55, is fed through the hollow neck section 15 of the wheel carrier 8 and exits at the upper end of the neck section 15 in the region of the third connection region 16. In this way, the first cavity 54 serves to dissipate heat when the vehicle 1 is stationary. Here, the chimney effect of the neck section 15 causes the heated cooling air L to be drawn out from the region of the brake caliper 9 through the neck section 15, to be conveyed through the neck section 15 and to be emitted through the air outlets 24, 25, 27 to 30 of the neck section 15.

[0112] Cooling channels can be formed in the cavities 54, 55 by means of webs. These webs can achieve the desired air flow in the respective cavities 54, 55. The webs can also be cast directly, for example in the form of partition walls 56. Fins can be used on the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement 7 to achieve a partially integrated anchoring plate. If space is limited or greater strength is required, it may be necessary to locally reinforce the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement 7. For this purpose, inserts made of a different material, such as steel, can be inserted into the mold and encapsulated together with the material of which the wheel carrier and the brake caliper arrangement 7 are made.

[0113] Although the invention has been described with reference to examples of embodiment, it can be modified in many ways.

[0114] Reference numerals list

[0115] 1 Vehicle

[0116] 2 Body

[0117] 3. Vehicle interior

[0118] 4 Surrounding environment

[0119] 5 wheels

[0120] 6 wheels

[0121] 7 Wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly

[0122] 8-wheel rack

[0123] 9 Brake calipers

[0124] 10 Basic sections

[0125] 11 Pass-through part

[0126] 12 Connection Area

[0127] 13 arm segment

[0128] 14Connection Area

[0129] 15 Neck section

[0130] 16 connection areas

[0131] 17Front side

[0132] 18 Air Intake

[0133] 19 Air Intake

[0134] 20 Air Inlet

[0135] 21 Air Inlet

[0136] 22 Rear

[0137] 23 Sidewall

[0138] 24 outlet

[0139] 25 outlet

[0140] 26 Sidewall

[0141] 27 Air outlet

[0142] 28 outlet

[0143] 29 outlet

[0144] 30 outlet

[0145] 31 Deepening

[0146] 32 bottom

[0147] 33 outlet

[0148] 34 penetration part

[0149] 35 belly plate

[0150] 36 receiving section

[0151] 37 recess

[0152] 38 penetration part

[0153] 39 penetration part

[0154] 40 penetration part

[0155] 41 Pass-through part

[0156] 42 penetration part

[0157] 43 outlet

[0158] 44 double brake cylinder

[0159] 45 double brake cylinder

[0160] 46 holes

[0161] 47 holes

[0162] 48 side wall

[0163] 49 connection part

[0164] 50 rails

[0165] 51 rails

[0166] 52 Opening

[0167] 53 hydraulic channels

[0168] 54 Cavity

[0169] 55 Cavity

[0170] 56 partition wall

[0171] 57 Pass-through Department

[0172] 58 Pass-through Department

[0173] 59 bottom

[0174] 60 Cooling air guide element

[0175] 61 Funnel Section

[0176] 62 channel segment

[0177] 63 Exit Section

[0178] 64 walls

[0179] 65 outside

[0180] 66 inside

[0181] 67 wheel carrier and brake caliper module

[0182] 68 wheel bearings

[0183] 69 wheels

[0184] 70 brake disc

[0185] 71 Surface

[0186] 72 Surface

[0187] 73 brake pads

[0188] 74 brake pads

[0189] 75 concavity

[0190] 76 concavity

[0191] F Driving direction

[0192] Cooling air

[0193] x length direction

[0194] y height direction

[0195] z depth direction

Claims

1. A wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly (7) for a vehicle (1), comprising: Wheel frame (8), and Brake caliper (9), The wheel carrier (8) and the brake caliper (9) together form a wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7) as an integral casting component. The wheel carrier and the brake caliper device (7) enclose a cavity (54, 55), through which cooling air (L) can be conveyed to cool the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device (7), wherein a wall (64) of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7) separating the cavity (54, 55) from the surroundings (4) of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7) comprises an inner side (66) facing the cavity (54, 55) and an outer side (65) facing the surroundings (4), and The surface roughness of the inner side (66) is greater than the surface roughness of the outer side (65).

2. The wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The cavity (54, 55) extends from the base section (10) of the wheel carrier (8) to the neck section (15) of the wheel carrier (8) and tapers in the process.

3. The wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The neck section (15) is curved, in particular in an arc shape.

4. A wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 3, It is characterized in that A hydraulic channel (53) is integrated into the brake caliper (9), which fluidically connects a first double brake cylinder (44) of the brake caliper (9) to a second double brake cylinder (45) of the brake caliper (9).

5. A wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, It is characterized in that The wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement (7) comprises a first cavity (54) assigned to the wheel carrier (8) and a second cavity (55) assigned to the brake caliper (9).

6. The wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The first cavity (54) is separated from the second cavity (55) by a partition wall (56), wherein the partition wall (56) comprises a through-hole (57, 58) through which the first cavity (54) and the second cavity (55) are in fluid communication.

7. The wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The second cavity (55) comprises a bottom (59) through which cooling air (L) can flow.

8. A wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 7, It is characterized in that The wheel carrier (8) comprises air inlets (18-21) for introducing cooling air (L) into the cavities (54, 55).

9. The wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement according to claim 8, It is characterized in that A cooling air guide element (60) is arranged at the air inlet (18), which cooling air guide element is funnel-shaped at least in sections.

10. A wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 9, It is characterized in that The brake caliper (9) comprises an air outlet (43) which opens into a receiving section (36) of the brake caliper (9), wherein the air outlet (43) is in fluid communication with the cavities (54, 55).

11. The wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement according to claim 10, It is characterized in that The receiving section (36) comprises apertures (38-42) by means of which cooling air (L) can be conveyed out of the receiving section (36).

12. A wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 11, It is characterized in that The wheel carrier (8) comprises an air outlet (24, 25, 27-30, 33) for discharging cooling air (L) from the cavity (54, 55).

13. A wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 12, It is characterized in that A through-hole (34) is provided between the wheel carrier (8) and the brake caliper (9), wherein the wheel carrier (8) is connected to the brake caliper (9) via a web (35) which extends around the through-hole (34) at least in sections.

14. A wheel carrier and brake caliper module (67) for a vehicle (1), comprising: The wheel carrier and brake caliper arrangement (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, A wheel bearing (68) for rotatably mounting a wheel (5, 6) of a vehicle (1) on a wheel carrier and a brake caliper assembly (7), a wheel hub (69) to which the wheels (5, 6) can be coupled, A brake disc (70) connected to the wheel hub (69), a first brake pad (73), and A second brake pad (74), wherein the brake disc (70) is arranged between the first brake pad (73) and the second brake pad (74).

15. The wheel carrier and brake caliper module according to claim 14, It is characterized in that The first brake pad (73) and / or the second brake pad (74) comprise recesses (75, 76) which allow the brake disc (70) to be tilted during assembly and disassembly thereof.

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