Brake device with a protective casing

Abstract

The invention relates to a brake device with a brake assembly (10a; 10b; 10c) and with a protective unit (12a; 12b; 12c) at least partially surrounding the brake assembly (10a; 10b; 10c) to protect the brake assembly (10a; 10b; 10c) from an external force. It is proposed that the protective unit (12a; 12b; 12c) be designed as a protective sheathing different from a protective coating.

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention is based on a braking device according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a wheel brake with such a braking device and to a vehicle with at least one such wheel brake and advantageously several such wheel brakes.

[0002] From the prior art, such as DE 10 2020 101 632 A1, wheel brakes for vehicles are known in which at least one brake assembly is coated with a protective coating to increase impact resistance and / or durability. However, such a protective coating has a relatively low protective effect and insufficient fatigue strength, especially when used in motor vehicles.

[0003] Based on this, the object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a brake device with improved properties with regard to a protective effect. This object is achieved by the features of claims 1, 17, and 18, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The invention is based on a brake device with a brake assembly and with a protective unit that surrounds the brake assembly at least partially and preferably at least to a large extent to protect the brake assembly from external force.

[0005] It is proposed that the protective unit be designed as a protective casing, different from a protective coating. This design allows for an improved protective effect of the brake assembly. Furthermore, advantageous fatigue strength can be achieved, which, on the one hand, provides high operational reliability and, on the other hand, improves service life, particularly when used in a motor vehicle, so that effective protection can advantageously be maintained over the entire service life of the brake assembly.

[0006] A "brake device" is to be understood as at least one part, in particular a subassembly, of a brake, in particular an electromechanical brake. The brake device or brake can, for example, be provided for use in a machine tool, a hand tool, a gardening tool, and / or a household appliance. However, the brake device or brake is preferably provided for use in a vehicle, preferably a motor vehicle, and is therefore advantageously designed as a wheel brake, particularly advantageously in the form of an electromechanical parking brake and / or service brake. In this case, the vehicle particularly preferably comprises several brake devices, such as two or four brake devices, wherein one of the brake devices can be assigned to different vehicle wheels. The brake assembly comprises, in particular, at least one exposed brake component to be protected.The brake component to be protected can preferably be a brake actuator, which can be designed, for example, as an electric motor. Alternatively or additionally, the brake component to be protected can be a transmission gear, in particular one that interacts with the brake actuator, for transmitting a braking force to an actuating unit. Particularly preferably, in particular when used in a vehicle, the brake assembly is further assigned to an individual vehicle wheel and in particular arranged close to the wheel. The protective unit is designed as an object separate from the brake assembly, at least substantially dimensionally stable and / or at least partially dimensionally flexible, in the form of a casing and / or shell, and is therefore different from a coating.In the assembled state, the protective unit is coupled to the brake assembly, for example by means of a material, force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection, and is intended to protect at least one brake component of the brake assembly to be protected from external forces, in particular in the form of stone chips. The protective unit is thus intended in particular to increase the impact resistance and / or resilience of the brake assembly. Particularly preferably, the protective unit is intended at least to protect the brake actuator and accordingly surrounds the brake actuator at least partially and advantageously at least to a large extent. Furthermore, the protective unit can basically be designed in one part or in multiple parts. The expression “at least to a large extent” is to be understood as at least 55%, advantageously at least 75% and particularly advantageously at least 95%."Intended" should be understood in particular to mean specifically designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should be understood in particular to mean that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0007] It is further proposed that the brake assembly comprise at least one static brake component and at least one movable, in particular rotating, brake component, and that the protective unit is provided at least to protect a transition region between the static brake component and the movable brake component. The protective unit advantageously serves to maintain, safeguard and / or cover axial and / or radial play between the static brake component and the movable brake component. The static brake component can be a housing component and / or an object fastened to the housing component, such as a magnetic element fastened to the inside of a housing, while the movable brake component can be designed, for example, as a motor shaft and / or coil winding of the brake actuator. This makes it possible, in particular, to provide particularly effective protection for components that are particularly worthy of protection orsafety-critical areas can be reached.

