Eddy current brake and method for mounting an eddy current brake on and / or in a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to an eddy current brake (10) for a vehicle having at least one coil (12), by means of which a magnetic field can be energized in such a way that a braking force can be exerted on a brake disc (18) rotating together with a shaft (14) about an axis of rotation (16) by means of the energized magnetic field, wherein the eddy current brake (10) can be or is mounted on the vehicle in an environment of the shaft (14) and the brake disc (18) in such a way that for the at least one coil (12) of the eddy current brake (10) in each case at least one axis (22) oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation (16) can be defined, which axis runs through the respective coil (12) and the brake disc (18).In addition to a disc-shaped region (18a), the brake disc (18) can have at least one first hollow-cylindrical region (18c) which protrudes on a first disc surface (18b) of the disc-shaped region (18a), wherein the first hollow-cylindrical region (18c) has a first outer radius (r1) less than or equal to a disc outer radius (r0) of the disc-shaped region (18a).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an eddy current brake for a vehicle and a brake disc for a vehicle for interacting with an eddy current brake. The invention also relates to an eddy current brake system for a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for mounting an eddy current brake on and / or in a vehicle. State of the art

[0002] Eddy current brakes are known from the prior art, such as DE 10 2021 214 867 A1, by means of which a vehicle equipped with such an eddy current brake can be braked. Disclosure of the invention

[0003] The present invention provides an eddy current brake for a vehicle having the features of claim 1, a brake disc for a vehicle having the features of claim 4, an eddy current brake system for a vehicle having the features of claim 6 and a method for mounting an eddy current brake on and / or in a vehicle having the features of claim 10. Advantages of the invention

[0004] The present invention provides advantageous possibilities for generating a magnetic field with a spatial distribution of a magnetic field strength relative to a brake disc rotating together with a shaft about a rotational axis such that the magnetic field interacts in a targeted manner with an outer region of the brake disc directed away from the shaft, which outer region has the highest speed / orbital velocity about the rotational axis. In this way, the braking effect of the generated magnetic field on the brake disc and the shaft, and possibly on at least one wheel of a vehicle mechanically connected to the shaft, can be increased. In particular, the energy used to generate the magnetic field can be optimally utilized in this way.By utilizing the present invention, a greater braking force can be exerted on the brake disc and the shaft, and possibly on the at least one wheel mechanically connected to the shaft, for a given amount of energy used to generate the magnetic field, or a desired braking force can be exerted on the brake disc and the shaft, and possibly on the at least one wheel mechanically connected to the shaft, using a smaller amount of energy. In this way, the present invention can be advantageously used to save energy while a vehicle is traveling and / or to brake the vehicle more quickly.

[0005] A further advantage of the present invention is that, due to the spatial distribution of the magnetic field strength of the induced magnetic field in relation to the brake disc achieved by means of the invention, the resulting braking force acts on the brake disc and the shaft in such a way that at least one bearing by means of which the shaft is held is subjected to less stress. In particular, braking force components aligned parallel to the axis of rotation, which conventionally place a significant load on the at least one bearing, can be avoided or prevented by means of the present invention. Due to the better protection of the at least one bearing used to hold the shaft, the respective bearing can be dimensioned smaller than in the prior art.While in the prior art two brake discs are often used to ensure at least a minimum protection of the at least one bearing used to hold the shaft, this can be dispensed with when using the present invention.

[0006] Furthermore, the present invention ensures that the brake disc heats up primarily at its outer region facing away from the shaft, and therefore the heat path to the at least one bearing is longer compared to the prior art. This ensures that even if the brake disc heats up significantly, the at least one bearing remains significantly cooler. The present invention thus also contributes to the reliable thermal protection of the at least one bearing used to hold the shaft.

[0007] The present invention can also be used to reduce the maximum extension of a system formed by at least the eddy current brake and the cooperating brake disc along the rotational axis of the cooperating shaft. As will become clear from the following description, the use of the present invention eliminates the conventional need to provide installation space for the respective eddy current brake on a side of the cooperating brake disc aligned along the rotational axis. The present invention can therefore also contribute to saving installation space on the vehicle using it.

