Method for filling a brake fluid reservoir

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for filling a brake fluid reservoir (34) of an electro-hydraulic decentralized brake unit (10). The method comprises the steps of inserting (A) at least one retaining element (58) between brake pads (22) of the brake unit (10) so that a minimum distance is fixed between the brake pads (22), and filling (B) the brake fluid reservoir (34) of the brake unit (10) with brake fluid.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for filling a brake fluid reservoir of an electrohydraulic decentralized brake unit. The invention also relates to an electromechanical brake unit of a decentralized brake system for installation in a motor vehicle. State of the art

[0002] In today's vehicle assembly concepts, centralized braking systems can be used cost-effectively and conveniently. With increasing vehicle electrification, the trend is toward new braking system concepts. In particular, the brakes are to be designed in the form of, for example, a front axle module and a rear axle module, or even four separate brake modules including the wheels. Such a braking system is a decentralized braking system.

[0003] GB 2307 525 3 A discloses an electrically operated disc brake system for vehicles. The disc brake system comprises a brake caliper on which an electric motor is mounted to drive a spindle drive assembly. The spindle drive assembly has a piston that pressurizes brake fluid within a pressure chamber of the brake cylinder, allowing the brake cylinder, together with a brake pad, to be applied to a brake disc. The brake caliper also forms a reservoir for brake fluid, which is connected to the pressure chamber via a valve.

[0004] The object underlying the invention is to provide a method with which the costs and installation effort of a decentralized brake unit on a motor vehicle can be reduced.

[0005] The object is achieved by a method having the subject matter of patent claim 1. Preferred embodiments can be found in the dependent claims. Disclosure of the invention

[0006] The invention provides a method for filling a brake fluid reservoir of an electro-hydraulic decentralized brake unit. The method comprises the steps of inserting at least one retaining element between brake pads of the brake unit so that a minimum distance is fixed between the brake pads, and filling the brake fluid reservoir of the brake unit with brake fluid.

[0007] In contrast to a centralized electro-hydraulic brake unit, the decentralized brake unit generates brake pressure at each wheel. This eliminates the need for hydraulic lines. The retaining element simulates a brake disc. This makes it possible to fill the brake unit at the point of manufacture. The brake unit does not need to be installed on the vehicle first. Filling the brake unit while it is installed on the vehicle is therefore no longer necessary. This simplifies installation of the brake unit, thus saving costs.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining element is arranged on the upper side of the brake pads. Arranging the retaining element on the upper side of the brake pads allows the retaining element to be pushed upward through a vehicle's brake disc. Therefore, no separate work steps or tools are required to remove the retaining element. This simplifies installation of the brake unit on the vehicle. Accordingly, assembly costs are reduced.

[0009] Preferably, the retaining element is clamped between the brake pads. By clamping the retaining element between the brake pads, no tools are required to position it there. This makes securing the brake pads easy.

[0010] Additionally, an electromechanical brake unit of a decentralized braking system for installation in a motor vehicle is specified, which brake unit is filled according to the method according to the invention. The decentralized brake unit comprises a brake fluid reservoir and a retaining element arranged between the brake pads, so that a minimum distance is fixed between the brake pads.

[0011] Such a brake unit has the advantage that it only needs to be attached to the vehicle and connected with a plug. Filling the brake unit is no longer necessary. This eliminates the need for the final equipment manufacturer to keep brake fluid in stock, thus reducing production costs.

[0012] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawing and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows: Fig. 1 Representation of an electro-hydraulic decentralized brake unit after filling according to the method according to the invention, and Fig. 2 Embodiment of a method for filling a brake fluid reservoir of an electro-hydraulic decentralized brake unit.

[0013] In Fig. Figure 1 shows an illustration of an electro-hydraulic decentralized brake unit 10 after filling according to the method according to the invention. The brake unit 10 comprises a brake caliper housing 14 and a brake caliper 18 arranged on the brake caliper housing 14. A brake pad 22 is attached to the brake caliper 18. The brake unit 10 additionally comprises an electric motor 26 arranged on the brake caliper housing 14. A pressure piston 30 is driven by the electric motor 26, allowing it to move in the axial direction.

[0014] Additionally provided in the brake caliper housing 14 is a brake fluid reservoir 34, which can be filled after opening a plug 38. A brake piston 42 is also axially movable in the brake caliper housing 14. A brake pad 22 is also attached to the brake piston 42. This brake pad 22 is directly opposite the brake pad 22 attached to the brake caliper 18. A pressure chamber 46 is formed between the pressure piston 30 and the brake piston 42, which is connected to the brake fluid reservoir 34 via a check valve 50. A pressure sensor 54 is arranged in the region of the pressure chamber 46, via which the pressure in the pressure chamber 46 can be determined.

[0015] A retaining element 58 is arranged between the brake pads 22 so that a minimum distance is set between the brake pads 22. The retaining element 58 is provided on an upper side of the brake pads 22. The retaining element 58 forms a shoulder 62 whose width is greater than the minimum distance. This shoulder 62 prevents the retaining element 58 from being pushed too far between the brake pads 22.

[0016] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a method for filling a brake fluid reservoir 34 of the electro-hydraulic decentralized brake unit 10. In a first step A of the method, the retaining element 58 is inserted between the brake pads 22 of the brake unit 10, so that a minimum distance is fixed between the brake pads 22. Subsequently, in a next step B, the plug 38 is opened and the brake fluid reservoir 34 of the brake unit 10 is filled with brake fluid.

[0017] When assembling the brake unit 10, a brake disc is inserted between the brake pads 22, so that the brake disc pushes the retaining element 58 out from between the brake pads 22. The retaining element 58 can then be reused. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] GB 2307 525 3 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Method for filling a brake fluid reservoir (34) of an electro-hydraulic decentralized brake unit (10), comprising the steps: - inserting (A) at least one holding element (58) between brake pads (22) of the brake unit (10) so that a minimum distance is fixed between the brake pads (22), and - Filling (B) the brake fluid reservoir (34) of the brake unit (10) with brake fluid. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the holding element (58) is arranged on an upper side of the brake pads (22). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the holding element (58) is clamped between the brake pads (22). [4] Electromechanical brake unit (10) of a decentralized brake system for installation in a motor vehicle, which brake unit (10) was filled according to a method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a brake fluid reservoir (34) and a holding element (58) which is arranged between brake pads (22) so that a minimum distance is fixed between the brake pads (22).

Images