[0008] It is further proposed that the protective unit be made at least partially of an elastic and mechanically damping material, in particular a plastic, such as a silicone, a thermoplastic polyurethane, a polybutylene terephthalate (preferably glass fiber reinforced), particularly preferably PBT GF30, or a polyphenylene sulfide, preferably with a high mineral filling. This provides a protective unit that can be used flexibly and simultaneously achieves an effective protective effect.

[0009] Furthermore, it is proposed that the protective unit have at least one protective section which is arranged at a distance from the brake assembly, in particular a housing component of the brake assembly, and which deforms in the event of an external force such that the external force is dampened and / or at least partially absorbed. The protective section is therefore designed as a deformation section and can advantageously deform elastically and / or plastically. In this case, the protective section preferably forms a type of "crumple zone" in order to absorb stronger impacts or to protect particularly sensitive areas of the brake assembly even more effectively. Advantageously, the protective unit can also have a plurality of protective sections designed as deformation sections. This can, in particular, improve the protection of particularly sensitive areas of the brake assembly.

[0010] It is also proposed that the brake device have at least one, in particular additional, damping means, which is arranged in a receiving area delimited by the protective section, which is in particular designed as a deformation section, and the brake assembly. In this case, the protective section and the brake assembly accordingly form an advantageously closed receiving area for the damping means. The damping means can interact with the protective section, which is in particular designed as a deformation section, and can preferably deform elastically and / or plastically together with the protective section. In addition, the damping means has a greater damping effect than air or ambient air. Advantageously, the damping means is made of a material different from that of the protective unit. Particularly advantageously, the damping means can be, for example, a solid material and / or a foam material.Alternatively, the damping agent can be a liquid, a gas, particularly one that differs from air or ambient air, and / or a gel. In the latter case, the receiving area is designed to be fluid-tight. This can further improve the protective effect. Furthermore, the damping effect and / or absorption effect of the protective section, which is particularly designed as a deformation section, can be advantageously and easily adapted to different requirements.

[0011] Furthermore, it is proposed that the protective unit have at least one additional protective section, which differs in particular from the protective section designed as a deformation section and which rests directly and / or immediately against the brake assembly, thereby advantageously achieving precise and fixed positioning of the additional protective section. Furthermore, advantageous protection of less sensitive areas of the brake assembly can be achieved.

[0012] An advantageous attachment of the protective unit to the brake assembly can also be achieved if the protective unit has at least one attachment section provided for the integral connection of the protective unit to the brake assembly. Preferably, the attachment section is spatially limited, so that the protective unit is only connected to the brake assembly in sections and / or at specific points. Advantageously, the protective unit can also have a plurality of attachment sections, in particular separate and / or spaced apart from one another, for the integral connection to the brake assembly.

[0013] According to one embodiment, it is further proposed that the protective unit has at least one heat dissipation recess and preferably a plurality of heat dissipation recesses in order to enable heat dissipation of the brake assembly, particularly during operation. The heat dissipation recess advantageously corresponds to a circumferentially closed opening in the material of the protective unit and is particularly advantageously arranged in an area different from an edge region of the protective unit. In this case, the protective unit does not completely surround the brake assembly, but has one or more heat dissipation recesses in defined areas, preferably non-critical or less sensitive areas and / or areas in which increased heating occurs. This makes it possible to achieve advantageous protection and, at the same time, sufficient heat dissipation of the brake assembly.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, it is proposed that the protective unit be constructed in multiple parts and comprise at least one first protective casing element and at least one second protective casing element that interacts with the first protective casing element. In this case, at least one protective casing element can be cup-shaped. This allows for a simple construction of the protective unit and / or advantageously simple assembly of the protective unit.

