Clamping device for motor vehicles

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamping device (7) for a braking system (1) intended to exert a relative displacement between friction elements (2a, 2b) and comprising a frame (8) supporting an electric actuator (12) for providing the clamping force and an electronic control device (19) connected to a power supply line for controlling the electric actuator (12) to perform the clamping, wherein the electronic control device (19) comprises a printed circuit board (20) having at least two support portions (22, 24) carrying electronic components and a connecting portion (23) linking the two support portions (22, 24) to ensure the transmission of electrical energy, the connecting portion (23) forming a hinge allowing the two support portions (22, 24) to be arranged in a non-coplanar manner. Figure for the abstract: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Clamping device for motor vehicles Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of clamping devices for braking systems for motor vehicles, more particularly electromechanical type braking systems. Technical background

[0002] A braking system of a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, generally comprises clamping devices including friction elements and an actuating member, also called an actuator, capable of moving the friction means towards a braking element fixed to a wheel of the vehicle. The actuator's purpose is to bring the friction means, for example, linings of a drum brake or pads of a disc brake, into contact with the braking element to brake the vehicle by friction and to move them away from the braking element in order to release the brakes. When the braking system is a disc brake, the braking element is formed by a disc that is rotationally fixed to the wheel. In the case of a drum brake, the braking element is formed by a drum that is rotationally fixed to the wheel.

[0003] For many years, the actuator was hydraulic. It is now electric, particularly with the advent of electric motor vehicles. The actuator consists of an electric motor configured to be controlled by an electronic control device. The electronic control device is configured to send a power, amplitude, and force command to the motor, enabling it to actuate the clamping device to perform effective clamping.

[0004] Since electric vehicles are often heavy, high braking power is often required. In a braking system, braking power depends not only on the electrical power supplied by a battery powering the actuator, but also on the size of the actuator, which tends to be bulky.

[0005] The electronic control device is generally integrated into an electronic control unit (or "ECU") of the vehicle, which may require long, bulky transmission cables running throughout the vehicle to the wheel clamping device. Alternatively, it is also known to mount the electronic control device on an actuator frame. However, such an arrangement often requires an increase in the frame's dimensions to accommodate the electronic control device, or requires additional components mounted on the frame, which tend to be bulky and therefore reducing the space that could be useful for a larger actuator.

[0006] To this end, the invention relates to a braking device for a braking system intended to exert a relative displacement between friction elements and comprising a frame supporting an electric actuator intended to provide the clamping force and an electronic control device connected to a power supply line to control the electric actuator in order to perform the clamping, in which:

[0007] - the electronic control device comprises a printed circuit board comprising at least two support parts bearing electronic components and a connecting part linking the two support parts to ensure the transmission of electrical energy, and

[0008] - the connecting part forms a joint allowing the two parts to be arranged support in a non-coplanar manner.

[0009] It is understood that the printed circuit board (or "PCB") is a substrate formed by a multilayer assembly. The printed circuit board is designed to support electrically connected electronic components, for example, sensors, capacitors, transistors, and microcontrollers, among others. Furthermore, the electronic control device is connected to a power supply line, for example, connecting a vehicle battery to the electric actuator, to manage the power or voltage supplied to the actuator to perform the clamping action.

[0010] Here, the printed circuit board, or substrate, is advantageously divided into at least two substrate parts bearing electronic components, which are connected by a linking section that provides the electrical connection between the two substrate parts, particularly throughout the entire circuit. This linking section forms a hinge that allows the relative positions of the two substrate parts bearing electronic components to be varied on one or two of their principal faces. The hinge thus allows the substrate parts to be arranged according to different geometries in space so as to be adaptable according to the space available for mounting the printed circuit board or according to the desired location of the connectors of the electronic control device.

