Brake caliper for an electromechanical brake

Abstract

The invention relates to a brake caliper (10) for an electromechanical brake of a motor vehicle. The brake caliper (10) comprises a brake caliper (14) encompassing a brake disc (18) and a brake caliper housing (22) for receiving electromechanical brake components. The brake caliper (14) and the brake caliper housing (22) are provided as separate parts made of different materials. The brake caliper (14) and the brake caliper housing (22) each form an annular groove (50, 66). The annular groove (50, 66) is spaced from an axial end (46, 62) such that a flange (54, 70) formed between the axial end (46, 62) and the annular groove (50, 66) engages in the annular groove (50, 66) of the other component (14, 22), so that the brake caliper (14) and the brake caliper housing (22) can be positively connected to each other.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a brake caliper for an electromechanical brake. The invention further relates to an electromechanical brake comprising such a brake caliper. State of the art

[0002] The service brake is typically a brake system that uses brake fluid to press a brake piston and brake pad against a brake disc to slow the vehicle. With the increasing electrification of vehicle components, the service brake is also being developed as an electromechanical brake, thus eliminating the need for brake fluid and the associated complex valve and line system. Such an electromechanical brake could also significantly reduce maintenance requirements.

[0003] EP 1 030 979 B1 discloses an electromechanical braking device for braking a motor vehicle wheel. The braking device has a brake caliper in which an electric motor is arranged. The electric motor drives a spindle drive unit, via which brake pads arranged on a brake caliper of the brake caliper can be applied to a brake disc for braking.

[0004] The object underlying the invention is to provide a brake caliper for an electromechanical brake which is optimized with regard to manufacturing costs and weight, and which is suitable for various installation situations.

[0005] The problem is solved by a brake caliper for an electromechanical brake according to claim 1. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] The invention provides a brake caliper for an electromechanical brake of a motor vehicle. The brake caliper comprises a brake caliper enclosing a brake disc and a brake caliper housing for receiving electromechanical brake components. The brake caliper and the brake caliper housing are provided as separate parts made of different materials. The brake caliper and the brake caliper housing each form an annular groove, the annular groove being spaced from an axial end such that a flange formed between the axial end and the annular groove engages in the annular groove of the other component, thus enabling the brake caliper and the brake caliper housing to be positively connected to one another.

[0007] The requirements for the brake caliper housing and the brake caliper differ. Separating these two parts allows for the use of an optimal material for each specific application. This enables the use of more cost-effective and lighter materials for both the caliper housing and the brake caliper, as these can be better suited to their intended purpose. Separating the two parts also simplifies manufacturing.

[0008] The connection via a ring groove also allows the brake caliper housing to be rotated in any direction relative to the brake caliper before being attached. This makes it easy to adapt such a brake caliper to any installation situation. As a result, different brake calipers are not required for different installation situations, thus reducing manufacturing and development costs. Only a single type of brake caliper needs to be manufactured.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a flange flank arranged on the brake caliper housing and / or brake caliper and facing the annular groove is formed at an angle, so that the flange tapers towards a radial end. A flange flank is a side surface of the flange. Due to the angle, a radial end of the flange is thus thinner than a flange base. The angle allows for the compensation of manufacturing tolerances necessary for production, thereby ensuring a tight fit between the brake caliper and the brake caliper housing. This enables the components to be manufactured with more generous tolerances, thus simplifying and reducing production costs.

[0010] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the brake caliper is made of a stronger material than the caliper housing. Typically, the caliper housing is subjected to significantly less stress than the brake caliper. This makes it possible to use a cheaper and lighter material for the caliper housing. Advantageously, the brake caliper is made of steel. Unlike a cast or forged part, steel can be easily produced by machining. This simplifies the manufacturing process, making such a brake caliper more economical to produce.

[0011] The brake caliper housing is preferably made of aluminum. This material is significantly lighter than the material of the brake caliper itself, thus reducing the overall weight of the caliper. The brake caliper housing can be manufactured by machining. Alternatively, it can be produced as an extruded profile. It is also possible for the brake caliper housing to be manufactured as an aluminum die-cast or extruded part.

[0012] Preferably, the brake caliper is designed in two parts, at least in the area of ​​the flange and the annular groove, with both parts being connectable to each other via fasteners. A two-part design of the brake caliper simplifies its installation on the brake caliper housing.

