Brake system and brake system providing method

Abstract

The invention relates to a brake system (20) and a brake system providing method, in particular to a brake system and a brake system providing method for a brake system of a road vehicle. Disclosed is a brake system for a vehicle, comprising: a rotary brake element (22) fixedly connected to a wheel or a hub in a co-rotation manner with the wheel; a stationary braking element (24, 26) fixedly connected to the vehicle chassis; a brake actuator (38, 40) configured for actuating the stationary brake element (24, 26) to press the stationary brake element (24, 26) against the rotary brake element (22); a lever (32) configured such that the lever transmits a force exerted by the brake actuator (38, 40) to the fixed brake element (24, 26), in which the pivot axis of the lever (32) is parallel to the plane of rotation of the rotary brake element (22) and perpendicular to a horizontal caliper plane, which is a plane oriented tangentially to the rotary brake element (22), and the actuator axis is parallel to the plane of rotation and the horizontal caliper plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a braking system and a method for providing a braking system, and in particular to a braking system and a method for providing a braking system for a road vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A commercial vehicle, such as a truck, tractor unit or trailer, includes a braking system capable of applying a braking force to an axle or wheel to slow the commercial vehicle during driving operations, or to secure the commercial vehicle to prevent unintentional movement during non-driving operations. Such a braking system typically consists of a main braking system / service braking system and a secondary braking system / parking braking system. Typically, the main braking system / service braking system is intended for use during vehicle operation, and the secondary braking system is used as a backup braking system to the main braking system, or to provide a continuous locking function to maintain the vehicle's position, particularly when the vehicle is not in operation.

[0003] Such brake systems and corresponding brake actuators are arranged near the axle or wheel to be decelerated or immobilized. However, the installation space near the axle or wheel is limited.

[0004] In the related art, known brake systems are disc brakes, in particular air disc brakes, especially for commercial vehicles, that is, a deceleration force is generated so that a rotating brake element, such as a brake disc, is fixed to the wheel or wheel hub to be braked so that the rotating brake element rotates together with the wheel or wheel hub. A stationary fixed brake element, such as a caliper with a brake pad, which rotates relative to and opposite to the rotating brake element, is mounted to the vehicle so that it remains substantially stationary relative to the vehicle chassis. In this known related art brake system, the brake pad and the caliper generate a clamping force acting on the brake disc so that the relative movement, in particular the relative rotation, between the brake disc and the brake pad is slowed down by the friction between the brake disc and the brake pad. The force acting on the brake pad is generated by an eccentric lever and an actuator, such as a pneumatic actuator. In Figures 1 and 2, a brake system of this related art is shown. As can be seen in Figure 1, the pivot axis 1 of the eccentric lever 2 extends parallel to the horizontal caliper plane 3, which is a plane extending tangentially to the brake disc 9 at the position of the caliper 4. The brake system further comprises an actuator 5 consisting of a service brake part 6 and a parking brake part 7 which are arranged in series in a common housing and act along an actuator axis 8. The exact orientation of the pivot axis 1 can vary by about 15°.

[0005] In an axial brake configuration as shown in FIG1 , the actuator axis 8 is oriented parallel to the horizontal caliper plane 3 and perpendicular to the disc center plane 10, which extends parallel to the extension of the brake disc 9, i.e. perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the brake disc 9, and is located at the center of the brake disc 9. The exact orientation of the actuator axis 8 can vary by about 15°. In a radial brake configuration as shown in FIG2 , the actuator 5 ′ can be oriented with its actuator axis 8 ′ perpendicular to the horizontal caliper plane 3 and parallel to the brake disc center plane 10. The exact orientation of the actuator axis 8 can vary by about 15°. In both cases, the bridge guide 12 of the bridge 11 is usually oriented perpendicular to the disc center plane 10.