[0011] Advantageously, according to the invention, the two support parts can thus be arranged non-coplanarly so as to increase the compactness of the printed circuit board. Indeed, unlike a conventional printed circuit board, the printed circuit board according to the invention is divided into at least two support parts without compromising any of the electronics of the printed circuit board, and their non-coplanarity makes it possible to reduce the area or space occupied without having to reduce the number of electronic components of this printed circuit board. Thus, all the electronics are retained within The same printed circuit board is geometrically modular and designed to occupy a smaller space compared to a conventional printed circuit board with a single rigid board. Alternatively, for the same amount of space, it is possible to accommodate more electronic components.

[0012] It is also immediately apparent that the same generic type of clamping device, advantageously according to the invention, can be used without differentiation between front and rear or between right and left, only the implantation of the same generic printed circuit is modified during manufacturing, which brings about a clear reduction in manufacturing costs.

[0013] The braking device may further include one or more of the following optional features, taken alone or in combination:

[0014] - With respect to the connecting part, each support part comprises at least one stiffening layer to support the electronic components.

[0015] The multilayer assembly of each support part includes a stiffening layer. Preferably, this stiffening layer is polymer-based and is deposited on the external faces of the multilayer assembly. This polymer layer, sometimes called a solder mask or masking material, is applied to protect the support parts from oxidation and to prevent the formation of weld bridges. The polymer layer is, for example, green, but it can be black, blue, or red, etc. This polymer layer provides a certain rigidity to the two non-coplanar parts.

[0016] Here, only the support parts include such a stiffening layer so that the connecting part has a certain flexibility relative to the support parts.

[0017] By "flexible" or "flexibility," it is understood that the connecting part is capable of changing shape by folding or unfolding or being subjected to torsion without breaking while maintaining the transmission of electrical energy. In other words, the change in shape of the connecting part is reversible.

[0018] The support parts are therefore relatively rigid compared to the connecting part in order to be able to mechanically support electronic components and withstand the thermal variations imposed by the latter.

[0019] Thanks to this difference in flexibility, the connecting part easily allows for variation in the relative position between the support parts, thus enabling the support parts to be arranged according to different geometries in space while maintaining their non-coplanarity. Therefore, the proposed printed circuit board layout is adaptable to the available mounting space.

[0020] - The connecting part is preferably formed of a multilayer assembly of which at less than one outer layer contains a plastic sheet.

[0021] The outer plastic sheet layer of the connecting part, often called the cover layer (for anglicism "overlay"), gives this connecting part some flexibility in relation to the support parts.

[0022] The support parts are preferably each devoid of such a plastic sheet so as to exhibit reduced flexibility, or even to increase their rigidity relative to the connecting part, this rigidity being conferred in particular by their stiffening layer. Indeed, the stiffening layer concerns the outer layer of the multilayer assembly of each of the support parts. It is thus understood that each support part comprises an outer stiffening layer, while the connecting part comprises an outer layer of plastic sheet. In other words, each support part is devoid of plastic sheet and the connecting part is devoid of a stiffening layer.

[0023] By "devoid of" means that no plastic sheet - respectively no stiffening layer - is present in the multilayer assembly of the so-called rigid support parts - respectively of the connecting part - or that the plastic sheet partially overlaps the edge of these support parts, in particular during the manufacture of the printed circuit board, for example by lamination, by an interval of between 0.60 mm (millimeter) and 3.20 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 1.3 mm.

[0024] Thanks to this difference in flexibility, the connecting part allows the rigid support parts to be arranged in different geometries in space while maintaining their non-coplanarity. Thus, the proposed printed circuit board layout is adaptable according to the space available for its assembly.

[0025] - The plastic sheet is chosen from a polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate (or "PET"), Polyethylene naphthalate (or "PEN").

[0026] This list is of course not exhaustive and it is possible to consider other alternatives, known to a person skilled in the art, depending on the needs.

[0027] - The two support parts have a number of layers greater than that of the connecting part.

[0028] This difference in the number of layers allows the width of the different parts of the printed circuit to be varied, which also contributes to the relative flexibility between these different parts.

[0029] - The clamping device comprises a frame, the electronic control device being mounted on the frame and covered by a protective cover.