[0015] A particularly high level of protection can also be achieved if the protective sheath elements are arranged overlapping in a contact area, i.e., in an area where the first protective sheath element and the second protective sheath element touch each other. Furthermore, in this case, the protective unit can comprise a support element, preferably in the form of a web, for an external protective sheath element, for example in the form of a spacer for supporting the external protective sheath element against a housing component of the brake assembly, which can further improve fatigue strength and / or service life.

[0016] Furthermore, the protective sheath elements can be connected to one another in a materially bonded manner. However, according to one embodiment, it is proposed that the protective sheath elements be connected to one another in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, and particularly preferably in a detachable manner. This allows for advantageous assembly and / or disassembly.

[0017] It is further proposed that the brake assembly comprise at least one brake actuator, in particular the aforementioned brake actuator, and at least one transmission gear interacting with the brake actuator, in particular the aforementioned transmission gear, wherein the protective unit surrounds at least a large part of the brake actuator and at least partially surrounds the transmission gear. Preferably, the protective unit is fastened to the transmission gear, in particular to a housing component of the transmission gear, in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. The protective unit can advantageously be designed in one piece and comprise precisely one, advantageously pot-shaped, protective casing element. Furthermore, in this case, the protective unit can additionally be provided to protect a transition region between the brake actuator and the transmission gear.This allows for particularly simple and quick assembly and / or disassembly of the protective unit. At the same time, effective protection of the brake assembly can be achieved.

[0018] The braking device, the wheel brake, and the vehicle are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the braking device, the wheel brake, and the vehicle may have a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a functionality described herein. Drawings

[0019] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. Several embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings.

[0020] They show: Fig. 1 a vehicle designed as an example of a motor vehicle with several wheel brakes in a schematic representation, Fig. 2 an exemplary brake device of one of the wheel brakes comprising a brake assembly and a protection unit in a schematic sectional view, Fig. 3 the protection unit in a detailed view, Fig. 4 shows a further embodiment of a further brake device in a schematic sectional view and Fig. 5 a further embodiment of a further brake device in a schematic sectional view. Description of the embodiments

[0021] The following exemplary embodiment refers to a vehicle designed as a passenger car. However, the invention is not limited to use in such a vehicle and could also be used in other vehicles, such as a bicycle and / or a motorcycle, and / or in other electronic systems, for example, in the field of machine tools, hand tools, gardening equipment, and / or household appliances.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle 42a, embodied as a motor vehicle, in particular a passenger vehicle, with multiple wheel brakes 40a. The wheel brakes 40a are identically constructed in this case and are intended to provide braking functionality for braking the vehicle 42a in the longitudinal direction. In the present case, the vehicle 42a comprises, for example, four individually actuatable wheel brakes 40a, which are embodied as decentralized, electromechanical service brakes. In principle, however, a vehicle could also have only two such wheel brakes or wheel brakes other than electromechanical brakes.

[0023] Since the wheel brakes 40a are constructed identically in the present case, the following will be described with reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 only describes one of the wheel brakes 40a in more detail, for example the wheel brake 40a on the front left of the vehicle 42a. However, the following description can also be applied to the other wheel brakes 40a.

[0024] The wheel brake 40a comprises a brake device. The brake device comprises a brake assembly 10a (see Fig. 2). The brake assembly 10a is assigned to a vehicle wheel (not explicitly shown) of the vehicle 42a and arranged close to the wheel. In the present case, the brake assembly 10a comprises, for example, a brake actuator 14a, in particular in the form of an electric motor, and a transmission gear 38a interacting with the brake actuator 14a for transmitting a braking force to an actuating unit (not shown). Furthermore, the brake assembly 10a, more precisely the brake actuator 14a, in the present case comprises at least one static brake component 16a and at least one movable, in particular rotating, brake component 18a.The static brake component 16a can be a housing component of the brake actuator 14a and / or an object attached to the housing component, such as a magnetic element attached to an inner side of the housing, while the movable brake component 18a can be designed, for example, as a motor shaft and / or coil winding of the brake actuator 14a.