[0006] The problem presented by the related art is that, due to the current arrangement, in the case of an axial brake, the brake system including the actuator consumes a large amount of axial installation space perpendicular to the disc center plane 10, that is, a large space along the wheel axis. In the case of a radial brake, a large installation space is required in the radial direction. For example, a "radial" brake cannot be installed at the 6 o'clock position with the actuator facing down, because the parking brake part may collide with the road surface. In addition, it is not possible to separate the service brake part 6 and the parking brake part 7 and arrange one part on the left side of the eccentric lever 2 and one part on the right side. This will lead to a collision with the rim in the case of the axial brake of Figure 1, or a collision with the shaft body in the case of a radial brake. In addition, in the case of an axial brake, the maximum size of the eccentric lever 2 is limited due to the space between the steering knuckle and the rim or the axle and the rim. In addition, in the case of a radial brake, the minimum lever size is limited due to the wheel width (including tires with snow chains) and the actuator diameter. Summary of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the related art and to provide a braking system and a method for providing a braking system which allows providing a braking system which requires less space and has improved space requirements. In particular, the object of the present invention is to reduce the axial and radial installation space, in particular where a parking brake function is required, and to avoid the need for radial brakes, which are mainly used on the front axle or so-called portal axles in urban bus applications. Furthermore, the present invention provides a solution to arrange the actuator closer to the caliper guide in order to reduce the dynamic loads on the guide. Furthermore, the present invention provides greater flexibility to define the lever geometry in order to optimize the transmission ratio, the number of stages and the hysteresis of the brake mechanism.

[0008] This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0009] The present invention discloses a braking system for a vehicle, comprising: a rotating brake element, which is fixedly connected to a wheel or a wheel hub in a manner of rotating together with the wheel; a fixed brake element, which is fixedly connected to a vehicle chassis; a brake actuator, which is configured to actuate the fixed brake element to press the fixed brake element toward the rotating brake element; and a lever, which is configured so that the lever transmits the force applied by the brake actuator to the fixed brake element, wherein a pivot axis of the lever is parallel to a rotation plane of the rotating brake element and perpendicular to a horizontal caliper plane, the horizontal caliper plane being a plane oriented tangentially to the rotating brake element, and the actuator axis is parallel to the rotation plane and the horizontal caliper plane.

[0010] Advantageously, the brake actuator comprises a main brake actuator and an auxiliary brake actuator arranged to different sides of the lever.

[0011] Advantageously, the main brake actuator axis and the auxiliary brake actuator axis deviate from a mutual orientation parallel to each other.

[0012] Advantageously, the main brake actuator axis and the auxiliary brake actuator axis are arranged coaxially, with an angle of 5° relative to the rotation plane.

[0013] Advantageously, the transmission element is arranged between the lever and the fixed brake element.

[0014] Advantageously, the orientation of the transmission element is inclined relative to the rotation plane, in particular inclined by 4° relative to the rotation direction.

[0015] The present invention discloses a method for providing a braking system, comprising the following steps: a) providing a rotating brake element, which is fixedly connected to a wheel or a hub in a manner that it rotates together with the wheel, b) providing a fixed brake element, which is fixedly connected to a vehicle chassis, c) providing a brake actuator, which is configured to actuate the fixed brake element so that the fixed brake element is pressed against the rotating element, d) providing a lever, which is configured so that the lever transmits the force applied by the brake actuator to the fixed brake element, wherein step d) also includes: da) orienting the pivot axis of the lever to be parallel to the rotation plane of the rotating brake element and perpendicular to a horizontal caliper plane, which is a plane oriented tangentially to the rotating brake element, and step c) also includes ca) orienting the actuator axis to be parallel to the rotation plane and the horizontal caliper plane.

[0016] Advantageously, step c) comprises: cb) providing a main brake actuator, and cc) providing an auxiliary brake actuator, and cd) arranging the main brake actuator and the auxiliary brake actuator to different sides of the lever.

[0017] Advantageously, step cd) further comprises: cda) arranging the main brake actuator axis and the auxiliary brake actuator axis such that they deviate from a mutual orientation parallel to each other.

[0018] Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of: e) providing a transmission element between the lever and the fixed brake element. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] In the following, the present invention is explained by means of examples and drawings.

[0020] FIG. 1 shows a brake system known in the related art.

[0021] FIG. 2 shows another braking system known in the related art.

[0022] Figure 3 A top view of a brake system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 4 An axial / side view of a brake system according to an embodiment is shown.

[0024] Figure 5 A first modification of the brake system according to the embodiment is shown.