[0030] Thus, the electronic control device, or printed circuit board, is configured to be mounted on the frame and positioned near the actuator. By making the printed circuit board geometrically adaptable, the clamping device can accommodate more electronic components within the same space, thereby offering a certain degree of autonomy (in terms of electronic components) for braking. Indeed, in a In this vehicle, each wheel has its own braking system. By placing the electronic control unit, along with additional electronic components, next to the clamping mechanism, each system can control the clamping force at its corresponding wheel. This is especially important for managing braking power between the front and rear wheels, where the front brake is often more powerful than the rear brake. This autonomy also allows each system to regulate the clamping force when there is a braking imbalance between the right and left wheels.

[0031] Furthermore, thanks to the articulation and flexibility provided by the connecting section, the printed circuit board can be mounted on the frame without requiring any modification to the frame to accommodate the circuit. On the contrary, the various parts of the printed circuit board adapt to the available space on the frame. Moreover, the reduced minimum surface area of ​​the printed circuit board requires a smaller protective cover for the same number of electronic components. Unlike a conventional cover, the protective cover encloses the electronic control device to protect it and provide a sealing function.

[0032] With such compactness and adaptability of the printed circuit board, it is also possible to use a larger actuator capable of providing a higher braking force to the clamping device. Thus, the braking power is increased without increasing the system's size.

[0033] - A first of the support parts carries electronic components of power and a second of the support parts carries electronic components of less power compared to the first.

[0034] Each of the two support parts carries electronic components capable of producing thermal power, here one of the support parts carries electronic components producing a thermal power greater than that of another non-coplanar part.

[0035] Here, thermal power is used to quantify the thermal energy dissipated or the heat released by the electronic components. All electronic components are capable of generating heat. Here, the printed circuit board layout (also known as "PCB layout") is optimized by separating the high-power electronic components, which generate more heat, from the lower-power electronic components, which have a minimal impact on heat generation.

[0036] Among the power electronic components, called "hot electronic components", are capacitors, power transistors, high-power integrated circuits, processors, power converters, among others Others. These components often require cooling measures to prevent overheating and ensure proper operation.

[0037] Lower-power electronic components, referred to as "cold electronic components," are those that preferably have a control, regulation, and management function. These components tend to generate less heat than power electronic components and are more focused on signal handling, interface management, and control logic. Examples of such cold electronic components include microcontrollers, sensors, and antennas, among others.

[0038] By separating the hot components from the cold components, it is ensured that the cold components are not impacted by the heat given off by the hot components which could lead to a malfunction.

[0039] - The support portion carrying the power electronic components is arranged proximal to the power line and the support part carrying the lower power electronic components is arranged distal to the power line.

[0040] Preferably, the "hot electronic components" are placed at the beginning of the power supply and the "cold electronic components" at the end, as they do not require a high voltage. Furthermore, it will be more practical to provide a cooling system for the hot components, which are grouped together in one area. Finally, the connection section will not have to withstand high electrical power transfer.

[0041] - At least two support parts are arranged parallel to each other from one another. It is thus understood that the minimum main surface area of ​​the printed circuit board is divided vertically into the surface area of ​​each support section, connected to each other by the connecting section. The overall volume is thus advantageously modified to allow for a different layout of the printed circuit board.

[0042] Such an arrangement also allows for the mounting of "cold electronic components" on each support section opposite each other, and, for example, prevents "hot electronic components" on one support section from being covered by the other support section, thus ensuring the thermal functionality of all electronic components on the printed circuit board. In such an arrangement, the compactness of the printed circuit board is very high, guaranteeing a very small minimum footprint for a height substantially equivalent to the maximum height of "hot electronic components" such as capacitors—that is, a maximum height identical to that of conventional printed circuit boards.

[0043] - The printed circuit board is arranged, viewed from the side, in a "U" shape, preferably with the support parts arranged in parallel.

[0044] Such an arrangement allows for the formation of an air layer between the opposing support parts. Since the air acts as an insulator, heat dissipation is facilitated by convection between the two support parts. In such an arrangement, the printed circuit board's compactness is even greater. The circuit occupies a small space, and the electronic components are contained within a limited area without compromising their operational capabilities.