[0025] To protect the brake assembly 10a from external forces, such as stone chips, the brake device also includes a protective unit 12a, which in this case is designed as a protective casing different from a protective coating. The protective unit 12a is made of an elastic and mechanically damping material, in particular a plastic. The protective unit 12a is provided to increase the impact resistance and / or resilience of the brake assembly 10a and surrounds at least a large part of the brake assembly 10a, more precisely at least the brake actuator 14a. In the present case, the protective unit 12a is provided to protect the brake actuator 14a and, alternatively or additionally, other important components of the brake assembly 10a, such as the transmission gear 38a, against stone chips and similar mechanical influences.In the present case, the protective unit 12a is provided at least to protect a transition area between the static brake component 16a and the movable brake component 18a and serves in particular to maintain, secure and / or cover axial and / or radial play between the static brake component 16a and the movable brake component 18a.

[0026] For this purpose, the protective unit 12a comprises a plurality of protective sections 20a, 26a, wherein in this case at least two of the protective sections 20a, 26a are configured differently. Accordingly, the protective unit 12a in the present case comprises at least two different groups of protective sections 20a, 26a.

[0027] A first protective section 20a is designed as a deformation section and is arranged at a distance from the brake assembly 10a, in particular a housing component of the brake actuator 14a. The first protective section 20a is designed to deform elastically and / or plastically in the event of an external force, specifically in such a way that the external force is dampened and / or at least partially absorbed. In this context, the first protective section 20a forms a type of "crumple zone" to absorb stronger impacts or to protect particularly sensitive areas of the brake assembly 10a even more effectively.

[0028] In addition, the first protective section 20a and the brake assembly 10a, more precisely the housing component of the brake actuator 14a, form a receiving area 24a for an additional damping means 22a. The damping means 22a used has a higher damping effect than air or ambient air and is advantageously made of a material different from that of the protective unit 12a. In the present case, the damping means 22a can be, for example, a solid and / or a foam. Alternatively, however, a liquid, a gas, in particular one different from air or ambient air, and / or a gel could also be used as the damping means, in which case a corresponding receiving area would have to be designed to be fluid-tight, for example in the form of a bladder.When subjected to an external force, the damping means 22a can deform elastically and / or plastically together with the first protective section 20a, thereby advantageously further improving the protective effect. However, it is also conceivable to dispense with an additional damping means.

[0029] In the present case, the protective unit 12a also comprises a plurality of first protective sections 20a designed as deformation sections. However, since the first protective sections 20a are essentially identical in structure, the other first protective sections 20a will not be described further below. However, it should be noted that, in principle, different damping means 22a could also be used for each of the first protective sections 20a or for each associated receiving area 24a.

[0030] A second protective section 26a is designed as a conventional protective section and rests directly against the brake assembly 10a, in particular the housing component of the brake actuator 14a. The second protective section 26a thus contacts the brake assembly 10a or the housing component of the brake actuator 14a to protect against external forces, at least in sections and / or regions, particularly in less critical and / or sensitive areas. The second protective section 26a can, for example, be used at a location that is already protected from stone chips by other attachments.

[0031] In this case, the protective unit 12a can also comprise a plurality of second protective sections 26a, which are configured essentially identically. Accordingly, a further description of these second protective sections 26a is omitted in this case as well.

[0032] Furthermore, the protective unit 12a comprises a plurality of fastening sections 28a for connecting the protective unit 12a to the brake assembly 10a, in particular the housing component of the brake actuator 14a, wherein Fig. 2, for the sake of clarity, only one fastening section 28a is provided with a reference numeral. In the present case, the fastening sections 28a directly adjoin the first protective section 20a(s) and serve to firmly connect the protective unit 12a to the brake assembly 10a. The fastening sections 28a are spatially limited, so that the protective unit 12a is only connected to the brake assembly 10a in sections and / or at specific points. In principle, however, fastening sections could also be provided for a force-fitting and / or form-fitting connection of a protective unit to a brake assembly.