[0025] Figure 6 A second modification of the brake system according to the embodiment is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 3The top-down figure shows a brake system 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The brake system 20 includes a brake disc 22 having a disc center plane 222, as a rotating brake element, and an outer brake pad 24, an inner brake pad 26 and a caliper 28, the outer brake pad 24, the inner brake pad 26 and the caliper 28 as fixed brake elements. The outer brake pad 24 is supported in the caliper 28 by a carrier 30, so that the outer brake pad 24 is rigidly fixed in the caliper. The inner brake pad 26 is supported in the caliper 28 by a carrier 30, so that it can move toward the brake disc 22 and can move away from the brake disc 22. The caliper 28 and the brake pads 24, 26 are configured to form a floating caliper. The lever 32 includes a shaft supported in a needle bearing 325. The center of the shaft and the needle bearing serves as a pivot axis 326 of the lever 32. The lever 32 also includes a first end 321 connected to a bridge 35. The lever 32 transmits the braking force to the brake slider 36 via the bridge 35. The bridge 35 is configured to adjust the angle at which the bridge 35 can transfer force to the brake pad 36. The brake cylinder acts on the inner brake pad 26. Although the brake system of the present embodiment is configured as a single piston system, a multi-piston system is also applicable. The lever 32 includes a second end 322, which is connected to the parking brake lever 380 on the one hand and to the service brake lever 400 on the other hand.

[0027] The parking brake actuator 38 comprises a parking brake lever 380. The parking brake lever is urged to an inward position by a spring device 382 located inside the parking brake actuator 38. Thereby, the parking brake lever 380 and the lever 32 are urged to a locked position, in which the brakes are applied to the vehicle. In the operating state of the vehicle, the parking brake actuator 38 is held in an extended configuration by pneumatic pressure. Thereby, the parking brake lever 380 is urged to an extended open position, in which the brakes are not applied via the lever 32.

[0028] The service brake actuator 40 comprises a service brake lever 400. The service brake lever 400 can be pushed outwards by means of a pneumatic cylinder 402. Thereby, the lever 32 is pushed towards the closed position.

[0029] As can be seen, the pivot axis 326 of the lever 32 is oriented perpendicular to the horizontal caliper plane 42, which is the plane oriented tangentially to the brake disc 22 at the location of the caliper 28. Deviations of the pivot axis 326 from this orientation in any direction may be up to 15°.

[0030] As further seen, parking brake actuator axis 384 along parking brake lever 380 and service brake actuator axis 404 along service brake lever 400 are arranged parallel to disc center plane 222 and parallel to horizontal caliper plane 42. Deviations of actuator axes 384 and 404 from this orientation in any direction may be as much as 15°.

[0031] In addition, if Figure 3 As can be seen, the service brake portion and the parking brake portion of the actuator may be separated and may be placed on either side of the second end 322 of the lever 32 as the parking brake actuator 38 and the service brake actuator 40 .

[0032] Figure 4 A brake system 20 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in a side view.

[0033] In this embodiment, the parking brake actuator axis 384 and the service brake actuator axis 404 are parallel to each other.

[0034] Figure 5 A first modification of the embodiment is shown. In the embodiment, the bridge guide plane 350 of the bridge 35 defines the direction of possible movement of the bridge 35, and the bridge guide plane 350 is oriented perpendicular to the disc center plane 222 and parallel to the hub. However, by the arrangement of the embodiment, the inclination of the bridge guide plane 350 can be optionally adjusted to an angle different from the angle perpendicular to the disc center plane 222.

[0035] Furthermore, the inclination of the parking brake actuator axis 384 and the service brake actuator axis 404 relative to the disc center plane 222 may vary depending on the dimensions of, for example, the parking brake actuator 38 and the service brake actuator 40 or other vehicle components.

[0036] Figure 6 A second modification of this embodiment is shown. Figure 5 In combination, the axes of the parking brake actuator 38 and the service brake actuator 40 can have different angles of inclination (A_SB_ACT_x and A_PB_ACT_x and A_SB_ACT_z and A_PB_ACT_z), or offsets (dx_PB_ACT and dz_PB_ACT) between the parking brake actuator 38 and the service brake actuator 40. The service brake actuator 40 can have an offset from the neutral bridge plane 42 (horizontal caliper plane) that represents the height of the bridge / plunger (dz_SB_ACT).