[0045] - The support parts are separated by a gap, preferably the gap is adjustable according to the height of the power electronic components, preferably capacitors.

[0046] A gap is formed between the support parts. Advantageously, an air layer is formed in the gap to facilitate heat dissipation. Thus, the gap between the support parts can be modified according to the electronic components mounted on these support parts, particularly for heat dissipation and also to achieve a compact configuration. A capacitor is a basic electronic component that can store electrical charges to stabilize a power supply, process periodic signals, and store energy. Due to its function, the capacitor is taller than other components. Consequently, the gap is adjustable according to the height of the capacitors mounted on the support parts.

[0047] - Each support part has the following dimensions: length, width, thickness similar or different.

[0048] Depending on the electronics required on the printed circuit board, the length of the printed circuit board can be advantageously varied.

[0049] - At least two adjacent support parts are arranged so as to form between them an angle approximately equal to 90°.

[0050] Thus, the support parts are arranged in a substantially "L" shape to minimize their height, particularly when mounted on the frame. Preferably, this "L" shape allows the printed circuit board to be arranged to surround the electric actuator, thus occupying minimal space. The flexibility of the connecting part facilitates this arrangement of adjacent support parts.

[0051] - the printed circuit board includes at least one third support part intended for to carry electronic components and connected to one of the first two support parts by means of a second linking part to ensure the transmission of electrical energy and forming a joint allowing for non-coplanar arrangement the third support part in relation to said one of the first two support parts.

[0052] Such an arrangement allows for a printed circuit board advantageously divided into at least three support sections. The joints formed between these three support sections allow for variation in the relative position between each of the support sections, for example, to arrange the printed circuit board in a U-shape, particularly with the two end support sections in parallel. Here again, the arrangement allows for the formation of an air gap between the facing support sections to promote convection between them. Once again, the compactness of the printed circuit board is even greater; the printed circuit board is able to surround part of the frame so as to occupy a small space, and the electronic components are contained within a limited area without reducing their operational capacity.

[0053] The invention also relates to a vehicle braking system comprising a pair of friction elements intended to cooperate by friction with a disc, the system includes at least one clamping device as described above for bringing the pair of friction elements towards two opposite faces of the disc in order to clamp it.

[0054] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising a braking system as described above. Brief description of the figures

[0055] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0056] [Fig.1] is a schematic top view of a vehicle in which a clamping system according to the invention is mounted;

[0057] [Fig.2] is a schematic view of a braking system according to the invention;

[0058] [Fig.3] is a perspective view of a clamping device according to the invention;

[0059] [Fig.4] is a transparent view of an example of a first embodiment braking system according to the invention;

[0060] [Fig.5] is a transparent view of an example of a second embodiment of a braking system according to the invention;

[0061] [Fig.6] is a side view of an example of a printed circuit board of a third embodiment according to the invention;

[0062] [Fig.7] is a top view of the printed circuit board example of the third mode of realization according to the invention. Detailed description

[0063] In all that follows, orientations refer to the orientations of the figures. In particular, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "above," "below," "forward," and "backward" are generally understood to refer to the direction in which the figures are represented. However, a further distinction is made:

[0064] - an axial direction A, coinciding with the central thrust axis of elements 2a, 2b of friction;

[0065] - a radial direction R, perpendicular to the axial direction A, passing through a radius in the median plane of disk 3; and

[0066] - a tangential direction T, perpendicular to the axial direction A, resulting from the friction by the friction elements 2a, 2b approaching along the axial direction A pressing against the disc 3 rotating along an axis parallel to the axial direction A and fixed with a wheel 5 of a vehicle 4.

[0067] The invention applies to any type of braking system 1, in particular those intended for equipping passenger vehicles 4, SUVs ("Sport Utility Vehicles"), two-wheelers (in particular motorcycles), aircraft, industrial vehicles selected from vans, "Heavy Goods Vehicles" - i.e. subways, buses, road transport vehicles (trucks, tractors, trailers), off-road vehicles such as agricultural or construction equipment - or other transport or handling vehicles. The invention also applies to non-motorized vehicles such as, in particular, a trailer, a semi-trailer or a caravan.