[0008] In an advantageous embodiment, the eddy current brake can be mounted or is mounted on the vehicle in the vicinity of the shaft and the brake disc in such a way that at least a portion of the brake disc lies within a volume spanned by at least some coils of the eddy current brake. This can also be described as an arrangement of at least some coils of the eddy current brake "radially outward" on the brake disc. As will become clear from the following description, with this "radially outward" arrangement, a certain braking effect on at least the brake disc and the shaft can be achieved with less energy to generate the magnetic field, or a higher braking power can be achieved on at least the brake disc and the shaft with a certain energy to generate the magnetic field.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, if an intermediate volume can be defined that is delimited by the shaft and a circumferential surface of the brake disc facing away from the shaft, the eddy current brake can be mounted or is mounted on the vehicle in the vicinity of the shaft and the brake disc in such a way that the single coil or at least one of the coils of the eddy current brake projects into the intermediate volume or is located in the intermediate volume. This can also be described as an arrangement of the single coil or at least one of the coils of the eddy current brake "radially inward" on the brake disc. By means of the "radially inward" arrangement, not only can a certain braking effect be achieved with less energy, or more braking power achieved with a certain amount of energy, but installation space can often also be saved.

[0010] Preferably, the brake disc comprises not only a disc-shaped region with two parallel disc surfaces and a disc outer radius, but also, in addition to the disc-shaped region, at least one first hollow-cylindrical region protruding from a first disc surface of the disc-shaped region, wherein the first hollow-cylindrical region has a first outer radius less than or equal to the outer radius of the disc-shaped region. Due to its shape, such a brake disc achieves a particularly high braking effect of a magnetic field generated by one of the previously described embodiments of the eddy current brake.

[0011] As an advantageous development, in addition to the disc-shaped region and the first hollow-cylindrical region, the brake disc can also have a second hollow-cylindrical region that protrudes from the first disc surface of the disc-shaped region, wherein the second hollow-cylindrical region has a second outer radius smaller than the first outer radius of the first hollow-cylindrical region. The advantages of the brake disc embodiment described here will be discussed in more detail below.

[0012] The advantages described above are also guaranteed in an eddy current braking system for a vehicle with such an eddy current brake and the brake disc interacting with the eddy current brake.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment of the eddy current braking system, the brake disc comprises a disc-shaped region with two parallel disc surfaces and a disc outer radius, and at least one first hollow-cylindrical region, wherein the first hollow-cylindrical region protrudes from a first disc surface of the disc-shaped region and has a first outer radius less than or equal to the outer radius of the disc-shaped region. The embodiment of the eddy current braking system described here has a brake disc whose shape ensures a particularly high braking effect of a magnetic field generated by the interacting eddy current brake.

[0014] As an advantageous development, in addition to the disc-shaped region and the first hollow-cylindrical region, the brake disc can also have a second hollow-cylindrical region protruding from the first disc surface of the disc-shaped region, wherein the second hollow-cylindrical region has a second outer radius smaller than the first outer radius of the first hollow-cylindrical region. The specific advantages of the embodiment of the eddy current braking system described here will become clear from the following description.

[0015] The eddy current braking system can, for example, be a traction motor, an electric axle, an electric motor, a single-wheel drive motor, or a transmission. The eddy current braking system can therefore be used in a variety of ways on the vehicle equipped with it. However, it should be noted that the implementation of the eddy current braking system is not limited to the examples listed here.

[0016] Furthermore, implementing a corresponding method for mounting an eddy current brake on and / or in a vehicle also provides the advantages described above. It is expressly noted that the method for mounting an eddy current brake on and / or in a vehicle can be further developed according to the above-described embodiments of the eddy current brake, the brake disc, and / or the eddy current brake system. Short description of the drawings

[0017] Further features and advantages of the present invention are explained below with reference to the figures. They show: Fig. 1a and Fig. 1 b schematic representations of a first embodiment of the eddy current brake, or of an eddy current brake system equipped therewith; Fig. 2a and Fig. 2bschematic representations of a second embodiment of the eddy current brake, or of an eddy current brake system equipped therewith; Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b schematic representations of a third embodiment of the eddy current brake, or of an eddy current brake system equipped therewith; Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b schematic representations of a fourth embodiment of the eddy current brake, or of an eddy current brake system equipped therewith; Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b schematic representations of a fifth embodiment of the eddy current brake, or of an eddy current brake system equipped therewith; Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b schematic representations of a sixth embodiment of the eddy current brake, or of an eddy current brake system equipped therewith; and Fig. 7 a flowchart for explaining an embodiment of the method for mounting an eddy current brake on and / or in a vehicle. Embodiments of the invention

[0018] Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b show schematic representations of a first embodiment of the eddy current brake, or of an eddy current brake system equipped therewith.

