Electromechanical brake

Abstract

The invention relates to an electromechanical brake (10) for a motor vehicle. The electromechanical brake (10) comprises a brake caliper (14) which at least partially surrounds a brake disc (18) and a brake caliper housing (22) in which a transmission (50) driven by an electric motor (26) is arranged. In the brake caliper housing (22), a space (58) is formed between the transmission (50) and an outer surface (54) of the brake caliper housing (22). This space is separated from the transmission (50) and can be opened via a cover (38), and at least the electric motor (26) can be electrically contacted through this space.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromechanical brake for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle having such an electromechanical brake. State of the art

[0002] Typically, the service brake is a brake in which a brake piston, together with a brake pad, is pressed onto a brake disc via brake fluid to slow the vehicle. With the increasing electrification of motor vehicle components, the service brake is also being designed as an electromechanical brake, eliminating the need for brake fluid and the associated complex valve and line assembly. 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 comprises 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 an electromechanical brake which ensures space-saving and safe electric motor contact.

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

[0006] The invention specifies an electromechanical brake for a motor vehicle. The electromechanical brake comprises a brake caliper that at least partially surrounds a brake disc, and a brake caliper housing in which a transmission driven by an electric motor is arranged. In the brake caliper housing, between the transmission and an outer side of the brake caliper housing, an intermediate space is formed, separated from the transmission and openable via a cover, through which at least the electric motor can be electrically contacted.

[0007] Such a gap creates an area accessible from the outside by a technician for connecting the electrical cables, and through which the connections are protected from dirt and moisture after the cover is closed. This eliminates the need to route cables inside the vehicle to connect the electromechanical brake. Instead, the electromechanical brake can be connected directly at the mounting position. This facilitates the installation and replacement of the electromechanical brake.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover is caulked to the brake caliper housing. During caulking, an edge region of the brake caliper housing is plastically deformed relative to the cover. The caulking holds the cover axially. By caulking, the cover can be secured without additional fasteners. Furthermore, caulking is simple and time-saving. Thus, caulking offers a space-saving and simple way to axially secure the cover.

[0009] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover is axially held by retaining elements attached to the brake caliper housing. The retaining elements are detachably connected to the brake caliper housing. Such retaining elements thus enable maintenance or inspection of the cable connection. Furthermore, the electromechanical brake can be quickly and easily replaced in the event of a defect. By attaching the retaining elements to the brake caliper housing instead of to the cover, a rim below the cover can be minimized. Accordingly, the clearance can be increased and the dimensions of the cover kept small. The space requirement can be reduced accordingly.

[0010] Preferably, the intermediate space is separated from the gearbox by an intermediate cover. The intermediate cover enables maintenance of the gearbox. Preferably, the intermediate cover is dimensioned such that the gearbox can be serviced and installed via the removed intermediate cover. Accordingly, the intermediate cover does not impair maintenance or assembly of the gearbox.

[0011] In an advantageous development, the intermediate cover is held in the brake caliper housing by retaining rings arranged on both sides of the intermediate cover in grooves in the brake caliper housing. The retaining rings thus rest on an upper and lower side of the intermediate cover. Retaining rings have the advantage that they can be releasably secured in the grooves. Consequently, the retaining rings ensure the maintainability of the transmission. The two retaining rings arranged in the grooves also have the advantage that a seal is not required, since the corresponding arrangement forms a type of labyrinth seal. Accordingly, the intermediate space can be protected from transmission lubricants.

[0012] Advantageously, the intermediate cover has a protrusion that extends into the intermediate space. The protrusion is preferably designed such that the intermediate cover can be held by a user. Such a protrusion thus facilitates assembly and disassembly of the intermediate cover. Advantageously, the protrusion has an edge that simplifies handling of the intermediate cover.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment, the protrusion is designed to accommodate a part of the gear that protrudes toward the gap. The protrusion is thus hollow inside, so that a protruding part of the gear protrudes toward the gap together with the protrusion. By appropriately designing the gap, the space required for the gap can be reduced.

[0014] According to a practical design, a cable gland is arranged on the cover to guide cables into the gap and seal a lead-through in the cover. Such a cable gland prevents moisture and dirt from entering the gap.

[0015] According to a further advantageous embodiment, a connecting hole is formed in the brake caliper housing between the intermediate space and the electric motor. The electric motor cables are routed from the intermediate space to the electric motor via the connecting hole, protected from dirt or damage. Furthermore, such a connecting hole can be designed in a space-saving manner.

[0016] The invention also provides a motor vehicle having such an electromechanical brake. Such a motor vehicle has the advantages and properties described above.

[0017] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawing and explained in more detail in the following description. It shows: Fig. 1 Perspective view of an electromechanical brake according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 Perspective longitudinal section view of the brake caliper housing, and Fig. 3 Perspective cross-sectional view of the brake caliper housing.