[0068] Figure 1 represents a vehicle 4 in which each wheel 5 includes a braking system 1. The braking system 1, as illustrated in the example in Figures 2 and 3, includes a clamping device 7 of the floating caliper type. The clamping device 7 comprises a frame 8, or brake, formed of a yoke 9 fixed relative to the vehicle 4 and a caliper 10 having friction elements 2a, 2b intended to contact a disc 3 of the wheel 5 of the vehicle 4 in order to brake it. The clamping device 7 is intended to exert a relative displacement along the axial direction A between the friction elements 2a, 2b towards the two opposite faces of the disc 3 in order to clamp it. In particular, for a floating type caliper 10, the clevis 9 is arranged to bring the friction element 2a of one arm of the caliper 10 closer once the friction element 2b of the other arm is brought into contact with the disc 3.

[0069] With reference to [Fig. 3], the frame 8 supports an electric actuator 12 intended to provide a clamping force to the clamping device 7 when braking is required. The electric actuator 12 is configured to manage the amplitude and force of the friction elements 2a, 2b coming together to allow the relative movement of these elements 2a, 2b in a substantially axial rectilinear direction A.

[0070] Of course, the invention also applies to a braking system 1 with a clamping device 7 of the fixed caliper type, that is to say, a frame 8, formed of a caliper 10 fixed relative to vehicle 4, includes an electric actuator 12 for each element 2a, 2b on each side of the disc 3 to bring the friction elements 2a, 2b closer together respectively in order to make contact with the disc 3.

[0071] The example illustrated in [Fig. 4] presents a first embodiment of the braking system 1 comprising an electronic control device 19 mounted on the frame 8 of the clamping device 7. The electronic control device 19 is covered by a protective cover 13 which provides physical protection and sealing of the device 19 as well as of the electromechanical part of the clamping device 7, such as the electric actuator 12. Advantageously, the electronic control device 19 is connected to a power supply line (not shown) for managing the power (or voltage) supplied to the electric actuator 12 to perform the clamping. Thus, the electronic control device 19 is located near the electric actuator 12 so that each braking system 1 is able to control the clamping at its corresponding wheel 5, in particular autonomously.Such autonomy therefore allows each system 1 to regulate the clamping force according to the needs of vehicle 4.

[0072] The electronic control device 19 comprises a printed circuit board 20 (or "PCB"). The printed circuit board 20 has two support portions 22, 24, each configured to carry electronic components 30 not visible in [Fig. 4]. These electronic components 30 have been omitted to better visualize the arrangement of the printed circuit board 20 on the frame 8. Furthermore, the support portions 22, 24 are connected by a link portion 23, which provides the electrical connection between the two support portions 22, 24. In addition, the link portion 23 forms a hinge, allowing the two support portions 22, 24 to be arranged non-coplanarly, that is, on different planes.

[0073] Preferably, each support portion 22, 24 has an external stiffening layer relative to the connecting portion 23, particularly to mechanically support the electronic components 30 and withstand the thermal variations imposed by them. Since the connecting portion 23 lacks a stiffening layer, a difference in flexibility is created between the support portions 22, 24 and the connecting portion 23. This difference in flexibility allows the connecting portion to vary the relative position between the support portions 22, 24 to arrange them according to different geometries in space, thus making the printed circuit board 20 adaptable to the available mounting space.

[0074] The connecting part 23 is therefore advantageously flexible with respect to the support parts 22, 24 so as to be able to vary the relative position between these support parts 22, 24 and arrange these support parts 22, 24 according to different geometries in space while respecting non-coplanarity.

[0075] The difference in flexibility between the support parts 22, 24 and the connecting part 23 can be further accentuated by the presence of a plastic foil layer on the connecting part 23. This plastic foil layer can be chosen from, in particular, a polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate (or "PET"), or polyethylene naphthalate (or "PEN"). Thanks to this high flexibility, the connecting part 23 is therefore more able to deform to vary the geometry of the printed circuit board 20 in order to adapt its layout according to the space available for its mounting on the frame 8.