[0037] In particular, the parking brake actuator 38 and the service brake actuator 40 may be arranged at an angle of 5° from the coaxial axis (A_SB_ACT_x and A_PB_ACT_x), respectively, with respect to the direction of rotation, and a bridge inclination of 4° (A_BRIDGE_GUIDE_NEUT).

[0038] The present invention has been described by way of examples. The examples are merely illustrative and do not limit the invention as defined by the claims. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, it is possible to deviate from the examples without departing from the invention as defined by the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0039] For example, a pneumatic brake is used as the service brake. However, an electromechanical or hydraulic brake system could also be used there.

[0040] For example, in this embodiment, the parking brake actuator is configured as a pull actuator and the service brake actuator is configured as a push actuator. However, after making necessary modifications in the details, only push actuators or pull actuators or any combination thereof may also be applied.

[0041] For example, in the present embodiment the caliper 28 is a floating caliper. However, any other type of caliper is applicable, in particular a fixed caliper.

[0042] The different embodiments may be combined. In particular, the first modification and the second modification may be combined.

[0043] A commercial vehicle in the sense of this document is any vehicle used for the transport of goods or freight, either driving itself or towing a vehicle. These are in particular heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), trucks, tractor units or trailers.

[0044] A main brake system or service brake system in the sense of this document is a brake system which is configured for decelerating the vehicle during operation, in particular while the vehicle is moving.

[0045] An auxiliary brake system / actuator or parking brake system / actuator in the sense of this document is a brake system / actuator configured to act as a backup to the main brake system / brake and configured to provide a continuous locking function to maintain the vehicle position.

[0046] The horizontal caliper plane is a plane extending along the tangent of the brake disc at the position of the brake disc caliper. Thus, in the case where the caliper is arranged at the 12 o'clock position of the brake disc as in the present embodiment, the horizontal caliper plane is horizontal. However, if the caliper is arranged at a different position, the horizontal caliper plane does not necessarily have to be horizontal relative to the usual orientation of the vehicle. In the case where the caliper is arranged at the 9 or 3 o'clock position of the brake disc, the horizontal caliper plane can even be oriented vertically.

[0047] In this document, whenever an axis is described as having a particular orientation, such as, for example, parallel to the disc center plane and the horizontal caliper plane, the description encompasses any orientation of the axis within an angular range of 15° deviating from that orientation in any direction.

[0048] In this document, axle refers to a non-rotating shaft (as long as a fixed brake element is connected) or (such as in the case of a driven wheel) to a non-rotating part of the shaft, such as an axle housing.

[0049] In this document, the terms "and", "or" and "either...or" are used as conjunctions with a meaning similar to the logical conjunctions "AND", "OR" (also often called "and / or") or "XOR", respectively. In particular, in contrast to "either...or", the term "or" also includes the presence of both operands.

[0050] The method steps indicated in the description or claims serve only to enumerate the method steps. They only imply a given sequence or order, where their sequence or order is explicitly expressed or, due to their nature, is obvious to a person skilled in the art and is mandatory. In particular, the listing of method steps does not mean that this list is exhaustive. Furthermore, not all method steps described in the embodiments are necessary to implement the invention. Required method steps are only defined by the claims.

[0051] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality and must be understood as "at least one".

