Vehicle brake cooling device

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle brake cooling device (100) designed to direct cooling air to the wheel brake devices (300) of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle brake cooling device (100) comprises at least one cooling air source (110) and at least one cooling air line (120) supplied with cooling air by the at least one cooling air source (110), wherein the at least one cooling air line (120) is led from the cooling air source (110) to a steering knuckle (210) of a vehicle wheel suspension (200) on which a wheel brake device (300) is arranged, and wherein the cooling air line (120) is led through the steering knuckle (210) in such a way that cooling air from the cooling air line (120) is directed directly into the wheel brake device (300).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vehicle brake cooling device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The main problems addressed by the present invention are overheating and the resulting performance losses in vehicle braking systems. Particularly in high-performance vehicles or vehicles operated under extreme conditions, efficient cooling of the brakes can be of central importance for braking performance.

[0003] It is known that cooling air is directed to the brakes via air guide vanes. However, water and snow can accumulate on such air guide vanes, which can contaminate the brakes, impairing braking performance and leading to increased wear.

[0004] US 2022 / 0120324A1 describes a brake cooling system that uses a pair of subsystems to provide efficient brake cooling and system operation. A first subsystem uses an axle assembly to drive one or more pumps, which in turn drive a variable-speed coolant flow pump motor and a variable-speed fan motor. A second subsystem includes one or more coolant flow pumps, driven by a variable-speed coolant flow pump motor, to supply coolant to an air-liquid heat exchanger for cooling and then direct the cooled fluid from the heat exchanger to the brakes of the axle assembly. The variable-speed fan motor drives a fan for the air-liquid heat exchanger to cool the fluid flowing through it.The system also includes a means of controlling the engine speed to regulate the operation of the heat exchanger and the cooling flow through the heat exchanger and the brakes of the axle assembly. The disadvantages of this system lie in its complexity and cost.

[0005] US 2017 / 0050624A1 describes a duct arrangement for cooling a vehicle's brake assembly. The duct arrangement may include a hollow inlet section located on the vehicle's subframe and configured to draw air from below the subframe, and a hollow intermediate section connected to the inlet section to form a continuous duct. The intermediate section may be located entirely within the subframe. A hollow outlet section may communicate with the intermediate section to form a continuous duct between the inlet, intermediate, and outlet sections. The outlet section may be located and configured to direct the air drawn in by the inlet section to the front of the brake assembly, thereby cooling at least a portion of the brake assembly.The disadvantage lies in the limited cooling efficiency and the dependence on vehicle speed for sufficient airflow.

[0006] From DE 10 2020 111 517 A1, a wheel carrier arrangement of a vehicle is known, which includes an air guide for supplying air to a disc brake arrangement. The wheel carrier of the arrangement has a hollow wheel carrier housing part, and the air guide is formed by the air inlet opening and the air outlet opening of the housing part.

[0007] Finally, DE 41 38 464 A1 describes a vehicle with an air-cooled friction brake, the cooling airflow of which is generated by the supercharger of the vehicle engine.

[0008] One object of the invention is to provide a cooling device for vehicle brakes that enables efficient brake cooling with minimal effort.

[0009] The problem is solved according to the invention by a vehicle brake cooling device with the features of claim 1.

[0010] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] In a vehicle brake cooling device designed to direct cooling air to the wheel brake devices of a vehicle, it is proposed according to the invention that the vehicle brake cooling device comprises at least one cooling air source and at least one cooling air line supplied with cooling air by the at least one cooling air source, wherein the at least one cooling air line is led from the cooling air source to a steering knuckle of a vehicle wheel suspension on which a wheel brake device is arranged, and wherein the cooling air line is led through the steering knuckle in such a way that cooling air from the cooling air line is directed directly into the wheel brake device.

[0012] The vehicle brake cooling device according to the invention enables more efficient and direct cooling because the cooling air is directed directly to the point of friction of the wheel brake where the heat is generated. This results in improved performance and safety, and constant cooling performance can be ensured regardless of vehicle speed and ambient temperature.

[0013] According to the invention, the cooling air source comprises at least one compressor, and the compressor can optionally be operated in reverse operation, in which air is extracted from the wheel brake device.