[0013] In a more advantageous design, the two parts of the brake caliper are connected by bolts. A bolted connection has the advantage that the brake caliper housing and the brake caliper can be disassembled for maintenance. Alternatively, the two parts of the brake caliper are connected by rivets.

[0014] Advantageously, the two parts of the brake caliper are each fastened by screws in the area of ​​the caliper's annular groove and in the area of ​​the flange. The screws in the annular groove of the brake caliper prevent this area from widening when the screws are tightened. Similarly, the screws in the area of ​​the brake caliper's flange prevent this area from widening. This improves the connection between the brake caliper and the caliper housing.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment, guide pins are arranged between the two parts of the brake caliper. These guide pins secure the two parts of the brake caliper against displacement relative to each other. Additionally, they prevent the connection from kinking when the screws are tightened. This improves the connection between the parts of the brake caliper.

[0016] In a practical design, a spacer is inserted in the mounting area between the first and second parts of the brake caliper, allowing for adjustment of a defined distance between the parts. This spacer is available in various thicknesses. During assembly, the spacer can be selected to optimally adjust the distance between the brake caliper parts. This spacer compensates for manufacturing tolerances. Additionally, it prevents the screws from being tightened excessively, which could lead to breakage of the second brake caliper part. This simplifies and improves the safety of assembling the two brake caliper parts.

[0017] According to another advantageous embodiment, at least one anti-rotation device is provided, by which the brake caliper and the caliper housing are secured against rotation relative to each other. This anti-rotation device ensures that the brake caliper and the caliper housing do not unintentionally rotate relative to each other during operation.

[0018] Preferably, the anti-rotation device is a key that is received in an axial groove in a connecting section between the brake caliper and the caliper housing. The connecting section is understood to be the area in which the brake caliper and caliper housing are connected via the groove-flange connection. Anti-rotation can be easily achieved using a key. The key can be inserted into the axial groove, which is preferably accessible from the outside, even after the brake caliper and caliper housing have been joined. In an alternative embodiment, the brake caliper and the caliper housing are pinned together. Both parts can also be secured against rotation in this way.

[0019] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, at least one radius is formed between the base of a groove in the brake caliper housing and / or the brake caliper and a flange flank and / or a groove flank. This radius improves the strength of the component in this critical area. This allows the entire part to be made thinner, thus saving weight. Advantageously, two radii are arranged in this area, with one radius starting from the groove base being significantly larger than the radius starting from the flange flank. Preferably, a chamfer is formed between the two radii. This design allows this area to be even better adapted to the loads, further increasing its strength.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one radius is formed between a flange head side of the brake caliper housing and / or the brake caliper and the flange flank and / or the axial end. A radius in this area improves the strength of the component in this critical region. This allows the entire part to be made thinner, thus saving weight. Advantageously, two radii are arranged in this area, with one radius starting from the flange head side being significantly larger than the radius starting from the flange flank. Preferably, a chamfer is formed between the two radii. This design allows this area to be even better adapted to the loads, further increasing its strength.

[0021] Additionally, an electromechanical brake with the brake caliper according to the invention is specified. The effects and advantages described above are achieved with such an electromechanical brake.

[0022] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawing and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows: Fig. 1 brake caliper for an electromechanical brake according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 Sectional view through the brake caliper Fig. 1, Fig. 3 Enlarged sectional view of the connection section between brake caliper and brake caliper housing Fig. 2, Fig. 4 Perspective view of the brake caliper according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 5 View of the brake caliper according to a further embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6 Perspective sectional view of the brake caliper after Fig. 5, Fig. 7 Detailed view of the annular groove and the flange of the brake caliper housing according to an embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 8 Detailed view of the ring groove and the flange of the brake caliper according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0023] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a brake caliper 10 for an electromechanical brake according to an embodiment of the invention. The brake caliper 10 comprises a brake caliper 14 which surrounds a brake disc 18. Brake pads 20 are arranged in the brake caliper 14 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2), which can be applied to the brake disc 18 to brake the motor vehicle. The brake caliper 10 also includes a brake caliper housing 22. An electric motor 26 of the electromechanical brake is attached to the brake caliper housing 22. The brake caliper 10 is connected to a brake caliper bracket 34 in the area of ​​the brake caliper 14 via guide pins 30.