[0019] It is pointed out that the usability of the eddy current brake 10 described below, or of the eddy current braking system equipped therewith, is not limited to any specific vehicle type / motor vehicle type of the vehicle / motor vehicle equipped with the eddy current brake 10 / the eddy current braking system.

[0020] The eddy current brake 10 has at least one coil 12, by means of which a (not sketched) magnetic field can be created. In particular, a supply current from an on-board electrical system of the vehicle equipped with the eddy current brake 10 can be conducted through the at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake 10 in such a way that the magnetic field can be generated by the at least one energized coil 12 of the eddy current brake 10. The at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake 10 can also be understood as an excitation coil 12 and / or a winding 12.

[0021] The eddy current brake 10 is mountable / mounted on the vehicle in an environment of a shaft 14 and a brake disc 18 that is rotatable / rotating with the shaft 14 about a (common) rotational axis 16 in such a way that, by means of the magnetic field created, a braking force can be exerted / is exerted on the brake disc 18 that rotates together with the shaft 14 about the rotational axis 16. The shaft 14 can be understood in particular as a shaft 14 of a (central) electrical machine / electrical drive machine 20 of the vehicle (with a housing 20a). However, it should be noted that the shaft 14 can also be of a different shaft type. For example, the shaft 14 can also be a shaft 14 of a transmission of the vehicle, a traction machine of the vehicle, an electric axle of the vehicle, or a single-wheel drive machine of the vehicle. By means of the braking force exerted on the rotating brake disc 18, the shaft 14 and possiblyat least one wheel of the vehicle mechanically connected to the shaft 14 must also be braked.

[0022] In addition, the eddy current brake 10 can be mounted / mounted in the vicinity of the shaft 14 and the brake disc 18 in such a way that for the at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake 10, at least one axis 22 oriented perpendicular to the rotational axis 16 can be defined, which axis runs through the respective coil 12 and the brake disc 18. This can also be described as a "radial" arrangement of the at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake 10 in relation to the shaft 14 / its rotational axis 16. As in Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, by means of the "radial" arrangement of the at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake 10 in relation to the shaft 14 / its rotational axis 16, a spatial distribution of a magnetic field strength of the magnetic field caused by the energization of the at least one coil 12 can also be achieved, in which significantly higher values ​​of the magnetic field strength occur in an outer region A of the brake disc 18 rotating about the rotational axis 16, directed away from the shaft 14, than in a remaining region B of the brake disc 18 aligned with the shaft 14. A local velocity / orbital velocity v of a point P of the brake disc 18 is defined according to equation (Eq. 1) with: v=ω∗dP, where ω is an angular velocity of the brake disc 18 and d Pis a distance of the point P from the rotation axis 16. Points P in the outer area A of the brake disc 18 therefore also have a higher local speed / circular path speed v compared to points P of the remaining area B of the brake disc 18.

[0023] Since the braking effect of the magnetic field produced by energizing the at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake on a point P of the brake disc 18 rotating about the rotation axis 16 depends on a magnetic field strength of the magnetic field at the point P and on a speed v of the point P, the braking effect can be increased by means of the "radial" arrangement of the at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake 10 in relation to the shaft 14 / its rotation axis 16, without requiring a stronger current supply to the at least one coil 12. This can also be described as an increase in the braking effect of the eddy current brake 10, which does not "cost" more energy compared to the prior art.The “radial” arrangement of the at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake 10 in relation to the shaft 14 / its rotational axis 16 can therefore be used to achieve a certain braking effect with less energy compared to the prior art or to achieve a higher braking power with a certain amount of energy.