[0076] As can be seen in the example in [Fig. 4], the support parts 22, 24 are arranged to form an angle of substantially 90° or less. This configuration allows the printed circuit board 20 to be arranged in a substantially "L" shape. In such a configuration, the printed circuit board 20 is mounted on the frame 8 so as to surround part of the electric actuator 12, thus occupying less space and reducing its height. Thanks to the adaptability and reduced minimum surface area of ​​the printed circuit board 20, a larger electric actuator 12 can be used in the braking system 1. Similarly, a smaller protective cover 13 can be used due to the reduced minimum surface area of ​​the printed circuit board 20.

[0077] With reference to the example in [Fig. 5] illustrating a second embodiment according to the invention, the printed circuit board 20 comprises a third support portion 26 relative to [Fig. 4]. This third support portion 26 is connected to one of the first support portions 22, 24, here a second support portion 24, by means of a second connecting portion 25 so as to arrange the printed circuit board in a "U" shape. In this configuration, the end support portions 22, 26 are arranged parallel to each other so as to surround the electronic actuator 12, or even to surround at least three faces of this actuator 12. Thus, for a reduced height, the printed circuit board 20 can include more electronic components 30.

[0078] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate a third embodiment of the printed circuit board 20. Figure 6 is a side view and Figure 7 is a top view. In this example, the printed circuit board 20 is again arranged in a U-shape; this time, the connecting portion 23 is bent to position the two support portions 22, 24 opposite each other. More specifically, the support portions 22, 24 are spaced apart so as to be separated by a gap 21. It can be seen here that the minimum main surface area of ​​the printed circuit board 20 is divided by a vertical stacking of the support portions 22, 24.

[0079] Indeed, on [Fig.6], a first 22 of the parts 22, 24 carries electronic components 30, and a second 24 of the support parts 22, 24 is folded over the first 22. The second support part 24 also carries electronic components 30 which have been omitted to simplify the representation. Advantageously, the first support part 22 carries power electronic components 30 (also called "hot electronic components") that can generate more heat, and the second support part 24 preferentially carries lower power components (also called "cold electronic components") that have a minimal impact on heat generation compared to the first support part 22.

[0080] Such an arrangement of the electronic components 30 makes it possible to separate the "hot" components from the "cold" components so that the "cold" components are not affected by the heat given off by the hot components. Furthermore, because hot components generally require higher power, when the printed circuit board 20 is mounted on the frame 8, the first support portion 22 is positioned proximal to the power supply line (not shown) and the second support portion 24 is positioned distal to the power supply line (not shown). Thus, the connecting portion 23 will not have to bear the transfer of high electrical power.

[0081] Furthermore, the U-shaped configuration of the printed circuit board 20 is particularly advantageous because it allows for the formation of an air gap between the first 22 and the second 24 support sections. The air is advantageously contained within the gap 21. The air acts as an insulator, and heat dissipation is facilitated by convection between these two support sections 22 and 24. Moreover, with this arrangement, not only does the printed circuit board 20 occupy a small space, but the electronic components 30 are also contained within a small space. Indeed, the components 30 on the underside of the support section 24 face components 30 on the top of the support section 22 within the gap 21, thus increasing the compactness of the printed circuit board 20.

[0082] The gap 21 between the support sections 22 and 24 is adjustable according to the height of the electronic components 30. Preferably, the capacitors 32 capable of storing electrical charges are placed at one front end of the first support section 22, as close as possible to the power supply line (not shown). These capacitors 32 are hot electronic components that generally generate a lot of heat. As can be seen in [Fig. 7], the second support section 24 does not cover these capacitors 32 to facilitate heat dissipation and thus ensure the thermal functionality of all the electronic components 30 on the printed circuit board 20.Thus, in such a configuration, the minimum surface area for the printed circuit board 20 is very small for a height substantially equivalent to the maximum height of the electronic components 30, in particular the "hot electronic components", especially the capacitors 32 in the example of figures 6 and 7.