[0018] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an electromechanical brake 10 according to an embodiment of the invention. The electromechanical brake 10 comprises a brake caliper 14, which engages a brake disc 18. Brake pads (not shown) are arranged in the brake caliper 14 and can be applied to the brake disc 18 to brake the motor vehicle. Additionally, the electromechanical brake 10 comprises a brake caliper housing 22. An electric motor 26 of the electromechanical brake 10 is attached to the brake caliper housing 22. The electromechanical brake 10 is connected to a brake caliper holder 34 in the region of the brake caliper 14 via guide pins 30.

[0019] A cover 38 is arranged on the brake caliper housing 22, by means of which the housing can be closed. The cover 38 is held by three retaining elements 42. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, the retaining elements 42 are designed as screws that are screwed into the brake caliper housing 22 and simultaneously have a retaining piece 42a that rests against the cover 38. The cover 38 has a passage 46 at one point, through which cables (not shown) can be inserted into the brake caliper housing 22.

[0020] Fig. 2 shows a perspective longitudinal sectional view of the brake caliper housing 22. This figure shows a gear 50 of the electromechanical brake 10, which in this exemplary embodiment is designed as a spur gear. A gap 58 is formed between the gear 50 and an outer side 54 of the brake caliper housing 22, which gap can be opened via the cover 38. To separate the gap 58 from the gear 50, an intermediate cover 62 is arranged in the brake caliper housing 22. The intermediate cover 62 is held in the brake caliper housing 22 by retaining rings 66 arranged on both sides thereof. The retaining rings 66 are held axially in grooves 70 in the brake caliper housing 22. A labyrinth seal is formed by the retaining rings 66 held in the grooves 70, so that the gap 58 is protected from lubricants from the gear 50.

[0021] The intermediate cover 62 additionally forms a protrusion 74 that extends into the intermediate space 58, which, in the illustrated embodiment, has a cylindrical shape. At the end of the protrusion 74, a rim 78 is arranged, by which the intermediate cover 62 can be held by a user. A protruding axle 86 of the gear 50 extends into an interior region 82 of the protrusion 74. By accommodating the axle 86 in the protrusion 74, the space required for the intermediate space 58 can be kept small.

[0022] The brake caliper housing 22 forms a shoulder 90 for the cover 38, so that the cover is held on the shoulder 90 in the axial direction, in the direction of the intermediate space 58. The shoulder 90 is formed by a change in diameter on the brake caliper housing 22. A seal 94 is arranged radially on the cover 38, via which seal the intermediate space 58 is sealed off from an outer side 54. This allows the intermediate space 58 to be protected from external influences, such as water or dirt. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, a cable gland 102 is arranged on the feedthrough 46 via a thread 98. A cable can be guided into the intermediate space 58 via this cable gland 102, whereby the cable gland 102 protects the intermediate space 58 from external influences.

[0023] Fig.Figure 3 shows a perspective cross-sectional view of the brake caliper housing 22. The section runs through the intermediate space 58 of the brake caliper housing 22. This figure shows that a connecting bore 106 is formed in the brake caliper housing 22 between the intermediate space 58 and the electric motor 26. The cables of the electric motor 26 can be routed into the intermediate space 58 for electrical connection via this connecting bore 106. This protects the electrical connection in the intermediate space 58 from external influences. 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] EP 1 030 979 B1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Electromechanical brake (10) for a motor vehicle, comprising a brake calliper (14) which at least partially surrounds a brake disc (18) and a brake calliper housing (22) in which a gear (50) driven by an electric motor (26) is arranged, characterized by in that in the brake calliper housing (22) between the gear (50) and an outer side (54) of the brake calliper housing (22) there is formed an intermediate space (58) which is separated from the gear (50) and can be opened via a cover (38), via which intermediate space at least the electric motor (26) can be electrically contacted. [2] Electromechanical brake (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the cover (38) is caulked to the brake calliper housing (22). [3] Electromechanical brake (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the cover (38) is held axially by holding elements (42) fastened to the brake calliper housing (22). [4] Electromechanical brake (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the intermediate space (58) is separated from the gear (50) by an intermediate cover (62). [5] Electromechanical brake (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the intermediate cover (62) is held in the brake calliper housing (22) by means of retaining rings (66) arranged on both sides of the intermediate cover (62) in grooves (70) of the brake calliper housing (22). [6] Electromechanical brake (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that the intermediate cover (62) has a protrusion (74) projecting into the intermediate space (58). [7] Electromechanical brake (10) according to claim 6, characterized by that the protrusion (70) is designed to receive therein a part of the gear (50) projecting in the direction of the intermediate space (58). [8] Electromechanical brake (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a cable gland (102) is arranged on the cover (38) for passing cables into the intermediate space (58) and sealing a passage of the cover (38). [9] Electromechanical brake (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a connecting bore (106) is formed in the brake calliper housing (22) between the intermediate space (58) and the electric motor (26). [10] Motor vehicle comprising an electromechanical brake (10) according to one of the preceding claims.

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