[0024] As can be seen from the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b, the "radial" arrangement of the at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake 10 in relation to the shaft 14 / its axis of rotation 16 ensures that, during operation of the eddy current brake 10, the outer region A of the brake disc 18 is heated the most, while the remaining region B of the brake disc 18 is heated significantly less. However, the outer region A of the brake disc 18 has a comparatively long "heat path" to the shaft 14, in particular compared to the remaining region B of the brake disc 18. Accordingly, a "heat path" from the outer region A of the brake disc 18 to at least one bearing by means of which the shaft 14 is held is also relatively long. Local heating of the brake disc 18 at its outer region A, triggered by the operation of the eddy current brake 10, therefore does not / hardly leads to thermal damage to the at least one bearing.Furthermore, the local heating of the brake disc 18 at the outer region A directed away from the shaft 14 has the advantage that the brake disc 18 can radiate heat energy better and thus absorb more braking energy.

[0025] Furthermore, the "radial" arrangement of the at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake 10 relative to the shaft 14 / its rotational axis 16 is significantly less sensitive to tolerances between the brake disc 18 and the at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake 10, which may be dependent, for example, on manufacturing. An axial displacement of the shaft 14 along its rotational axis 16 additionally has no influence on the braking effect of the eddy current brake 10 with the "radial" arrangement of its at least one coil 12 relative to the shaft 14 / its rotational axis 16.

[0026] Only as an example, the design of the Fig. 1, the eddy current brake 10 is mountable / mounted on the vehicle in the vicinity of the shaft 14 and the brake disc 18 such that at least a portion of the brake disc 18 lies within a volume 24 spanned by at least some coils 12 of the eddy current brake 10. The respective axis 22 thus intersects the associated coil 12 on a side of the brake disc 18 directed away from the shaft 14. This can also be referred to as an "outer radial" arrangement of the at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake 10 with respect to the shaft 14 / its rotational axis 16.

[0027] The at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake 10 can be attached to a bracket / stator 26 of the eddy current brake 10. As in Fig. 1b, the at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake 10 can, for example, be fastened to the holder 26 in such a way that the at least one coil 12 projects into a volume framed by the holder 26.

[0028] As in Fig. 1a, the brake disc 18 cooperating with the eddy current brake 10 can also be optimized in its shape with regard to the “radial” arrangement of the eddy current brake 10 to the brake disc 18. For this purpose, the brake disc 18 of the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b not only has a disk-shaped region 18a with two parallel disk surfaces 18b and a disk outer radius r0, but also additionally at least one first hollow-cylindrical region 18c, which protrudes from a first disk surface 18b of the disk-shaped region 18a. The first hollow-cylindrical region 18c has a first outer radius r1, which is less than or equal to the disk outer radius r0 of the disk-shaped region 18a. The shape of the brake disk 18 can therefore also be described as a pot shape or a drum shape. Due to the formation of the first hollow-cylindrical region 18c on the brake disk 18, its outer region A, directed away from the shaft 14, has a comparatively high mass, which further enhances the braking effect of the magnetic field on the brake disk 18 caused by the energization of the at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake.Preferably, the first hollow-cylindrical region 18c is positioned relative to the disc-shaped region 18a such that the first outer radius r1 can also be designated as the outer radius of the first hollow-cylindrical region 18c with respect to an axis (not shown) passing through the centers of the two disc surfaces 18b. The brake disc 18 can be made of ferromagnetic, electrically conductive material.

[0029] Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b show schematic representations of a second embodiment of the eddy current brake, or of an eddy current brake system equipped therewith.

[0030] As in Fig. 2a and Fig. As shown schematically in Figure 2b, the bracket / stator 26 of the eddy current brake 10 can also be part of the housing 20a of the electric machine 20. Accordingly, the bracket / stator 26 of the eddy current brake 10 can also be part of a housing of a transmission of the vehicle, part of a housing of a traction machine of the vehicle, part of a housing of an electric axle of the vehicle, or part of a housing of an individual wheel drive machine of the vehicle. Optionally, the brake disc 18 interacting with the eddy current brake 10 can also be mounted on the shaft 14 within the respective housing.