[0033] Furthermore, the protection unit 12a can have at least one heat dissipation recess 30a, in particular in the form of an advantageously circumferentially closed opening, to enable improved heat dissipation of the brake assembly 10a during operation. In this case, the protection unit 12a does not completely surround the brake assembly 10a, in this case in particular the brake actuator 14a, but rather has at least one heat dissipation recess 30a in defined areas, preferably non-critical or less sensitive areas and / or areas in which increased heating occurs. In principle, a protection unit can of course also have multiple heat dissipation recesses.

[0034] As particularly with reference to Fig. 3, the protective unit 12a is also designed in several parts and comprises at least a first protective sheath element 32a and at least one second protective sheath element 34a that interacts with the first protective sheath element 32a. The protective sheath elements 32a, 34a are arranged overlapping in a contact region 36a, i.e. in a region in which the first protective sheath element 32a and the second protective sheath element 34a touch each other, in order to further improve the protective effect. The first protective sheath element 32a is arranged on the inside in this case, while the second protective sheath element 34a is arranged on the outside. In addition, the protective sheath elements 32a, 34a can be connected to one another in a materially bonded manner in this case. Alternatively, the protective sheath elements 32a, 34a could also be connected to one another in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner, for example by means of a press connection.

[0035] In this case, the protective unit 12a also includes a, particularly additional, web-shaped support element 44a for the second protective casing element 34a or the outer protective casing element 34a. The support element 44a is designed as a spacer and is provided to support the second protective casing element 34a relative to the brake assembly 10a, in this case, particularly the housing component of the brake actuator 14a. In principle, however, a support element can also be omitted.

[0036] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shows further embodiments of the invention. The following descriptions and the drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, whereby with regard to components with the same designation, in particular with regard to components with the same reference numerals, reference is also made to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiments, in particular to the Fig. 1 to 3. To distinguish the embodiments, the letter a is added to the reference numerals of the embodiment in the Fig. 1 to 3. In the examples of the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, the letter a is replaced by the letters b and c.

[0037] In Fig. 4 shows a first further embodiment of the invention. The embodiment of the Fig. 4 is followed by the letter b. The further embodiment of the Fig. 4 differs from the previous embodiment at least essentially by a design of a protective unit 12b of a brake device.

[0038] The protective unit 12b is in turn designed in several parts and comprises at least a first protective casing element 32b and at least one second protective casing element 34b that interacts with the first protective casing element 32b. The first protective casing element 32b is in this case pot-shaped and surrounds a brake assembly 10b, in particular a brake actuator 14b, from three sides, in this case in particular an A-side of the brake actuator 14b. An A-end shield of the brake actuator 14b is accordingly arranged within a receiving space 46b delimited by the first protective casing element 32b. The second protective casing element 34b is flat or lid-shaped and is intended to cover the first protective casing element 32b. The second protective casing element 34b surrounds the brake assembly 10b, in particular the brake actuator 14b, from a single side, in this case in particular a B-side of the brake actuator 14b.Furthermore, the protective sheath elements 32b, 34b are connected to one another in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. Advantageously, the protective sheath elements 32b, 34b can be detachably connected to one another, for example, by means of a screw connection. Alternatively, however, corresponding protective sheath elements could also be permanently connected to one another, for example, by means of a caulking and / or riveting connection, and / or be connected to one another in a materially bonded manner, for example, by means of a welded and / or adhesive connection.

[0039] Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of the invention. The embodiment of Fig. 5 is followed by the letter c. The further embodiment of the Fig. 5 differs from the previous embodiment at least essentially by a design of a protective unit 12c of a brake device.