[0014] In various configurations, it may be provided that the cooling air source includes at least one air filter, and / or that the cooling air source includes at least one cooling element. The cooling air duct can, for example, be formed by a hollow strut. In embodiments of the invention, the hollow strut can be a control arm. In other words, the cooling air duct can be guided through a control arm.

[0015] In summary, and in other words, one aspect of the invention is to use hollow struts for airflow and an opening in the steering knuckle to direct air directly onto the brake disc. This enables more efficient and direct cooling, particularly at high speeds or under demanding operating conditions. Furthermore, a cooling element can be connected to the strut in the center of the vehicle to optimally direct cool air onto the brake, regardless of the ambient temperature. The system can also be used in reverse, functioning as a vacuum cleaner. This allows brake dust to be extracted, thus contributing to compliance with EU7 regulations.

[0016] The advantages of the invention therefore include more efficient brake cooling, leading to improved performance and safety. Direct airflow could provide constant cooling performance regardless of vehicle speed and ambient temperature. The invention also prevents unwanted brake contamination. A more targeted airflow is directed precisely where it is needed.

[0017] The invention also enables the closed extraction of brake dust. Cooling is possible even without airflow thanks to an active system with a compressor.

[0018] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing.

[0019] This shows: Fig. 1 schematically an embodiment of the invention.

[0020] Fig.Figure 1 shows a vehicle brake cooling device 100 designed to direct cooling air to the wheel brake devices 300 of a vehicle.

[0021] The vehicle wheel suspension 200 comprises a steering knuckle 210, which is articulated to the vehicle by means of axle links 220. A wheel brake assembly 300 is arranged on the steering knuckle 210, comprising a brake disc 310 and a brake caliper 320 in which (not visible here) brake pads are arranged, which are pressed against the brake disc 310 when the wheel brake assembly 300 is actuated.

[0022] The vehicle brake cooling device 100 comprises a cooling air source 110 and a cooling air line 120 supplied with cooling air by the cooling air source 110. The cooling air line 120 extends from the cooling air source 110 along a control arm 220 to the steering knuckle 210 of the vehicle wheel suspension 200. At its wheel-side end, the cooling air line 120 passes through the steering knuckle 210 in such a way that cooling air from the cooling air line 120 is directed directly onto the brake disc 310 of the wheel brake assembly 300.

[0023] The cooling air source 110 includes a compressor 130 to provide a high volume flow of cooling air. It also includes a cooling element 150, which can be designed, for example, as a Peltier element or as a heat exchanger, in order to extract as much heat as possible from the cooling air before it is directed to the wheel brake device 300.

[0024] The compressor 130 can optionally be operated in reverse mode, in which air is extracted from the wheel brake assembly 300. For example, during a braking process, the compressor 130 can extract the brake dust generated and immediately afterwards blow cooling air onto the brake disc 310. The cooling air source 110 also includes an air filter 140 for separating the brake dust.

Claims

[1] Vehicle brake cooling device (100) designed to supply cooling air to the wheel brake devices (300) of a vehicle, comprising at least one cooling air source (110) and at least one cooling air line (120) supplied with cooling air by the at least one cooling air source (110), wherein the at least one cooling air source comprises at least one compressor (130) and the at least one cooling air line (120) extends from the cooling air source (110) to a steering knuckle (210) of a vehicle wheel suspension (200) on which a wheel brake device (300) is arranged, and wherein the cooling air line (120) passes through the steering knuckle (210) in such a way that cooling air from the cooling air line (120) is directed directly into the wheel brake device (300). characterized by , that the at least one compressor (130) can optionally be operated in a reverse operation in which air is extracted from the wheel brake device (300). [2] Vehicle brake cooling device (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the cooling air source (110) includes at least one air filter (140). [3] Vehicle brake cooling device (100) according to claim 1, characterized by that the cooling air source (110) includes at least one cooling element (150). [4] Vehicle brake cooling device (100) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the cooling air duct (120) is formed by a hollow strut. [5] Vehicle brake cooling device (100) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the hollow strut is an axle link (220).

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