[0031] Regarding further features and characteristics of the eddy current brake of the Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b and its advantages, please refer to the description of the embodiment of the Fig. 1a and Fig. 1b.

[0032] Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b show schematic representations of a third embodiment of the eddy current brake, or of an eddy current brake system equipped therewith.

[0033] This can be seen from the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b, that a uniform distribution of the coils 12 of the eddy current brake 10, as described in the previously described embodiments of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is unnecessary. Instead, the coils 12 of the eddy current brake 10 can also be distributed unevenly, e.g., in order not to affect ground clearance and / or to save installation space.

[0034] Regarding further features and characteristics of the eddy current brake of the Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b and its advantages, reference is made to the description of the embodiments of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0035] Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b show schematic representations of a fourth embodiment of the eddy current brake, or of an eddy current brake system equipped therewith.

[0036] In contrast to the previously described embodiments, the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b, the eddy current brake system 10 has a so-called "inner radial" arrangement of its at least one coil 12 relative to the shaft 14 / rotation axis 16. For this purpose, the eddy current brake 10 can be mounted / mounted on the vehicle in the vicinity of the shaft 14 and the brake disc 18 in such a way that the single coil or at least one of the coils 12 of the eddy current brake 10 protrudes into an intermediate volume 28, which is delimited by the shaft 14 and a circumferential surface 18d of the brake disc 18 directed away from the shaft 14. In particular, in this case, the single coil or at least one of the coils 12 of the eddy current brake 10 can be (completely) located in the intermediate volume 28. The advantages of the "inner radial" arrangement correspond to the advantages of the "outer radial" arrangement.

[0037] Special features are available in the design of the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b, the coils 12 of the eddy current brake 10 are fastened to the holder 26 in such a way that all coils 12 protrude into the intermediate volume 28 or are located in the intermediate volume 28. Such an "integration" of the coils 12 of the eddy current brake 10 can advantageously contribute to saving installation space on the vehicle equipped therewith. In addition, in the embodiment of the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b, the coils 12 are / will be attached to a bearing plate (not shown). Furthermore, such an "inner radial" arrangement of all coils 12 of the eddy current brake 10 facilitates their integration into the housing 20a of the electric machine 20, into the housing of the vehicle's transmission, into the housing of the vehicle's traction machine, into the housing of the vehicle's electric axle, or into the housing of the vehicle's single-wheel drive machine.

[0038] Regarding further features and characteristics of the eddy current brake of the Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b and its advantages, reference is made to the description of the embodiments of the Fig. 1 to 3.

[0039] Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b show schematic representations of a fifth embodiment of the eddy current brake, or of an eddy current brake system equipped therewith.

[0040] As an advantageous further training, the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b, in addition to the disk-shaped region 18a and the first hollow-cylindrical region 18c, a second hollow-cylindrical region 18e also has. The second hollow-cylindrical region 18e protrudes together with the first hollow-cylindrical region 18c from the first disk surface 18b of the disk-shaped region 18a. However, the second hollow-cylindrical region 18e has a second outer radius r2, which is smaller than the first outer radius r1 of the first hollow-cylindrical region 18c. The shape of the brake disc 18 of the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b can therefore also be referred to as a "double pot shape" or "double drum shape." Preferably, the second hollow cylindrical region 18e is positioned relative to the disc-shaped region 18a such that the second outer radius r2 can also be referred to as the outer radius of the second hollow cylindrical region 18e with respect to the axis passing through the centers of the two disc surfaces 18b.

[0041] As in Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b, the at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake 10 can in this case be located at least partially in an annular intermediate volume 30, which is delimited on its side facing away from the shaft 14 by the first hollow cylindrical region 18c and on its side facing towards the shaft 14 by the second hollow cylindrical region 18e. In particular, the at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake 10 can be arranged entirely in the annular intermediate volume 30. The magnetic field generated by energizing the at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake 10 can therefore trigger strong eddy currents both within the first hollow cylindrical region 18c and within the second hollow cylindrical region 18e, which cause a significant braking force on the brake disc 18, and accordingly also on the shaft 14 and possibly the at least one wheel mechanically connected to it.The magnetic field generated by energizing at least one coil 12 of the eddy current brake 10 can thus be optimally utilized. This can also be paraphrased as follows: in the embodiment of the . Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b the advantages of the “inner radial” arrangement and the “outer radial” arrangement are combined.