[0024] Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view through the brake caliper 10. Fig. 1. This figure shows that the brake caliper 14 and the brake caliper housing 22 are designed as separate components. The brake caliper 14 and the brake caliper housing 22 are connected to each other in a connecting section 38. In this embodiment, the brake caliper 14 engages the brake caliper housing 22 in the connecting section 38. To attach the brake caliper 14 to the brake caliper housing 22, the brake caliper 14 is designed in two parts in the area of ​​the connecting section 38. A first part 14a is rigidly connected to the rest of the brake caliper. A second part 14b, which is designed in the form of a yoke, is attached via fastening means 42 (see Fig. 4) connectable to the first part 14a. Both parts 14a and 14b are each formed in a semi-shell shape in the connecting section 38.

[0025] In Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the connecting section 38 between brake caliper 14 and brake caliper housing 22. Fig. Figure 2 shows that an annular groove 50 is formed on an outer circumferential surface 44 of the brake caliper housing 22, spaced apart from an axial end 46 of the brake caliper housing 22. The annular groove 50 forms a flange 54 at the axial end 46 of the brake caliper housing 22. Similarly, an annular groove 66 is also formed on an inner circumferential surface 58 of the brake caliper 14, spaced apart from an axial end 62 of the brake caliper 14. This annular groove 66 also forms a flange 70 at the axial end 62 of the brake caliper 14.

[0026] A flange flank 74 of the flange 54 of the brake caliper housing 22, facing the annular groove 66, is inclined. Due to the inclined flange flank 74, the flange 54 tapers towards a radial outer side. Similarly, a flange flank 78 of the flange 70 of the brake caliper 14, also facing the annular groove 66, is inclined. This flange 70 tapers towards a radial inner side. The flange flanks 74 and 78 have an angle φ of between 5° and 10° with respect to a radial direction. When the brake caliper 14 is attached to the brake caliper housing 22, the inclined flange flanks 74 and 78 slide past each other. This presses the axial end 46 of the brake caliper housing 22 against a groove flank 82 formed on the brake caliper 14, so that the brake caliper 14 and brake caliper housing 22 are firmly connected to each other and a tolerance necessary for manufacturing is compensated for.

[0027] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the brake caliper 14 according to an embodiment of the invention. This view shows how the second part 14b of the brake caliper 14, designed as a yoke, is attached to the first part 14a. Screws are used as fastening means 42 between the first and second parts 14a, 14b.

[0028] In Fig. Figure 5 shows a view of the brake caliper 10 according to a further embodiment of the invention. This embodiment differs from the one shown in Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 4 differs in that the second part 14b of the brake caliper 14 is not attached to the first part 14a of the brake caliper 14 by just two screws 42. In this embodiment, four screws 42 are provided for fastening. The screws 42 are arranged in the area of ​​the annular groove 66 of the brake caliper 14 and in the area of ​​the flange 70. This prevents the corresponding section from widening when attached to the brake caliper housing 22. Additionally, a guide pin 90 is provided in a fastening area 86 on each side. In this embodiment, the guide pin 90 is arranged axially centrally to the fastening area 86. The guide pin 90 secures the two parts 14a and 14b against displacement relative to each other and against buckling of the connection.

[0029] The figure further shows that an axial groove 94 is formed in the brake caliper housing 22. An anti-rotation element 98, designed as a key, is inserted in this groove 94. The radial height of the key 98 is greater than the height of the groove 94, so that the key 98 can also engage an axial groove 102 (see figure). Fig. 6 or Fig. 2) the brake caliper 14 interacts. This secures the brake caliper housing 22 and the brake caliper 14 against relative rotation to each other.

[0030] Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective sectional view of the brake caliper 10. Fig. 5. This figure again shows the key 98 between the brake caliper housing 22 and the brake caliper 14. Additionally, this figure shows that a fitting 106 is arranged in a mounting area 86 between the first and second parts 14a, 14b of the brake caliper 14. This fitting 106 has a defined thickness D, allowing a defined distance between the first and second parts 14a, 14b to be adjusted. This prevents the second part 14b from being screwed onto the first part 14a in such a way as to cause the second part 14b to break.