[0040] In this case, the protective unit 12c is formed in one piece and comprises exactly one protective casing element 32c. Furthermore, the protective unit 12c or the protective casing element 32c is pot-shaped and surrounds a brake assembly 10c, in particular a brake actuator 14c, from three sides, in this case in particular a B-side of the brake actuator 14c. A B-end shield of the brake actuator 14c is accordingly arranged within a receiving space 46c delimited by the protective unit 12c or the protective casing element 32c. The protective unit 12c thus surrounds at least a large part of the brake actuator 14c. Furthermore, the protective unit 12c at least partially surrounds a transmission gear 38c of the brake assembly 10c. The protective unit 12c is attached to the transmission gear 38c, in particular to a housing component of the transmission gear 38c, in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner.In the present case, the protective unit 12c is further detachably attached to the transmission gear 38c, for example, by means of a screw connection. Furthermore, the protective unit 12c is attached exclusively to the transmission gear 38c, which allows for particularly simple and rapid assembly and / or disassembly of the protective unit 12c. However, in principle, it is also conceivable in this case to permanently connect a protective unit to a transmission gear, for example, by means of a caulking and / or riveting connection, and / or to connect it to a transmission gear in a materially bonded manner, for example, by means of a welded and / or adhesive connection. 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] DE 10 2020 101 632 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Brake device with a brake assembly (10a; 10b; 10c) and with a protective unit (12a; 12b; 12c) at least partially surrounding the brake assembly (10a; 10b; 10c) for protecting the brake assembly (10a; 10b; 10c) from an external force, characterized by that the protective unit (12a; 12b; 12c) is designed as a protective casing different from a protective coating. [2] Brake device according to claim 1, characterized by that the brake assembly (10a; 10b; 10c) comprises at least one brake actuator (14a; 14b; 14c) and the protection unit (12a; 12b; 12c) is provided at least for protecting the brake actuator (14a; 14b; 14c). [3] Brake device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the brake assembly (10a; 10b; 10c) comprises at least one static brake component (16a) and at least one movable brake component (18a) and the protective unit (12a; 12b; 12c) is provided at least to protect a transition region between the static brake component (16a) and the movable brake component (18a). [4] Brake device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the protective unit (12a; 12b; 12c) consists at least partially of an elastic and mechanically damping material, in particular a plastic. [5] Brake device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the protective unit (12a) has at least one protective section (20a) which is arranged at a distance from the brake assembly (10a) and which, in the event of an external force, deforms such that the external force is dampened and / or at least partially absorbed. [6] Brake device according to claim 5, characterized by at least one damping means (22a) which is arranged in a receiving area (24a) delimited by the protective section (20a) and the brake assembly (10a). [7] Brake device according to claim 6, characterized by that the damping means (22a) consists of a material different from the protective unit (12a). [8] Brake device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the damping means (22a) is a solid and / or a foam. [9] Brake device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the receiving area (24a) is fluid-tight and the damping means (22a) is a liquid, a gas, in particular one different from air, and / or a gel. [10] Brake device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the protective unit (12a) has at least one further protective section (26a) which lies directly against the brake assembly (10a). [11] Brake device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the protective unit (12a) has at least one fastening section (28a) which is provided for the materially bonded connection of the protective unit (12a) to the brake assembly (10a). [12] Brake device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the protective unit (12a; 12b; 12c) has at least one heat dissipation recess (30a) to enable heat dissipation of the brake assembly (10a; 10b; 10c). [13] Brake device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the protective unit (12a; 12b) is designed in several parts and comprises at least one first protective casing element (32a; 32b) and at least one second protective casing element (34a; 34b) interacting with the first protective casing element (32a; 32b). [14] Brake device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the protective sheath elements (32a, 34a) are arranged at least partially overlapping in a contact area (36a). [15] Brake device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the protective casing elements (32b, 34b) are connected to one another in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. [16] Brake device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the brake assembly (10c) comprises at least one brake actuator (14c) and at least one transmission gear (38c) cooperating with the brake actuator (14c), wherein the protective unit (12c) surrounds at least a large part of the brake actuator (14c) and is fastened to the transmission gear (38c) in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner. [17] Wheel brake (40a), in particular electromechanical brake, with a brake device according to one of the preceding claims. [18] Vehicle (42a), in particular a motor vehicle, with at least one wheel brake (40a) according to claim 17.

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