[0083] The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown, and other embodiments will be obvious to those skilled in the art. In particular, it is possible to provide a printed circuit board configuration other than an "L" or "U" shape, provided that the non-coplanarity of the support parts is maintained. Reference list

[0084] 1: braking system 2a, 2b: friction elements; 3: disc; 4: vehicle 5: wheel 7: clamping device 8: building 9: screed 10: Brake caliper 12: Electric actuator 13: protective cover 19: Electronic control device 20: Printed circuit board 21: gap 22: First part of support 24: Second part of support 26: third part of support 23: first part of the link 25: second part of the link 30: Electronic components 32: Capacitors

Claims

Demands

1. Clamping device (7) for a braking system (1) intended to exert a relative displacement between friction elements (2a, 2b) and comprising a frame (8) supporting an electric actuator (12) intended to provide the clamping force and an electronic control device (19) connected to a power line to control the electric actuator (12) to perform the clamping, characterized in that the electronic control device (19) comprises a printed circuit board (20) having at least two support parts (22, 24, 26) carrying electronic components (30) and a linking part (23) connecting the two support parts (22, 24, 26) to ensure the transmission of electrical energy, and in that the linking part (23) forms a flexible joint allowing the two support parts (22, 24, 26) to be arranged in different non-coplanar geometries to adapt to the available space.

2. Clamping device (7) according to the preceding claim, wherein, with respect to the connecting part (23), each support part (22, 24, 26) comprises at least one polymer stiffening layer for carrying the electronic components (30).

3. Clamping device (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control device (19) is mounted on the frame (8) and covered by a protective cover (13).

4. Clamping device (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first of the support parts (22, 24, 26) carries power electronic components and a second of the support parts (22, 24, 26) carries lower power electronic components compared to the first support part.

5. Clamping device (7) according to the preceding claim, wherein the power electronic components comprise capacitors and / or power transistors, high power integrated circuits, processors, power converters.

6. Clamping device (7) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the support portion carrying the power electronic components is disposed proximal to the power line and the The support portion carrying the lower power electronic components is arranged distal to the power line.

7. Clamping device (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two support parts (22, 24, 26) are arranged in parallel, opposite each other.

8. Clamping device (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the printed circuit board (20) is arranged in the shape of a “U”.

9. Clamping device (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least two adjacent support parts (22, 24, 26) are arranged so as to form between them an angle equal to or less than 90°.

10. Clamping device (7) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the printed circuit board (20) comprises at least one third support part intended to carry electronic components (30) and connected to one of the first two support parts (22, 24, 26) by means of a second connecting part (25) to ensure the transmission of electrical energy and forming a hinge allowing the third support part to be arranged in a non-coplanar manner with respect to said one of the first two support parts (22, 24, 26).

11. Vehicle braking system (1) comprising a pair of friction elements (2a, 2b) intended to cooperate by friction with a disc (3), characterized in that it comprises at least one clamping device (7) according to any one of the preceding claims for bringing the pair of friction elements (2a, 2b) closer to two opposite faces of the disc (3) in order to clamp it.

12. Vehicle (4) characterized in that it comprises a braking system (1) according to the preceding claim.

13. A method for assembling an electronic control device (19) in a frame (8) of a clamping device (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising the following steps: a) selecting a clamping device (7) for exerting relative displacement between friction elements (2a, 2b); b) providing an electronic control device (19) comprising a printed circuit board (20) having at least two support parts (22, 24, 26) carrying electronic components (30) and a connecting part (23) linking the two support parts (22, 24, 26) to ensure the transmission of electrical energy, the connecting part (23) forming a flexible joint allowing the two support parts (22, 24, 26) to be arranged in different non-coplanar geometries to adapt to the available space; c) modulation of the geometry of the printed circuit board (20) by varying the relative positions of the support parts (22, 24, 26) so that the printed circuit board (20) adapts to the available space in the frame (8) of the selected clamping device (7); d) implantation of the printed circuit (20) according to the modulated geometry in the frame (8) of the selected clamping device (7).

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