[0052] Reference numerals list

[0053] 1 Pivot axis

[0054] 2 Eccentric lever

[0055] 3 horizontal caliper planes

[0056] 4 Calipers

[0057] 5,5' actuator

[0058] 6 Service brake parts

[0059] 7Parking brake part

[0060] 8, 8' actuator axis

[0061] 9 brake disc

[0062] 10-disk center plane

[0063] 11 Bridge

[0064] 12 bridge guide

[0065] 20 Braking system

[0066] 22 brake disc

[0067] 222 disk center plane

[0068] 24 Outer brake pad

[0069] 26 Inner brake pad

[0070] 28 Caliper

[0071] 30 bearing parts

[0072] 32 Leverage

[0073] 321 first end

[0074] 322 second end

[0075] 324 support part

[0076] 326 pivot axis

[0077] 34 Regulator

[0078] 35 bridge piece

[0079] 350 bridge guide plane

[0080] 36 brake slider

[0081] 38 Parking brake actuator

[0082] 380 parking brake lever

[0083] 382 Spring Device

[0084] 384 Parking brake actuator axis

[0085] 40 Service brake actuator

[0086] 400 Service Brake Lever

[0087] 402 Pneumatic Cylinder

[0088] 404 Service brake actuator axis

[0089] 42 horizontal caliper plane

Claims

1. A braking system (20) for a vehicle, comprising: a rotating brake element (22) fixedly connected to the wheel or the wheel hub in a manner co-rotating with the wheel, a fixed brake element (24, 26) which is directly or indirectly connected to the vehicle chassis so that its movement is restricted from rotating with the wheel, a brake actuator (38, 40) configured to actuate the fixed brake element (24, 26) to push the fixed brake element (38, 40) toward the rotating brake element (22); a lever (32) configured such that the lever transmits a force applied by a brake actuator (38, 40) to a fixed brake element (24, 26), in The pivot axis of the lever (32) is parallel to the rotation plane (222) of the rotating brake element (22) and perpendicular to the horizontal caliper plane (42), which is a plane oriented tangentially to the rotating brake element (22), and The actuator axis (384, 404) is parallel to the rotational plane (222) and the horizontal caliper plane (42).

2. The brake system (20) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The brake actuator includes a main brake actuator (40) and an auxiliary brake actuator (38) which are arranged to mutually different sides of a lever (32).

3. The braking system (20) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The primary brake actuator axis (404) and the secondary brake actuator axis (384) deviate from a mutual orientation parallel to each other.

4. The braking system (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The main brake actuator axis (404) and the auxiliary brake actuator axis (384) are arranged coaxially, with an angle of 0° to 5°, 5° to 10° or 10° to 15°, preferably 5°, relative to the rotation plane (222) and / or the horizontal caliper plane (222). 5 . The brake system ( 20 ) as claimed in claim 1 , comprising a transmission element ( 35 ) arranged between the lever ( 32 ) and the fixed brake element ( 24 , 26 ).

6. Braking system (20) according to the preceding claim, wherein: The orientation of the transfer element (35) is inclined relative to the rotation plane (222) to deviate from a plane perpendicular to the rotation plane (222) and the rotation axis of the rotary brake element (22), in particular by 0° to 5°, 5° to 10° or 10° to 15°, preferably 4° relative to the rotation direction.

7. A method of providing a braking system (20), comprising the following steps: a) providing a rotating brake element (22) which is fixedly connected to the wheel or the wheel hub in such a way that it rotates together with the wheel, b) providing a fixed brake element (24, 26) which is fixedly connected to the vehicle chassis, c) providing a brake actuator (38, 40) configured to actuate the fixed brake element (24, 26) so that the fixed brake element (38, 40) is pressed against the rotating element, d) providing a lever (32) configured such that the lever transmits a force applied by the brake actuator (38, 40) to the fixed brake element (24, 26), Wherein step d) further comprises: da) orienting the pivot axis of the lever (32) parallel to the rotation plane (222) of the rotating brake element (22) and perpendicular to the horizontal caliper plane (42), the horizontal caliper plane being a plane oriented tangentially to the rotating brake element (22), and step c) further comprises ca) orienting the actuator axis (384, 404) parallel to the rotational plane (222) and the horizontal caliper plane (42).

8. The method according to the preceding method claim, wherein step c) comprises: cb) provides a main brake actuator (40) and cc) provides auxiliary brake actuator (38), cd) arranging the main brake actuator (40) and the auxiliary brake actuator (38) to different sides of the lever (32).

9. The method according to the preceding method claim, wherein step cd) further comprises: cda) arranges the main brake actuator axis (404) and the auxiliary brake actuator axis (384) such that they are offset from a mutual orientation parallel to each other.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding method claims, further comprising the steps of: e) Providing a transmission element (35) between the lever (32) and the fixed brake element (24, 26).

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