[0042] Regarding further features and characteristics of the eddy current brake of the Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b and its advantages, reference is made to the description of the embodiments of the Fig. 1 to 4.

[0043] Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b show schematic representations of a sixth embodiment of the eddy current brake, or of an eddy current brake system equipped therewith.

[0044] The Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b schematically shown eddy current brake 10 can be used as a combination of the embodiments of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 4. The eddy current brake 10 of the Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b has a first set of coils 12a and a second set of coils 12b, wherein for each of the coils 12a and 12b of the eddy current brake 10, at least one axis 22 oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation 16 can be defined, which axis intersects the respective coil 12a or 12b and the brake disc 18. Furthermore, the first set of coils 12a is arranged "radially outward" such that at least a partial region of the brake disc 18 lies within the volume 24 spanned by the first set of coils 12a of the eddy current brake 10. In contrast, the second set of coils 12b is arranged "radially inward" such that the second set of coils 12b protrudes into the intermediate volume 28 delimited by the shaft 14 and the circumferential surface 18d of the brake disc 18 or lies within the intermediate volume 28.A first magnetic field generated by energizing the first set of coils 12a and a second magnetic field caused by energizing the second set of coils 12b are thus superimposed in such a way that comparatively strong eddy currents, in particular in the first hollow cylindrical region 18c, are triggered by the superimposed magnetic fields, whereby a strong braking force can be exerted on at least the brake disc 18 and accordingly also on the shaft 14 and possibly the at least one wheel mechanically connected thereto. Also in the embodiment of the . Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b combines the advantages of the “inner radial” arrangement and the “outer radial” arrangement.

[0045] Regarding further features and characteristics of the eddy current brake of the Fig. 6a and Fig. 6b and its advantages, reference is made to the description of the embodiments of the Fig. 1 to 4.

[0046] All of the previously described embodiments of eddy current brakes 10, together with the cooperating brake disc 18, can each be at least parts of an eddy current braking system. The respective eddy current braking system can be, for example, a traction motor, an electric axle, a (central) electric machine / electric drive motor 20, a single-wheel drive motor, or a transmission. However, the design of the eddy current braking system is not limited to the examples listed here.

[0047] In all of the embodiments explained above, the cooperating brake disc 18 is mounted on the shaft 14 such that a braking force exerted on the brake disc 18 by the eddy current brake 10 is transmitted to the shaft 14 via mechanical contact of the brake disc 18 with the shaft 14. However, this is not necessary. Instead, the brake disc 18 can also be mounted on the shaft 14 such that mechanical contact of the brake disc 18 with the shaft 14 is prevented by at least one intermediate piece. In particular, the brake disc 18 and the intermediate piece can also be formed as a compact unit.

[0048] Fig. 7 shows a flowchart for explaining an embodiment of the method for mounting an eddy current brake on and / or in a vehicle.

[0049] Using the method described below, the eddy current brakes described above can be mounted on and / or in the vehicle. However, the feasibility of the method is neither limited to a specific eddy current brake type nor to a specific vehicle / motor vehicle type.

[0050] As an optional method step S0, a shaft and a brake disc can be mounted in the vehicle such that the brake disc can rotate together with the shaft about a (common) axis of rotation. Before, simultaneously, or after method step S0, the eddy-current brake is then mounted in method step S1 such that, by energizing at least one coil of the eddy-current brake, a magnetic field is generated such that, by means of the generated magnetic field, a braking force is exerted on the brake disc, which rotates together with the shaft about the axis of rotation.When carrying out method step S1, the eddy current brake is also mounted on the vehicle in an environment of the shaft and the brake disc in such a way that, at least after completion of the method described here, at least one axis oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation can be defined for the at least one coil of the eddy current brake, which axis runs through the respective coil and the brake disc.