[0031] In Fig. Figure 7 shows a detailed view of the annular groove 50 and the flange 54 of the brake caliper housing 22 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, two different radii R are shown between a groove base 110 of the brake caliper housing 22 and the flange flank 74. NG1 , R NG2 formed. Between the radii R NG1 , RNG2 is one of these radii R NG1 , R NG2 connecting line G G arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, the first radius R starting from the groove base 110 is NG1 larger than the second radius R starting from the flange flank 74 NG2 . An area between the groove base 110 and a groove flank 114 of the brake caliper housing 22 is designed in the same way.

[0032] The figure also shows that a radius R exists between a flange head side 118 of the brake caliper housing 22 and the axial end 46 of the brake caliper housing 22. FG is formed. Similarly, a radius R is also formed. FG formed between flange head side 118 and flange flank 74.

[0033] Fig. Figure 8 shows a detailed view of the annular groove 66 and the flange 70 of the brake caliper 14 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, a first and a second radius R are formed between the flange head side 122 of the brake caliper 14 and the axial end 62. FZ1 , R FZ2 trained. Here too, the radii R FZ1 , R FZ2 about a straight line G Z connected to each other. Similarly, an area between the flange head side 122 and the flange flank 78 of the brake caliper 14 is formed. In contrast to Fig. 7 is here only a radius R between a groove base 126 of the brake caliper 14 and flange flank 78. NZ formed. Also, only one radius R is formed. NZ formed between the base of the groove 126 and the flank of the groove 82 of the brake caliper 14. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 1 030 979 B1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Brake calliper (10) for an electromechanical brake of a motor vehicle, comprising a brake calliper (14) encompassing a brake disc (18) and a brake calliper housing (22) for receiving electromechanical brake components, characterized by in that the brake calliper (14) and the brake calliper housing (22) are provided as separate parts which are made of a different material, wherein the brake calliper (14) and the brake calliper housing (22) each form an annular groove (50, 66), wherein the annular groove (50, 66) is spaced from an axial end (46, 62) in such a way that a flange (54, 70) formed between the axial end (46, 62) and the annular groove (50, 66) engages in the annular groove (50, 66) of the other component (14, 22), so that the brake calliper (14) and the brake calliper housing (22) can be connected to one another in a form-fitting manner. [2] Brake caliper (10) according to claim 1, characterized bythat a flange flank (78, 74) arranged on the brake calliper housing (22) and / or brake calliper (14) and pointing towards the annular groove (66, 50) is formed obliquely, so that the flange (70, 54) tapers towards a radial end. [3] Brake calliper (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the brake calliper (14) is made of a stronger material than the brake calliper housing (22). [4] Brake calliper (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the brake calliper (14) is formed in two parts at least in the region of the flange (70) and the annular groove (66), wherein both parts (14a, 14b) can be connected to one another via fastening means (42). [5] Brake calliper (10) according to claim 4, characterized by that the two parts (14a, 14b) of the brake calliper (14) are connected to each other by screws (42). [6] Brake calliper (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized bythat the two parts (14a, 14b) of the brake calliper (14) are each fastened by screws (42) in the area of the annular groove (66) of the brake calliper (14) and in the area of the flange (70). [7] Brake calliper (10) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized by that guide pins (90) are arranged between the two parts (14a, 14b) of the brake calliper (14). [8] Brake calliper (10) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized by in that a fitting piece (106) is inserted in a fastening area (86) between the first and the second part (14a, 14b) of the brake calliper (14), via which a defined distance between the parts (14a, 14b) can be set. [9] Brake calliper (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one anti-rotation means (98) is provided, by means of which the brake calliper (14) and the brake calliper housing (22) are secured against rotation relative to one another. [10] Brake calliper (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the anti-rotation means (98) is a feather key which is received in an axial groove (94, 102) in a connecting section (38) between the brake calliper (14) and the brake calliper housing (22). [11] Brake calliper (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that between a groove base (110, 126) of the brake calliper housing (22) and / or the brake calliper (14) and a flange flank (74, 78) and / or a groove flank (82, 114) at least one radius (R NZ , R NG1 , R NG2 ) is trained. [12] Brake caliper (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that between a flange head side (118, 122) of the brake calliper housing (22) and / or the brake calliper (14) and the flange flank (74, 78) and / or the axial end (46, 62) at least one radius (R FG , R FZ1 , R FZ1 ) is trained. [13] Electromechanical brake comprising a brake caliper (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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