[0051] Thus, carrying out the procedure described here also creates the advantages explained above. 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 2021 214 867 A1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Eddy current brake (10) for a vehicle with: at least one coil (12, 12a, 12b), by means of which a magnetic field can be energized in such a way that a braking force can be exerted on a brake disc (18) rotating together with a shaft (14) about a rotation axis (16) by means of the magnetic field created; characterized by , that the eddy current brake (10) can be mounted or is mounted on the vehicle in an environment of the shaft (14) and the brake disc (18) in such a way that for the at least one coil (12, 12a, 12b) of the eddy current brake (10) at least one axis (22) oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation (16) can be defined, which axis runs through the respective coil (12, 12a, 12b) and the brake disc (18). [2] Eddy current brake (10) according to claim 1, wherein the eddy current brake (10) can be or is mounted on the vehicle in the vicinity of the shaft (14) and the brake disc (18) in such a way that at least a partial area of ​​the brake disc (18) lies in a volume (24) spanned by at least some coils (12, 12a) of the eddy current brake (10). [3] Eddy current brake (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an intermediate volume (28) delimited by the shaft (14) and a circumferential surface (18d) of the brake disc (18) directed away from the shaft (14) is definable, and wherein the eddy current brake (10) is mountable or is mounted on the vehicle in the vicinity of the shaft (14) and the brake disc (18) in such a way that the single coil or at least one of the coils (12, 12b) of the eddy current brake (10) projects into the intermediate volume (28) or lies in the intermediate volume (28). [4] Brake disc (18) for a vehicle for cooperation with an eddy current brake (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the brake disc (18) comprises a disc-shaped region (18a) with two parallel disc surfaces (18b) and a disc outer radius (r0), characterized by , that the brake disc (18) has, in addition to the disc-shaped region (18a), at least one first hollow-cylindrical region (18c) which protrudes on a first disc surface (18b) of the disc-shaped region (18a), wherein the first hollow-cylindrical region (18c) has a first outer radius (r1) less than or equal to the disc outer radius (r0) of the disc-shaped region (18a). [5] Brake disc (18) according to claim 4, wherein the brake disc (18) in addition to the disc-shaped region (18a) and the first hollow cylindrical region (18c) also has a second hollow cylindrical region (18e) which protrudes on the first disc surface (18b) of the disc-shaped region (18a), wherein the second hollow cylindrical region (18e) has a second outer radius (r2) smaller than the first outer radius (r1) of the first hollow cylindrical region (18c). [6] Eddy current braking system for a vehicle with: an eddy current brake (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3; and the brake disc (18) interacting with the eddy current brake (10). [7] Eddy current braking system according to claim 6, wherein the brake disc (18) comprises a disc-shaped region (18a) with two mutually parallel disc surfaces (18b) and a disc outer radius (r0) and at least one first hollow cylindrical region (18c), and wherein the first hollow cylindrical region (18c) protrudes on a first disc surface (18b) of the disc-shaped region (18a) and has a first outer radius (r1) less than or equal to the disc outer radius (r0) of the disc-shaped region (18a). [8] Eddy current braking system according to claim 7, wherein the brake disc (18) has, in addition to the disc-shaped region (18a) and the first hollow cylindrical region (18c), a second hollow cylindrical region (18e) which protrudes from the first disc surface (18b) of the disc-shaped region (18a), the second hollow cylindrical region (18e) having a second outer radius (r2) smaller than the first outer radius (r1) of the first hollow cylindrical region (18c). [9] Eddy current braking system according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the eddy current braking system is a traction machine, an e-axle, an electric machine (20), a single-wheel drive machine or a transmission. [10] Method for mounting an eddy current brake (10) on and / or in a vehicle, comprising the step: Attaching the eddy current brake (10) in such a way that by energizing at least one coil (12, 12a, 12b) of the eddy current brake (10), a magnetic field is created in such a way that by means of the created magnetic field, a braking force is exerted on a brake disc (18) of the vehicle rotating together with a shaft (14) of the vehicle about a rotation axis (16); characterized by , that the eddy current brake (10) is mounted on the vehicle in an environment of the shaft (14) and the brake disc (18) in such a way that for the at least one coil (12, 12a, 12b) of the eddy current brake (10) at least one axis (22) aligned perpendicular to the axis of rotation (16) can be defined, which axis runs through the respective coil (14) and the brake disc (18) (S1).

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